Bifenthrin

Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used primarily against the red imported fire ant by influencing its nervous system. It has a high toxicity to aquatic organisms. Although it is listed as a restricted use chemical in the United States, it is allowed to be sold for daily use, provided the product sold has a low concentration of bifenthrin. The chemical leaves are white, waxy and solid. The product has a mild odor. Bifenthrin has the molecular formula of C23H22ClF3O2.

Chemical Properties

Bifenthrin is stable under normal temperatures and pressures. It is also stable in acidic, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions. The chemical is noncorrosive to metals, and it is not known to react with other chemicals. Bifenthrin is a white, waxy solid with a faint, mild odor. It has a molecular weight of 422.87 g/mol.

Uses

Bifenthrin is used on various agricultural crops and in homes. It is a broad-spectrum insecticide that works by interfering with a nerve cell's ability to send a normal signal by jamming open tiny gates on the cell that need to open and close rapidly to carry the message. Bifenthrin is also used against pests such as apple moth, cabbage moth, cabbage white butterfly, diamondback moth, light brown apple moth, and redback spider.

Health Effects

Exposure to bifenthrin can result in irritation of the skin and eyes. It can also affect the nervous system causing nausea, headache, muscle weakness, salivation, shortness of breath and seizures. In severe cases, bifenthrin can cause fluid in the lungs and muscle twitching. Long term exposure can result in damage to the liver and the nervous system.

Environmental Effects

Bifenthrin is highly toxic to fish and small aquatic organisms. It is also harmful to bees and certain birds. It has the potential to contaminate surface waters through runoff. Bifenthrin is persistent in soil, with a half-life of between 7 days to 8 months, depending on the soil type.

Regulation

In the United States, bifenthrin is classified as a restricted use pesticide (RUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that it can only be purchased and used by certified applicators.