Dioxathion

Dioxathion is an organophosphate pesticide that was primarily used for the control of parasites on livestock and as a pre-harvest treatment on a variety of crops. It is a non-systemic insecticide and acaricide with contact and stomach action, and slight fumigant action.

History[edit | edit source]

Dioxathion was first registered in the United States in 1956. It was used extensively in the agricultural sector until its cancellation in 1987 due to concerns about its toxicity and potential for bioaccumulation.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Dioxathion is a colorless to amber liquid with a mild, fruity odor. It is poorly soluble in water but readily soluble in most organic solvents. The chemical formula for dioxathion is C12H26O6P2S4.

Mode of Action[edit | edit source]

As an organophosphate pesticide, dioxathion works by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is essential for normal nerve function in insects. This leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, causing continuous nerve impulses that eventually result in the death of the insect.

Toxicity[edit | edit source]

Dioxathion is highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of exposure can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory failure, and death. It is also highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Dioxathion is persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in the tissues of organisms. It has been found in a variety of environmental samples, including soil, water, and air. Its use has been linked to declines in bird populations and other non-target species.

Regulatory Status[edit | edit source]

The use of dioxathion has been banned or restricted in many countries due to its high toxicity and environmental persistence. In the United States, it is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.