Fipronil

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that belongs to the phenylpyrazole chemical family. It is used to control ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, termites, mole crickets, thrips, rootworms, weevils, and other insects. Fipronil is a white powder with a moldy odor. It is used in a wide variety of pesticide products, including granular products for grass, gel baits, spot-on pet care products, liquid termite control products, and products for agriculture.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Fipronil is a white powder with a moldy odor. It is insoluble in water and is stable at normal temperatures for one year. It has a molecular weight of 437.1 g/mol and a density of 1.477-1.626 g/cm³ at 20 °C.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Fipronil is used in a wide variety of pesticide products, both indoors and outdoors, around buildings and structures, on lawns, and on pets. It is used to control ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, termites, mole crickets, thrips, rootworms, weevils, and other insects.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to fipronil can cause a variety of health effects, depending on the amount and duration of exposure. These effects can include irritation of the skin and eyes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, fipronil can cause convulsions and possible death.

Environmental Effects[edit | edit source]

Fipronil is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Its environmental persistence and propensity to runoff into surface waters may pose substantial risks to aquatic life.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the United States, fipronil is classified as a restricted use pesticide due to its toxicity and potential for groundwater contamination. It is also classified as a possible human carcinogen.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Fipronil Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD