Phenothrin

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Phenothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that is used in many insecticide products. It is a neurotoxin, causing paralysis in the insects that come into contact with it. Phenothrin is used in many different settings, including homes, hospitals, and food processing plants. It is also used in products for pets to control ticks and fleas.

Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]

Phenothrin is a complex organic compound with the chemical formula C23H26O3. It is a member of the pyrethroid family of insecticides, which are synthetic versions of naturally occurring pesticides known as pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are derived from the flowers of plants in the genus Chrysanthemum.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Phenothrin is used in a wide variety of insecticide products. These include aerosols, foggers, dusts, and sprays for use in homes, hospitals, and food processing plants. It is also used in products for pets to control ticks and fleas.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to phenothrin can cause a variety of health effects. These can range from mild irritation of the skin and eyes to more serious effects such as seizures and even death in extreme cases. However, these more serious effects are generally only seen in cases of severe overexposure.

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Like all pyrethroids, phenothrin is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. It can also be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. However, it is generally considered to be less harmful to the environment than many other types of pesticides because it breaks down quickly in the environment.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the United States, phenothrin is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets limits on the amount of phenothrin that can be used in different settings and requires that products containing phenothrin carry specific warning labels.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Phenothrin Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD