Pyrethroid Fact Sheet
 

Contents
·        What is a Pyrethroid?
·                ● What are the symptoms of exposure to Pyrethroid?
·                ● What are the long term effects of Pyrethroid?
·                ● How does a Pyrethroid affect other species?
·                ● How long does a Pyrethroid last in the environment?
·                ● Pyrethroid product labels

What Is a Pyrethroid?

Pyrethroids are types of insecticide. Pyrethroids are synthetic versions of a natural insecticide produced by chrysanthemum flowers.

Even though pyrethroids are among the least toxic insecticides, they are nerve poisons. They act upon the sodium ion channels in nerve cell membranes and interfere with nerve transmission through the synapses.

Pyrethroid pesticides containing almost any type of pyrethrum also generally contain a percentage of piperonyl butoxide and about 80% inert ingredients. Piperonyl butoxide makes the pesticide more effective by preventing insects from detoxifying the pyrethroid.
Manufacturers are not required to disclose the inert ingredients, although they may be toxic also.
What Are the Symptoms of Exposure to Pyrethroids?
     ● Inhaling pyrethroid insecticides can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
     ● Skin contact can cause a rash, itching, or blisters.
     ● Piperonyl butoxide can cause skin and eye irritation. All the health effects of this chemical have not been fully researched.
     ● What Are the Long Term Effects of Pyrethroids?

Rats fed high doses (1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or mg/kg) of pyrethrins (natural versions of pyrethroids) showed liver damage. There is also evidence that pyrethroids can harm the thyroid gland.

Pyrethroids have been shown in the lab to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen. In men, endocrine disrupters can lower the sperm count, and in women they can cause the growth of abnormal breast cells.

Piperonyl butoxide has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a possible human carcinogen
.
How do Pyrethroids Affect Other Species?
Pyrethroid is not very toxic to mammals, but it is highly toxic to bees and fish.

How Long Do Pyrethroids Last in the Environment?
The half-life of Pyrethroids in soil is generally form one day to about sixteen weeks, depending on the type of soil.