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Overview

Tefluthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide that was fist introduced in 1986 and it is synthesized from the flower heads of chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium which contain the natural Pyrethroids esters of chrysanthemumic acid (R1 = CH ₃) or pyrethric acid (R1 = H ₃ O ₂ C) (#INCHEM). It currently has no reported use in the United States (#PAN).

Chemical Description

It is a colorless solid at room temperature with a low solubility in water and a low flammability (#INTOX).

Uses

Tefluthrin is still legal to be used, though no use has been recorded in the past few years. It was used to control a wide range of soil pests in crops such as maize, sugar beet, corn, grains, and other crops (#EPA and #INTOX).

Health Effects

Dermal absorption is the most common form of exposure but eye irritation can also occur and nausea and vomiting will occur if it is ingested (#INCHEM). Acute effects are a result of the mode of absorption (dermal, inhalation, etc) but generally effects are as follows:
* dermal - skin irritation, pruritus, erythema, burning and blisters
* inhalation - typically is occupational and cause pulmonary tract irritation
* ingestion - nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains
* oculer - blurry vision

Tefluthrin is not thought to have chronic health effects (#INTOX).

External Links

References

National Poisons Information Service. "TEFLUTHRIN". 28/1/98.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). " Tefluthrin; Pesticide Tolerance". Federal Register November 26, 1997. Accessed 9-27-07.