Cyfluthrin — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

As per the online chemistry database PubChem, cyfluthrin is harmful when swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate the eyes through direct contact. Moreover, it may damage certain organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, and is suspected to cause damage to fertility and the unborn child.

Inhalation of the vapors and spray mist of cyfluthrin and other pyrethroids may exacerbate the symptoms of those with chronic respiratory disease.

Likewise, pyrethroids can cause allergic skin reactions such as dermatitis. Persons with pre-existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of cyfluthrin contact.

Other adverse side effects include:

• Irritability to sound or touch
• Abnormal facial sensation
• Prickling, tingling or creeping sensation on skin
• Numbness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Incoordination
• Muscle trembling
• Jerky movements
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Paresthesia
• Profuse salivation
• Pulmonary edema
• Fatigue
• Behavioral changes
• Erythema
• Clonic seizures
• Opisthotonos
• Coma

In severe cases, fluid may build up in the lungs and muscle twitching may develop. Seizures may occur and are more common with more toxic pyrethroids.

In addition, pyrethroids are known to be extremely harmful to fish, invertebrates and insects.

Body systems affected by cyfluthrin

Cyfluthrin affects the skin, eyes, upper respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts. In addition, cyfluthrin rapidly accumulates in fatty tissues, including the central nervous system. Cyfluthrin also causes reproductive problems.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified cyfluthrin as “Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans.”

Items that can contain cyfluthrin

Cyfluthrin is the active ingredient in many insecticide products applied to cotton, turf, ornamentals, hops, cereal, corn, deciduous fruit, peanuts, potatoes and other vegetables. Some trade names and synonyms of cyfluthrin include:

How to avoid cyfluthrin

Handlers, mixers and applicators of cyfluthrin may be exposed to its fumes in the workplace. The following are some protective measures to avoid any contact with cyfluthrin:

• Use this material only in well ventilated areas. In case of accidental aspiration, leave the area of contamination and go to an open area with fresh air. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Avoid contact with skin or clothing. Wear a protective suit, chemical-resistant gloves and safety footwear or safety gumboots. Remove any contaminated clothing item carefully. Rinse the contaminated part of the skin with soap and water.
• Do not get this material in your eyes. Wear goggles or a face shield. In case of contact, remove contact lenses (if applicable), then rinse with running water for several minutes. Seek medical help at once.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near this substance. In case of swallowing any amount of cyfluthrin, give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention immediately.
• Refer to the workplace regulations regarding proper handling of equipment before applying chemicals.

Where to learn more

• Commonly used insecticides impair child brain development even at low exposure levels
• Poison.news
• Chemicals.news
• Toxins.news
• Pesticides.news

Summary

Cyfluthrin is a broad-spectrum synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. Pyrethroids are known to be moderately toxic to humans, but extremely harmful to fish, invertebrates and insects.

Sources include:

ChemSpider.com

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

PesticideInfo.org

ToxNet.NLM.NIH.gov

BeyondPesticides.org

PMEP.CCE.Cornell.edu