Fenamiphos — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

The Pesticide Properties DataBase website classifies fenamiphos as an organophosphorous pesticide and nematicide. It was first introduced in 1968 and is commonly used to control a number of ecoparasitic and endoparasitic nematodes and thrips. The pesticide is applied to a wide array of crops including:

• citrus fruits;
• grapes;
• pineapples;
• vegetables;
• peanuts;
• tobacco;
• turf; and
• ornamental plants.

List of known side effects

An entry posted on the Extension Toxicology Network website reveals that fenamiphos exposure via inhalation may trigger serious respiratory tract illnesses. According to the article, the toxic compound may be absorbed in the lungs and affect the organ’s weight and function. Exposure to the chemical may induce labored breathing too. The organophosphorous substance is also known to affect the muscular system and cause muscle twitching and tremors.

The chemical is also found to be detrimental to the central nervous system’s overall health. In addition, pesticide exposure may lead to significant weight loss, diarrhea, abnormal urination, and slower heart beat. Additionally, fenamiphos is associated with adverse reproductive effects. Exposure to the harmful substance may also lead to severe eye and skin irritation.

Furthermore, a Pub Chem entry has revealed that the organophosphorous pesticide may pollute water sources and negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and animals including fishes, invertebrates, and crustaceans. Fenamiphos is highly toxic to aquatic plants, algae, and sediment dwelling organisms as well. The pesticide is also detrimental to birds and mammals, as well as other beneficial organisms including honeybees and earthworms.

Body systems affected by fenamiphos

Fenamiphos is particularly detrimental to the respiratory system’s overall health. Likewise, various studies have demonstrated that the toxic pesticide may negatively affect both the central nervous system and the body’s cardiovascular profile. The hazardous compound is also known to impact the digestive tract, the kidneys, the eyes, and the skin.

Items that can contain fenamiphos

Fenamiphos is the key ingredient in many trade name insecticides such as Bay 68138, Nemacur, and Phenamiphos. The chemical comes in emulsifiable concentrate, granular, or emulsion formulations. The hazardous insecticide can also be traced in other pesticides such as isofenphos, carbofuran, and disulfoton. It is currently available in certain parts of Europe, the United States, and Australia.

How to avoid fenamiphos

A hazardous substance fact sheet published by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services recommends using protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory equipment to mitigate the risk of fenamiphos exposure. Likewise, the data sheet suggests that workplaces install adequate ventilation to reduce the odds of direct chemical contact. The fact sheet note also that people exposed to the harmful chemical should contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical attention.

It is also advisable to bring victims to an area with fresh air and have them thoroughly wash their eyes and skin following direct contact. The fact sheet also suggests that people immediately vacate the area on the event of an accidental spill in order to avoid pesticide exposure.

Where to learn more

• ‘Natural’ breakfast cereals loaded with pesticides and GMOs – explosive new scorecard from Cornucopia reveals all
• CHEMICAL WARFARE RED ALERT: Zika panic DEET chemical part of a brain damaging binary weapon being carpet bombed across America’s cities
• Texas carpet bombs its own hurricane-traumatized victims with neurological poisons sprayed from military planes
• AUTONOMOUS PLANES now weaponized as pesticide delivery platforms to inundate farmland with toxic chemicals
• Common insecticides found to be far more dangerous to health than previously believed
• Bug spray chemical can build up in your home and cause dizziness and brain function problems, scientists find

Summary

Fenamiphos exposure may lead to labored breathing and lung weight reduction.

Fenamiphos causes muscle twitching and tremors, diarrhea, and abnormal urination.

Fenamiphos raises the odds of cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, and reproductive conditions.

Fenamiphos is particularly detrimental to the respiratory system’s overall health.

Fenamiphos negatively affects both the central nervous system and the body’s cardiovascular profile.

Fenamiphos exposure also impacts the digestive tract, the kidneys, the eyes, and the skin.

Sources include:

Sitem.Herts.AC.uk

ExToxNet.ORST.edu

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

NJ.gov