Kresoxim-methyl — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

Thursday, November 30, 2017 by Michelle Simmons

Kresoxim-methyl is a fungicide that belongs to the strobilurin group of chemicals. It is used to fight against scab and other fungal diseases, such as mildews, blast, and sheath blight on a wide variety of crops, such as sugar beet, fruits like apples, grapes, and pears, curcubit vegetables, and pecans. It works by inhibiting the electron transport in the mitochondria of fungal cells, which in turn prevents the formation of ATP that is essential for the normal metabolic processes of the fungus. It is structurally related to Strobilurin A, which is a natural product of the wood-decaying fungus Strobilurus tenacellus. Kresoxim-methyl has the molecular formula of C₁₈H₁₉NO₄.

List of known side effects

There are several health issues concerning kresoxim-methyl. According to some studies, this fungicide can be a possible cause of cancer. For its environmental side effects, it is extremely toxic to the aquatic environment. As a strobilurin fungicide, kresoxim-methyl may induce pain in the respiratory tract and eyes, pruritus, skin redness, weakness, headache, and dizziness.

Body systems affected by kresoxim-methyl

Kresoxim-methyl can affect several body systems. One of these is the integumentary system as it has been found to irritate the skin. Another body system affected by kresoxim-methyl is the ocular system as it may irritate the eyes. Moreover, the respiratory system can be adversely affected by kresoxim-methyl as it can irritate the respiratory tract. This fungicide can also negatively affect the digestive system as it may damage the esophagus or the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it can be a potential liver toxicant.

Items that can contain kresoxim-methyl

Kresoxim-methyl can be found in fungicide products that are used to control scab, mildews, blast, and sheath blight on different plants. Some of the products that can contain kresoxim-methyl are sold under the trade names of BAS 490, Cygnus, Stroby WG, Kresoxy WG, Beem WG, and Candit.

How to avoid kresoxim-methyl

There are several methods on how to avoid kresoxim-methyl, particularly for those people who work with the chemical. When handling the chemical, wearing long-sleeved shirt and long pants, waterproof gloves, chemical-resistant shoes, and socks to avoid skin contact is a must. In order to protect the eyes and face from contact with the chemical, the worker should wear goggles, face shield, or safety glasses. Moreover, in order to avoid inhaling the chemical, air respirators should be worn if large amounts of dust are generated or prolonged exposure is possible.

Where to learn more

Summary

Kresoxim-methyl is a strobilurin fungicide that is used to control scab, mildews, blast, and sheath blight on sugar beet, apples, grapes, and pears, curcubit vegetables, and pecans.

Kresoxim-methyl is a possible human carcinogen.

Kresoxim-methyl may damage the esophagus or the gastrointestinal tract and the liver.

Kresoxim-methyl may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Kresoxim-methyl may cause pain in the respiratory tract and eyes, pruritus, skin redness, weakness, headache, and dizziness

Kresoxim-methyl is extremely toxic to the aquatic environment.

Sources include:

FAO.org

RayFull.com

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Sitem.Herts.AC.uk

Toxnet.NLM.NIH.gov

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