Metaflumizone — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) classifies metaflumizone as a semicarbazone broad-spectrum insecticide. The chemical was developed in 2008 and is widely used against a wide array of pests that belong to the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera as well as Isoptera and Diptera species.

List of known side effects

Subchronic and chronic oral exposure is known to primarily target the circulatory system. According to a fact sheet published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ingesting metaflumizone may lead to splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis, increased hemosiderin and anemia onset. Animal studies have also shown that exposure to the toxic chemical may result in increased hemosiderin in the spleen, higher mean absolute reticulocyte count and reduced mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin.

The harmful compound is shown to impact the body’s overall immunity as well. The fact sheet notes that chemical exposure may result in increased presence of macrophages in the thymus, lymphocyte necrosis in the mesenteric lymph nodes and diffuse atrophy of the mandibular. Likewise, the data sheet stresses that the insecticide may trigger the onset of neurotoxicity, systemic toxicity and developmental and behavioral conditions. Previous studies have also demonstrated that metaflumizone poisoning produces adverse effects on the nasal tissues, lungs, prostate and adrenal cortex.

Furthermore, an article published on the Pub Chem website stresses that metaflumizone may heavily pollute water ways and affect both aquatic resources and animals. Likewise, the insecticide is known to contaminate the soil and groundwater. The toxic substance is also detrimental to birds, earthworms, honeybees and other mammals.

Body systems affected by metaflumizone

Metaflumizone is particularly toxic to the circulatory system’s overall health. Likewise, the harmful chemical compromises the body’s defenses and wreaks havoc on the central nervous system. The hazardous substance may also negatively affect the respiratory tract and the male reproductive health.

Items that can contain metaflumizone

Metaflumizone is a key component of many brand name insecticides such as ProMeris, Alverde and Siesta. The toxic chemical is traditionally supplied as a bait formulation or used as a spot-on solution. The hazardous insecticide is widely used in various parts of Europe. It is commonly applied to various staple crops such as cotton, potatoes, greenhouse tomatoes and peppers.

How to avoid metaflumizone

Pesticide users are advised to wear protective clothing, eye gear and breathing equipment to prevent direct exposure, according to a safety data sheet published by BASF. The safety guidelines also recommend that people who inhaled the toxic substance be taken to an area with fresh air, while people who had direct eye and skin contact are advised to thoroughly wash their eyes and affected skin area with plenty of water. The data sheet also suggests that users keep the insecticide away from all sources of ignition such as heat, spark or open flame to reduce the risk of explosion and environmental damage.

Where to learn more

• 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
• Autism, brain and CNS disorders overwhelmingly linked to people in close proximity to pesticide spraying
• Texas carpet bombs its own hurricane-traumatized victims with neurological poisons sprayed from military planes
• Study: EPA-approved GMO insecticide responsible for killing off bees, contaminating entire food chain

Summary

Metaflumizone exposure leads to splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis, increased hemosiderin and anemia onset.

Metaflumizone causes higher mean absolute reticulocyte count, and lower mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin levels.

Metaflumizone triggers  lymphocyte necrosis, diffuse atrophy of the mandibular and increased levels of macrophages.

Metaflumizone induces neurotoxicity, systemic toxicity and developmental and behavioral conditions.

Metaflumizone is notoriously detrimental to the circulatory system’s overall health.

Metaflumizone negatively affects both the immune and the central nervous systems.

Metaflumizone impacts the respiratory tract and the male reproductive health.

Sources include:

Sitem.Herts.ac.uk

GPO.gov

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Ocvector.org