Methidathion — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry classifies methidathion as an organophosphorous pesticide and acaricide. The hazardous compound was first introduced in 1968 and is commonly used as a non-systemic insecticide to control chewing and sucking pests such as scales, budworm and lygus bugs as well as spider mites, bollworm and whitefly. Methidathion is colorless-to-white crystalline solid in appearance and emits an odor that is characteristic of any other organophosphorous insecticides.

List of known side effects

Methidathion exposure may occur through various routes such as respiratory tract, digestive tract, and direct skin and eye contact. An Extension Toxicology Network entry notes that the harmful substance may interfere with enzymes that play a central role in respiration and central nervous system activities. The organophosphorous pesticide particularly targets the lungs and may cause respiratory depression, tightness in chest and labored breathing. Likewise, chronic chemical exposure may result in intense breathing problem and respiratory muscle paralysis.

Ingesting the harmful chemical may also lead to various gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, excessive salivation and abdominal cramps, as well as diarrhea and incontinence. Exposure to the hazardous compound is known to induce dizziness, convulsions and unconsciousness as well. The compound is also classified as potentially carcinogenic and may affect liver weight, gall bladder function and ovary size. Methidathion is found to cause blurred vision, muscle cramps and twitching and pupillary constriction too.

Furthermore, methidathion is known to contaminate water sources and impact aquatic ecosystems and animals. The organophosphorous pesticide is also highly toxic to birds and other insects.

Body systems affected by methidathion

Methidathion is notoriously detrimental to the respiratory system, the digestive tract and the central nervous system. The pesticide is also highly toxic to the muscles, eyes, and skin. Likewise, the harmful substance may impact the liver, gall bladder, and ovaries.

Items that can contain methidathion

Methidathion is the primary ingredient in many commercially available pesticides such as Cobra, Cobracide, and Suprathion as well as Supracide, Ultracid, and Ultracide. The hazardous pesticide is currently available in emulsifiable concentrate or wettable powder formulations. Methidathion is commonly used in a variety of crops and ornamental plants such as sunflower, artichokes, apples and almonds. Likewise, the pesticide is traditionally applied to cherries, citrus fruits and sorghum as well as cotton and alfalfa.

How to avoid methidathion

A safety data sheet released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that pesticide users wear protective clothing, eye gear and breathing equipment in order to avoid direct exposure. The safety guidelines also advise that victims who inhaled the chemical be taken to an area with fresh air. People who have had direct eye and skin contact are also advised to thoroughly wash their eyes and affected skin area with plenty of water. In addition, people who ingested the harmful chemical are encouraged to rise their mouth and drink a slurry of activated charcoal in water. The safety data sheet also suggests that the chemical be placed in a sealed container should an accidental spill occur in order to cut the risk of environmental contamination.

Where to learn more

• Yes, women are being poisoned by toxic chemicals from feminine hygiene products
• Bush Administration Sued for Allowing Continued Use of Four Pesticides
• Lawsuit Filed to Halt Use of Dangerous Pesticides
• 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
• Bug spray chemical can build up in your home and cause dizziness and brain function problems, scientists find

Summary

Methidathion causes respiratory depression, intense breathing problem and respiratory muscle paralysis.

Methidathion induces  abdominal cramps, diarrhea and incontinence as well as convulsions and unconsciousness.

Methidathion exposure results in blurred vision, pupillary constriction and muscle cramps and twitching.

Methidathion is notoriously detrimental to the respiratory system, the digestive tract and the central nervous system.

Methidathion impacts reproductive health, muscular integrity and both eye and skin health.

Sources include:

Sitem.Herts.ac.uk

PMEP.CCE.Cornell.edu

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov