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XT OXNET PIP - PARATHION Pagel of 5
<br /> EXTOXNET
<br /> Extension Toxicology Network
<br /> Pesticide Information Profiles
<br /> r A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University,
<br /> { the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology,
<br /> Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National
<br /> Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program.
<br /> EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University
<br />+i Revised 9/93.
<br /> I
<br /> PARATHION i
<br /> TRADE OR OTHER NAMES: Trade names include AC 3422, Alkron, Alleron, Aphamite, Corothion, E-605,
<br /> ENT 15108, Ethyl parathion, Etilon, Fosferno 50, Niran, Orthophos, Panthion, Paramar, Paraphos, Parathene,
<br /> Parawet, Phoskil, Rhodiatox, Soprathion, Stathion and Thiophos. The common name thiophos is used in the former
<br /> USSR.
<br /> REGULATORY STATUS: Because of its high toxicity and risks of exposure to agricultural workers and to birds,
<br /> and in response to the manufacturers' request, EPA in January 1992 announced the cancellation of all uses of
<br /> parathion on fruit, nut and vegetable crops. The only uses retained are those on alfalfa, barley, corn, cotton,
<br /> E sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat. Further, to reduce exposure of agricultural workers, parathion may be
<br /> E applied to these crops only by commercially certified aerial applicators and treated crops may not be harvested by
<br /> hand. EPA intends to cancel all uses of parathion in the near future (12, 13).
<br /> Parathion is one of the most acutely toxic pesticides registered by the EPA. Because of its highly toxic nature,
<br /> parathion is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) (1, 3). RUPs may be purchased and used only by certified
<br /> applicators. Products containing parathion must bear the signal word "Danger" (3).
<br /> CHEMICAL CLASS: organophosphate insecticide
<br /> INTRODUCTION: Parathion is a broad spectrum, organophosphate pesticide used to control many insects and
<br /> mites (5, 8). It has non-systemic, contact, stomach and fumigant actions (5, 8). It has a wide range of applications on
<br /> many crops against numerous insect species (1). Parathion is available in dust, emulsion concentrate, granular, ULV
<br /> liquid, and wettable powder formulations (3).
<br /> Parathion is one of a class of insecticides referred to as organophosphates. These chemicals act by interfering with
<br /> the activities of cholinesterase, an enzyme that is essential for the proper working of the nervous systems of both
<br /> humans and insects. Please refer to the Toxicology Information Brief on cholinesterase-inhibition for a more
<br /> detailed description of this
<br /> topic.
<br /> TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS
<br /> . Acute.'Toxicity: Parathion is highly toxic by all routes of exposure. Human fatalities have been caused by
<br /> ingestin , dermal adsorption, and inhalation of parathion (2). As with all organophosphates, parathion is
<br /> readily absorbed through the skin (1). Skin which has come in contact with this material should be washed
<br /> immediately with soap and water and all contaminated clothing should be removed. Persons with
<br /> cardiovascular, liver or kidney diseases, glaucoma, or central nervous system abnormalities may be at
<br /> increased risk from exposure to parathion. High environmental temperatures or exposure of the chemical to
<br /> visible or UV light may increase its toxicity (11). Parathion may cause thickening and roughening of the skin
<br /> (hyperkeratinization). It does not cause sensitization (allergies). Parathion is not irritating to the eyes.
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