Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the use of tetramethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used in aerosol formulations, emulsifiable concentrates, and mosquito coils exclusively for indoor pest control. A review of data on the environmental behaviour of this insecticide points to rapid abiotic degradation in air and water. Published data also indicate rapid metabolism and excretion in mammals, with no tendency to accumulate in tissues. Concerning effects on organisms in the environment, the report cites laboratory data demonstrating that tetramethrin is highly and acutely toxic to fish and toxic to bees, but has very low toxicitiy for birds. Because tetramethrin is rapidly degraded, and provided its use is limited to buildings, as recommended, this potential for environmental toxicity is unlikely to be realised. The most extensive section evaluates the results of experimental studies of toxicity and carcinogenicity relevant to the assessment of health effects in humans. A review of studies of eye irritation, skin irritation, sensitization, and of investigations for long-term toxic effects and tumorigenic potential yields no evidence of oncogenic or other adverse effects on health. On the basis of this evaluation, the report concludes that tetramethrin, when used as recommended for the indoor control of pests, is highly unlikely to present a hazard to the general population, to those occupationally exposed, or to the environment.

eng (with summary, evaluation, conclusions, and recommendations in fre) rus.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

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