Fenitrothion /
Fenitrothion /
published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization.
- Geneva : World Health Organization, 1992.
- 184 p.
- Environmental health criteria ; 133 .
Summary and evaluation, conclusions and recommendations in French and Spanish.
Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by fenitrothion, a moderately toxic organophosphorus insecticide used since 1959 to control pests on crops, stored grains, and cotton. Fenitrothion is also used in forest spraying and in public health campaigns. A section devoted to environmental levels and human exposure summarizes data on residues detected in forests, water, soil, fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and other food items. Because residues in food decline very quickly, the report concludes that exposure of the general population via the ingestion of contaminated food does not constitute a health hazard. A review of studies on the kinetics and metabolism of this insecticide shows that fenitrothion is unlikely to remain in the body for a prolonged period. The remaining sections evaluate investigations of toxicity, case reports of accidental and intentional poisoning in humans, epidemiological studies of exposed workers, studies of spraymen and inhabitants following indoor spraying in large public health campaigns, and studies of effects on organisms in the environment. The report found no evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, embryotoxic, or teratogenic effects, of delayed neurotoxicity, or of an association between exposure to fenitrothion and the development of Reyes syndrome. Evidence supports the conclusion that fenitrothion is unlikely to constitute a health hazard for occupationally exposed workers when good work practices, hygienic measures, and safety precautions are followed. Concerning effects on environmental organisms, particularly following standard forest spraying operations, the report notes that few, if any, adverse effects have been detected despite the widespread use of this insecticide for several decades. Because fenitrotion is highly toxic for non-target arthropods, the report recommends that this insecticide should never be sprayed over water bodies or streams.
eng.
WHODOC
9241571330
Fenitrothion--adverse effects--toxicity.
Environmental exposure.
WA 240
Summary and evaluation, conclusions and recommendations in French and Spanish.
Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by fenitrothion, a moderately toxic organophosphorus insecticide used since 1959 to control pests on crops, stored grains, and cotton. Fenitrothion is also used in forest spraying and in public health campaigns. A section devoted to environmental levels and human exposure summarizes data on residues detected in forests, water, soil, fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and other food items. Because residues in food decline very quickly, the report concludes that exposure of the general population via the ingestion of contaminated food does not constitute a health hazard. A review of studies on the kinetics and metabolism of this insecticide shows that fenitrothion is unlikely to remain in the body for a prolonged period. The remaining sections evaluate investigations of toxicity, case reports of accidental and intentional poisoning in humans, epidemiological studies of exposed workers, studies of spraymen and inhabitants following indoor spraying in large public health campaigns, and studies of effects on organisms in the environment. The report found no evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, embryotoxic, or teratogenic effects, of delayed neurotoxicity, or of an association between exposure to fenitrothion and the development of Reyes syndrome. Evidence supports the conclusion that fenitrothion is unlikely to constitute a health hazard for occupationally exposed workers when good work practices, hygienic measures, and safety precautions are followed. Concerning effects on environmental organisms, particularly following standard forest spraying operations, the report notes that few, if any, adverse effects have been detected despite the widespread use of this insecticide for several decades. Because fenitrotion is highly toxic for non-target arthropods, the report recommends that this insecticide should never be sprayed over water bodies or streams.
eng.
WHODOC
9241571330
Fenitrothion--adverse effects--toxicity.
Environmental exposure.
WA 240