Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the use of deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide mainly used against agricultural pests. Marketed since 1977, deltamethrin is most commonly used on cotton, on fruit and vegetable crops, and on cereals, corn, and soybean. Deltamethrin is also used for the post-harvest protection of stored cereals, grains, coffee beans, and dry beans. Major public health applications include use in the control of Chagas disease and malaria. Dietary residues, particularly following post-harvest treatment, are identified as the most important source of exposure for the general population. While deltamethrin has been shown to be highly toxic fo fish, aquatic arthropods, and honey bees in laboratory investigations, field studies and observations following widespread use indicate that this insecticide, when used according to good agricultural practice, is unlikely to have lasting effects on these species. The main part of the book examines investigations of the toxic effects of deltamethrin on experimental animals and in vitro test systems. The review found no evidence of mutagenicity, teratogenic or reproductive effects, though it did cite evidence that the combined use of deltamethrin with some organophosphorus compounds can potentiate toxicity. The final section evaluates effects on humans as observed following poisoning, occupational accidents, and both short- and long-term occupational exposure. The book concludes that exposure of the general population to deltamethrin is very low and that, provided recommended rates of application are followed, use of this insecticide is unlikely to present a hazard to either occupationally-exposed workers or the environment.

eng (summaries in fre spa) rus.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

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