Translation in French and Spanish of chapter 1: Summary, evaluation, conclusions and recommendations.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the use of cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide having a high level of activity against a wide range of agricultural pests. Cyhalothrin is also used in public health and animal health, where it effectively controls a broad spectrum of insects, including cockroaches, flies, mosquitos, and ticks. Residues in food are identified as the most important potential hazard for the general population, though a review of available studies indicates that residues in excess of the established acceptable daily intake are very unlikely to occur. Concerning effects on organisms in the environment, the report cites laboratory evidence of high toxicity to fish, aquatic arthropods, and honey bees, but concludes that this high toxicity in the laboratory is not translated into a significant field hazard for these species. The most extensive section reviews data from experimental toxicity studies. The review uncovered no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or disturbed reproductive functions, and no evidence of adverse effects on any aspect of fetal development at any of the experimental doses used. The final section, devoted to effects on humans, considers the clinical significance of a subjective facial sensation reported in laboratory workers, workers in manufacturing plants, and field operators handling cyhalothrin. While noting the documented occurrence of this syndrome, the report concludes that it is a transient phenomenon, that symptoms ar not associated with objective physical signs, and that recovery is complete. On the basis of these evaluations, the report concludes that, when recommended safety precautions and rates of application are followed, cyhalothrin is highly unlikely to pose a risk to the health of the environment, the general public, or occupationally-exposed workers.

eng.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

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