IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 33
PERMETHRIN
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1989
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 94:
Permethrin
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
ISBN 92 4 154354 X
ISSN 0259-7268
World Health Organization 1989
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
Universal Copyright Convention. For rights of reproduction or
translation of WHO publications, in part or in toto, application
should be made to the Office of Publications, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Organization
welcomes such applications.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area
or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
or boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Human exposure
2.2. Environmental fate
2.3. Kinetics and metabolism
2.4. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.5. Effects on experimental animals and in vitro test systems
2.6. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1. Conclusions
3.2. Recommendations
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
ACTION
4.1. Human health hazards, prevention and protection, first aid
4.1.1. Advice to physicians
4.1.2. Health surveillance advice
4.2. Explosion and fire hazards
4.3. Storage
4.4. Transport
4.5. Spillage and disposal
4.5.1. Spillage
4.5.2. Disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Previous evaluations by international bodies
7.2. Exposure limit values
7.3. Specific restrictions
7.4. Labelling, packaging, and transport
7.5. Waste disposal
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and human health from exposure to a
chemical or combinations of chemicals, or to physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. Within the Guide is an International Chemical Safety Card
which should be readily available, and should be clearly explained, to
all who could come into contact with the chemical. The section on
regulatory information has been extracted from the legal file of the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) and from
other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes those in the occupational health
services, ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade
unions, who are involved in the safe use of chemicals and the
prevention of environmental health hazards, and those workers wanting
more information on this topic. An attempt has been made to use only
terms that are familiar to the user. However, sections 1 and 2
inevitably contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been
included for readers who would like to have further background
information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Common name: Permethrin
Molecular formula: C21H20Cl2O3
Chemical formula:
CAS chemical name: Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid,
3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-
dimethyl-, (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl
ester.
Common synonyms and trade names: A13-29158, Ambush, BW-21-Z,
Ectiban, FMC 33 297, NRDC 143,
Outflank, Permethrina, Pounce,
PP 557, S-3151, SBP-1513, Stockade,
Talcord.
CAS registry number: 52645-53-1
RTECS registry number: GZ1255000
Relative molecular mass: 391.31
Permethrin was invented in 1973 and marketed in 1977 as a photo-stable
pyrethroid. It is a mixture of four stereo-isomers.
Technical grade permethrin is more than 91-93% pure. It is formulated
as emulsifiable concentrates, ultra-low volume concentrates, wettable
powders, dust, fogging formulations, and aerosols.
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Some physical and chemical properties of permethrin are given in the
International Chemical Safety Card (section 6).
Technical permethrin is a yellow brown to brown liquid or crystalline
material. It is stable to light and heat, but unstable in alkaline
media.
1.3 Analytical Methods
Residue and environmental analysis can be performed using a gas
chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector at a minimum
detectable concentration of 0.005 mg/kg. Gas chromatography with a
flame ionization detector is used to analyse technical products.
1.4 Uses
Approximately 600 tonnes of permethrin are used annually worldwide. It
is used mostly in agriculture and may be used to protect stored grain.
It has been used in aerial application for forest protection and
vector control, to control noxious insects in the household and on
cattle, to control body lice, and in mosquito nets.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Human Exposure
The rate of decline of residue levels of permethrin in various crops
is moderately fast. It has half-lives ranging from about 1 to 3 weeks
depending on the crop. However, when used as recommended, there is no
significant increase in residues after repeated applications.
The general population may be exposed to permethrin mainly via dietary
residues. Residue levels in crops grown according to good
agricultural practices are generally low. The resulting exposure of
the general population is expected to be low, but precise data from
total-diet studies are lacking.
Information on occupational exposure to permethrin is very limited.
2.2 Environmental Fate
In laboratory studies in soil, permethrin degraded with a half-life of
approximately 28 days. The trans isomer degraded more rapidly than
the cis isomer, with ester cleavage being the major initial
degradative reaction. The compounds generated by ester cleavage were
then further oxidized, eventually yielding CO2 as the major terminal
product. Studies to investigate the leaching potential of permethrin
and its degradates showed that very little downward movement occurs in
soils.
On plants, permethrin degrades with a half-life of approximately 10
days. Ester cleavage and conjugation of the acid and alcohol released
is the major degradation pathway. Hydroxylation at various positions
of the molecule and photo-induced cis-trans interconversion also
occur.
In water and on soil surfaces, permethrin is photodegraded by
sunlight. Ester cleavage and cis-trans interconversion are, as with
plants, the major reactions.
In general, the degradative processes that occur in the environment
lead to less toxic products.
Permethrin disappears rapidly from the environment: in 6 to 24 h from
ponds and streams; in 7 days from pond sediment; and in 58 days from
foliage and soil in forests. Thirty per cent of the compound was lost
within 1 week from cotton leaves in a field.
Under aerobic conditions in soil, permethrin degrades with a half-life
of 28 days.
There is very little movement of permethrin in the environment, and
thus it is unlikely that permethrin will reach significant levels in
the environment.
2.3 Kinetics and Metabolism
In mammals, permethrin was rapidly metabolized and almost completely
excreted in the urine and faeces in approximately 12 days. The trans
isomer of permethrin, which is much more susceptible to esterase
attack than is the cis isomer, was eliminated more quickly than the
cis isomer. Major metabolic reactions were ester cleavage and
oxidation, particularly at the terminal aromatic ring of the
phenoxybenzyl moiety and the geminal dimethyl group of the
cyclopropane ring, followed by conjugation. Major metabolites thus
formed were Cl2CA in free and glucuronide form, sulfate conjugate of
4'-hydroxy-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4'-OH-PBacid), PBacid in free and
conjugate form, and oxidized forms of Cl2CA as glucuronide
conjugate. Less than 0.7% of the dose was detected in the milk of
goats or cows when they were given permethrin orally.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
In laboratory tests, permethrin was highly toxic for aquatic
arthropods with LC50 values ranging from 0.018 µg/litre for a larval
stone crab to 1.26 µg/litre for a cladoceran. Permethrin is also
highly toxic for fish with 96-h LC50 values ranging from 0.62
µg/litre for larval rainbow trout to 314 µg/litre for adult rainbow
trout. A no-observed-effect level for early life stages of the
sheepshead minnow during 28 days has been estimated at 10 µg/litre and
a chronic no-observed-effect level for fathead minnow at between 0.66
and 1.4 µg/litre. Permethrin is less toxic to aquatic molluscs and
amphibia with 96-h LC50 values >1000 µg/litre and 7000 µg/litre,
respectively.
During field tests and in actual use, this potentially high toxicity
is not manifested. There are many reports about the effects that
permethrin has in agriculture, forestry, and vector control. Some
aquatic arthropods are killed, particularly when water is oversprayed,
but the effects on populations of organisms are temporary. There are
no reports of fish killed in the field. The reduced toxicity during
field use is related to the strong adsorption of the compound to
sediments and its rapid degradation. Sediment-bound permethrin is
toxic to burrowing organisms but this toxic effect is also temporary.
Permethrin is highly toxic for honey bees, having a topical LD50 of
0.11 µg/bee. Permethrin has, however, a strong repellent effect to
bees which, in practice, reduces its toxic effect. There is no
evidence for significant kills of honey bees in actual situations.
Permethrin is more toxic to predator mites than to the target pest
species.
When given orally or in the diet, permethrin has a very low toxicity
to birds. LD50 values are >3000 mg/kg body weight for acute single
oral dosages, and >5000 mg/kg diet for dietary exposure. Permethrin
had no effect on reproduction in hens at a dose of 40 mg/kg diet.
Permethrin is readily taken up by aquatic organisms: bio-concentration
factors range from 43 to 750 for various organisms. In all the
aquatic organisms studied, absorbed permethrin is also rapidly lost on
transfer to clean water. There is no bioaccumulation in birds.
Therefore, the compound, in practice, can be regarded as having no
tendency to bioaccumulate.
2.5 Effects on Experimental Animals and In Vitro Test Systems
Permethrin has a low acute toxicity to rats, mice, rabbits, and
guinea-pigs, although LD50 values vary considerably according to the
vehicles used and the cis:trans isomeric ratios. Signs of acute
poisoning become apparent within 2 h of dosing and persist for up to 3
days. [1R, cis]- and [1R, trans]-Permethrin belong to the type I
group of pyrethroids. Common symptoms for type I pyrethroids are
tremor (T-syndrome), incoordination, hyperactivity, prostration, and
paralysis. The core temperature is markedly increased during
poisoning.
None of the metabolites of permethrin showed a higher acute (oral or
intraperitoneal) toxicity than permethrin itself.
Permethrin caused a mild primary irritation to intact and abraded
rabbit skin. However, after treated areas of rabbit skin were exposed
to UV light, it did not cause a photochemical irritation reaction.
Permethrin did not cause a sensitization reaction in guinea-pigs.
Oral subacute and subchronic toxicity studies of permethrin were
performed in rats and mice at dosage levels up to 10 000 mg/kg diet
lasting for 14 days to 26 weeks. Changes detected at the higher
levels were: an increase in liver/body weight ratio; hypertrophy in
the liver; and clinical signs of poisoning, such as tremor. The
no-observed-effect levels (NOEL) in rats ranged from 20 mg/kg diet (in
studies lasting 90 days or 6 months) to 150 mg/kg diet (6-month
study).
In dogs, the NOELs were 50 mg/kg body weight and 100 mg/kg body weight
in different 3-month studies.
In long-term studies in mice and rats, an increase in the liver weight
was found which was associated with an induction of the liver
microsomal enzyme system. In a 2-year rat study, the NOEL was
100 mg/kg diet, corresponding to 5 mg/kg body weight.
Among the three long-term studies in mice, indications of permethrin
oncogenicity was observed in the lungs of only one sex in one strain
of mouse at the highest dose level. Studies in rats revealed no
oncogenic potential in either sex.
Permethrin was not mutagenic in in vivo and in vitro studies.
Toxicological evidence from mutagenicity studies and long-term studies
in rats and mice suggest that permethrin's oncogenetic potential is
very low, is limited to female mice, and is probably epigenetic.
Permethrin is not teratogenic to rats, mice, or rabbits at dose levels
of up to 225, 150, and 1800 mg/kg body weight, respectively.
In a three-generation reproduction study, permethrin did not induce
adverse effects at levels up to 2500 mg/kg diet.
In rats, permethrin fed at high-dose levels (6600-7000 mg/kg diet) for
14 days induced sciatic nerve damage in one study, but did not show
any ultrastructural changes in the sciatic nerve in another study.
Permethrin did not cause delayed neurotoxicity in hens.
2.6 Effects on Human Beings
Permethrin can induce skin sensations and paresthesia in exposed
workers. It develops after a latent period of approximately 30 min,
peaks by 8 h, and disappears within 24 h. Numbness, itching,
tingling, and burning are symptoms frequently reported.
No cases of poisoning have been reported.
The likelihood of oncogenic effects in human beings is extremely low
or non-existent.
There are no indications that permethrin, when used as recommended,
will have an adverse effect on human beings.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions
General population: The exposure of the general population to
permethrin is expected to be low and is not likely to present a hazard
when used as recommended.
Occupational exposure: When reasonable work practices, hygiene
measures, and safety precautions are used, permethrin is unlikely to
present a hazard to those occupationally exposed.
Environment: It is unlikely that permethrin or its degradation
products will reach levels of environmental significance when used as
recommended. Under laboratory conditions, permethrin is highly toxic
for fish, aquatic arthropods, and honey bees. However, under field
conditions, long-lasting adverse effects are not likely to occur when
used as recommended.
3.2 Recommendations
Although no adverse effects of permethrin on human beings have been
reported, observations of human exposure should continue.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. There have been no
incidents of poisoning reported in the general population or from
occupational exposure. Experimental studies in animals suggest that
after massive over-exposure or accidental ingestion, neurological
signs and symptoms, such as ataxia, tremors, and convulsions, could
occur.
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
permethrin, together with preventive and protective measures and
first-aid recommendations, are given in the International Chemical
Safety Card (section 6).
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
There is no specific antidote. Treat symptomatically. Chemical
pneumonitis resulting from aspiration of the solvent into the lungs is
a hazard that occurs when liquid formulations are used.
4.1.2 Health surveillance advice
Regularly exposed workers should undergo an annual general medical
examination.
Skin sensations may be an indication of an exposure that should be
corrected.
4.2 Explosion and Fire Hazards
Some solvents in pyrethroid formulations are highly flammable. DO NOT
USE WATER to extinguish fires. Use dry powder, carbon dioxide, or
alcohol-resistant foam, sand, or earth. Cool nearby drums with water
spray.
Whenever pyrethroid products are involved in a major fire, advise the
fire service to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
Inform the fire service and other relevant authorities that
pyrethroids are highly toxic for fish, and that water should be used
only to cool unaffected stock. In this way, the accumulation of
polluted run-off from the site is prevented.
4.3 Storage
Store technical material and formulations away from heat, in a locked
area, preferably without drains, designated for insecticide storage
only. Keep out of reach of children, unauthorized personnel, and
animals.
Store away from other chemicals, food, and animal feed.
4.4 Transport
For transport purposes, pyrethroids are classified as "harmful" or as
"low hazard". Formulations based on flammable solvents may be subject
to local transport controls. Before transport, ensure that the
containers are intact and that the labels are securely fixed and not
damaged. Comply with local transport regulations.
Do not transport in compartments that contain food and animal feed.
4.5 Spillage and Disposal
4.5.1 Spillage
Keep spectators away from leaking or spilled products. Prohibit
smoking and the use of naked flames in the immediate vicinity.
Transfer any product remaining in damaged or leaking containers into a
clean, empty drum, and label the drum.
Absorb spillage and cover contaminated areas with lime, damp sawdust,
sand, earth, or other absorbent material, and place in a secure
container for safe disposal (see below). Contain a large spillage by
building a barrier of earth or sandbags. Prevent liquid from
spreading to other cargo, vegetation, or waterways.
Decontaminate empty, damaged, or leaking containers with a 10% sodium
carbonate solution added at the rate of at least 1 litre per 20-litre
drum. Puncture containers to prevent reuse.
4.5.2 Disposal
Waste that contains permethrin should be burnt in an appropriate
high-temperature incinerator with effluent scrubbing. Where no
incinerator is available, contaminated absorbents or surplus products
should be decomposed by hydrolysis at pH 12 or above. Contact with a
suitable hydrolysing agent is required to ensure degradation of the
active ingredient to a safe level.
For emulsifiable material, use 5% sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
solution or saturated (7-10%) sodium carbonate (washing soda)
solution.
For non-emulsifiable material, use a 1:1 mixture (by volume) of either
of the above solutions and a water/oil soluble solvent such as
denatured alcohol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, or
isopropylalcohol.
Cover the material with a hydrolysing agent and let it stand for 7
days. Before disposal, the resultant waste must be analysed to ensure
that the active ingredient has been degraded to a safe level.
Never pour untreated waste or surplus products into public sewers or
where there is any danger of run-off or seepage to streams,
watercourses, open waterways, ditches, fields with drainage systems,
or to the catchment areas of boreholes, wells, springs, or ponds.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
When used as recommended, permethrin and its degradation products are
unlikely to reach levels of environmental significance. Permethrin is
very toxic for fish and honey bees, but due to the very low exposure
levels which normally occur, this will only cause a problem if
spilled.
Avoid overspraying of water. Do not spray while insects are
pollinating. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways, or ditches with
permethrin or its containers.
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, permethrin. It should be displayed at, or near,
entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to permethrin,
and on processing equipment and containers. The card should be
translated into the appropriate language(s). All persons potentially
exposed to the chemical should also have the instructions on the
chemical safety card clearly explained.
Space is available on the card for insertion of the National
Occupational Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the
National Poison Control Centre, and for local trade names.
PERMETHRIN
CAS chemical name: Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-
2,2-dimethyl-,(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl ester
CAS registry no. 52645-53-1
RTECS registry no. GZ1255000
Molecular formula: C21H20Cl2O3
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Relative molecular mass 391.31 Technical permethrin is a yellow brown to
brown viscous liquid or crystalline solid
Melting point (°C) 34-39 with a mild chemical odour
Boiling point (°C) 220 (0.05 mmHg) Permethrin is stable to heat (>2 years at
50 °C) and light. Permethrin is more resistant
Water solubility (25 °C) 0.2 mg/litre to acidic than alkaline media, and has
an optimum stability at pH 4.
Solubility in organic solvents solublea It is readily absorbed via ingestion and
inhalation, and to a lesser extent via
Density (25 °C) 1.214 the skin.
Vapour pressure (20 °C) 1.3 µPa It is a highly active synthetic pyrethroid
used as a stomach and contact insecticide.
Octanol-water partition The technical product is a mixture of four
coefficient log Pow 6.5 stereoisomers.
a Methanol (258 g/kg), hexane (>1 kg/kg), acetone (450 g/litre), xylene >(1 kg/kg)
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SKIN: May cause tingling or Reduce exposure by proper application Remove contaminated clothing; wash
burning skin sensations, techniques, skin protection, and contaminated skin with soap and water
especially on the face, that hygiene measures
disappear in a few hours
EYES: Irritating to eyes Wear face shield or goggles Flush immediately with clean water for
at least 15 min
INHALATION: Irritating to Do not inhale fine dust and mist. Fresh air
respiratory system
INGESTION: Unlikely Do not eat, drink, or smoke during -
occupational hazard working hours; wash hands before
eating, drinking, or smoking
Accidental or deliberate - Obtain medical attention immediately;
ingestion could lead to neurological if breathing has stopped, apply
signs and symptoms such as ataxia, artificial respiration.
tremors, and convulsions; main
hazard of ingested liquid Do not induce vomiting.
formulations is aspiration into
lungs
ENVIRONMENT: Very toxic for Do not overspray water; do not -
fish and honey bees contaminate ponds, waterways, or ditches
with product or used containers.
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Absorb spillage with lime, damp Store in locked, well-ventilated DO NOT USE WATER: some liquid
sawdust, sand, or earth. Sweep storeroom, away from children and formulations may be highly
up, place in closed container, unauthorized personnel, and food flammable; use dry powder, carbon
and dispose of safely; do not and animal feed dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam;
contaminate personnel, ponds, cool nearby drums with water spray.
or waterways.
WASTE DISPOSAL NATIONAL INFORMATION
Burn in high temperature National Occupational Exposure Limit:
incinerator with effluent scrubbing;
or, treat with 5% caustic soda National Poison Control Centre:
as a hydrolyzing agent for 7
days; comply with local Local trade names:
regulations
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file and other UN sources. The intention is to give the reader a
representative, but non-exhaustive, overview of current regulations,
guidelines, and standards.
Regulations and guidelines about chemicals can be fully understood
only within the framework of a country's legislation, and are always
subject to change. Therefore, they should always be verified with the
appropriate authorities.
7.1. Previous Evaluations by International Bodies
The FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) evaluated
permethrin at its meetings in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984,
1985, and 1987.
In 1985, an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-0.05 mg/kg body weight
was established (40% cis - 60% trans and 25% cis - 75% trans
material).
In the WHO recommended classification of pesticides by hazard,
technical permethrin is classified as moderately hazardous (WHO,
1988). WHO issued a Data Sheet on permethrin (no. 51) (WHO/FAO
1984).
7.2 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given in the table on the following
page. When no effective date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the
year of the reference from which the data are taken is indicated by
(r).
7.3 Specific Restrictions
No information available.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
Food intake FAO/WHO Acceptable daily intake (ADI) 0-0.05 mg/kg 1982,
(40% cis - 60% trans and 25% cis body weight 1985
- 75% trans material)
Food residues FAO/WHO Maximum residue limits (MRL)
food (specified) 0.01-50 mg/kg 1986
feed (specified) 20-100 mg/kg 1986
dry weight
USA Acceptable residue limits (ARL)
in specified plant products, 0.05-60 mg/kg 1983
in specified animal products 0.05-3.75 mg/kg 1983
Soviet Union Maximum residue limits (MRL) 0.01-0.4 mg/kg 1984
Sweden Maximum tolerable concentrations 2.0 mg/kg 1985
in fruit and vegetables
Soil Soviet Union Permissible level 0.05 mg/kg 1984
7.4 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods classifies pyrethroids in:
- Hazard class 6.1: poisonous substance
- Packing group III: a substance that has a relatively low risk of
poisoning during transport.
The label should be as follows:
The European Community legislation requires labelling as a dangerous
substance using the symbol:
The label must read:
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed;
keep out of reach of children; keep away from food, drink, and
animal feeding stuff.
7.5 Waste Disposal
In several countries, permits are required to empty pyrethroids from
any point source into water.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FAO (1985a) Guidelines for the packaging and storage of pesticides.
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FAO (1985b) Guidelines for the disposal of waste pesticides and
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Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1985c) Guidelines on good labelling practice for pesticides.
Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1986) International code of conduct on the distribution and use
of pesticides. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations.
FAO/WHO (1986) Guide to Codex recommendations concerning pesticide
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pesticide residues. 3rd ed., Rome, Codex Committee on Pesticide
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their formulation, packing, storage and transport. Brussels,
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PLESTINA, R. (1984) Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
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UNITED NATIONS (1986) Recommendations on the transport of dangerous
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hazards. 3 Vols., Washington DC, US Department of Health and Human
Services, US Department of Labor (Publication No. DHSS(NIOSH) 01-123).
WHO (In press) Environmental Health Criteria No. 94: Permethrin.
Geneva, World Health Organization.
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hazard. Guidelines to classification 1988-89.Geneva, World Health
Organization (unpublished document WHO/VBC/88.953).
WHO/FAO (1984) Data sheets on pesticides, No. 51: Permethrin,
(unpublished WHO document).
WORTHING, C.R. & WALKER, S.B. (1983) The pesticide manual.
7th ed., Lavenham, Lavenham Press Limited, British Crop Protection
Council.
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Permethrin (EHC 94, 1990)
Permethrin (ICSC)
PERMETHRIN (JECFA Evaluation)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1979 evaluations)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1980 evaluations)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1981 evaluations)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1982 evaluations)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1983 evaluations)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1984 evaluations)
Permethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1987 evaluations Part II Toxicology)
Permethrin (JMPR Evaluations 1999 Part II Toxicological)
Permethrin (UKPID)
Permethrin (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 53, 1991)