Temephos — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts
11/14/2017 / By Michelle Simmons
Temephos is an insecticide that is primarily used as a larvicide to control mosquito on ponds, marshes, swamps, and neighboring areas. It is also used against midge, black fly, and other insects in public health, as well as fleas on dogs and cats. Temephos has the molecular formula of C16H20O6P2S3.
List of known side effects
Exposure to temephos, which is an organophosphorus compound, may cause poisoning. Symptoms of temephos poisoning include excessive salivation, sweating, rhinorrhea, tearing, muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, incoordination, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, respiratory depression, tightness in chest, wheezing, productive cough, fluid in lungs, pin-point pupils, and sometimes with blurred or dark vision. In extreme cases, seizures, incontinence, respiratory depression, and loss of consciousness. Temephos can also be extremely toxic to the aquatic environment.
If temephos is inhaled, it can cause dizziness, nausea, muscle twitching, sweating, pupillary constriction, muscle cramps, excessive salivation, diarrhea, vomiting, labored breathing, convulsions, and unconsciousness. It may also cause abdominal cramps if ingested.
Body systems affected by temephos
Temephos can adversely affect the integumentary system as skin contact can be toxic. Temephos can also be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It can also be harmful to the ocular system as it can irritate the eyes, cause blurred vision, dizziness. Moreover, it can be hazardous to the respiratory system as it may cause difficulty in breathing. Prolonged exposure to the chemical can cause damage to the different body organs.
Items that can contain temephos
Temephos can be found in pesticides used to control pests in aquatic areas and on domestic pets. Trade names for products containing temephos include Abat, Abate, Abathion, Biothion, Bithion, Difennthos, Ecopro, Nimitox, and Swebate.
How to avoid temephos
For people who are handling temephos, it is important to have a proper ventilation in the workplace. However, if ventilation is inadequate, a respiratory protection or gas filter must be worn. To avoid contact with eyes, use a face shield or goggles. Wearing gloves and face shield is a must to avoid contact with skin. Other ways to avoid contact exposure with temephos is to wear cloth coveralls over long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and chemical-resistant gloves, footwear, headgear and apron.
Where to learn more
Summary
Temephos is an insecticide that is primarily used as a larvicide to control mosquito on ponds, marshes, swamps, and neighboring areas.
Temephos can cause dizziness, nausea, muscle twitching, sweating, pupillary constriction, muscle cramps, excessive salivation, diarrhea, vomiting, labored breathing, convulsions, and unconsciousness. Temephos may also cause abdominal cramps if ingested.
Temephos can harm the integumentary, respiratory, and ocular systems.
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