Fenpropimorph — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

Fenpropimorph is a morpholine-derived fungicide utilized in agriculture, specifically on cereal crops. Its mode of action involves inhibiting the sterol pathways of fungi, while leaving non-target plants unaffected.

List of known side effects

Dermal contact with fenpropimorph may induce severe skin inflammation that can occur immediately or after some time. Repeated contact can lead to contact dermatitis, a skin condition marked by swelling, redness, and blistering. Skin that has been cut open, sustained abrasions, or is irritated will be especially vulnerable to the detrimental effects of fenpropimorph. Moreover, these can present entry routes through which fenpropimorph can enter the bloodstream and produce systemic injuries within the body.

Ingesting fenpropimorph can be harmful, as was observed in animal studies. According to these experiments, ingesting a little less than 150 g of fenpropimorph “may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.”

Inhaling fenpropimorph can lead to lung damage, particularly if exposure is constant or prolonged. Certain persons may experience further respirator irritation. Higher temperatures will increase the risks associated with fenpropimorph inhalation.

While not classified as an ocular irritant, fenpropimorph exposure can result in transient discomfort in the eye, which is characterized by tearing and/or redness. However, the chances of fenpropimorph inducing ocular irritation increases when the affected individual wears contact lenses. Soft contact lenses may absorb fenpropimorph and give it the opportunity to concentrate in a particular area of the eye.

Fenpropimorph is considered a potential reproductive toxicant based on various animal studies. Among rats and rabbits, the number of dead fetuses increased with fenpropimorph exposure, as did the instances of compromised fetal development. The toxic effects observed on the development of the fetuses were not observed in the mothers, though fenpropimorph remains a potentially dangerous substance for expecting mothers.

This chemical should be kept away from water sources as it’s been known to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and may even cause long-term effects.

Body systems affected by fenpropimorph

Depending on the route of exposure, fenpropimorph can harm the skin and gastrointestinal system. Furthermore, long-term exposure to this chemical greatly increases the chances of liver and kidney damage.

Items that can contain fenpropimorph

Since its introduction, fenpropimorph has been incorporated into a wide range of herbicides as an active ingredient, such as:

• Amistar Pro
• Corbel
• Colstar
• Jackdraw
• Mantra
• Orka
• Pluton
• Tango super
• Volley 880L

Additionally, numerous companies are known to have either manufactured and supplied this chemical at a certain point, or continue to do until today. These are:

• BASF
• Dow AgroSciences
• DuPont
• Greencrop
• Maag
• May & Baker
• Syngenta

Cereal crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye are the plants most frequently sprayed with fenpropimorph. This means that the chances of these food sources being contaminated with fenpropimorph are high.

How to avoid fenpropimorph

To store fenpropimorph, keep it in its original container and ensure that it remains tightly sealed whenever it isn’t in use. Dry, cool, and well-ventilated areas far away from foodstuff containers and incompatible materials are ideal storage spots for this chemical. Should the original container be unavailable, store fenpropimorph in a metal can, drum, or whatever packaging is recommended by the manufacturer.

For proper handling, ensure that the appropriate personal protective gear (e.g. safety goggles with side shields, chemical-protective gloves made of PVC, and safety footwear made of rubber) is worn at all times. In case of spillage, clean up all spills immediately by containing and absorbing fenpropimorph with sand, earth, and other inert materials. Large spills present a moderate hazard that will require assistance from the local fire brigade.

Where to learn more

• Chemicals.news
• Pesticides.news
• Poison.news
• Toxins.news

Summary

Fenpropimorph is a herbicide that can pose a variety of health risks. For one, it can irritate the skin and cause systemic injuries should it enter the bloodstream through cuts or abrasions. For another, swallowing a moderate amount of fenpropimorph can be fatal. Though not considered an eye irritant, fenpropimorph can cause eye damage, especially if the affected person is wearing soft contact lenses at the time of exposure.

Chronic exposure can result in kidney or liver damage.

This chemical is also a potential reproductive toxicant, making it important for expecting mothers to avoid fenpropimorph exposure as much as possible.

Sources include:

FAO.org
Datasheets.SCBT.com
PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
InChem.org
Sitem.Herts.AC.uk