Cyprodinil – toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts
12/08/2017 / By Zoey Sky
Cyprodinil is a systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide that is approved for use in the European Union (EU). It has a low solubility and is unlikely to leach into groundwater. Cyprodinil is volatile, and it is moderately persistent in water systems. Its persistence depends on local conditions and it is likely to degrade quickly in daylight. Cypronidil appears as a beige powder.
Cyprodinil is moderately toxic to mammals and there is some concern that it may bioaccumulate. It is a recognized irritant, but no serious human health concerns have been identified. It is moderately toxic to birds, most aquatic organisms, and earthworms. Cyprodinil is not considered toxic to honeybees.
List of known side effects
Cypronidil causes eye and skin irritation, and it may cause an allergic skin reaction. It is harmful if inhaled. Cypronidil is very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects.
Based on medical surveillance of workers employed in a pilot plant, at least three employees (the total number of employees potentially exposed was not reported) in the laboratory area showed symptoms of flush, a sensation of warmth, and swelling of eyelids when weighing cypronidil. It was believed that these symptoms were due to exposure to cyprodinil, which can cause slight eye irritation and skin sensitization, as reported in studies in animals.
In a plant carrying out the large-scale production of cyprodinil, one case of accidental exposure to the eye was reported. The affected person suffered slight conjunctivitis. After medical treatment, the exposed worker returned to work.
Body systems affected by cyprodinil
The major target organs of cyprodinil are the liver and kidney. Liver effects were “consistent among male and female rats and mice in both sub-chronic and chronic studies and typically included increased liver weights along with increases in serum clinical chemistry parameters associated with adverse effects on liver function (i.e. increased cholesterol and phospholipid levels).”
Chronically, cyprodinil caused increased kidney weights and progressive nephropathy in male rats. Chronic effects in dogs were limited to “decreased body-weight gain, decreased food consumption and decreased food efficiency; liver toxicity was not seen in the dog.”
The hematopoietic system also appeared to be a target of cyprodinil as mild anemia was seen in rats exposed sub-chronically (reductions in hematocrit and hemoglobin and microcytosis).
Items that can contain cyprodinil
Cypronidil is used to control pests like grey mold, scab, powdery mildew, Botrytis and eyespot. It is applied on fruit such as grapes, apples, pears, plums, strawberries. Cypronidil is also applied on almonds, ornamentals, and cereals.
Some manufacturers and suppliers of products using this active are:
- DuPont
- Syngenta
- Ciba
Some products using this active are:
- Acanto Prima
- Kayak
- Switch
How to avoid cyprodinil
Always wear proper protective gear when handling cypronidil.
- Eye/face protection – Face shield and safety glasses.
- Skin protection – Handle with gloves.
- Body Protection – Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
- Respiratory protection – For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator. For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (US) or the European Committee for Standardization CEN (EU).
- Others – Coveralls. Shoes plus socks. Waterproof gloves.
Where to learn more
Summary
Cyprodinil is a systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide.
Cypronidil causes eye and skin irritation, and it may cause an allergic skin reaction. It is harmful if inhaled. Cypronidil is very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects.
Cypronidil is used to control pests like gray mold and scab. It is applied on fruit such as grapes and pears. Cypronidil is also applied on almonds, ornamentals and cereals.
Sources include:
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