Product Code Database
Aldicarb is a carbamate insecticide which is the active substance in the pesticide Temik. It is effective against thrips, , spider mites, lygus, fleahoppers, and leafminers, but is primarily used as a nematicide. Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibitor which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synapse. Aldicarb is considered "extremely hazardous" by the EPA and World Health Organization and has been banned in more than 100 countries. In case of severe poisoning, the victim dies of respiratory failure.
Aldicarb was first synthesized in 1965 by Payne and Weiden, and was sold on the market for the first time in 1970. The synthesis of aldicarb results in both the E and Z isomers.
Aldicarb is effective where resistance to organophosphate has developed, and is extremely important in potato production, where it is used for the control of soil-borne and some foliar pests. Its high level of solubility restricts its use in certain areas where the water table is close to the surface.
Tres Pasitos, a mouse, rat, and roach killer that contains high concentrations of aldicarb, has been illegally imported into the United States from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The product is highly toxic to animals and people, and according to the EPA "should never be used in the home." Avoid Illegal Household Pesticide Products, US Environmental Protection Agency
Most commonly, aldicarb causes toxic symptoms when it is ingested through food that has been tainted with the insecticide. Once in the body, aldicarb is broken down into aldicarb sulfone and aldicarb sulfoxide. Hydrolysis of aldicarb leads to aldicarb oximes and aldicarb nitriles to reverse the toxicity.
Aldicarb is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States as defined in Section 302 of the U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (42 U.S.C. 11002), and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities which produce, store, or use it in significant quantities. The use of aldicarb has been prohibited in Europe since 2003 due to concerns over the impact on non-target organisms.
In August 1979, groundwater wells in Suffolk County, NY were contaminated with aldicarb residue due to irrigated potato fields nearby. Of the approximately 8,400 wells tested, 13.5% contained more than 7 ug/L of aldicarb, which exceeds standard guidelines.
In July 1985, aldicarb present in watermelons grown in California caused an outbreak of pesticide food poisoning which affected over 2,000 people, and led to a temporary ban on watermelon sales.
In November 2009, corn treated with Temik was placed in and around peanut fields in Eastland County, Texas, near the town of Cisco. The corn was eaten by , deer, and other animals, prompting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to issue a hunting ban. Authorities Investigate Contaminated Corn in Eastland County, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Nov. 5, 2009
Exposure to high amounts of aldicarb can cause weakness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, tearing, sweating, and tremors in humans. High doses can be fatal to humans because it can paralyze the respiratory system.
In South Africa (where Aldicarb is popularly known as Two Step) it is widely used by burglars to poison dogs. Criminals target dogs with poison, IOL News, June 11, 2006 Dog poisoning with the intention to break into houses, South Africa Today, July 10, 2014
for a [[mallard]] duck is 1.0 mg/kg body weight (acute). According to the Rotterdam Convention's risk assessment, "Ingestion of aldicarb granules poses a great threat to avian species; aldicarb is very toxic to birds and poses a danger to endangered species".
|
|
