IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 30
DELTAMETHRIN
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 97:
Deltamethrin
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 154351 5
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. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Human exposure
2.2. Environmental exposure and fate
2.3. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
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
RESPONSE
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 on human health from exposure to a
chemical or combinations of chemicals, or 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 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 deal with the safe use of chemicals and the prevention of
environmental health hazards, and those workers who want more
information on this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms
that will be familiar to the intended 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: Deltamethrin
Chemical structure:
Molecular formula: C22H19Br2NO3
Synonyms and trade names: Butoflin, Butox, Cislin, Decamethrin,
Decis, FMC 45498, K-Obiol, K-Othrine,
NRDC 161, RU 22 974, WHO 1998 (OMS
1998).
CAS registry no: 52918-63-5
Relative molecular mass: 505.24
Deltamethrin is a synthetic dibromo-pyrethroid. Of the eight possible
stereoisomers, it contains only the d-cis isomer. Technical grade
deltamethrin is more than 98% pure.
It is mainly formulated as emulsifiable concentrates (25-100 g/litre),
ultra-low volume concentrates (1.5-30 g/litre), wettable powders
(25-50 g/litre), flowable powders (7.5-50 g/litre), or dust powders
(0.5-2 g/kg).
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
The technical product is an odourless white crystalline powder, almost
insoluble in water, but soluble in many organic solvents.
Deltamethrin is stable to light, heat (for 6 months at 40 °C), and
air, but unstable in alkaline media. Some physical and chemical
properties of deltamethrin are given in the International Chemical
Safety Card (section 6).
1.3 Analytical Methods
Gas chromatography with electron-capture detection is used for residue
and environmental analysis, the minimum detection level being 0.01 ppm
or less, depending on the substrate. High-performance liquid
chromatography with UV detection can be used for product analysis.
1.4 Production and Uses
In 1987, the annual worldwide production and consumption of technical
grade deltamethrin was about 250 tonnes.
It is mostly used on cotton (45% of the consumption) and on crops such
as coffee, maize, wheat, rapeseed, soya beans, fruit, vegetables, and
hops. It is also used in public health programmes, and to protect
stored crops, primarily cereal grains. It is used in animal
facilities and against cattle infestation.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Human Exposure
The general population may be exposed to deltamethrin through its use
in public health measures, but more frequently via residues in food.
Residue levels in crops treated according to good agricultural
practices are generally very low, except in the case of post-harvest
treatment. Extensive data have been reviewed by the FAO/WHO Joint
Meeting on Pesticide Residues. The resulting exposure of the general
population is expected to be very low, but data from total-diet
studies are lacking.
2.2 Environmental Exposure and Fate
When deltamethrin-[1R, cis; alpha S] (labelled with 14C in the
acid, alcohol, or cyano groups) was exposed to sunlight as a thin film
for 4-8 h, 70% was transformed by cis/trans isomerization to the
[1R, trans; alpha S] and [1S, trans; alpha S] isomers. Ester-
cleavage products, including dibromovinylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid
(Br2CA) and alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol, were also formed.
Under glasshouse conditions, deltamethrin was degraded in cotton
plants and had an initial half-life of 1.1 weeks. The time needed for
90% loss was 4.6 weeks. The major metabolites were free and
conjugated Br2CA, trans-hydroxy-methyl-Br2CA, and
3-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)benzoic acid, which are formed by ester cleavage,
oxidation, and conjugation.
Under laboratory conditions, deltamethrin was incubated in sand and
organic soil at 28 °C. Approximately 52% and 74%, respectively, of
the applied deltamethrin remained 8 weeks after treatment.
Deltamethrin is not mobile in the environment because of its strong
adsorption to particles, its lack of solubility in water, and the very
low application rates used.
No data are available on the exact levels of deltamethrin in the
environment. With the current pattern of use, and when used as
recommended, environmental exposure is expected to be very low.
Degradation to less toxic products is rapid.
2.3 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
Deltamethrin is readily absorbed by the oral route but less readily
through the skin. The rate of absorption depends mostly on the
carrier or solvent. Absorbed deltamethrin is readily metabolized and
excreted.
When rats were orally fed deltamethrin (0.64-1.60 mg/kg), labelled
with 14C in the acid, alcohol, or cyano groups, the radiocarbon from
the acid and alcohol moiety was almost completely eliminated within
2-4 days. Tissue residue levels were generally very low except in fat,
where slightly higher residues occurred. The cyano portion, however,
was excreted more slowly, the total recovery in 8 days being 79%. The
major metabolic reactions were oxidation (at the trans-methyl
position of the cyclopropane ring and at the 2, 4, and 5 positions of
the alcohol moiety), ester cleavage, and conversion of the cyano
portion to thiocyanate. The resultant carboxylic acids and phenols
were conjugated with sulfuric acid, glycine, and glucuronic acid.
Mice excrete deltamethrin rapidly. When mice were fed deltamethrin
(1.7-4.4 mg/kg), labelled with 14C in the acid, alcohol, or cyano
groups, the excretion of radiocarbon was rapid except when it was the
cyano portion that was labelled. The major metabolic reactions in
mice are generally similar to those in rats.
The degradation pathways in cows and poultry are very similar to those
in rodents.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
Deltamethrin is highly toxic for fish and aquatic invertebrates. The
96-h LC50 for fish ranges between 0.4 and 2.0 µg/litre, while the
48-h LC50 for Daphnia is 5µg/litre. However, field use and
extensive field studies in experimental ponds have shown that this
high potential toxicity is not realized. Some kills of aquatic
invertebrates occur in the field, but usually there is rapid
compensation.
Deltamethrin has very low toxicity to birds. The LD50 values
(single oral dosing) are >1000 mg/kg. Under laboratory conditions,
deltamethrin is highly toxic for honey bees, but in practice the
hazard to bees is low. Although the contact LD50 is 0.051 µg/bee,
in field trials and practical use, bees tend to avoid deltamethrin.
2.5 Effects on Experimental Animals and In Vitro Test Systems
In a non-aqueous solvent, deltamethrin has a high to moderate acute
oral toxicity. The LD50 values (non-aqueous solvents) are
19-34 mg/kg in mice and 31-139 mg/kg in rats, but deltamethrin is far
less toxic when suspended in water (LD50 values >5000 mg/kg in
rats). Deltamethrin is a type II pyrethroid. Clinical signs include
tremor, salivation, and convulsions. The onset of poisoning is rapid
but in survivors the signs disappear within a few days. The
electroencephalogram shows generalized spike and wave discharges
before the occurrence of choreo-athetosis.
Single applications of technical deltamethrin in rabbits do not
irritate intact or abraded skin, but have a transient irritating
effect on their eyes whether or not the eyes are rinsed. Deltamethrin
is not a skin sensitizer in guinea-pigs.
When rats were dosed by gavage with deltamethrin (up to 10 mg/kg body
weight per day for 13 weeks), hyperexcitability occurred in males
after 6 weeks at the highest dose. In males fed 2.5 or 10 mg/kg, body
weight gain was reduced.
When Beagle dogs were dosed orally with deltamethrin (up to 10 mg/kg
body weight per day for 13 weeks), there were various compound-related
symptoms, such as vomiting, tremor, salivation, and depressed gag,
patellar, and flexor reflexes. In a 2-year feeding study in dogs, the
no-observed-effect level was 1 mg/kg body weight per day (the highest
level tested).
When mice were fed deltamethrin at dose levels up to 100 mg/kg diet
for 24 months, tumour incidence was not affected. The
no-observed-effect level for systemic toxicity was 100 mg/kg diet.
When rats were fed deltamethrin at dose levels of up to 50 mg/kg diet
for 2 years, no compound-related tumours were observed. The
no-observed-effect level for systemic toxicity was 50 mg/kg diet.
Deltamethrin is not mutagenic in a variety of in vivo and in vitro
test systems that include: DNA repair, gene mutation, chromosomal
aberration, sister chromatid exchange, micronucleus formation, and
dominant lethal tests.
Teratology studies have been conducted on pregnant rats and mice in
which deltamethrin was administered orally at dose levels up to
10 mg/kg per day during the period of major organogenesis. There were
no teratogenic or reproductive effects in either rats or mice except
for a dose-related decrease in mean fetal weight in the mouse study
and slightly delayed ossification in the rat study.
When rabbits were given deltamethrin at dose levels of up to 16 mg/kg
per day between days 6 and 19 of pregnancy, a decreased average fetal
weight was noted, but only at the highest dose. No teratogenic
effects were observed.
Rats were fed deltamethrin at dose levels up to 50 mg/kg diet in a
three-generation, two-litter reproduction study. No effects on
reproduction were observed.
There are indications that potentiation of toxicity may occur when
deltamethrin is combined with certain organophosphorus compounds.
2.6 Effects on Human Beings
Deltamethrin can induce skin sensations in exposed workers. There
have been several non-fatal cases of poisoning following occupational
exposure when safety precautions were not followed. Vertigo and
numbness, itching, tingling, and burning of the skin have been
frequently reported. Occasionally, a transient papular or blotchy
erythema has been described. Most of these symptoms were transient
and disappeared within 5 to 7 days. No long-term adverse effects have
been reported. Three non-fatal cases of deltamethrin poisoning after
the ingestion of several grams of the product have been described.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions
(a) General population: The exposure of the general population to
deltamethrin is expected to be very low. Deltamethrin is not likely
to present a hazard when used as recommended.
(b) Occupational exposure: When proper work practices, hygiene
measures, and safety precautions are followed, it is unlikely that
deltamethrin will be an occupational hazard.
(c) Environment: It is unlikely that deltamethrin or its degradation
products will reach levels of adverse environmental significance when
the recommended application rates are used. Under laboratory
conditions, deltamethrin is highly toxic for fish, aquatic arthropods,
and honey bees. However, under field conditions, long-lasting adverse
effects are not likely to occur when deltamethrin is used as
recommended.
3.2 Recommendations
Since there have been several cases of non-fatal poisoning and
transient effects resulting from occupational exposure to
deltamethrin, observations of human exposure should continue.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
4.1 Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide with a high to
moderate acute oral toxicity. The LD50 values in mice range from
19-34 mg/kg. In rats, the LD50 values range from 31-139 mg/kg in
non-aqueous vehicle, but it is much less toxic in suspension in water,
having LD50 values of >5000 mg/kg.
Deltamethrin is a moderate acute hazard. There have been several
non-fatal cases of poisoning during occupational exposure when safety
precautions were not followed. Severe headaches, dizziness, fatigue,
nausea, and anorexia, together with transient changes in the EEG, have
been reported. In a severe case, there were tremors and convulsions.
There was complete recovery in all cases.
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
deltamethrin, together with preventive and protective measures and
first aid recommendations, are listed in the International Chemical
Safety Card (section 6).
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
There is no specific antidote. Chemical pneumonitis resulting from
aspiration of the solvent into the lungs is a hazard that occurs when
liquid formulations are used. Therefore, do not induce vomiting.
Empty the stomach only on the advice of a physician and only with
equipment that will not cause aspiration into the lungs. Treat
symptomatically. If convulsions occur, diazepam (10 or 20 mg for an
adult) should be administered slowly, intravenously or rectally, and
repeated if necessary.
4.1.2 Health surveillance advice
Regularly exposed workers should undergo a pre-employment and annual
general medical examination. The occurrence of "facial skin
sensations" is 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 the 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, designated for pesticide storage only. Keep out of reach of
children, unauthorized personnel, and animals, and away from food and
animal feed. Prevent spills from leaking into watercourses.
4.4 Transport
For transport purposes, pyrethroids are classified as "harmful" or as
"low hazard". Formulations based on flammable solvents are subject to
international and local transport controls. Before transport, ensure
that the containers are intact and that labels are securely fixed and
not damaged. Comply with local transport regulations.
Do not transport in the same compartments as food and feed.
4.5 Spillage and Disposal
4.5.1 Spillage
Keep spectators away from leaking or spilled product. 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
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 deltamethrin 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
caustic soda or washing soda (as above) and a water/oil soluble
solvent such as denatured alcohol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene
glycol, or isopropanol.
Cover the material with a hydrolysing agent and let it stand for 7
days. Before disposal, the 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
Deltamethrin is very toxic for fish, aquatic invertebrates, and honey
bees, but due to the very low exposure levels that usually occur, it
will only cause a problem if spilled. Deltamethrin has a low toxicity
to birds.
When used as recommended, it is unlikely that deltamethrin or its
degradation products will reach levels of adverse environmental
significance.
Do not spray deltamethrin over bodies of water. Do not contaminate
ponds, waterways, or ditches with deltamethrin or its containers.
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, deltamethrin. It should be displayed at, or
near, entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to
deltamethrin, 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.
DELTAMETHRIN
CAS index name: (9CI): cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-,
alpha-cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl ester, [1R-[1 alpha (S*),3 alpha]]-,
Cas registry no. 52918-63-5
Molecular formula: C22H19Br2NO3
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Physical state crystalline powder Deltamethrin is a dibromo-pyrethroid with a
Colour colourless (1R)-cis geometry.
Odour odourless
Relative density 0.5
Relative molecular mass 505.24 It is stable to light, heat, and air, but unstable
Melting point ( °C) 98-101 °C in alkaline media.
Boiling point ( °C) decomposes >300 °C
Water solubility (20 °C) <0.002 mg/litre
Solubility in organic solvents solublea It is used as an insecticide on cotton and other
Vapour pressure (25 °C) 1.5 x 10-8 mmHg crops, and in public health and animal health.
n-Octanol-water partition 5.43
coefficient (log Pow)
a Acetone (500 g/litre); ethanol (15 g/litre); cyclohexanone (750 g/litre);
dioxane (900 g/litre); xylene (250 g/litre); ethylacetate.
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SKIN: Irritation; facial Use proper application techniques Remove contaminated clothing;
skin sensations and proper skin protection; clean wash skin with soap and water
protective equipment before re-use
EYES: Irritation Wear face shield or goggles Flush immediately with clean water
for at least 15 min
INHALATION: Irritant to Avoid inhalation of fine dust and Fresh air
respiratory system mist
INGESTION: Unlikely to be a Do not eat, drink, or smoke during
significant occupational hazard work; wash hands before eating,
drinking, or smoking
Accidental or deliberate Obtain medical attention
ingestion could cause neurological immediately; if breathing has stopped,
signs and symptons such as apply artificial respiration.
ataxia and convulsions.
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
A hazard of ingested liquid Do not induce vomiting. Give
formulations is aspiration activated charcoal
into lungs
ENVIRONMENT: Very toxic for Do not contaminate ponds, Effect on ponds can be minimized by
fish and honey bees waterways, or ditches with product adding soil
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 formulations may be highly
up, place in closed container, and unauthorized personnel, and flammable; use dry powder, carbon
and dispose of safely; do not food and animal feed dioxide, or alcohol-resistant
contaminate personnel, ponds, foam; cool nearby drums with
or waterways water spray
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 hydrolysing agent for 7
days; comply with local Local trade names:
regulations
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file and other UN sources. It is 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
deltamethrin at its meetings in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986,
1987, and 1988. In 1982, an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of
0-0.01 mg/kg body weight was established.
The Division of Vector Biology and Control, World Health Organization,
has classified deltamethrin as a moderately hazardous technical
product when used as recommended (WHO 1988), and has issued a Data
Sheet on deltamethrin (No. 50) (WHO/FAO 1984).
7.2 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given in the table on pages 26-27.
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
There are restrictions, limitations, and safety precautions in some of
the countries where deltamethrin has been registered. They should
always be consulted before deltamethrin is used.
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 substances
- Packing Group III: substance that has a relatively low risk of
poisoning during transport.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
FOOD Intake from FAO/WHO Acceptable daily intake (ADI) 0-0.01 mg/kg 1982
body weight
FOOD Residues FAO/WHO Maximum residue limit (MRL)
- tea 10 mg/kg 1987, 1988
- hops (dry), wheat bran (unprocessed)a 5 mg/kg
- coffee beansb 2 mg/kg
- wheat wholemeala, cereal grainsa,
lentils (dry)a, beans (dry)a, 1 mg/kg
field peas (dry)a
- straw and fodder (dry) of cereal
grains, legume animal feeds (dry
weight), leafy vegetables 0.5 mg/kg
- brassica leafy vegetablesa, edible
peel of fruiting vegetablesa 0.2 mg/kg
- bulb vegetables, edible peel of assorted
fruits, legume vegetables, oilseeds,
pome fruits, wheat floura 0.1 mg/kg
- artichokes, bananas, clementines, coco
beans, grapes, kiwi fruit, oranges
(sweet, sour), stone fruits, 0.05 mg/kg
strawberries
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
- legume oilseeds, melons, mushrooms,
pineapples, root and tuber 0.01 mg/kg
vegetables, milk
a not yet confirmed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
b p.h. = post harvest use.
The label should appear as follows:
According to the WHO specification for technical deltamethrin, the
material shall consist of deltamethrin together with related
manufacturing compounds and shall be in the form of a
white-to-cream-coloured crystalline powder, free from extraneous
impurities or added modifying agents. Its deltamethrin content shall
be at least 98%, and maximum levels are given for impurities.
Analytical methods are given.
Technical deltamethrin should be packed in suitable clean containers.
All containers shall bear the following information, durably and
legibly marked:
- Manufacturer's name
- Technical deltamethrin to specification WHO/SIT/24
- Batch or reference number, and date of test
- Net weight of contents
- Date of manufacture
and the following minimum cautionary notice:
Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid that acts predominantly on the central
nervous system; high dosages have been found to cause tonic seizures
in experimental animals. A high concentration in the air may be an
irritant, and contact with the concentrated product may induce a
temporary tingling sensation, particularly on the face. It may be
hazardous if swallowed. Do not inhale spray mist. Avoid contact
with skin; wear protective gloves, clean protective clothing, and a
face mask (surgical type) when handling the material. Wash hands and
exposed skin thoroughly after using. Keep containers out of the
reach of children and well away from foodstuffs and animal feed and
their containers. Deltamethrin is toxic to aquatic wildlife. Avoid
accidental contamination of water. If poisoning occurs, call a
physician. Treatment is symptomatic.
Similar specifications are given for deltamethrin formulations.
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 feed.
7.5 Waste Disposal
In some countries, permits are required to empty pyrethroids into
waters.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FAO (1985a) Guidelines for the packaging and storage of pesticides.
Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1985b) Guidelines for the disposal of waste pesticides and
pesticide containers on the farm. Rome, Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1985c) Guidelines on good labelling practice for pesticides.
Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
GIFAP (1982) Guidelines for the safe handling of pesticides during
their formulation, packing, storage and transport. Brussels,
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See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Deltamethrin (EHC 97, 1990)
Deltamethrin (ICSC)
DELTAMETHRIN (JECFA Evaluation)
Deltamethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1980 evaluations)
Deltamethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1981 evaluations)
Deltamethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1982 evaluations)
Deltamethrin (Pesticide residues in food: 1984 evaluations)
Deltamethrin (JMPR Evaluations 2000 Part II Toxicological)
Deltamethrin (UKPID)
Deltamethrin (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 53, 1991)