IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 73
ROTENONE
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1992
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)
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
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Rotenone : health and safety guide.
(Health and safety guide ; no. 73)
1.Rotenone - standards 2.Rotenone - toxicity
3.Environmental exposure I.Series
ISBN 92 4 151073 0 (NLM Classification: WA 240)
ISSN 0259-7268
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(c) World Health Organization 1992
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Human exposure to rotenone
2.2. Effects on the environment
2.3. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.4. Effects on animals
2.5. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1. Conclusions
3.2. Recommendations
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1. Human health hazards, prevention and protection, first aid
4.1.1. Prevention and protection
4.1.2. First aid
4.2. Advice to physicians
4.3. Explosion and fire hazards
4.4. Storage and transport
4.5. Spillage and disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
6.1. Exposure limit values
6.2. Transport and labelling
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
This Health and Safety Guide is not based on an existing Environmental
Health Criteria document, but on critical national reviews. The
hazard evaluation in the Health and Safety Guide was made on the basis
of carefully selected studies, after scrutiny of the original
publications.
In order to assist the peer-review process of the present Health and
Safety Guide, a background companion document was prepared by the IPCS
and can be obtained from the Director on request; the IPCS does not
intend that the background document should be published.
The first three sections of this Health and Safety Guide present
essential technical information and the hazard evaluation. 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.
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 occupational health services, those in
ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are
involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of
environmental health hazards, and those wanting 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.
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 Director
International Programme on Chemical Safety
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
Rotenone is a naturally occurring chemical with insecticidal and
piscicidal properties obtained from the roots of several tropical and
subtropical plant species belonging to genus Lonchocarpus or
Derris.
Chemical formula: C23H2206
Chemical structure:
Plant names: Derris elliptica; Lonchocarpus
utilis; L. urucu; L. nicou;
(barbasco; cube; haiari; nekoe;
timbo)
Common names of plant extracts: tubatoxin; tuba-root; derris-root;
aker-tuba; cube-root
Formulations: Formulations of rotenone often
contain various concentrations of
other pesticides
Trade/trivial names: Derril, Tubatoxin, Extrax, Mexide
CAS registry number: 83-79-4
RTECS registry number: DJ2800000
The purity of rotenone preparations varies widely, depending on
origin. Identified impurities include dehydrorotenone and rotenonone.
1.2 Physical and chemical properties
Rotenone is a colourless, crystalline solid with a melting point of
165-166 °C and has a very low solubility in water at ambient
temperatures. It is soluble in acetone, carbon disulfide, ethyl
acetate, and chloroform. It is less soluble in ether, carbon
tetrachloride, and petroleum solvents. Solutions are readily
oxidized, in the presence of light and alkali, to products with weaker
insecticidal properties.
1.3 Analytical methods
Rotenone can be extracted with chloroform and determined by
ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, or analysed using HPLC with UV
detection.
Paper and thin layer chromatographic as well as colorimetric methods
have been described both for the analysis of formulations and the
determination of residues in several crops.
1.4 Uses
Rotenone is a selective, nonsystemic insecticide used on fruit trees,
such as apple, apricot, peach, persimmon, pomegranate, and quince, to
control aphids, maggots, bagworms, codling moths, Japanese beetles,
leaf hoppers, Mexican bean beetles, cabbage worms, thrips, stinkbugs,
flea beetles, and vegetable weevils. It is also used to control
grubs, ticks, lice, and fleas on cattle. Rotenone has been used on
humans for external treatment of chiggers (2% lotion) and scabies (10%
emulsion). Emulsifiable concentrates and wettable powders of rotenone
are also extensively used in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs to control
undesirable fish.
Rotenone is available as a technical-grade solution at concentrations
of 35%, 90%, or 95%, as a formulation intermediate at a concentration
of 50%, and as a wettable powder containing 5% or 20% active
substance. It is also available as a 5% emulsifiable concentrate.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Human exposure to rotenone
Human exposure mainly occurs in connection with its extraction and
formulation, and its use as a pesticide. No data have been found on
the extent of human exposure.
2.2 Effects on the environment
Rotenone is highly toxic for aquatic life. Most values for the 96-h
LC50 for different fish species and for daphnids (water fleas) lie
in the range of 0.02-0.2 mg/litre. If used as a piscicide, it may
also cause a temporary decrease in numbers of other aquatic organisms,
such as daphnids. On the other hand, it is readily oxidized on soil
and plant surfaces to less toxic products and seems to have a low
persistence. Its toxicity for birds is very low. Rotenone is
non-phytotoxic.
2.3 Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
Rotenone may be absorbed by ingestion and by inhalation. On the basis
of rabbit studies, absorption through the intact skin is low. The
metabolism and pharmacokinetics of rotenone are not completely
understood, but the compound is metabolized by the mammalian liver.
Most of the ingested compound is eliminated in the faeces.
2.4 Effects on animals
Rotenone exerts its toxic action by acting as a general inhibitor of
cellular respiration. The acute oral toxicity of rotenone is moderate
for mammals, but there is a wide variation between species. Rotenone
by the oral route is less toxic for the mouse and hamster than for the
rat; the pig seems to be especially sensitive. The reported oral
LD50 values in the rat vary quite considerably, possibly because of
differences in the plant extracts used. Recent studies have shown
that in rats rotenone is more toxic for females than males. It is
highly irritating to the skin in rabbits.
No evidence of carcinogenic action has been found in long-term studies
on rats and mice, and tests have not revealed any significant
genotoxic activity. An NOAEL of 0.4 mg/kg per day has been
determined for rats (2-year study) and dogs (6-month study). In
short-term studies on rats, dose-dependent bone marrow atrophy and
forestomach lesions were observed. In dogs, in addition to weight
loss, haematological effects were found after six months' oral
administration of rotenone at 10 mg/kg per day. Fetotoxic effects
were observed in mice and rats at doses that elicited adverse
reactions in the mother. The no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was
0.4 mg/kg per day. There were no indications of a teratogenic action
in rodents below doses that were maternally toxic.
2.5 Effects on human beings
Acute poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, numbness, and tremors. A
lowest lethal dose of 143 mg/kg has been cited in a child, but it may
be that the compound is less toxic in adults. Occupational exposure
to powdered rotenone containing plant materials has been reported to
induce dermatitis, ulcers in the nose, and irritation of mucous
membranes.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions
The acute oral toxicity of rotenone is moderate in mammals, but there
is a wide variation between species. Chronic toxic effects in
long-term feeding studies have been found in experimental animals.
Clinical experience seems to indicate that humans, in particular
children, are rather sensitive to the acute effects of rotenone.
There is no evidence for any carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic
action of rotenone.
Rotenone is highly toxic for aquatic life. It is readily oxidized on
soil and plant surfaces to less toxic products and has a low
persistence in the environment.
3.2 Recommendations
It is recommended that rotenone should be handled with caution,
particular attention being paid to keeping it away from children.
Care should also be taken to avoid unintentional contamination of
surface waters.
The use of rotenone for medicinal purposes is to be discouraged.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Human health hazards, prevention and protection, first aid
Pure rotenone is moderately toxic for humans, but since the
concentration of active ingredient in many marketed formulations is
low, the use of this pesticide has resulted in few intoxications.
4.1.1 Prevention and protection
The prevention of occupational poisoning depends on ensuring a safe
work environment and proper work practices. The following precautions
should be observed whenever rotenone is handled and used, in order to
reduce the risk of accidental contamination.
* Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
* Do not smoke, drink, or eat while handling rotenone. Wash hands
and any exposed skin before eating, drinking, or smoking, and
after work.
* Avoid breathing dust from powder products. Disposable dust masks
should be worn, whenever appropriate.
* When unloading and handling containers of concentrates, wear
protective PVC or neoprene gloves.
* When handling leaking containers, or when dealing with leaks and
spills, wear overalls and PVC or neoprene gloves and boots. If
overalls become contaminated, change and wash them thoroughly
before reuse.
* Store products in closed original labelled containers out of
reach of children and away from food and animal feed.
4.1.2 First aid
If material has contaminated the skin, remove all contaminated
clothing, and wash affected areas with soap and water. If the
material is in the eyes, flush with clean water for at least
5-10 minutes. In case of ingestion, seek medical aid immediately.
Until then, if the patient is conscious, give a glass of water or a
slurry of activated charcoal, if available, and induce vomiting.
4.2 Advice to physicians
Rotenone is moderately toxic for humans. There is no specific
antidote. In cases of ingestion, gastric lavage is indicated, unless
it can be safely assumed that a non-toxic dose has been taken.
Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. There is no evidence
of chronic toxicity in humans.
4.3 Explosion and fire hazards
Fight fires with alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, or dry
powder. Confine the use of water sprays to the cooling of unaffected
stock only, thus avoiding polluted run-off from the site. Fire
service personnel should be advised that self-contained breathing
apparatus may be necessary, because of the generation of noxious
fumes.
4.4 Storage and transport
All products should be stored in secure buildings, out of reach of
children and animals, and local regulations should be complied with.
Containers should be sound and adequately labelled.
Rotenone should be transported in a separate compartment to prevent
contamination of any food or animal feed.
4.5 Spillage and disposal
Avoid personal contact with rotenone or any of its formulations. Keep
spectators away from any leakage. This pesticide is highly toxic for
fish. Prevent contamination of other goods or cargo, and of surface
waters.
Absorb spillage of liquid products with sawdust, earth, or sand, sweep
up and place in separate container. Activated carbon can also be used
to adsorb rotenone. Empty any product remaining in damaged or leaking
containers into a clean, empty container, which should be suitably
labelled. Sweep up any spilled powder with damp sawdust, taking care
not to raise a dust cloud. Remove trapped material with suction
hoses. Place in separate container for subsequent disposal. As it is
easily destroyed by heat the compound can be disposed of by simple
burning. Empty containers should be punctured to prevent reuse.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
Rotenone is not persistent, as it is readily decomposed in air and
light. However, it has a high acute toxicity for aquatic organisms.
Therefore, surface waters must not be contaminated.
6. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
6.1 Exposure limit values
The Joint FAO/WHO Meeting of Pesticide Residues in Food (JMPR) has not
reviewed the compound to establish an ADI. A threshold limit value,
time weighted average (TWA) for rotenone of 5 mg/m3 has been
recommended by the US ACGIH and adopted by several countries.
Some exposure limits for food products are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Exposure limits for food products in some countries
Country Food product Exposure Value Effective
limit (mg/kg) date
description
Austria All products 0.05 1988
Germany All products Maximum 0.1 1990
of plant residue
origin limit
France Fruits and 0.05 1989
vegetables
Italy Specified 0.04 1985
fruits and
vegetables
Netherlands All products 0.05 1988
6.2 Transport and labelling
The European Community egislation requires labelling as a dangerous
substance using the symbol:
The label must read:
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed;
keep out of reach of children; keep away from food, drink and
animal feeding stuff; if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
(show the label where possible).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cutkomp LK (1943) Toxicity of rotenone and derris extract
administered orally to birds. J Pharmacol expt Therap, 77: 238-246.
Dorne M & Friedman TB (1940) Derris root dermatitis. J Am Med Assoc,
115: 1268-1270.
Gosselin RE, Smith RP, Hodge HC, & Braddock J (1984) Clinical
toxicology of commercial products. 5th ed. Baltimore, Williams and
Wilkins, pp. III-366-III-368.
Haley TJ (1978) A review of the literature of rotenone 1,2,12,12a-
tetrahydro-8,9-dimethoxy-2-(1-methylethenyl)-1-benzopyrano[3,5-b]furo
[2,3-h][1]benzopyran-6(6h)-one. J Environ pathol Toxicol., 1: 315-337.
Hayes WJ & Laws, ER (1991) Rotenone and related materials. In:
Handbook of pesticide toxicology. New York, Academic Press, Inc.,
pp. 599-603.
Oliver W & Roe C (1957) Rotenone poisoning of swine. J Am Vet
Assoc., 130: 410-411.
Santi R & Toth C (1965) Toxicology of rotenone. Farmaco Ed Sci,
20: 270.
WHO (1992) The WHO recommended classification of pesticides by hazard
and guidelines to classification 1992-1993. Geneva, World Health
Organization, 66 pp. (unpublished document, WHO/PCS/92.14).
Worthing CR & Hance RJ (1991) The pesticide manual, 9th ed. Croydon,
British Crop Protection Council, pp. 758-759.