Human exposure to insecticide products containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (2001–2003)

Abstract

Pyrethrum, used as an insecticide for centuries, is derived from dried and ground flowers of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. Its current major use is in insecticide products to the control insects in the home and food handling establishments. We investigated human incidents reported through the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS ©) associated with regulated insecticides containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (PY/PBO) from 2001 to 2003. Special attention was paid to dermal and respiratory effects. Although there are limitations associated with TESS data, we observed that ■ Despite extensive use, incidents with reports of moderate or major adverse effects were relatively rare (717 moderate and 23 major outcomes out of 17,873 calls). ■ Following label-directed use of the products, adverse dermal or respiratory reactions were very rare; (dermal – 17 moderate, 1 major; respiratory – 18 moderate, 0 major). ■ The data suggest that asthmatics and people sensitive to ragweed ( Ambrosia artisifolia) are not unusually sensitive to PY/PBO. In view of their widespread use, the data indicates that PY/PBO products can be used with a relatively low risk of adverse effects. Moreover, the data suggest that they are not likely to cause reactions in people with asthma or allergies.