Profenofos, a clear pale yellow liquid, is an organophosphorous insecticide developed by Ciba-Geigy (Switzerland).
Profenofos (RS)-(O-4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl O-ethyl S-propyl phosphorothioate)
Profenophos
It belongs to a group called Organophosphate. Non-systemic insecticide & Acaricide with contact & stomach action.
Profenofos is an organophosphate insecticide. It is a liquid with a pale yellow to amber color and a garlic-like odor . It was first registered for use in the United States in 1982. As of 2015, it is not approved for use in the European Union.
Profenofos is a broad-spectrum insecticide, meaning that it can kill a wide variety of insects. It is typically used on cotton crops to control pests such as bollworms, aphids, and whiteflies. However, it can also be used on other crops, including vegetables such as maize, potato, soybean, and sugar beet.
Profenofos is a restricted use pesticide in the United States, meaning that it can only be applied by certified applicators. This is because profenofos can be toxic to humans and animals if not handled properly.
Health effects of profenofos
Profenofos can cause a variety of health effects, including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Difficulty breathing
In severe cases, profenofos exposure can lead to coma and death.
Precautions to take when handling profenofos
If you must handle profenofos, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from exposure. These steps include:
- Wearing long sleeves, pants, and gloves
- Wearing a respirator
- Avoiding contact with skin and eyes
- Washing thoroughly after handling