Pyrethroid
Pyrethroid
Pyrethroid (/paɪˈriːθrɔɪd/) is a type of synthetic chemical compound, often used in insecticides. They are designed to mimic the insecticidal properties of the natural compound pyrethrin, which is found in the flowers of plants in the genus Chrysanthemum.
Etymology
The term "pyrethroid" is derived from the Greek words "pyrethrum" and "eidos", meaning "like pyrethrum". Pyrethrum refers to the dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum, which have been used as a natural insecticide for centuries.
Types of Pyrethroids
There are several types of pyrethroids, including Permethrin, Cypermethrin, and Deltamethrin. These are all synthetic versions of the natural compound pyrethrin.
Uses
Pyrethroids are primarily used as an insecticide, due to their ability to quickly paralyze and kill insects. They are commonly used in household insecticide products, as well as in agriculture to protect crops from pests.
Health Effects
Exposure to pyrethroids can cause a variety of health effects in humans, including skin irritation, nausea, headache, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
Environmental Impact
While pyrethroids are effective at controlling pests, they can also have a negative impact on the environment. They are toxic to aquatic organisms and can contaminate water sources if not properly managed.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyrethroid
- Wikipedia's article - Pyrethroid
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