Temefos

Temefos (also known as Abate) is an organophosphate pesticide that is primarily used to control mosquito larvae. It is a white, crystalline solid with a slight sulfur odor.

History

Temefos was first registered in the United States in 1965 for use in controlling mosquito larvae. It is currently registered for use in both public health and pest control.

Uses

Temefos is used to control mosquito larvae in a variety of habitats. These include freshwater marshes, salt marshes, and non-crop wetlands. It is also used in residential areas, such as in ornamental fountains, swimming pools, and other water-holding containers where mosquitoes may breed.

Mode of Action

Temefos works by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is essential for normal nerve impulse transmission. In insects, this leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, causing paralysis and death.

Health Effects

Exposure to temefos can cause a variety of health effects in humans. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweating, blurred vision, and headache. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and respiratory failure.

Environmental Impact

Temefos is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. It is also toxic to birds and bees. However, it is not likely to accumulate in the environment due to its low potential for bioaccumulation and its relatively short half-life in water and soil.

Regulatory Status

In the United States, temefos is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that it can only be used by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision.

See Also

• Organophosphate poisoning
• Mosquito control
• Pesticide toxicity to bees

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