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Permethrin - Identification, toxicity, use, water pollution potential, ecological toxicity and regulatory information

Note: See Working with the Information on this Page section below for important notes about this data.

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Chemical ID
 Identifying information, including synonyms, ID numbers, use type, chemical classification, a link to a list of all products containing this chemical and a list of the top crops this pesticide is used on in California.
Poisoning Symptoms
 Signs and symptoms of poisoning, first aid, and links to treatment information for this chemical.
Toxicity
 Link to information on toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity.
Regulatory
 Links to world-wide registration status as well as regulatory information for the U.S. and California.
Water
 Water quality standards and physical properties affecting water contamination potential.
Ecotoxicity
 Toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Related Chems
 List of chemicals in the same family, including breakdown products, salts, esters, isomers, and other derivatives.
 

Chemical Identification and Use for Permethrin
Basic Identification Information About This Chemical
Chemical Name: Permethrin
CAS Number: 51877-74-8 (trans-isomer)
52645-53-1 (mixed isomers)
54774-45-7 (cis-isomer)
U.S. EPA PC Code: 109701
598600 (Old US EPA PC Code)
CA DPR Chem Code: 2008
Molecular Weight: 391.28
Molecular Structure:
Use Type: Insecticide
Chem Class: Pyrethroid
View Related Chemicals
 
Additional Resources About This Chemical Class and Use Type

See the Global Pesticide Resources page for many additional links.
Historical Use of this Chemical
Top five crops and sites for this pesticide in California
Structural Pest Control   Pistachios   Landscape   Almonds   Head Lettuce  
View All Crops and Sites
 
Other Names for this Chemical
About Chemical Synonyms
(3-Phenoxyphenyl)methyl cis,trans-(+-)-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate , 02008 (CA DPR Chem Code Text) , 02008 (CA DPR Chem Code) , 109701 (US EPA PC Code Text) , 109701 (US EPA PC Code) , 2008 (CA DPR Chem Code) , 2008 (CA DPR Chem Code) , 3-Phenoxybenzyl (+-)cis and trans*-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate *(max cis 40% min trans 60%) , 3-Phenoxybenzyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate , 3-Phenoxybenzyl 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate , 3-Phenoxyphenylmethyl-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (mixture of 40% cis and 60% trans isomers) , 51877-74-8 (CAS number) , 51877748 (CAS number without hyphens) , 52645-53-1 (CAS number) , 52645531 , 52645531 (CAS number without hyphens) , 539 (PDP Code) , 54774-45-7 (CAS number) , 54774457 (CAS number without hyphens) , 598600 (Old US EPA PC Code) , 598600 (US EPA PC Code Text) , 598600 (US EPA PC Code) , AI 3-29158 , AI-29158 , Ambush , Anomethrin N , Antiborer 3768 , Atroban , BW 21-Z , Chinetrin , Coopex , Corsair , Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-, (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl ester (9CI) , Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-, 3-phenoxybenzyl ester, (+-)-, (cis,trans)- , Diffusil H , Ecsumin , Ectiban , Efmethrin , Eksmin , Exmin , FMC 33297 , FMC 41655 , Indothrin , Ipitox , Kafil , Kavil , Kestrel , m-Phenoxybenzyl 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate , Matadan , MP 79 , NDRC 143 , NIA-33297 , NRDC 143 , Outflank , Outflank-Stockade , Perigen , Perigen W , Permanone 10 , Permanone 40 , Permasect , Permethrin , Permethrin , Permethrin total , Permethrin Total , Permethrin, cis isomer , Permethrin, mixed cis,trans , Permethrin, mixed cis,trans (ANSI) , permethrine , Permetrin , Permetrina , Perthrine , Pounce , PP 557 , Pramex , R-86557 , S-3151 , SBP 1513TEC , SBP-1513 , Spartan , Stomoxin , Talcord , Use code no. 109701 , WL 43479
 
Products Containing This Chemical
Current and historic U.S. registered products
View U.S. Products All Products Currently Registered Products
 

Signs and Symptoms of Permethrin Poisoning

NOTE! There may be other diseases and chemicals that have similar symptoms.

If you have a poisoning emergency in the United States call 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is unconscious, call 911.

Permethrin is a Pyrethroid compound.

Report a Poisoning
Symptoms of Poisoning with Pyrethroid Compounds
Find Products Containing this Chemical

- Irritation of skin and eyes.
- Irritability to sound or touch, abnormal facial sensation, sensation of prickling, tingling or creeping on skin, numbness.
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, fatigue.
- In severe cases: fluid in the lungs and muscle twitching may develop. Seizures may occur and are more common with more toxic cyano-pyrethroids.

Source for Group Symptoms: Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisoning, 5th edition, U.S. EPA, Chapter 8.
Treatment for Pyrethroid Poisoning

See: Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisoning, 5th edition, U.S. EPA, Chapter 8, page 88.

 
Symptoms of Permethrin Exposure from the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC)

Report a Poisoning
View full ICSC Cards: English   Español   Française   Chinese   Dutch   Finnish   German   Hungarian   Japanese   Swahili   Thai   Urdu  
NOTE! PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Route of Exposure

Symptoms

First Aid
Inhalation Cough. Fresh air rest.
Skin Redness. Burning sensation. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes Redness. Pain. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible) then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Vomiting. Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.
Notes for ICSC Information
Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may change physical and toxicological properties. Ambush Eksmin Talcord are trade names. Also consult publication Health and Safety Guide No. 33 Permethrin and Environmental Health Criteria No. 94 Permethrin of IPCS.
 

Toxicity Information for Permethrin

  Note: Information for many chemicals is incomplete and may not be fully representative of effects on humans. Why?

Summary Toxicity Information

PAN Bad Actor
Chemical 1 		Acute
Toxicity 2 		Carcinogen Cholinesterase
Inhibitor 		Ground
Water Contaminant 		Developmental or
Reproductive Toxin 		Endocrine
Disruptor
Not Listed Moderate Possible No
Suspected
 
Indicates high toxicity in the given toxicological category. Indicates no available weight-of-the-evidence summary assessment. For additional information on toxicity from scientific journals or registration documents, see the "Additional Resources for Toxicity " section of the chemical detail page.
1. PAN Bad Actors are chemicals that are one or more of the following: highly acutely toxic, cholinesterase inhibitor, known/probable carcinogen, known groundwater pollutant or known reproductive or developmental toxicant. NOTE! Because there are no authoritative lists of Endocrine Disrupting (ED) chemicals, EDs are not yet considered PAN Bad Actor chemicals.
2. The acute toxicity reported on this page is of the pure chemical ingredient only and may not reflect the acute toxicity of individual pesticide products. To view acute toxicity of individual products, click on 'View Products' link in the 'Chemical Identification' section above.

Additional Resources about the Toxicity of this Chemical

See the Global Pesticide Resources page for many additional links.

Detailed Toxicity Information
Acute Toxicity 2
 Permethrin
WHO Acute Hazard
TRI Acute Hazard
Material Safety Data Sheets
Acute rating from U.S. EPA product label
U.S. NTP Acute Toxicity Studies
      View Studies
Cholinesterase Inhibitor		 II, Moderately Hazardous
Not Listed
Not Available
Slightly Toxic
No NTP Studies

No
2. The acute toxicity reported on this page is of the pure chemical ingredient only and may not reflect the acute toxicity of individual pesticide products. To view acute toxicity of individual products, click on 'View Products' link in the 'Chemical Identification' section above.
 
Cancer Information
 Permethrin
IARC Carcinogens
U.S. NTP Carcinogens
California Prop 65 Known Carcinogens
U.S. EPA Carcinogens
TRI Carcinogen		 3, Unclassifiable
Not Listed
Not Listed
Suggestive
Not Listed
 
Endocrine Disruption
 Permethrin
Illinois EPA list
Keith list
Colborn list
Benbrook list
Danish Inert list
EU list		 Suspected
Not Listed
Yes
Yes
Not Listed
Yes
 
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity
 Permethrin
CA Prop 65 Developmental Toxin
U.S. TRI Developmental Toxin
CA Prop 65 Female Reproductive Toxin
CA Prop 65 Male Reproductive Toxin
U.S. TRI Reproductive Toxin 		Not Listed
Not Listed
Not Listed
Not Listed
Not Listed
 
Chemicals of Special Concern
 Permethrin
PAN Bad Actors
PAN Dirty Dozen list		 Not Listed
Not Listed
 

Water Pollution Potential and Criteria for Permethrin

Water Pollution Potential

PAN Ground Water Contaminant Rating Insufficient Data
 
Physical Property Data Related to Water Contamination Potential
Water Solubility (Avg, mg/L)
Adsorption Coefficient (Koc)
Hydrolysis Half-life (Avg, Days)
Aerobic Soil Half-life (Avg, Days)
Anaerobic Soil Half-life (Avg, Days) 		0.0060
39,300
3,597
30.0
108.0 		 
 

Water Standards and Criteria
WHO Water Quality Criteria
Description Only when used as a larvicide for public health purposes, Occurs in drinking-water at concentrations well below those at which toxic effects may occur
Concentration (μg/l unless otherwise noted) 300.0
Notes Notes: n
Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life
 µg/L unless noted  
Fresh Water Guidelines 0.004 Notes: c
Salt Water Guidelines 0.001 Notes: c
 

Regulatory Information for Permethrin

International Regulatory Status
Registration in Selected Countries Registration in Selected Countries:
Permethrin
 
UNEP Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP)
UNEP Prior Informed Consent Chemical (PIC)
WHO Obsolete Pesticide		 Not Listed
Not Listed
Not Listed
 

U.S. and California Regulatory Status
U.S. EPA Registered
U.S. EPA Hazardous Air Pollutant
U.S. EPA Minimum Risk Pesticide (25b list)

CA Registered
CA Groundwater Contaminant
CA Toxic Air Contaminant 		Yes
Not Listed
No

Yes
Not Listed
In Evaluation
 

Maximum Tolerance and Residue Levels
Codex Alimentarius
   (UN FAO Maximum Residue Limits)
U.S. Maximum Tolerance Levels
European Union Maximum Residue Levels 		Go to web site

Go to web site
Go to web site
 

Ecotoxicity for Permethrin

Note! Information for many chemicals is incomplete and may not be fully representative of effects on the environment. Why? Click on underlined terms for definitions and additional information.

Aquatic Ecotoxicity
All Toxic Effects for Organism Group
Organism Group Effects Noted
Amphibians Behavior, Biochemistry, Development, Enzyme(s), Growth, Mortality
Annelida Mortality
AquaticPlants Accumulation, Population
Crustaceans Accumulation, Enzyme(s), Growth, Mortality, Population
Crustaceans Mortality
Fish Accumulation, Behavior, Biochemistry, Cell(s), Development, Enzyme(s), Feeding Behavior, Growth, Histology, Injury, Intoxication, Morphology, Mortality, Physiology, Population
Fish Mortality
Insects Mortality
Insects Accumulation, Behavior, Biochemistry, Development, Enzyme(s), Intoxication, Mortality, Population
Insects Mortality
Molluscs Accumulation, Enzyme(s), Feeding Behavior, Growth, Intoxication, Morphology, Mortality
NematodesandFlatworms Mortality, Population
Phytoplankton Accumulation, Biochemistry, Ecosystem Process, Growth, Mortality, Physiology, Population, Reproduction
Zooplankton Accumulation, Behavior, Biochemistry, Development, Enzyme(s), Feeding Behavior, Intoxication, Mortality, Population, Reproduction
~ Un-Assigned Accumulation, Behavior, Development, Mortality, Population, Reproduction
View All Aquatic Ecotoxicity Studies and References
 
Summary of Acute Toxicity for Organism Group
Organism Group Average Acute Toxicity Acute Toxicity Range
Insects Very Highly Toxic Very Highly Toxic
Amphibians Moderately Toxic Slight to Very High Toxicity
Annelida Slightly Toxic Slight Toxicity
Crustaceans Very Highly Toxic Very Highly Toxic
Fish Moderately Toxic Slight to Very High Toxicity
Insects Highly Toxic Moderate to Very High Toxicity
Molluscs Slightly Toxic Not Acutely Toxic to High Toxicity
NematodesandFlatworms Slightly Toxic Slight Toxicity
Phytoplankton Slightly Toxic Slight Toxicity
Zooplankton Highly Toxic Moderate to Very High Toxicity
~ Un-Assigned Highly Toxic Moderate to Very High Toxicity
Insects Very Highly Toxic Very Highly Toxic
View All Acute Summaries
 

Terrestrial Ecotoxicity

We are seeking funding to incorporate terrestrial ecotoxicity data analogous to the aquatic ecotoxicity data in the space above. Watch this space!

Related Chemicals for Permethrin
CAS Number Relation Reason Chemical Name Chem Detail Registration Symptoms California Use Chem Use Type U.S. EPA Reg PAN Bad Actor
52645-53-1, 54774-45-7, 51877-74-8 Parent P Permethrin View View View View Insecticide Yes Not Listed
52341-33-0 Related 6 (+-)-cis-Permethrin View View View View Insecticide No Not Listed
3739-38-6 Related 5a 3-phenoxybenzoic acid View View View View Breakdown product No Not Listed
Related 5a cis-3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid View View View View Breakdown product No Not Listed
Related 13 Permethrin cis View View View View No Not Listed
Related 13 Permethrin trans View View View View No Not Listed
Related 8 Permethrin, other related View View View View Insecticide No Not Listed
Related 5a trans-3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid View View View View Breakdown product No Not Listed
 
Working with the Information on this Page

Click on underlined terms for definitions or go to the Pesticide Tutorial overview page.

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* Data marked with an asterisk indicates that this chemical is not explicitly listed on the corresponding list. Instead, it belongs to a group of chemicals that IS designated on the list. For example, if an agency assigns a classification of reproductive toxicant to "mercury compounds", that classification is applied to all mercury compounds in the PAN Pesticide database, which are then marked with an asterisk.

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Citation: Kegley, S.E., Hill, B.R., Orme S., Choi A.H., PAN Pesticide Database, Pesticide Action Network, North America (San Francisco, CA, 2010), http:www.pesticideinfo.org.
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