Pyrethrins

By Chloe Collins

Background Information

• Pyrethrum is a mixture of several different compounds called pyrethrins and cinerins.

• Pyrethrum was recognized 200 years ago in central Asia• Pyrethrin insecticides are derived from two daises (chrysanthemum

cinerariifolium, and C. coccineum) that contain nerve toxins which kill insects on contact.

• Originally made by grinding the flowers into a powder. Today Pyrethrum is extracted with solvents.

• Found mainly in tiny oil containing glands on the surface of the seed case in the tightly packed flour head and is the plants own insecticide that has evolved to keep insects away.

Background Information

• Pyrethrin insecticides are used in veterinary medicine for agricultural and domestic purposes.

• They are home and garden insecticides.• Pyrethrin is found in some indoor sprays, pet shampoos,

and aerosol bombs to kill flying and jumping bugs.• Many store-preparations enhance Pyrethrin insecticides

with piperonyl boxide, to makes it more toxic.

Risks

• Pyrethrins can trigger life threatening allergic responses including heart failure and serve asthma

• Pyrethrins are a common cause of insecticide poisonings. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

• Pyrethrins are extremely toxic to bees, fish, cats, dogs and other aquatic animals.

• Farmers who use pyrethrins have an increase risk of developing leukemia

• Following indoor treatments, pyrethrins have persisted up to 2 ½ months in carpet dust.

Benefits

• Pyrethrins have a much lower toxicity to humans.

• Pyrethrins have a fast degradation in the soil.

• Pyrethrin insecticides help get rid of unwanted bugs such as lice, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, etc.

Alternatives

• Use other products that offer bio based alternatives to traditional synthetic pesticides.

• Limit the amount of pyrethrin insecticide products you are using• Some fruits and vegetables have pyrethrin insecticide on them,

therefore it is important to wash your fruits and vegetables before consuming them.

• Use non pyrethrin pet shampoos and lice treatments.• If you are using pyrethrin pesticides a way minimize your exposure

is by avoiding contact with eyes, wear eye wear protection, long pants, a long sleeved shirt, and a hat that can be easily washed.

Sources

• http://houseplants.about.com/od/pests/a/Pyrethrin-Insecticides-What-Is-Pyrethrin-Insecticide.htm

• http://www.versicolor.ca/lawn/notes/pyrethrins2.html• http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/pyrethrins-

ziram/pyrethrins-ext.html• http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=785&tid=153• http://www.livingwithbugs.com/

permethrin_pyrethrum.html• http://www.wondercide.com/content/truth-about-

pesticides/