Azinphos-methyl
Encyclopedia
Azinphos-methyl is a broad spectrum organophosphate
insecticide
manufactured by Bayer CropScience
, Gowan Co., and Makhteshim Agan
. Like other pesticide
s in this class, it owes its insecticidal properties (and human toxicity) to the fact that it is an acetylcholinesterase
inhibitor.
derived from nerve agents developed during World War II. In the US, it is registered for use on select nut trees, vegetable crops, and fruit trees. It is not registered for consumer or residential use. It has been linked to health problems of farmers who apply it, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) considered a denial of reregistration, citing, “concern to farm workers, pesticide applicators, and aquatic ecosystems". After settling a 2004 lawsuit brought by the United Farm Workers of America and other groups, the EPA accounced it would begin phasing out the remaining uses of the pesticide in 2007 with all uses ending in 2012. In January 2007, the suit was reopened, with the plaintiffs seeking a quicker phaseout.
Azinphos-methyl has been banned in the European Union
since 2006.
The New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority
made a decision to phase out azinphos-methyl over a five year period starting from 2009.
Organophosphorus
Organophosphorus compounds are degradable organic compounds containing carbon–phosphorus bonds , used primarily in pest control as an alternative to chlorinated hydrocarbons that persist in the environment...
insecticide
Insecticide
An insecticide is a pesticide used against insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against the eggs and larvae of insects respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and the household. The use of insecticides is believed to be one of the major factors behind...
manufactured by Bayer CropScience
Bayer
Bayer AG is a chemical and pharmaceutical company founded in Barmen , Germany in 1863. It is headquartered in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and well known for its original brand of aspirin.-History:...
, Gowan Co., and Makhteshim Agan
Makhteshim Agan
Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of branded off-patent pesticides. Makhteshim-Agan is the world's seventh largest company in the global agrochemical sector with an approximately 5% market share for off-patent proprietary and branded products...
. Like other pesticide
Pesticide
Pesticides are substances or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.A pesticide may be a chemical unicycle, biological agent , antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest...
s in this class, it owes its insecticidal properties (and human toxicity) to the fact that it is an acetylcholinesterase
Acetylcholinesterase
"Acetylcholinesterase, also known as AChE or acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, is an enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, producing choline and an acetate group. It is mainly found at neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic nervous system, where its activity serves to terminate...
inhibitor.
History and uses
Azinphos-methyl is a neurotoxinNeurotoxin
A neurotoxin is a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells , usually by interacting with membrane proteins such as ion channels. Some sources are more general, and define the effect of neurotoxins as occurring at nerve tissue...
derived from nerve agents developed during World War II. In the US, it is registered for use on select nut trees, vegetable crops, and fruit trees. It is not registered for consumer or residential use. It has been linked to health problems of farmers who apply it, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
(EPA) considered a denial of reregistration, citing, “concern to farm workers, pesticide applicators, and aquatic ecosystems". After settling a 2004 lawsuit brought by the United Farm Workers of America and other groups, the EPA accounced it would begin phasing out the remaining uses of the pesticide in 2007 with all uses ending in 2012. In January 2007, the suit was reopened, with the plaintiffs seeking a quicker phaseout.
Azinphos-methyl has been banned in the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
since 2006.
The New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority
Environmental Risk Management Authority
The Environmental Risk Management Authority is a New Zealand government agency which controls the introduction of hazardous substances and new organisms....
made a decision to phase out azinphos-methyl over a five year period starting from 2009.