Pesticide products containing synthetic pyrethroids are often described by pest control companies and mosquito fogging municipalities as “safe” because they come from chrysanthemum flowers. The truth is, pyrethroids are a synthetic version of an extract from the chrysanthemum plant. They are chemically engineered to be more toxic with longer breakdown times, and are often formulated with synergists that increase potency. In doing so, they compromise the human and animal body’s ability to detoxify the pesticide. So, what does all this mean?

Simple. Natural doesn’t mean Non Toxic.

Pyrethrins, Permethrin, & Pyrethroids

Here is a brief explanation of the widely used pesticides called pyrethrins, permethrin, and pyrethroids.

Pyrethrins

Pyrethrins are natural insecticides produced by certain species of the chrysanthemum plant. The flowers of the plant are harvested shortly after blooming. The oils within the flowers are extracted with solvents or they are dried and powdered. The natural pyrethrins are contact poisons which penetrate the nerve system of the insect rather quickly. Within a few minutes of application, the insect cannot move or fly away. However, a “knockdown dose” does not mean a killing dose. The natural pyrethrins are quickly detoxified by enzymes in the insect. Therefore, many pests will recover. So, to ensure a lethal dose of pesticide, organophosphates, carbamates, or synergists are added to the pyrethrins. This is what makes the “natural” not so natural and highly toxic! These semisynthetic derivatives of the chrysanthemum flower have been developed as insecticides and pesticides called pyrethroids. These un-”safe” pyrethroids tend to be more effective and more widely used than natural pyrethrins.

Permethrin

Permethrin is in hundreds of products used on and around pets, people, and property. Permethrin is found in everything from human lice shampoo to spot on flea controls, collars, dips, shampoos, lawn and garden sprays, indoor pest control sprays, powders, roach foggers, flea bombs, and numerous other products. What is even more cause for concern is that some products with Organic certification contain Permethrin.

While manmade, Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide because it resembles naturally-occurring chemicals with insecticidal properties, called pyrethroids.

Pyrethroids

The term “pyrethrins” refers to the natural insecticides and pesticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers; “permethrin” and “pyrethroids” are the synthetic chemicals, and “pyrethrum” is a general term that describes either natural pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids. Again, no matter what the vet or pest control company tells you, these are not “SAFE”, natural products. They are neurotoxic POISONS that cause serious health problems for humans, animals, birds, and aquatic life.

As a result from their use, these conventional pesticides form high toxicity levels in people and pets. It is recommended to avoid them whenever possible. Toxic pesticides can be inhaled, absorbed through your skin, and ingested. Many people assume that, because pesticide use is so common, it must not be harmful. Understand that EPA registration of a pesticide does not mean that it is safe. In fact, many pesticides with EPA registration are categorized as “Toxin, known carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxin, developmental toxin, immune system toxin, and endocrine disruptor”.

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Recently reported by CPI, “An analysis of EPA data by the Center for Public Integrity shows that the number of reported human health problems, including severe reactions, attributed to pyrethrins and pyrethroids increased by 300% over the past decade,” and found that “pyrethrins and pyrethroids together accounted for more than 26% of all fatal, “major” and “moderate” human incidents in the United States in 2007″.

Fact Sheets of Commonly used Pesticides:

Permethrin active in hundreds of products for pets, people, property

Pyrethrin & Pyrethrum active in hundreds of products for pets, people, property

Fipronil active in Frontline, Combat, Termidor, Regent, Maxforce

Imidacloprid active in Advantage, Merit, Pre-empt, Premise

Glyphosate active in Roundup

Malathion active in City, State, Federal Mosquito Control Programs

Sulfometuron active in Oust: used on right of ways, roadsides, public land

DEET active in personal Insect Repellents

Boric Acid Powder and Dust

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