What is dichlorvos

The dichlorvos (DDVP – Dimethyl Dichlorovinyl Phosphate) is an insecticide belonging to the organophosphates group. It was first synthesized in the United States and has been on the market since the 1960s. It does not occur naturally in the environment.

In its pure state, it is a dense, colorless liquid that is only slightly soluble in water. Its key characteristics are high volatility and low persistence (lack of residual effect); these properties facilitate and accelerate the flushing-out and toxic effects on harmful pests. However, the application requirements make it a compound that poses a health risk.

Which is its method of application?

Dichlorvos is primary applied via spraying, creating various routes of exposure – such as contact with treated surfaces, ingestion of contaminated food, and inhalation of vapors. Consequently, those applying the product (often homemakers or individuals unfamiliar with it who fail to use personal protective equipment or do not ventilate the treated area sufficiently) face a higher risk of exposure.

If the product is applied in a room, it is recommended not to enter until a minimum of ventilation period of 10 hours has elapsed.

What are the health risks associated with dichlorvos?

It is important to know that dichlorvos enters the body through the lungs, stomach, or skin. When this occurs, it affects the functioning of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase – which is vital for the brain and nervous system – by disrupting signals between nerve cells and muscles.
Exposure to dichlorvos for more than one hour at a concentration of 1 ppm (part per million) causes harmful effects in humans.

Symptoms of dichlorvos poisoning include nausea, anxiety, agitation, watery eyes, and profuse sweating. Severe cases may present symptoms such as loss of bladder control, muscle tremors, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after using dichlorvos, seek medical attention immediately and present the label of the product to which you were exposed.

To determine whether exposure to significant levels of dichlorvos has occurred, a laboratory test is performed to measure the activity of two enzymes: serum cholinesterase and erythrocyte (red blood cell) acetylcholinesterase.

Additionally, in the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have determined that dichlorvos is a probable human carcinogen.

Regulation in different countries

Due to these reasons, dichlorvos has been prohibited in several countries, in example the European Union since May 2012 they decided to prohibit the commercialization and use of dichlorvos based on Article 5 of the Directive 98/8/CE, point 1, incise b, sub-incise iii and iv, where it will not be accepted or canceled mainly if it has unacceptable effects, by itself or as a consequence of its residues, in human or animal health directly or indirectly, same as if it has effects as a consequence of its residues in the environment.

Another example is Argentina, where through Senasa Resolution No. 149/2018 is prohibited the import, commercialization and use of dichlorvos as the authorized limits are above the acceptable in other countries.

In developed countries, the use of dichlorvos has gradually declined over time. In Canada, for example, the August 2020 re-evaluation of dichlorvos resulted in the cancellation of its use in greenhouses, for mosquito control, and in outdoor and indoor residential areas. Use is permitted only if the structures to be treated remain unoccupied for at least four months.

In the United States, the Agency for Environmental Protection, retired the registration in its liquid form to dichlorvos due to damages and dangers for the human health originated, mainly, in children. In October 2022, EPA will verify if they can be used safely and riskless for the human health and the environment.

In Mexico there are more than 60 sanitary registrations for dichlorvos, either alone or mixed with other pesticides and nearly 50% of these are approved for use in gardening, public health, and, predominantly, urban settings. An urban pesticide is one that can be applied in the facilities we inhabit – such as homes, schools, offices, buildings, restaurants, cafeterias, and hotels – meaning we are exposed to residues of these pesticides.

Characteristics of the dichlorvos

Preserve Solutions: Aligned to protect you from pests and safeguard your health.

Two excellent options for substituting the use of dichlorvos are Ecofly ® and Dactor ® Flow.

Ecofly ® is formulated with 0.4% pyrethrins (a plant-derived pesticide) and synergized with piperonyl butoxide and insect-flushing agents. Its ready-to-use liquid formulation facilitates the treatment of large spaces. To effectively knock down flying insects, the primary application method is thermal fogging. Another recommended use is spot treatment in cracks and crevices, which helps flush out hiding pests.

The pyrethrin remains at the application site, providing a prolonged residual effect.

On the other hand, Dactor® Flow is formulated with 2.43% deltamethrin (a third-generation pyrethroid) in a “Flow” formulation, characterized by finely ground crystals suspended within the mixture. Its advantages include requiring less insecticide due to superior residual action compared to emulsifiable concentrate formulations; being non-staining; possessing flushing and repellent effects; maintaining insecticidal activity despite temperature fluctuations; and having a low-odor profile.

Ecofly® and Dactor® Flow Characteristics

To conclude, DActor ® Flow and Ecofly® possess ideal characteristics to replace the use of dichlorvos, owing to their active ingredient and application sites, and most importantly, because they do not harm the health of applicators upon contact with the pesticide.

For more information about our catalog for comprehensive solutions, please contact our Sales Team for guidance.

References:

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/es/phs/es_phs88.html

https://www.iarc.who.int

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32012D0254&from=ES

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31998L0008&from=ES

https://ipen.org/search/node/bejarano

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/pesticides-pest-management/decisions-updates/reevaluation-decision/2020/dichlorvos.html

https://desinsectador.com/2015/12/05/un-poco-de-historia-sobre-el-diclorvos/

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/es/toxfaqs/es_tfacts155.html