Guthion is the common name of an organophosphorus insecticide. It is a formulation that includes the active ingredient of azinphos-methyl. The molecular formula for azinphos-methyl is C10H12N3O3PS2. Pure guthion is a colourless to white odourless crystalline solid. Technical-grade guthion is a cream to yellow-brown granular solid. It does not occur naturally in the environment.
What is Guthion used for?
Guthion has been used on a variety of orchard fruits, cotton, almonds, sugarcane, and other crops; many of these uses have been cancelled, and all remaining uses are scheduled to be phased out.
Guthion is used as an insecticide on almonds.
In the Environment
Release: Guthion can be released during production and use as a pesticide.
Distribution: Found in all environmental compartments without a specific tendency to partition.
Persistence: Not highly persistent; has moderate to low mobility in soil and sediment.
Degradation: In air, Guthion degrades by photolysis and reaction with hydroxyl radicals (half-life of a few hours).
Surface Water/Soil: Biodegradation, photolysis, and hydrolysis occur, with a half-life of 3-50 days in water and 32-150 days in soil.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioconcentrate or bioaccumulate.
Sources & Routes of Exposure
Sources of Exposure
Food: Main source through consumption of treated foods, like apples, pears, peaches, and cherries.
Air: Near orchards or crops where Guthion is used.
Workplace: Agricultural workers like pesticide applicators and fruit pickers may have higher exposure, along with their families (residues on clothes or items).
Children: May be exposed through soil in treated areas, especially through hand-to-mouth activity.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation: Main route for workers during production, handling, and application.
Oral: Main route for the general public through food and water.
Dermal: Main route for workers during handling and application.
Health Effects
Acute Health Effects
Symptoms: Rapid and potentially fatal organophosphate poisoning (headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, and possible death).
Respiratory: Irritates lungs, can cause pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs), a medical emergency.
Chronic Health Effects
Nervous System: Repeated exposure can damage nerves, causing weakness, "pins and needles," and poor coordination.
Mental Health: May lead to personality changes like depression, anxiety, or irritability.
Cancer Hazard
Unknown: Guthion’s carcinogenicity in humans is not confirmed. Studies on animals were inconclusive.
Reproductive Effects
Unknown: No evidence of reproductive impact in humans or animals.
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eyes: Rinse with water for 15-20 minutes. Call a physician or poison control.
Skin: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical help.
Ingestion: Call a poison control centre immediately. Rinse mouth and give water in small sips. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a professional.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Call 911 if not breathing and administer artificial respiration. Seek medical help.
Physician Notes: Guthion is a cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticide. Treat with atropine sulfate in large doses; 2-PAM may also be used. Monitor for pulmonary edema.
Exposure Controls & Personal Protection
General Controls
Follow label instructions and train employees on safe use.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning PPE. If not provided, wash with detergent and warm water. Keep PPE separate from other laundry.
Engineering Controls
Maintain exposure levels below limits using general and local ventilation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye Protection: Use tightly fitting safety goggles.
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant nitrile rubber gloves.
Body Protection: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators as required based on airborne concentrations.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has established a legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) for guthion of 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health has set a recommended airborne exposure limit for guthion of 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift.
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a recommended airborne exposure limit for guthion of 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency has established tolerances for guthion residues that range from 0.2 to 5 parts per million in raw agricultural commodities.
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set a Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration for guthion of 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
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