Dursban can be used to kill household pests, such as ants.
Under the authority of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency phased out the use of chlorpyrifos phosphorothioate, more commonly known by the market name Dursban (patented by Dow AgroSciences), in most applications because of hazards to human and animal health. Dursban is most commonly used to eliminate pests such as termites, grasshoppers and ants. As of Dec. 31, 2001, Dursban may not be sold for household use, although homeowners may buy the product from stockpiles manufactured before 2001. Does this Spark an idea?
Process
Dursban, known as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, acts as a poisonous nerve agent in the human body. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors stop the body from breaking down acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter in the human brain. Since the brain produces acetylcholine nonstop, glands, muscles and the central nervous system become overstimulated. In small doses, this can lead to a slow heartbeat (bracycardia), damage to the muscles, vomiting, incontinence and diarrhea. Large doses will eventually collapse the parasynthetic nervous system. Dursban usually makes humans ill, while it kills smaller animals and insects.
Application
Because of health risks, Dursban should only be applied to insect-infested areas by or under the direction of a professional exterminator. Dursban pesticide should not be applied to areas where runoff can enter water supplies. Water should not be contaminated when washing equipment used to apply this pesticide. The product should not be applied to flowering crops. This pesticide is usually diluted when used near homes. Because of the environmental and health risks present with Dursban, federal law in the United States carefully regulates concentrations and how this pesticide may be used.
Environment
This pesticide destroys the central nervous systems of birds, fish and wildlife, in addition to killing both pest insects and beneficial insects. Dursban sprayed on flowering crops will kill all pollinators. Wildlife that drink water contaminated with it will experience a buildup of this nerve poison over time. Dursban can also harm pets that drink from contaminated water or eat contaminated live or dead animals.
Human Health
If swallowed, Dursban can cause death in humans. For humans, an atropine injection acts as an antidote to Dursban consumption. Call a doctor immediately if this pesticide is swallowed. Do not induce vomiting, because the fumes from aromatic petroleum can cause asphyxiation. Dursban should not be inhaled. If inhaled, move to fresh air and call a medical professional. If Dursban gets in the eyes, flush the eyes with water for 15 minutes. With skin contact, remove clothing and wash the skin. Clothes should be thoroughly washed before they are worn again.
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