Profenofos

Synonyms

CGA 15324; Curacron; O-(4-Bromo-2-chlorophenyl)-O-ethyl-S-propyl phosphorothioate; Phosphorothioic acid, O-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl) O-ethyl S-propyl ester (9CI); Phosphorothioic acid, O-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl)-O-ethyl S-propyl ester; Polycron; Selecron; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Organophosphate Insecticides

Description

Pale yellow or amber liquid with an odor like garlic; [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used as insecticide and acaricide for cotton and vegetables; [Merck Index] Only used on cotton in the US; [Reference #1]

Comments

A human cholinesterase inhibitor; Caused morphological changes and decrease in count and motility to mice sperm after five days of dosing; Liver function affected by acute and sub-chronic dosing in rabbits based on enzyme testing; [HSDB] Lower ratio of symptomatic human poisoning cases reported per pound of usage than other cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides; [Reference #1] “The average of two baseline respective cholinesterase activity determinations three days apart, with no exposures to enzyme inhibiting pesticides for at least 30 days, is recommended for each worker prior to exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors because of large inter-individual differences in published baseline values. To be established at least once a year. Removal from workplace exposures is recommended until the cholinesterase activity returns to within 20% of baseline.” [TLVs and BEIs]

A restricted use pesticide in the US; [Reference #1]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Acetylcholinesterase activity in red blood cells = 70% of individual's baseline; Butylcholinesterase activity in serum or plasma = 60% of individual's baseline; Sample at end of shift; [TLVs and BEIs]

9E-07 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 3,000 mg/m3/4h

Reference Link #2

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Other Poison

Organophosphate

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Organophosphates & carbamates, acute poisoning

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)