Malathion

• ( 1,2-bis ( ethoxycarbonyl) ethyl)- O, O- dimethyldithiophosphat
• Carbophos
• Maldison
• Mercaptothion

P03AX03

Colorless or yellow- brown oily liquid with a garlic-like odor

Liquid

1.21 g · cm -3

3 ° C

136 ° C ( 67 Pa )

16.6 MPa (20 ° C)

Poorly in water

1.4960 (20 ° C)

Attention

15 mg · m -3 ( Aerosol)

290 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Malathion is a dithiophosphoric, which irreversibly binds to cholinesterase. Malathion breaks down into malaoxon, which acts approximately 60 times more toxic.

• 3.1 Europe

Extraction

Can be prepared by condensation of diethyl malathion with O, O- Dimethyldithiophosphorsäure be produced which is in turn made ​​of phosphorus (V ) sulfide and methanol obtained.

Use

Medicine

Malathion is still used in some European countries for the treatment of head lice, body lice and scabies; it destroys both eggs ( ovozid ) and living lice ( pedikulozid ). In a Danish study, however, it was found that the lice were mostly resistant to malathion and permethrin. In a French study, however, all lice were sensitive to malathion shampoo. In Germany and Switzerland malathion preparations were withdrawn from the market due to lack of acceptance.

Pest control

In the 1980s, malathion has been used in California to combat the Mediterranean fruit fly. A mixture of malathion and corn syrup was sprayed weekly using helicopters over suburban communities in San Bernardino County, the latter served as bait.

In many cities, malathion was applied to combat West Nile virus. From late 1999 until the spring of 2000 Long Iceland and the five boroughs of New York City were sprayed with malathion. The use of the insecticide is being blamed for a large lobster dying in the long- Iceland - Sund.

In Manitoba, a province in Canada, Winnipeg was sprayed in July 2005 as part of a West Nile virus - fighting. Previously been applied regularly over decades malathion in the summer months against annoying mosquitoes. At that time, the owners had the opportunity to exempt their land from the spraying. Currently, Winnipeg is the only major city in Canada that performs a pest control program with malathion.

Malathion is also clouded together with diesel to combat mosquitoes over a large area. By diluting the substance, this is weaker. If it was diluted too much, it can happen that the mosquitoes are not killed, but develop resistance, making the subsequent uses less effective.

Plant protection

Malathion is generally used against sucking insects in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants and fruit to maggots.

Regulation

Europe

The use of malathion is allowed in the EU currently up to April 30, 2020. At national level, however, it is permitted only in Spain, with current approval procedures in Austria, Czech Republic and Italy. The Permitted daily dose is 0.03 and the Acute Reference Dose 0.3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Accordance with European legislation (Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placing of biocidal products ), and its decision of August 14, 2007 is a decision before the active ingredient malathion is not in the appropriate list ( Annex I / IA of Directive 98/ 8 / EC) to take for Biocidal Products. The release of biocidal products containing the active ingredient malathion, is thus in the EU and Switzerland, which has taken over this provision, no longer permitted for substances of PT 18 (insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods ).

In Switzerland, malathion is not approved as an active ingredient for plant protection products.