Metathion (fenitrothion)

[Joseph R Parrish Jr <JoeParrish@compuserve.com>]

We have an urgent request for information about metathion, 
generic name fenitrothion, with an LD50 in rats of 250mg/kg,
a cholinesterase inhibitor similar to some types of nerve gases.  
This insecticide/pesticide is being sprayed at the present time 
over a huge population of over 6 million as a measure for 
inhibiting a mosquito suspected of carrying encephalitis 
in New York City.  What human side effects may be seen 
when this is used?  What toxicities and allergic responses 
have been observed?
Thank you for your kind and prompt response.
Sincerely,
Joe Parrish
NY/NJ Environmental Watch
300 East 56th Street
New York, NY 10022
JoeParrish@compuserve.com
and
61 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
September 13,  1999

Re:
Woodruff, TJ / Kyle, AD / Bois, FY.   Dec 1994.   Evaluating health risks
from occupational exposure to pesticides and the regulatory response.
Environmental Health Perspectives.   102(12).   1088-1096.   None of the
pesticides identified as priorities in this study has been found to meet
current standards for review (though four have been canceled). Only three
of the nine pesticides subjected to special review because of concerns
about cancer resulted in additional protective provisions. For chronic
effects, few reviews have been intiated and completed. Key risk reduction
measures are based on acute risks. The proposed personal protective
equipment requirements are generally tied to acute toxicity. This means
that significant, preventable exposures to pesticides with chronic or
cancer effects may occur without protection.