Citation:

MOSER, V. C. Aldicarb. 3rd, Chapter 95, Wexler, P. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Toxicology. Elsevier Science, New York, NY, 1:123-125, (2014).

Impact/Purpose:

Aldicarb is a systemic insecticide and nematicide used on a variety of agricultural crops, including cotton, potatoes, and citrus. It is commercially sold only as a granular formulation (primarily containing 15% active ingredient, which is to be incorporated into the soil to provide maximum efficacy and to minimize hazard to birds and other wildlife. Dietary risk and ground water contamination have been the primary concerns for the use of aldicarb. Following recent assessments based on additional toxicity data, the US EPA determined that residues found in citrus and potatoes may pose unacceptable dietary risks to infants and children. Subsequently, discussions with the current registrant resulted in additional risk mitigation measures and lowered application rates for remaining uses, leading to a voluntary phase-out of all uses in the US by 2018.

Description:

Aldicarb (CAS 116-06-3) is an N-methyl carbamate insecticide that rapidly and reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase. The nervous system is the most sensitive target, and there is little evidence of other forms of toxicity. Aldicarb is highly toxic to humans and wildlife. Ground water and food contamination of aldicarb, along with its sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites, have restricted its use over the years. As of 2010, the current registrant is phasing out all uses in the US (through 2018).

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