Carbofuran

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ImageFile = Carbofuran.gif
IUPACName = 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate
OtherNames = Carbofuran, Furadan, Curater
Formula = C₁₂H₁₅NO₃
MolarMass = 221.25
CASNo = 1563-66-2
Solubility =
MeltingPt =
BoilingPt =

Carbofuran is one of the most toxic carbamate pesticides. It is marketed under the trade names Furadan, by FMC Corporation and Curater, among several others. It is used to control insects in a wide variety of field crops, including potatoes, corn and soybeans. It is a systemic insecticide, which means that the plant absorbs it through the roots, and from here the plant distributes it throughout its organs (mainly vessels, stems and leaves; not the fruits)Fact|date=August 2008, where insecticidal concentrations are attained. Carbofuran also has contact activity against pests.

Carbofuran usage has increased in recent years because it is one of the few insecticides effective on soybean aphids, which have expanded their range since 2002 to include most soybean-growing regions of the U.S. The main global producer is the FMC Corporation.

The technical or chemical name of carbofuran is 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate and its CAS number is 1563-66-2 and it is manufactured by reaction of methyl isocyanate with 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-hydroxybenzofuran.

Bans

Carbofuran is banned in Europe. It is however, legal to buy over-the-counter in Kenya. In 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced that it intends to ban carbofuran. [cite web|url=http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/carbofuran/carbofuran_noic.htm|title=Carbofuran Cancellation Process|last=US EPA|date=July 31, 2008|publisher=US EPA|accessdate=2008-08-11]

Toxicity to vertebrates

Oral LD50: Rats 8–14 mg/kg, Dogs 19 mg/kg.

Carbofuran is also known to be highly toxic to birds. In its granular form, a single grain will kill a bird. Birds often eat numerous grains of the pesticide, mistaking them for seeds, and then die shortly thereafter. Before the granular form was banned by US EPA in 1991, [ [http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/carbofur.htm Extoxnet Pip - Carbofuran ] ] granular carbofuran was blamed for millions of bird deaths per year. The liquid version of the pesticide is less hazardous to birds since they are not as likely to ingest it directly, but it is still very hazardous. The EPA announced on July 25, 2008 it intends to ban all forms in the US. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/us/25brfs-EPATOBANUSEO_BRF.html?ref=us E.P.A. to Ban Use of a Pesticide] ] The ban requires that no residue be present on domestic or imported foods. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/07/24/ST2008072403523.html?ref=us In Surprise Move, EPA Bans Carbofuran Residue on Food.] ]

At least one report suggests that carbofuran has been illegally used to intentionally poison coyotes and other wildlife in Western Canada. Secondary fatal poisoning of raptors, specifically bald eagles and golden eagles, has been suggested [Wobeser et al. 2004. Secondary poisoning of eagles following intentional poisoning of coyotes with anticholinesterase pesticides in Western Canada. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 40(2):163-172.] (as well as vultures and other scavengers). Environmentalists have also expressed concern that Kenyan farmers are using carbofuran to kill lions and other predators.BBC news - [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7460008.stm Insecticide 'killing Kenya lions'] ]

Toxicity to humans

Carbofuran has one of the highest acute toxicities to humans of any insecticide widely used on field crops (only aldicarb and parathion are more toxic). A quarter teaspoon ( 1 mL) can be fatal. Most carbofuran is applied by commercial applicators using closed systems with engineered controls so there is no exposure to it in preparation. Since its toxic effects are due to its activity as a cholinesterase inhibitor it is considered a neurotoxic pesticide.

See also

* Dutch standards

References