Theallethrins are a group of related synthetic compounds used ininsecticides. They are classified aspyrethroids, i.e. synthetic versions ofpyrethrin, a chemical with insecticidal properties found naturally inChrysanthemum flowers. They were first synthesized in the United States by Milton S. Schechter in 1949. Allethrin was the firstpyrethroid.[1]
They are commonly used inultra-low volume sprays for outdoormosquito control, and in many household insecticides such asRAID, as well asmosquito coils.
Allethrin I and allethrin II differ by having amethyl group and amethyl ester, respectively, on one terminus. Each of these allethrins consists of the eight possiblestereoisomers. A partly enantiopure variant of allethrin I, consisting of only two stereoisomers in an approximate ratio of 1:1, is calledbioallethrin. The same mixture of isomers, but in an approximate ratio of 3:1, is known asesbiothrin.
Chronic exposure to allethrins alters the plasma biochemical profile of humans and may have adverse health effects.[2]Bioallethrin has been shown to cause oxidative damage, cellular toxicity and necrosis of human lymphocytes studied in vitro.[3] It is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. At normal application rates, allethrin is slightly toxic to bees.[4] Insects subject to exposure become paralyzed (nervous system effect) before dying. Allethrins are toxic to cats[5] because they either do not produce, or produce less of certainisoforms ofglucuronosyltransferase, which serve in hepatic detoxifying metabolism pathways.[6]
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