Joe Fiore 1/30/03 Chemistry Mr. Hartnagel An insectcide is defined as a chemical substance used to kill insects. There are many kinds of insecicides, however organic insecticides are the most widely used. Organic insectcides are split into three different categories: Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, organophosphate insecticides, and carbamate insecticides. In this research paper I will examine how toxic they, the affects they have on nature, humans and the environment I will also include ways we can help. Organic Insecticides are the most commonly and widely used insecticides. They are synthetic substances made from carbon, hydrocarbon insecticides and organophosphate insecticides. Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, also know as "organic chlorines", contain chlorine atoms (World Book 1999). Common members of this group are Acaralate, Acarol, Aldrin, BHC, Chlordance, Chlorobenzilate, DDT, dicofol, dieldrin, endosulfan, endrin, heptachlor, kepone and lindane (Hamm 1982). They're persistent because after being used once, they can still affect living things for several years. The reason for this is they are unable to break down chemically so they can be found in soil, animal and fish tissue, plants, and even water (Hamm, 1982). These, and all other persistent insecticides, are being replaced and restricted because they kill birds, fish, and other animals. Organophosphate Insectcides contain phosphorus atoms (World Book, 1999). Commen members of this group are Abate, azinphosethyl, azinphosmethyl, Bidrin, bromophos, bromophosethyl, carbophenothion, and chlorfenvinphos (Hamm, 1982). They are used on food because they don't leave harmful deposits behind (World Book, 1999). This is because they breakdown rapidly into harmless components. They also break down in the presence of water. They are less dangerous to the enviroment than chlorinated hydrocarbons which is why they've almost replaced them for side scale usage, however, they are poisoness to humans (Hamm 1982). One type of organophosphate, paratheion, is used to kill mites and aphids on fruit trees and vegetables. Another kind, malathion, are less dangerous to apply, so they're widely used by farmers ( World Book, 1999). Carbonates are the last kind of organic insecticide. They are made from carbamic acid which is CO2NH3 (Hamm, 1982). They also contain one or more amino groups that are of one nitrogen atom and two hydogen atoms. They don't leave harmful deposits in food but some are harmful to warm blooded animals (World Book, 1999). Common members of this group are aldicarb, BUX, carbaryl, carbofuran, dimetilan, formetanate, methiocarb, methiocarb, methomyl, propoxur, and zectran. These are relatively new and might eventually replace organophosphates (Hamm, 1982). It is very important we use insecticides. Many insects, for example mosquitos can carry deadly diseases that harm humans or livestock. Insects cause aproximately 5.5 billion dollars in crop and live stock losses each year. Two examples of deadly diseases insects cause are Cattle Fever and Sheep Scab. Insecticides are mainly used to kill insects and protect livestock however they can also be used as flea treatments for cats, dogs, and other animals (World Book, 1999). How toxic are they? Carbamates contain the insecticide Sevin. Sevin has a low toxicity and is effective against many insects that are resistant to other pesticides. Caramates also include the insectide Baygon, or Propoxar. Propoxar is highly toxic and has a long residual life. It's effective against cockroaches, ticks, and other difficult insect and arachnid species (Hamm, 1982). Carbamates don't leave harmful deposits in food ( World Book, 1999). The Chlorinated Hydrocarbon contain the insecticide DDT. DDT is moderately toxic and was once one of the most widely used insecticides in the United States but are now greatly restricted because it stays in soil and in water food chans (Hamm, 1982). They also endanger animals like birds and fish and they contaminate the food that people eat. Since 1972, the U.S. Government phased out all use of DDT, but it's still used in other countries (World Book, 1999). Organophosphates and carbamates carry some of the same risks. They are both commonly used and both have a high incidence of acute toxicity in animals and humans. Both insecticides are used in flea treatments for pets. They're more dangerous than the other commonly used insecticides like pynethrins and pyrethoids. Symptoms of insecticide poisoning include: pinpoint pupils, blurred vision, tightness in chest, sweating, excessive tear production, salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Cardio vascular and neurological problems can also occur. Problems with the nervous system include decreased alertness, sleep disorders, memory loss, and paranoia. Long term effects can occur in the immune system, nervous system, and reproductive system. How can we help? Some people are trying to change by using more natural insecticides. An example of this is cow urine. It's used on cotton and protects it from whiteflies. It can also be used as a fertilizer. The iron, potassium, and magnesium in it makes them grow better (Hecht, 1998). Another natural insecticide is chilli powder. The only problem with this is it can affect people's eyes and skin (Hecht, 1998). Other insecticides are red pepper, Bacilluss Thuringienisis (B+), and garlic juice. B+ comes from a naturally occuring bacteria. You can make your own insecticide if you mix 2 tablespoons of red pepper and six drops of dish detergentent into a gallon of water, let it sit overnight, and then stir it throughly. This homemade insecticide will protect cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collards (Long, 1998).