Propoxur (Baygon) is a

carbamate In organic chemistry, a carbamate is a category of organic compounds with the general formula and structure , which are formally derived from carbamic acid (). The term includes organic compounds (e.g., the ester ethyl carbamate), formally o ...

non-systemic

insecticide Insecticides are substances used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by consumers. Insecticides are claimed to b ...

introduced in 1959 with a fast knockdown and long residual effect used against turf, forestry, and household pests and fleas. It is also used in pest control for other domestic animals, ''

Anopheles ''Anopheles'' () is a genus of mosquito first described and named by J. W. Meigen in 1818. About 460 species are recognised; while over 100 can transmit human malaria, only 30–40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus ''Plasmodium'', which c ...

'' mosquitoes, ants, gypsy moths, and other agricultural pests.Budavari, 1996a It can also be used as a molluscicide.EXTOXNET Extension Toxicology Network. Pesticide Information Profile. Propoxur.
June 1996. It is produced from

catechol Catechol ( or ), also known as pyrocatechol or 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, is a toxic organic compound with the molecular formula . It is the ''ortho'' isomer of the three isomeric benzenediols. This colorless compound occurs naturally in trace amoun ...

. Several

U.S. state In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its sover ...

s have petitioned the

Environmental Protection Agency A biophysical environment is a biotic and abiotic surrounding of an organism or population, and consequently includes the factors that have an influence in their survival, development, and evolution. A biophysical environment can vary in scale f ...

(EPA) to use propoxur against

bedbug Bed bugs are insects from the genus ''Cimex'' that feed on blood, usually at night. Their bites can result in a number of health impacts including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergy, allergic symptoms. Bed bug bites may lead to ski ...

infestations, but the EPA has been reluctant to approve indoor use because of its potential toxicity to children after chronic exposure.

Action

Carbamate insecticides kill insects by irreversibly inactivating the

enzyme Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecules known as products. A ...

acetylcholinesterase Acetylcholinesterase (HGNC symbol ACHE; EC 3.1.1.7; systematic name acetylcholine acetylhydrolase), also known as AChE, AChase or acetylhydrolase, is the primary cholinesterase in the body. It is an enzyme Enzymes () are proteins that a ...

Environmental effects

Propoxur rapidly breaks down in alkaline solution.Propoxur (WHO Pesticide Residues Series 3):
October 01, 2009. Propoxur is highly toxic to many bird species, but its toxicity varies by the species. It is moderately to slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic species. Propoxur is highly toxic to honeybees.

References

{{Acetylcholine metabolism and transport modulators Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Carbamate insecticides Catechol ethers Isopropyl compounds Aromatic carbamates Phenol esters