Carbofuran, a white crystelline solid at room temperature after a phenolic odor, is a broad spectrum carbamate pesticide that kills insects, mites and nematodes on contact or after ingestion. The technical or chemical name is 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate and its CAS number is 1563-66-2.
Carbofuran was regulated began in 1974 when Congress passed the Safe Drinking Act which required the Environmental Protection Agency to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water called “Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG)” (EPA). The MCLG level for this chemical was initially set at 40 ppb. It is still at this level because many feel that it is the lowest possible level capable of removal from a water source.
In 1994, the EPA banned all use of the granule form of carbofuran because birds eat the granules, which are highly toxic to birds, and large scale bird kills were being observed. There is no ban on liquid pesiticide and both it and granular compound are classified as Restricted Use Pesticides and carbofuran formulations are rated anywhere from “moderately toxic” to “highly toxic”. Then, in August of 2006, the EPA proposed cancellation of all forms of it.
Carbofuran is used sparingly in the US but is banned in Canada and the European Union.. Is applied directly onto soil around plants after their emergence to control beetles, nematodes, and rootworm. It is used most often on alfalfa and rice and was once used on corn, though that use has been terminated.
The liquid is highly toxic by inhalation and ingestion and moderately toxic by dermal absorption. As with other carbamate compounds, carbofuran’s cholinesterase- inhibiting effect is short-term and reversible. Symptoms of poisoning include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sweating, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, imbalance, blurring of vision, breathing difficulty, increased blood pressure or ‘hypertension,’ and lack of control of urine or feces release, referred to as ‘incontinence.’ Death may result from respiratory system failure associated with exposure. Complete recovery from an acute poisoning by carbofuran, with no long term health effects, is possible if exposure ceases and the victim has time to reform their normal level of cholinesterase and to recover from symptoms.
Carbofuran has been illegally used to intentionally poison wildlife in the US, Canada and Great Britain; poisoned wildlife have included coyotes, kites, golden eagles and buzzards. Secondary fatal poisoning of domestic and wild animals has been documented, specifically, raptors (bald eagles and golden eagles), domestic dogs, raccoons, vultures and other scavengers. In Kenya, farmers are using the pesticide to kill lions and other predators.
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