Propoxur (Flea and Tick Pesticide)
The insecticide propoxur is a known human carcinogen and is toxic to the nervous system. It is chemically similar to organophosphate pesticides, but not as well studied.
Health concerns
Propoxur interferes with an essential enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, which normally controls messaging between nerve cells. It kills fleas and ticks by inducing spasmodic overexcitation of the nervous system. In large doses, it can harm or kill cats, dogs and, in extreme poisoning cases, humans. At lower levels of exposure, propoxur can cause a variety of symptoms, many of which can mimic common illnesses; these include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, sweating and tearing eyes. More severe poisoning can cause muscle twitching, drooling, seizures, respiratory paralysis and death.
Young children are also particularly vulnerable to TCVP and other pesticides because their bodies and brains are still developing, and chemicals that interfere with the nervous system during development may cause long-term or permanent damage. Some recent research indicates that exposure to this type of pesticide can impair children’s neurological development, resulting in pervasive disorders that may include delays in motor development and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.
Where it is found
Propoxur is used in pet flea and tick collars. Flea and tick collars can leave a high level of pesticide residue on a pet’s fur, posing a health risk to adults and children who play with the pet. Children are especially vulnerable, as they may be more likely to spend extended time in close contact with pets, or put their hands in their mouths after petting an animal.
Stay safe
Give your pet regular baths with a pesticide-free pet shampoo, and use a flea comb between baths. Launder your pet’s bedding in hot water, and vacuum carpets regularly to eliminate flea eggs that could be hidden there.
If you do need to use a chemical flea-control product, the safest options are generally those dispensed as a pill. These usually contain the least toxic chemicals, and they don’t leave a residue on your pet or in your home.
Check the label. If you do need to buy an off-the-shelf flea and tick product, avoid flea collars that list propoxur or tetrachlorvinphos as active ingredients. Other products to avoid include permethrin-based products and tick-control products containing amitraz or carbaryl. Instead, opt for products whose labels list lufenuron, spinosad, methoprene, or pyriproxyfen. These are common and effective insect growth regulators.
Visit www.greenpaws.org for an evaluation of brand-name products and the active chemicals they contain.
The big picture
Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on flea- and tick-control products for their pets. Over the years, NRDC has helped remove six of the most toxic chemicals from these products, but two of them—tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur—are still in use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should step in to ban these dangerous products nationwide. Retailers should help keep pets and families safe by pulling products that contain tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur from their shelves.
