Paresthesia from cutaneous exposure to a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide

Abstract

Occupational exposure to fenvalerate, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, has been reported to cause paresthesia. An assay was devised in our laboratory for subjective grading of the sensation produced by the topical application of this compound. The present double-blind study compared human discrimination of topically applied technical fenvalerate, the heavy-ends fraction of fenvalerate, and ethyl alcohol (vehicle). Both forms of fenvalerate showed a statistically significant increase in inducing paresthesia over the vehicle alone. The onset of the cutaneous sensations occurred at one hour, peaked at three to six hours, and lasted approximately 24 hours. Numbness, itching, burning, tingling, and warmth were the most frequently reported sensations. The difference between the two fractions of fenvalerate was not statistically significant.

Pesticide Application and Khat Chewing as Predictors of the Neurological Health Outcomes among Pesticide Applicators in a Vector Control Unit, Saudi Arabia

“…These results agreed with previous studies reporting paresthesia and skin irritation among workers exposed to pyrethroids, especially cyano-pyrethroids. 4-6,9,42 Other neurological symptoms were also reported in previous studies. Those included dizziness, 7 headache, 5,9 fatigue, 10 muscle tremors, 11 hyperactivity, anxiety, irritability, and tingling in hands, feet, etc .…”

Toxicology of Specific Substances

“…For humans, these insecticides are much less toxic than other insecticides (Leng and Gries 2005). Nevertheless, following acute exposure to pyrethroids, a variety of human health effects such as dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, headache and paraesthesia have been reported (Knox 1984;He et al 1989;Chen et al 1991).…”