Malathion poisoning Health Article

Definition

Malathion is a type of insecticide, a product used to kill or control bugs. Poisoning may occur if you swallow malathion, handle the product without gloves, or fail to wash hands soon after exposure. Significant amounts are absorbed through the skin unless proper precautions are taken.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For information on general insecticide poisonings, see Insecticides.

Alternative Names

Carbofos poisoning; Compound 4049 poisoning; Cythion poisoning; Fosfothion poisoning; Mercaptothion poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

• Malathion

Where Found

Malathion is used for agricultural purposes to kill and control insects on crops and in gardens. It is also used in government programs to kill mosquitos in large outdoor areas.

Malathion may also be found in certain products to kill head lice.

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • Chest tightness
  • Difficulty breathing
• Bladder and kidneys
  • Increased urination
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Increased salivation
  • Increased tearing
  • Small or dilated pupils (not reactive to light)
• Heart and blood
  • Low or high blood pressure
  • Slow or rapid heart rate
  • Weakness
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
• Skin
  • Blue skin (lips and fingernails)
  • Sweating
• Stomach and gastrointestinal tract
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Home Treatment

Call poison control for appropriate treatment information. If malathion is on skin, wash area thoroughly for at least 15 minutes.

Discard all contaminated clothing as hazardous waste through the appropriate agencies. Wear protective gloves when touching contaminated clothing.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed