1.800.858.7378npic@oregonstate.edu
We're open from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Pacific Time, Mon-Fri
    A to Z



d-Phenothrin Fact Sheet

Print Version (PDF)

What is d-phenothrin?

d-Phenothrin is an insecticide belonging to the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are the man-made versions of pyrethrins, natural insecticides from chrysanthemum flowers. d-Phenothrin is used in homes, commercial settings, gardens, pet products, and mosquito control programs.

d-Phenothrin was first registered in the United States in 1976. It is a colorless to yellow-brown liquid with a faint odor.

What are some products that contain d-phenothrin?

d-Phenothrin is used in a variety of products to control a wide range of insects. d-Phenothrin can be formulated in insecticide products as aerosols, liquid sprays, and dusts. d-Phenothrin can also be used in products applied by aircraft or truck-mounted sprayers for mosquito control.

IMPORTANT: Always follow label instructions and take steps to minimize exposure. If any exposures occur, be sure to follow the First Aid instructions on the product label carefully. For additional treatment advice, contact the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If you wish to discuss a pesticide problem, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378.

How does d-phenothrin work?

d-Phenothrin can kill insects by direct contact or if they eat it. It disrupts their normal nervous system function. It is less toxic to mammals due to their higher body temperature, larger body size, and lower sensitivity to the chemical.

How might I be exposed to d-phenothrin?

You can be exposed to d-phenothrin if you touch it, eat it, or breathe it in. As an example, it could be breathed in if a fine mist or dust containing d-phenothrin gets in the air you breathe. Exposure to d-phenothrin can be limited by reading and following label directions.

What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to d-phenothrin?

d-phenothrin is low in toxicity when eaten, breathed in, or applied to skin or eyes. When d-phenothrin gets on the skin, it can cause skin sensations like tingling, itching, burning, or numbness at that spot. These sensations usually go away within 48 hours. d-Phenothrin can also be mildly irritating to skin and eyes. Reported symptoms from eating or breathing in d-phenothrin are rare, but can include nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness.

d-Phenothrin can also affect pets if they eat, breath, or touch enough of it. Cats in particular may be more sensitive to this ingredient. d-Phenothrin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, twitching, tremors, or seizures if eaten or applied to the skin. d-Phenothrin can also cause allergic skin reactions and skin sensations.

What happens to d-phenothrin when it enters the body?

In animal studies, d-phenothrin was rapidly absorbed when eaten, but poorly absorbed when applied to the skin. When fed to rats, d-phenothrin was broken down and excreted within 48 hours. In another study, about 96% of an oral dose was broken down and excreted within 6 days.

Is d-phenothrin likely to contribute to the development of cancer?

The evidence from animal studies indicates that d-phenothrin does not cause cancer. The U.S. EPA classifies d-phenothrin as not likely to be a human carcinogen by all routes of exposure.

Has anyone studied non-cancer effects from long-term exposure to d-phenothrin?

Yes, in some long-term studies in laboratory animals scientists observed changes among certain organ systems when exposed to high doses of d-phenothrin for long periods of time.

Are children more sensitive to d-phenothrin than adults?

Children may be more sensitive to pesticides compared to adults. It is currently unknown whether children have increased sensitivity specifically to d-phenothrin. When pregnant rats and rabbits were fed d-phenothrin, their offspring showed signs of sensitivity.

What happens to d-phenothrin in the environment?

d-Phenothrin breaks down in the environment primarily through exposure to UV light. The half-life in the soil ranges from 1-2 days in upland conditions, and up to 2 months in flood conditions. In the air, d-phenothrin breaks down rapidly with a half-life of 38-72 minutes. On plant surfaces d-phenothrin has a half-life of less than 1 day. d-Phenothrin binds tightly to soil and is not very soluble in water, so it is unlikely to contaminate groundwater.

Can d-phenothrin affect birds, fish, or other wildlife?

d-Phenothrin is practically non-toxic to birds, but very highly toxic to fish and other aquatic animals. d-Phenothrin is highly toxic to honey bees.

Where can I get more information?

NPIC aims to use the best scientific resources available at the time fact sheets are written. NPIC does not have the resources to keep all of its fact sheets entirely up to date. All NPIC documents indicate when the material was last updated. For more information on how NPIC selects scientific resources, visit our web page Writing NPIC Fact Sheets.

For more detailed information please visit the list of referenced resources below, call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@oregonstate.edu.

Date Reviewed: December 2011

Please cite as: Jackson, D.; Luukinen, B.; Gervais, J.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2011. d-Phenothrin General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. npic.orst.edu/factsheets/dphengen.html.

References:

  1. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  2. Davies, J. H. The Pyrethroids: An Historical Introduction. The Pyrethroid Insecticides, 1st ed.; Leahey, J. P., Ed.; Taylor & Francis: London, England, 1985; pp 1-41.
  3. Tomlin, C. D. S. The Pesticide Manual, A World Compendium, 14th ed.; British Crop Protection Council: Farnham Surrey, UK, 2006; pp 819-820.
  4. WHO. Environmental Health Criteria 96; International Programme on Chemical Safety, World Health Organization: Geneva, Switzerland, 1990; pp 1-42.
  5. Preliminary Environmental Fate and Effects Assessment Science Chapter for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision of D-Phenothrin (SUMITHRIN®); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Fate and Effects Division, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 2008; pp 1-50, 97.
  6. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB): Phenothrin; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/source/hsdb/3922 (accessed Jun 2010), updated Jan 2009.
  7. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  8. Song, J.; Narahashi, T. Modulation of Sodium Channels of Rat Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons by the Pyrethroid Tetramethrin. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 1996, 277 (1), 445-453.
  9. Costa, L. G. Toxic Effects of Pesticides. Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, 7th ed.; Klaassen, C. D., Ed.; McGraw- Hill Companies: New York, 2008; pp 883-930.
  10. Volmer, P. A. Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids. Clinical Veterinary Toxicology; Plumlee, K. H., Ed.; Mosby, Inc.: St. Louis, MO, 2004; pp 188-192.
  11. Verschoyle, R. D.; Barnes, J. M. Toxicity of Natural and Synthetic Pyrethrins to Rats. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 1972, 2 (3), 308-311.
  12. Hansen, S. R. Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids. Small Animal Toxicology, 2nd ed.; Peterson, M. E.; Talcott, P. A., Eds.; Elsevier Saunders: St. Louis, MO, 2006; pp 1002-1010.
  13. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®): Occupational and Residential Exposure Assessment for the Reregistration Elibibility Decision (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2007; pp 1-23.
  14. Reigart, J. R.; Roberts, J. R. Other Insecticides, Acaricides, and Repellents. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 5th ed.; EPA 735-R-98-003; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 1999; pp 74-92.
  15. Soderlund, D. M.; Clark, J. M.; Sheets, L. P.; Mullin, L. S.; Piccirillo, V. J.; Sargent, D.; Stevens, J. T.; Weiner, M. L. Mechanisms of pyrethroid neurotoxicity: implications for cumulative risk assessment. Toxicology 2002, 171 (1), 3-59.
  16. Cox, R. Chronic Toxicity Study in Dogs with Sumithrin, T.G.: Final Report. Unpublished HLA Study No. 343-173, 1987, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Hazleton Laboratories America, Inc. 408 p. EPA MRID 40276401. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  17. Kenny, T.; Coombs, D.; Hardy, C. Sumithrin T.G.: 90-Day Inhalation Toxicity Study in the Rat (ET-91-0122) (Amended Version). Unpublished Lab Project No. SMO/314/89644, 1989, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Huntingdon Research Centre Ltd. 273 p. EPA MRID 41289201. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  18. Cox, R. 21-Day Dermal Toxicity Study in Rats with Sumithrin T.G.: Final Report. Unpublished HLA Study No. 343-218, 1989, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Hazleton Laboratories America, Inc. 156 p. EPA MRID 41009710. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  19. Yamada, T.; Ueda, S.; Yoshioka, K.; Kawamura, S.; Seki, T.; Okuno, Y.; Mikami, N. Lack of estrogenic or (anti-)androgenic effects of d-phenothrin in the uterotrophic and Hershberger assays. Toxicology 2003, 186 (3), 227-239.
  20. Amyes, S. Sumithrin: Oncogenicity and Toxicity Study in Mice (ET-71-0109). Unpublished Laboratory Project ID 86/SUM007/166, 1987, submitted to U.S Environmental Protection Agency, by Life Science Research. EPA MRID 40276402. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63. Tesh, J.; Willoughby, C.; Fowler, J. Sumithrin: Effects upon Reproductive P 21. erformance of Rats Treated Continuously throughout Two Successive Generations: (ET-61-0101). Unpublished Laboratory Project ID 85/SUM009/331, 1986, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Life Science Research. EPA MRID 40276404. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  21. Tesh, J.; Willoughby, C.; Fowler, J. Sumithrin: Effects upon Reproductive P 21. erformance of Rats Treated Continuously throughout Two Successive Generations: (ET-61-0101). Unpublished Laboratory Project ID 85/SUM009/331, 1986, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Life Science Research. EPA MRID 40276404. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  22. Nemec, M. A Teratology Study in Rabbits with Sumithrin: Final Report. Unpublished Project No. WIL-118003, 1989, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by WIL Research Laboratories, Inc. EPA MRID 41230003. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  23. Tesh, J.; Willoughby, C.; Lambert, E. Sumithrin: Effects of Oral Administration upon Pregnancy in the Rat: 2. Unpublished Report No. 83/SUM005/084, 1983, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Life Science Research. EPA MRID 47452201. d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin®) HED Risk Assessment for Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008; pp 1-63.
  24. Ladd, R.; Smith, P. S.; Jenkins, D. H.; Kennedy, G. L., Jr; Kinoshita, F. K.; Keplinger, M. L. Teratogenic study with S-2539 in albino rabbits. Unpublished report, 1976, submitted to WHO by Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd., prepared by Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories, Northbrook, IL. Environmental Health Criteria 96; International Programme on Chemical Safety, World Health Organization: Geneva, Switzerland, 1990; pp 1-42.
  25. Kaneko, H.; Ohkawa, H.; Miyamoto, J. Absorption and Metabolism of Dermally Applied Phenothrin in Rats. J. Pesticide Sci. 1981, 6, 169-182.
  26. Miyamoto, J.; Suzuki, T.; Nakae, C. Metabolism of Phenothrin or 3-Phenoxybenzyl d-trans-Chrysanthemumate in Mammals. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 1974, 4, 439-450.
  27. Leng, G.; Gries, W., Simultaneous Determination of Pyrethroid and Pyrethrin Metabolites in Human Urine by Gas Chromatography- High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. J. Chromatogr., B 2005, 814, 285-294.
  28. Toxicological Profile for Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service: Atlanta, 2003.
  29. Ruzo, L. O.; Smith, I. H.; Casida, J. E. Pyrethroid Photochemistry: Photooxidation Reactions of the Chrysanthemates Phenothrin and Tetramethrin. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1982, 30, 110-115.
  30. Nambu, K.; Ohkawa, H.; Miyamoto, J. Metabolic Fate of Phenothrin in Plants and Soils. J. Pestic. Sci. 1980, 5, 177-197.
  31. Hatzenbeler, C. J. Anaerobic aquatic soil metabolism of [benzyl-14C]-d-transphenothrin. Unpublished Document no. 7413-97-0252- EF-001, 1999, submittted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, prepared by Environmental and Metabolic Fate 107 Ricerca, Inc., Painesville, OH. EPA MRID 44865901. Preliminary Environmental Fate and Effects Assessment Science Chapter for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision of D-Phenothrin (SUMITHRIN®); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Fate and Effects Division, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 2008; pp 1-50, 97.
  32. Matsuda, T.; Mikami, N.; Takahaski, N.; Yamada, H. Hydrolysis and photolysis of d-trans-phenothrin in aqueous media (preliminary study). Unpublished SCC Project/Report No. EM-90-0018, 1989, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd., Osaka, Japan, prepared by Biochemistry and Toxicology Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd., Hyogo, Japan. EPA MRID 41898805. Preliminary Environmental Fate and Effects Assessment Science Chapter for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision of D-Phenothrin (SUMITHRIN®); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Fate and Effects Division, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 2008; pp 1-50, 97.
  33. Matoba, Y.; Takimoto, Y.; Kato, T. Indoor Behavior and Risk Assessment Following Residual Spraying of d-Phenothrin and d-Tetramethrin. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. 1998, 59, 191-199.
  34. d-Phenothrin; Pesticide Tolerance. Fed. Reg. 2009, 74 (129), 32437-32443.
  35. Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary, Calendar Year 2009; United State Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service: Washington, DC.
  36. Pesticide Program Residue Monitoring (2000-2008); U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition: Washington, D.C, 2008.
  37. Fink, R.; Beavers, J.; Grimes, J.; Acute Oral LD50- Bobwhite Quail: Sumithrin. Unpublished Project no. CDL:238275-D, 1978, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by McLaughlin Gormley King Co., Minneapolis, MN, prepared by Wildlife International Ltd. and Washington College. EPA MRID 121277. Preliminary Environmental Fate and Effects Assessment Science Chapter for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision of D-Phenothrin (SUMITHRIN®); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Fate and Effects Division, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 2008; pp 1-50, 97.
  38. Bowman, J., Bowman, J. Acute Flow-through Toxicity of Sumithrin to Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Unpubished Project ID 37083, 1988, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, prepared by Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc. 291 p. EPA MRID 40908308. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  39. Sousa, J. Sumithrin--Early Life-Stage Toxicity Test with Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Final Report. Unpublished Lab Project no. SLI 98-37290, 1998, submitted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, prepared by Sumitomo Chemical Company. 101p. EPA MRID 44587002. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  40. Graves, W.; Swigert, J. A 96-Hour Flow-Through Acute Toxicity Test with the Saltwater Mysid (Mysidopsis bahia) Sumithrin: Final Report. Unpublished Lab Project no. 166A-109, 1994, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agenvy, prepared by Wildlife International Ltd. 38 p. EPA MRID 44388903. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  41. Graves, W.; Swigert, J. A 96-Hour Flow-Through Acute Toxicity Test with the Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina) Sumithrin Technical Grade: Final Report. Unpublished Lab Project no. 166A-112, 1995, submitted to U.S Environmental Protection Agency, prepared by Wildlife International Ltd. 43 p. EPA MRID 44388902. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  42. Graves, W.; Swigert, J. Sumithrin: A 48-Hour Flow-Through Acute Toxicity Test with the Cladoceran (Daphnia magna): Final Report. Unpublished Lab Project no. 166A-111, 1994, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection, prepared by Wildlife International Ltd. 43 p. EPA MRID 44407901. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  43. Putt, A. Sumithrin--The Chronic Toxicity to Daphnia magna Under Flow-Through Conditions: Final Report. Unpublished Lab Project no. 98-2-7242: 13048.1097.6156.130, 2006, submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, prepared by Springborn Laboratories. 102 p. EPA MRID 44587003. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) d-Phenothrin; EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0140; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2008.
  44. Paul, E. A.; Simonin, H. A. Toxicity of Three Mosquito Insecticides to Crayfish. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 2006, 76, 614-621.

NPIC fact sheets are designed to answer questions that are commonly asked by the public about pesticides that are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This document is intended to be educational in nature and helpful to consumers for making decisions about pesticide use.

OSU logo