An e?ective insecticide toxic to a wide range of insects. It attacks the insects’ nervous system and is more toxic to humans than DDT (see DICHLORODIPHENYL TRICHLOROETHANE), so must therefore be handled with care. Its use in the UK is restricted.
n. an insecticide that attacks the central nervous system of insects and has proved useful in the control of various beetles, flies, and larvae that attack crops. Because of its persistence in and contamination of the environment, its use in the UK is now severely restricted.
n. a preparation used to kill insects. Ideally, an insecticide should have no toxic effects when ingested by human beings or animals, but modern powerful compounds have inherent dangers and have caused fatalities. Some insect powders contain organic phosphorus compounds and fluorides; when ingested accidentally they may cause damage to the nervous system. The use of such compounds is generally under strict control. See also DDT; dieldrin.... insecticide
n. a chemical agent used to kill insects or other organisms harmful to crops and other cultivated plants. Some pesticides, such as *parathion and *dieldrin, have caused poisoning in human beings and livestock after accidental exposure.... pesticide
Health Encyclopedia