Imidacloprid insecticide
The bottom line
Imidacloprid is a widely used insecticide available in various forms (e.g., liquid, powder, granules). It’s derived from nicotine and kills insects by causing dysfunction of their nervous systems. Its effects on human, other mammalian, and vertebral nervous systems are much less intense. Small unintentional exposures to imidacloprid are typically well-tolerated.
Prevention Tips
Purchase only as much insecticide product as you'll need.
Keep insecticides in their original containers.
Store insecticides safely, out of reach and sight of children and pets and away from the kitchen and where food/beverages might be contaminated.
Read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s label instructions for safe use.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves as instructed by the label.
This Really Happened
A 12-month-old boy was seen playing with the potting soil of a house plant. The day before, his mother had sprinkled an imidacloprid-based insecticide in the plant's soil. The boy had the soil all over his hands and mouth. His mother called their poison center, which recommended washing his hands, rinsing his mouth, and watching for mild stomach upset. When the poison center checked back 3 hours later, the boy's mother reported that her son never developed any symptoms.
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What is imidacloprid?
Imidacloprid is an insecticide belonging to a class of insecticides called neonicotinoids. It is an active ingredient in many different kinds of products used to kill or control insects such as fleas and ticks on pets, garden and soil care products, or to treat termites. It can be found in different forms including powder and liquids.
How does imidacloprid kill insects?
As the name suggests, neonicotinoids insecticides are derived from nicotine, which is toxic to insects, and have the same mechanism of action. They act in the insect’s nervous system, causing overstimulation followed by inhibition and eventually death of the insect.
Is imidacloprid toxic in humans?
Fortunately, imidacloprid and other neonicotinoid insecticides are much more toxic to insects than they are to us. This is because they do not bind as effectively to their receptor sites in the human nervous system. Imidacloprid is also less toxic to other mammalian and vertebral (including birds and fish) nervous systems than it is to insects.
What can happen if I’m exposed to imidacloprid?
Someone might be unintentionally exposed to a product containing imidacloprid. One way this can happen is if it’s transferred out of the original package and stored in another container. An unsuspecting person might drink it after mistaking it for water or another beverage. When a small amount of imidacloprid is swallowed, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may occur. Severe and life-threatening symptoms like seizures and coma can result after swallowing a large amount of imidacloprid. If imidacloprid is co-formulated with a solvent, damage to the lining of the digestive tract can occur from the solvent in addition to the effects of imidacloprid.
After eye exposure, short-term burning, stinging, and redness are expected.
When inhaled, a person might cough briefly or have mild irritation to their throat, but the symptoms usually improve when they move to fresher air.
When imidacloprid is applied to the skin, mild irritation (redness or discomfort) can occur.
What should I do if I’m exposed to imidacloprid?
If imidacloprid gets in the eyes, rinse the eyes gently with room-temperature tap water for 15-20 minutes.
If skin comes into contact with imidacloprid, rinse the affected area gently with soap and water.
If imidacloprid is inhaled, move the affected person away from the source and into fresh air.
If a small amount of imidacloprid is swallowed, rinse the mouth and give a few sips of water to clear the throat.
If imidacloprid gets on your clothing, remove and wash the contaminated clothing and rinse the exposed skin with soap and water.
If someone has been exposed to imidacloprid, use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get immediate help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
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