Baby Safety / Compounds / Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)

Is Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) safe for babies and kids?

Severe risk for kids

Infants are acutely vulnerable to Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.

What is azinphos-methyl (guthion)?

The IUPAC name is 3-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylsulfanylmethyl)-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4-one.

Also known as: 3-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylsulfanylmethyl)-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4-one, Azinphos-methyl, Azinphosmethyl, azinphos methyl.

IUPAC name
3-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylsulfanylmethyl)-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4-one
CAS number
86-50-0
Molecular formula
C10H12N3O3PS2
Molecular weight
317.3 g/mol
SMILES
COP(=S)(OC)SCN1C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2N=N1
PubChem CID
2268

Risk for babies

Severe risk

Infants are acutely vulnerable to Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.

Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.

What to do: Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

Risk for pregnant and nursing people

Very high risk

Prenatal exposure to Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) is associated with neurodevelopmental effects. Organophosphate/carbamate insecticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which plays a role in fetal brain development.

Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.

What to do: Minimize exposure during pregnancy and lactation. Consult healthcare provider regarding specific risks. Consider alternative products with lower hazard profiles.

Regulatory consensus

9 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Azinphos-methyl (Guthion). The classifications differ — that's the data.

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
EPA CTX / EPA OPP—Not Likely to Be Carcinogenic in Humans
EPA CTX / Genetox—Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 4 positive / 3 negative reports)
EPA CTX / Genetox—Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 4 positive / 3 negative reports)
EPA CTX / Skin-Eye—Skin Sensitization: Skin Sens. 1 (score: high)
EPA CTX / Skin-Eye—Eye Irritation: Category 2B (score: moderate)
EPA CTX / Skin-Eye—Skin Irritation: Not classified (score: low)
EPA CTX / Skin-Eye—Skin Sensitization: Category 1 (score: high)
EPA CTX / Skin-Eye—Eye Irritation: Category 6.4A (Category 2A) (score: high)
EPA CTX / Skin-Eye—Skin Sensitization: Category 6.5B (Category 1) (score: moderate)

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where kids encounter azinphos-methyl (guthion)

  • Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
  • Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Azinphos-methyl (Guthion):

  • Physical/mechanical pest control (IPM)
    Trade-offs: More labor-intensive. May not be sufficient for severe infestations.
    Relative cost: Variable; lower long-term

Frequently asked questions

Is azinphos-methyl (guthion) safe for kids?

Infants are acutely vulnerable to Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.

What products contain azinphos-methyl (guthion)?

Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).

What should I do if my child is exposed to azinphos-methyl (guthion)?

Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

Why do regulators disagree about azinphos-methyl (guthion)?

Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) has been classified by 9 agencies including EPA CTX / EPA OPP, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Skin-Eye, EPA CTX / Skin-Eye, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.

See Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) in the baby app

Look up products containing azinphos-methyl (guthion), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

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Sources (1)
  1. US EPA: Azinphos-methyl Cancellation Order and Risk Assessment — Farmworker Risk, Aquatic Extreme Toxicity, and Phase-Out (2012) (2012) — regulatory

Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →