Is Copper naphthenate safe for babies and kids?
Very high risk for kidsInfants are extremely vulnerable to Copper naphthenate due to immature blood-brain barrier, higher gastrointestinal absorption rates (40-50% vs 3-10% in adults), and rapidly developing neurology. Even trace exposure can cause irreversible neurodevelopmental harm.
What is copper naphthenate?
The IUPAC name is 2,4-dichloro-6-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)sulfanylphenol.
Also known as: 2,4-dichloro-6-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)sulfanylphenol, bithionol, Bithin, Lorothidol.
- IUPAC name
- 2,4-dichloro-6-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)sulfanylphenol
- CAS number
- 97-18-7
- Molecular formula
- C12H6Cl4O2S
- Molecular weight
- 356.0 g/mol
- SMILES
- OC1=C(Cl)C=C(Cl)C=C1SC1=C(O)C(Cl)=CC(Cl)=C1
- PubChem CID
- 2406
Risk for babies
Very high riskInfants are extremely vulnerable to Copper naphthenate due to immature blood-brain barrier, higher gastrointestinal absorption rates (40-50% vs 3-10% in adults), and rapidly developing neurology. Even trace exposure can cause irreversible neurodevelopmental harm.
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.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Severe riskPregnancy increases vulnerability to Copper naphthenate. Heavy metals cross the placenta, accumulate in fetal tissue, and interfere with neurodevelopment. Maternal bone resorption during pregnancy mobilizes stored metals.
Known reproductive toxicant (GHS H360) or confirmed endocrine disruptor. Placental transfer is presumed. Fetal exposure during critical developmental windows may cause structural malformations, growth restriction, or functional deficits.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Copper naphthenate. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 1 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 1 negative reports) |
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 copper naphthenate
- Contaminated Water — Mining site runoff, Industrial discharge, Old infrastructure
- Food Chain — Fish from contaminated waters, Crops in contaminated soil
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Copper naphthenate:
-
Exposure reduction (no chemical substitute)
Trade-offs: Exposure reduction does not eliminate the hazard but lowers risk to acceptable levels when alternatives are not available or practical. Requires ongoing monitoring and compliance.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is copper naphthenate safe for kids?
Infants are extremely vulnerable to Copper naphthenate due to immature blood-brain barrier, higher gastrointestinal absorption rates (40-50% vs 3-10% in adults), and rapidly developing neurology. Even trace exposure can cause irreversible neurodevelopmental harm.
What products contain copper naphthenate?
Copper naphthenate appears in: Mining site runoff (Contaminated water); Industrial discharge (Contaminated water); Fish from contaminated waters (Food chain); Crops in contaminated soil (Food chain).
What should I do if my child is exposed to copper naphthenate?
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.
See Copper naphthenate in the baby app
Look up products containing copper naphthenate, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- PubChem Compound CID 2406 — database
- EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DTXSID9021342 — epa
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 97-18-7 — reference
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 →