Is Emamectin benzoate safe for babies and kids?
Moderate risk for kidsInfants are acutely vulnerable to Emamectin benzoate due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What is emamectin benzoate?
The IUPAC name is benzoic acid;(1'R,2R,3S,4'S,6S,8'R,10'E,12'S,13'S,14'E,16'E,20'R,21'R,24'S)-2-[(2S)-butan-2-yl]-21',24'-dihydroxy-12'-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-methoxy-5-[(2S,4S,5S,6S)-4-methoxy-6-methyl-5-(methylamino)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3,11',13',22'-tetramethylspiro[2,3-dihydropyran-6,6'-3,7,19-trioxatetracyclo[15.6.1.14,8.020,24]pentacosa-10,14,16,22-tetraene]-2'-one.
Also known as: benzoic acid;(1'R,2R,3S,4'S,6S,8'R,10'E,12'S,13'S,14'E,16'E,20'R,21'R,24'S)-2-[(2S)-butan-2-yl]-21',24'-dihydroxy-12'-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-methoxy-5-[(2S,4S,5S,6S)-4-methoxy-6-methyl-5-(methylamino)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3,11',13',22'-tetramethylspiro[2,3-dihydropyran-6,6'-3,7,19-trioxatetracyclo[15.6.1.14,8.020,24]pentacosa-10,14,16,22-tetraene]-2'-one, Proclaim, Methylamino abamectin benzoate, MK-244.
- IUPAC name
- benzoic acid;(1'R,2R,3S,4'S,6S,8'R,10'E,12'S,13'S,14'E,16'E,20'R,21'R,24'S)-2-[(2S)-butan-2-yl]-21',24'-dihydroxy-12'-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-methoxy-5-[(2S,4S,5S,6S)-4-methoxy-6-methyl-5-(methylamino)oxan-2-yl]oxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3,11',13',22'-tetramethylspiro[2,3-dihydropyran-6,6'-3,7,19-trioxatetracyclo[15.6.1.14,8.020,24]pentacosa-10,14,16,22-tetraene]-2'-one
- CAS number
- 137512-74-4
- Molecular formula
- C56H81NO15
- Molecular weight
- 1008.2 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCC(C)C1C(C=CC2(O1)CC3CC(O2)CC=C(C(C(C=CC=C4COC5C4(C(C=C(C5O)C)C(=O)O3)O)C)OC6CC(C(C(O6)C)OC7CC(C(C(O7)C)NC)OC)OC)C)C.C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)O
- PubChem CID
- 11650986
Risk for babies
Moderate riskInfants are acutely vulnerable to Emamectin benzoate 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.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskPrenatal exposure to Emamectin benzoate 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.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified Emamectin benzoate.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US EPA (FIFRA pesticide registration) | 2018 | not likely to be carcinogenic to humans; registered as Proclaim for food crops; FIFRA registration with food tolerances; not classified for carcinogenicity by IARC or EFSA; requires restricted entry interval and PPE due to acute mammalian toxicity |
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 emamectin benzoate
- 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 Emamectin benzoate:
-
Physical/mechanical pest control (IPM)
Trade-offs: More labor-intensive. May not be sufficient for severe infestations.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is emamectin benzoate safe for kids?
Infants are acutely vulnerable to Emamectin benzoate due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What products contain emamectin benzoate?
Emamectin benzoate 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 emamectin benzoate?
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 Emamectin benzoate in the baby app
Look up products containing emamectin benzoate, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- US EPA FIFRA Emamectin Benzoate Proclaim Registration 2018: Not Likely Carcinogenic; LD50 ~76 mg/kg Moderately Toxic; Restricted Entry Interval 12h; GluCl Invertebrate Selective; Blood-Brain Barrier Avermectin; Daphnia EC50 0.0023 mg/L Extremely Toxic Aquatic (2018) — regulatory
- Emamectin Benzoate Slice Aquaculture Sea Lice Atlantic Salmon: Marine Invertebrate Crustacean Non-target Risk; Mysid Shrimp LC50 0.0012 mg/L; EU Aquaculture Veterinary Medicine Assessment; Lobster Crab Shrimp Adjacent Waters Risk (2020) — 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 →