Is Parathion (ethyl parathion) safe for babies and kids?
Severe risk for kidsInfants are acutely vulnerable to Parathion (ethyl parathion) due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What is parathion (ethyl parathion)?
The IUPAC name is diethoxy-(4-nitrophenoxy)-sulfanylidene-lambda5-phosphane.
Also known as: diethoxy-(4-nitrophenoxy)-sulfanylidene-lambda5-phosphane, parathion, ethyl parathion, Parathion-ethyl.
- IUPAC name
- diethoxy-(4-nitrophenoxy)-sulfanylidene-lambda5-phosphane
- CAS number
- 56-38-2
- Molecular formula
- C10H14NO5PS
- Molecular weight
- 291.26 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCOP(=S)(OCC)OC1=CC=C(C=C1)[N+](=O)[O-]
- PubChem CID
- 991
Risk for babies
Severe riskInfants are acutely vulnerable to Parathion (ethyl parathion) 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
Very high riskPrenatal exposure to Parathion (ethyl parathion) 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
8 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Parathion (ethyl parathion). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 1983 | Group 2B | IARC Group 2B for parathion (ethyl parathion), evaluated in Monograph 30 (1983) on occupational exposures in insecticide application and some pesticides. The classification is based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans (occupational cohort studies of insecticide applicators showing some associations with lymphomas and leukemia) and limited evidence in experimental animals (liver tumors in some mouse bioassays). Parathion's carcinogenic potential is considered secondary to its acute neurotoxicity as an irreversible AChE inhibitor; the compound was one of the most acutely lethal organophosphates deployed in agriculture (oral LD50 rat: 2–30 mg/kg). Parathion was cancelled in the US in 1991 (EPA voluntary cancellation), has been largely phased out globally, and is listed under the Rotterdam Convention PIC procedure for severely hazardous pesticide formulations. IARC has not re-evaluated parathion since 1983. |
| EPA CTX / IRIS | — | C (Possible human carcinogen) | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| 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 | — | Eye Irritation: Category 2B (score: moderate) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Not classified (score: low) |
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 parathion (ethyl parathion)
- 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 Parathion (ethyl parathion):
-
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 parathion (ethyl parathion) safe for kids?
Infants are acutely vulnerable to Parathion (ethyl parathion) due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What products contain parathion (ethyl parathion)?
Parathion (ethyl parathion) 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 parathion (ethyl parathion)?
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 parathion (ethyl parathion)?
Parathion (ethyl parathion) has been classified by 8 agencies including IARC, EPA CTX / IRIS, EPA CTX / IARC, EPA CTX / CalEPA, EPA CTX / Genetox, 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 Parathion (ethyl parathion) in the baby app
Look up products containing parathion (ethyl parathion), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- IARC Monographs Volume 30: Occupational Exposures in Insecticide Application and Some Pesticides — Parathion and Methyl Parathion Group 2B Classification (1983) (1983) — regulatory
- WHO Environmental Health Criteria 79: Parathion — Acute Neurotoxicity, AChE Inhibition, Occupational Exposure, and Ecological Risk (1992) (1992) — 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 →