Is Phosmet safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants are acutely vulnerable to Phosmet due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What is phosmet?
The IUPAC name is 2-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylsulfanylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione.
Also known as: 2-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylsulfanylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione, Fosmet, Decemthion, Phthalophos.
- IUPAC name
- 2-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylsulfanylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione
- CAS number
- 732-11-6
- Molecular formula
- C11H12NO4PS2
- Molecular weight
- 317.3 g/mol
- SMILES
- COP(=S)(OC)SCN1C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C1=O
- PubChem CID
- 12901
Risk for babies
High riskInfants are acutely vulnerable to Phosmet 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 Phosmet 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 Phosmet. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / EPA OPP | — | Suggestive Evidence of Carcinogenicity but Not Sufficient to Assess Human Carcinogenic Potential | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 2 positive / 3 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 2 positive / 3 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Category 2B (score: moderate) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Category 3 (score: moderate) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Category 6.4A (Category 2A) (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Category 6.3B (Category 3) (score: moderate) | |
| 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 phosmet
- 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 Phosmet:
-
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 phosmet safe for kids?
Infants are acutely vulnerable to Phosmet due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What products contain phosmet?
Phosmet 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 phosmet?
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 phosmet?
Phosmet has been classified by 8 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 Phosmet in the baby app
Look up products containing phosmet, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- US EPA: Phosmet Reregistration Eligibility Decision — Dietary and Occupational Risk Assessment, Aquatic Ecological Risk, OPIDN Assessment (2001–2015) (2015) — 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 →