Baby Safety / Compounds / Spinetoram

Is Spinetoram safe for babies and kids?

Moderate risk for kids

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

What is spinetoram?

The IUPAC name is (1S,2R,5R,7R,9R,10S,14R,15S,19S)-15-[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino)-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-7-[(2R,3R,4R,5S,6S)-4-ethoxy-3,5-dimethoxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-19-ethyl-14-methyl-20-oxatetracyclo[10.10.0.02,10.05,9]docos-11-ene-13,21-dione.

Also known as: (1S,2R,5R,7R,9R,10S,14R,15S,19S)-15-[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino)-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-7-[(2R,3R,4R,5S,6S)-4-ethoxy-3,5-dimethoxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-19-ethyl-14-methyl-20-oxatetracyclo[10.10.0.02,10.05,9]docos-11-ene-13,21-dione, Spinetoram J, Spinetoram (major component), Spinetoram (major component) [ISO].

IUPAC name
(1S,2R,5R,7R,9R,10S,14R,15S,19S)-15-[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino)-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-7-[(2R,3R,4R,5S,6S)-4-ethoxy-3,5-dimethoxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-19-ethyl-14-methyl-20-oxatetracyclo[10.10.0.02,10.05,9]docos-11-ene-13,21-dione
CAS number
187166-40-1
Molecular formula
C42H69NO10
Molecular weight
748.0 g/mol
SMILES
CCC1CCCC(C(C(=O)C2=CC3C(C2CC(=O)O1)CCC4C3CC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)C)OC)OCC)OC)C)OC6CCC(C(O6)C)N(C)C
PubChem CID
24795086

Risk for babies

Moderate risk

Infants are acutely vulnerable to Spinetoram 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

Elevated risk

Prenatal exposure to Spinetoram 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

1 regulatory bodyhas classified Spinetoram.

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
US EPA (FIFRA/biopesticide registration)2021not likely to be carcinogenic to humans; registered as Delegate WG/Radiant SC; semi-synthetic spinosyn; OMRI listed for organic use; not classified for carcinogenicity by IARC or EFSA

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 spinetoram

  • 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 Spinetoram:

  • Spinosad; Bt; Neem; Beneficial insects; Physical barriers
    Trade-offs: Species-specific; no chemical residues; self-sustaining once established; slow onset (weeks vs hours for chemicals); requires ecological knowledge; may not achieve complete control; compatible with organic certification.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions

Is spinetoram safe for kids?

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

What products contain spinetoram?

Spinetoram 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 spinetoram?

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 Spinetoram in the baby app

Look up products containing spinetoram, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

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Sources (2)
  1. US EPA FIFRA Biopesticide Spinetoram Delegate WG Radiant SC Registration 2021: Not Likely Carcinogenic; LD50 ~2579 mg/kg; OMRI Organic Listed; Semi-synthetic Spinosyn J L; Bee Evening Application Restriction; High Koc Low Aquatic Mobility (2021) — regulatory
  2. EFSA Spinetoram Peer Review 2020: Not Carcinogenic Not Genotoxic; ADI Established; Low Mammalian Toxicity; Daphnia EC50 0.0153 mg/L Highly Toxic Crustacean; Organic Approval Basis; Broader Spectrum vs Spinosad (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 →