Where It Comes From
Made from soil bacteria (avermectin family); used on fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and in structural pest control products [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Mixing or applying products; drift near treated fields; touching treated plants or baits; residues on produce; less likely through drinking water because it binds to soil, though runoff can carry it to surface water [1][3].
Why It Matters
Short-term high exposures can cause nausea, dizziness, tremors, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, and, rarely, coma; eye and skin irritation possible. EPA does not consider it a human carcinogen. Very toxic to bees [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Pesticide applicators and farmworkers; people mixing concentrates; residents entering treated areas before the re-entry interval; and children in homes where baits are used [1][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Prefer non-chemical pest control; follow label directions and re-entry intervals; wear gloves and wash hands; keep baits and concentrates out of children’s reach; wash fruits and vegetables; close windows during nearby spraying [1][3][4].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Abamectin Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), 1999.
- [2]WHO/FAO JMPR. Abamectin – Toxicological evaluation, 1996/1997.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Abamectin Registration Review: Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment.
- [4]National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). Abamectin General Fact Sheet.