Where It Comes From
Household bug sprays, lawn/garden products, pet flea/tick treatments, mosquito control, head‑lice/scabies medicines, and residues on crops; also found in indoor dust [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Using sprays or foggers; breathing indoor air/dust after treatment; skin contact with treated fabrics or creams; eating residues on fruits/vegetables; handling treated pets; less often, drinking water near applications [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short‑term effects can include tingling/itching skin, eye irritation, dizziness, and nausea; people with asthma may have worsening symptoms. No consistent evidence of cancer in people; some animal studies found tumors at high doses; IARC: not classifiable [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Pest control workers/applicators; children who crawl and put hands in mouth; people with asthma; pregnant people with frequent home use [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow labels exactly; prefer integrated pest management; ventilate and keep kids/pets out until sprays dry; wash hands and produce; damp‑wipe/mop to remove dust; store/dispose pesticides safely [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2022.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Permethrin Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) and consumer safety guidance, 2006–2009.
- [3]IARC. Monographs Volume 53: Occupational Exposures in Insecticide Application, and Some Pesticides—Permethrin (Group 3), 1991.