carbaryl

Carbaryl is a synthetic insecticide belonging to the carbamate chemical family. It was first synthesized in 1953 and has been widely used since the late 1950s for agricultural and residential pest control. Carbaryl acts as a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for proper nervous system function in insects and mammals. By inhibiting this enzyme, carbaryl causes accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses leading to overstimulation of the nervous system and eventual death in insects. In humans and other vertebrates, exposure can cause cholinesterase inhibition resulting in neurological symptoms such as headaches, muscle weakness, nausea, cramps, sweating, restlessness; severe poisoning may lead to paralysis or death[1][4][5]. Carbaryl is rapidly detoxified and eliminated by vertebrates but is highly toxic to many non-target species including beneficial insects (e.g., honeybees) and aquatic organisms[5]. It has been approved for use on over 100 crops in the US but banned or restricted in some regions such as the EU[5].

Brand names

SevinCarylderm

Other names

carbaryl