dichlorvos

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate insecticide primarily used for the control of household pests and protection of stored products from insects. It has also been used in veterinary medicine to control parasites in pets and livestock. The compound acts as an irreversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, leading to accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses and disruption of normal nerve function. This mechanism results in neurotoxic effects that can be fatal at high exposures. Dichlorvos has been available since 1961 but its use is controversial due to environmental persistence and toxicity concerns; it is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies[1][3][4][5]. Its main uses are now restricted or banned in many countries.

Brand names

VaponaNo-Pest StripNuvanDichlorvos

Other names

2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphateDDVP