Fenvalerate

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by fenvalerate, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide widely used for crop protection.

Marketed since 1976, fenvalerate is also used in homes and gardens and for the control of insect infestation in cattle.

A brief discussion of sources of human exposure concentrates on studies of dietary residues, concluding that residues in crops grown by good agricultural practice are generally low.

A section devoted to environmental behaviour cites studies documenting the rapid degradation and decomposition of fenvalerate, the reduced toxicity of its degradation products and the absence of leaching in soil.