For the second year running, the FBRK editorial team is analysing what insects are being poisoned with in the country's regions, urging local authorities to conscientiously approach the issue of disinsection. We have repeatedly noted how dangerous the pesticides are which, with the approval of local authorities, are used in urban environments, and what impact they can have on living organisms, including on people.
The FBRK editorial team continues to break down the toxicological characteristics of the preparations used in Kazakhstan. Read the beginning in the previous part of the article: What Kazakh citizens are being poisoned with during disinsection. Part 1
DELTAMETHRIN
‘Deltamethrin’ is a potential allergen and can cause asthma in some people. In acute poisoning, a person experiences uncontrolled movements, shortness of breath, swelling, headache, convulsions, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. The substance is not only toxic to warm-blooded animals and humans but is also extremely toxic to bees and aquatic organisms, especially fish.
Currently, ‘Deltamethrin’ is considered an obsolete insecticide, as many insects, particularly mosquitoes and bedbugs, have become insensitive to it. For example, it is noted that about 88% of bedbugs in the USA have genes that block the action of ‘Deltamethrin’.
Preparations based on ‘Deltamethrin’ include ‘K-Othrin’ and ‘Deltaris’, used in the territory of Pavlodar Region, both in 2020 and in 2024, as well as the preparation ‘Decis Expert’, used in Atyrau city and in Atyrau Region, and the preparation ‘Flex Expert’, used in Taldykorgan city this year.
DIOMETHOATE
‘Diomethoate’ belongs to substances that are extremely toxic to all living organisms. The substance is poisonous to any representatives of fauna, insects, birds, fish and humans.
The substance causes toxic effects on humans both through inhalation and skin contact. In the case of acute ‘Dimethoate’ poisoning, symptoms include nausea, weakness, drowsiness, constricted pupils, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In severe poisonings, loss of consciousness, convulsions and even paralysis are observed.
Repeated exposure to ‘Dimethoate’ in humans contributes to the onset of depression, anxiety and irritability. High or repeated exposure can affect the functioning of the nervous system, cause genetic mutations and damage the developing fetus.
Preparations based on ‘Dimethoate’ include ‘Danadim Expert’, which was used in Kyzylorda city in 2023, and ‘BI-58’, previously used in Aktau city.
CYHALOTHRIN
The substance ‘Gamma-cyhalothrin’ is very harmful when inhaled and has high toxicity for mammals, honeybees and many aquatic organisms; it is less toxic for birds and earthworms.
‘Lambda-cyhalothrin’ irritates mucous membranes, negatively affects the human cardiovascular system and can lead to pulmonary oedema. The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms, causing long-term changes in the aquatic environment. ‘Lambda-cyhalothrin’ is lethal to bumblebees, bees and other pollinating insects.
Preparations based on ‘Gamma-cyhalothrin’ include ‘Vantex’, used in the territory of Zhambyl and Turkestan regions in 2023. Furthermore, ‘Lambda-cyhalothrin’ is the active ingredient of the preparation ‘Lyatrin’, which was used in Zhetysu Region last year, the preparation ‘Karat Super’, used in Tekeli city, and the preparation ‘Karate’, used in Priozersk city in 2024.
THIAMETHOXAM
‘Thiamethoxam’, like ‘Imidacloprid’, belongs to the class of neonicotinoids, which were developed by modifying nicotine, and has a detrimental effect on various organs and tissues, especially the liver and kidneys. The substance can cause acute poisoning in humans, characterised by dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Preparations based on ‘Thiamethoxam’ include the preparation ‘Aktara’, which was previously used in the territory of Abai Region.
CYPERMETHRIN
‘Cypermethrin’ has a toxic effect on the male reproductive system, contributes to an increase in bone marrow micronuclei and the emergence of suicidal tendencies. The substance negatively affects the central nervous system of mammals and is extremely toxic to cats, fish, bees and aquatic insects.
‘Alpha-cypermethrin’ is moderately toxic to earthworms, practically non-toxic to birds, but very toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and bees. The substance has moderate persistence in soils.
‘Alpha-cypermethrin’ can be toxic to humans and animals if used incorrectly or in large doses. Poisoning with ‘Alpha-cypermethrin’ results in impaired coordination of movements, convulsions, salivation and lacrimation.
Preparations based on ‘Cypermethrin’ include ‘Tsipax’, used in the territory of West Kazakhstan Region in 2023. Specifically, ‘Alpha-cypermethrin’ is the active ingredient of the preparation ‘Fobos’, previously used in the southern regions of Kazakhstan.
Read the continuation in the final part of the article. What Kazakh citizens are being poisoned with during disinsection. Part 3