David wrote:

Of course you are aware that Permethrin is a rather potent nerotoxin
right? Google it and be afraid, be very afraid. :-)

vis. *...
The insecticide permethrin (in the synthetic pyrethroid family) is
widely used on cotton, wheat, corn, alfalfa, and other crops. In
addition, over 100 million applications are made annually in and around
U.S. homes.

Permethrin, like all synthetic pyrethroids, is a neurotoxin. Symptoms
include tremors, incoordination, elevated body temperature, increased
aggressive behavior, and disruption of learning. Laboratory tests
suggest that permethrin is more acutely toxic to children than to
adults. ...*

david N.


Actually, permethrin is generally considered a relatively low toxicity
insecticide. It has pretty low toxicity both through oral and dermal
routes. You would have to have an awful lot applied to you before you
showed any symptoms. Mammals can metabolize it pretty rapidly. It is
registered and safe to use on a variety of mammals. It can have
detrimental effects in aquatic systems, however. See the fact sheet at

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/permethr.htm

Tim Lysyk