Abamectin

Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Fire extinguishing media: dry chemical, foam, CO2.

Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.

Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.

Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Fatal if swallowed. May be harmful in contact with skin. Harmful if inhaled. Very toxic to aquatic life... Wash hands thorughly after handling. Avoid release to the enviroment. If swallowed: Immediately call a poison center or doctor/physician.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Tolerances are established for residues of abamectin, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the following table. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified in the following table is to be determined by measuring only avermectin B1 a mixture of avermectins containing greater than or equal to 80% avermectin B1a (5-O-demethyl avermectin A1) and less than or equal to 20% avermectin B1b (5-O-demethyl-25-de(1-methylpropyl)-25-(1-methylethyl) avermectin A1) and its delta-8,9-isomer in or on the following commodities:[Table#6514]

Abamectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, in vitro, by down regulating both the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation pathway. In this study, we investigated the role of abamectin in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the involvement of MAPK and NF-kappaB. BALB/C mice were administered abamectin (PBS) orally, followed by a dose of 0.5 mg/kg of LPS. After 10 hr, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in the BALF were determined. The right lung was then excised for histological examination and analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Phosphorylation of MAPK family and I?appakB were detected by western blot. We found that 2 mg/kg of abamectin had significant protective effects on ALI. Mice treated with LPS alone showed markedly increased TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels in the BALF. In addition, not only was the W/D ratio of lung tissue significantly decreased, the number of total cells, neutrophils and macrophages in the BALF was also significantly reduced 11 hr after treatment with abamectin. Furthermore, p38MAPK, ERK, and IkappaB were activated in 10 hr after LPS treatment, which could be blunted by Abamectin. These results indicate that abamectin could attenuate inflammatory injury induced by LPS through MAPK and NF-kappaB passway.

LC50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard Duck)age 10 days; chemical incorporated into food 383 ppm for 8 days (95% confidence interval: 302-487 ppm)

LC50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Northern Bobwhite Quail) age 14 days; chemical incorporated into food 3102 ppm for 8 days (95% confidence interval: 2344-4415 ppm)

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard Duck) age 5 months; oral via capsule 85 mg/kg for 14 days (95% confidence interval: 67-120 mg/kg)

LD50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Northern Bobwhite Quail) age 12 months; oral via capsule >2000 mg/kg for 14 days

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for ABAMECTIN (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc range of 1,672 to 23,103(2) indicates that abamectin is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of abamectin from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.4X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.5X10-9 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 1.21 mg/L(4). Abamectin is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation in soil may be an important environmental fate process as aerobic soil biodegradation half-lives of 2 weeks to 2 months have been reported(5). Biodegradation is much slower under anaerobic conditions(5,6). On soil surfaces, abamectin is susceptible to photodegradation when exposed to sunlight(5,6). Soil photodegradation half-lives of 8 hours to 1 week have been reported(5,6). Soil dissipation half-lives of 2.5 to 56 days have been reported(2,5,6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc range of 1,672 to 23,103(2) indicates that abamectin is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.4X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.5X10-9 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.21 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), measured fish BCF values of 56(7) and 74(8) suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). Biodegradation in water and sediments may be an important environmental fate process as soil biodegradation half-lives of 2 weeks to 2 months have been reported(9). Abamectin is susceptible to direct photolysis in aqueous solutions as half-lives of 3.5 to 18 hours have been observed(10). It is also susceptible to sensitized photolysis(11) in natural waters. Abamectin is stable to abiotic hydrolysis at pH levels of 5, 7 and 9 at 25 °C(5).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), abamectin, which has a vapor pressure of 1.5X10-9 mm Hg at 20 °C(2) is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase abamectin may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Abamectin is susceptible to photodegradation in sunlight(3,4); however, the rate at which this process may occur in the atmosphere is not known(SRC).

Abamectin was detected in uncovered bread and lettuce samples placed on a food serving counter in three dining facilities at Ft. Bragg, NC during Sept to Dec 1989 following application of the 0.05% dust formulation to cracks and crevices at 32-45 mg total application(1). Abamectin was initially detected in the bread at 8.4 ppb, and was 3.6 and 3.3 ppb at 1 and 3 days posttreatment, respectively; abamectin was initially detected in the lettuce at 6.9 ppb and was 2.6 ppb at day 1(1). It is noted that no heating or air conditioning was used in the dining facilities during the study.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Abamectin is used as an acaricide and insecticide for fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, as well as a parasiticide for animals. One of the major problems of applying pesticides to crops is the likelihood of contaminating aquatic ecosystems by drift or runoff. Therefore, toxicity tests in the laboratory are important tools to predict the effects of chemical substances in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the potential hazards of abamectin to the freshwater biota and consequently the possible losses of ecological services in contaminated water bodies. For this purpose, we identified the toxicity of abamectin on daphnids, insects and fish. Abamectin was highly toxic, with an EC(50) 48 hr for Daphnia similis of 5.1 ng /per/ L, LC(50) 96 hr for Chironomus xanthus of 2.67 ug /per/ L and LC(50) 48 hr for Danio rerio of 33 ug /per/ L.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The effect of abamectin (ABM) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was studied. The acute toxicity of ABM on rainbow trout was established, following the target 58-hr water bath exposure of ABM concentrations from 0.6 to 4.5 ug/L, on the basis of which LD75 (4.0 ug/L) was calculated. The histological changes in organs showed a direct toxicity of ABM for rainbow trout since degenerative changes in brain and kidney and--to a minor extent--in liver were established. The values of the ABM residues in fish muscle tissue with skin were proportional to the exposed concentrations of ABM.

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ To determine effects of the antiparasitic veterinary drug abamectin on the isopod Porcellio scaber, animals were exposed for 21 days to Lufa 2.2 soil spiked at concentrations of 3-300 mg/kg dry soil. After exposure, abamectin residues in the isopods were analysed using a novel analytical method. Toxicity was evaluated on different levels of biological organisation: biochemical, cellular and the individual organism. Measurements included glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and stability of cell membranes in the digestive gland, animal mass gain or loss, food consumption, behaviour and mortality. LC50 for the effect of abamectin on survival of P. scaber was 71 mg/kg dry soil. The most obvious sublethal effects were reduced food consumption and decreased body mass (NOEC 3 mg/kg dry soil). Additionally, loss of digging activity and reduced GST activity (NOEC 30 mg/kg dry soil) and cell membrane destabilization (NOEC 10 mg/kg dry soil) were recorded. Abamectin only slightly accumulated in the isopods, with bioaccumulation factors always being <0.1. Based on these results and current information on environmental levels of abamectin, it is not likely that isopods will be affected by abamectin, but further studies with exposure through feces are recommended.

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ The antiparasitic abamectin has been proven effective against both endo- and ectoparasites of farm animals and hence used widely in animal husbandry. It may enter the soil environment with the excreta of treated animals. Very little information is available with regard to the sub-lethal effects of abamectin on soil invertebrates, such as earthworms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic effect of abamectin on earthworms, using Eisenia fetida, by analyzing changes in the survival, growth, reproduction and cocoon hatchability of exposed earthworms. Furthermore, a biomarker of the lysosomal membrane stability, measured by neutral red retention time (NRR-time), was also applied. Abamectin showed significant toxicity on the growth of earthworms with increasing concentrations up to 5 mg/kg. The most sensitive parameter was reproduction (cocoons production and hatchability) and NRR-time. The number of cocoons was reduced at concentrations above 0.25 mg/kg and no cocoons were present at the highest concentration of 5 mg/kg. Cocoons exposed to abamectin exhibited a reduced hatching success at concentrations above 1.5 mg/kg. The NRR-time was reduced significantly at exposure concentrations of abamectin above 0.25 mg/kg. The change in lysosomal membrane stability showed a good correlation with reproduction and may hence be a potential predicator of the effects on earthworm populations.

EPA has released the first beta version (version 0.5) of the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The beta version of the iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays; See the data in Chemical Explorer/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of March 28, 2014: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

The Koc of abamectin is reported to range from 1,672 to 23,103(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this Koc range suggests that abamectin is expected to be generally immobile in soil. Using soil thin-layer plate tests, abamectin was classified as immobile in six different soil types(3). In soil column tests using aged sand, sandy loam, clay loam and silt loam soils, abamectin was found to have a low leaching potential in all soils(3). In field studies, no residues were found at the 4-6 inch soil depth post-application (90 days), indicating that abamectin is relatively immobile even in sandy soils(3).

INDOOR: Abamectin was detected in indoor air samples collected from food-preparation, serving and dining areas of three dining facilities at Ft. Bragg, NC during Sept to Dec 1989 following application of the 0.05% dust formulation to cracks and crevices at 32-45 mg total application(1). Abamectin was initially detected in the air at 901 ng/cu m, decreased to 308 and 100 ng/cu m by 1 and 3 days posttreatment, respectively, and was 0.5-2 ng/cu m at 7-90 days(1). It is noted that no heating or air conditioning was used in the dining facilities during the study. Abamectin was not detected above the method detection limit (20.3 ng/L) in indoor air samples from a 35-yr old hotel in California collected during the spring of 1995 up to 12 hours following crack and crevice treatment at total applications of 4.8 to 58.7 mg abamectin(2). The study was designed to represent a worst-case venue; air conditioning was not utilized during the study.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... The aim of this study was to highlight whether there is a relationship between exposure to abamectin and male fertility parameters of farmworkers. Twenty male farmworkers who were using abamectin and 20 men not exposed to pesticides were recruited as experimental and control groups, respectively. Semen analysis, molecular markers of sperm maturity and serum reproductive hormone levels were evaluated. In experimental group, high plasma abamectin levels were detected. These men have decreased sperm motility. Moreover, diminished molecular markers of sperm maturity, such as decreased hyaluronic acid (HA) binding of sperm, increased numbers of aniline blue positive sperm and increased percentage of creatine kinase (CK) positive sperm, were observed in abamectin-exposed men. Their serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels did not change significantly. We conclude that exposure to abamectin may impair male fertility by effecting semen quality.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Macrocyclic lactones, including avermectins and milbemycins, are novel parasiticides and insecticides that are produced through fermentation by soil-dwelling microorganisms. Although various macrocyclic lactones may differ in their potency and safety, all of them are believed to share common pharmacologic/toxicologic mechanisms, i.e. leading to paralysis and death of parasites and other target organisms via the activation of a glutamate-gated chloride channel in the invertebrate nerve and muscle cells and/or through the effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Ivermectin is the first macrocyclic lactone that was released for use in both animals and humans, and has demonstrated both excellent efficacy and high tolerability in the treatment of parasite infestations. Other macrocyclic lactones, such as abamectin, emamectin, and moxidectin were subsequently commercialized and have been used as insecticides and acaricides for crop protection or parasiticides for animal health. Although ivermectin therapy is generally well tolerated, adverse effects that are usually transient and mild-to-moderate can occur. Severe adverse effects are rare and can generally be effectively controlled by symptomatic measures. Non-therapeutic exposures to ivermectin and other macrocyclic lactones may also result in toxic effects; significant toxicity however probably develops only after large amount of oral ingestion. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, macrocyclic lactones in large doses may pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to produce GABA-mimetic toxic effects. Severely poisoned patients usually present with coma, hypotension, respiratory failure, and even death. Despite the lack of specific therapy, the prognosis is likely to be favorable unless the poisoned patients are complicated with severe hypotension or respiratory failure.

/CASE REPORTS/ Avermectins have been used in the control of parasites and insects; however, human data concerning poisoning are lacking. This study investigated the clinical spectrum of avermectin poisoning. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients with avermectin poisoning reported to a poison center from September 1993 through December 1997. Eighteen patients with abamectin (Agri-Mek; 2% wt/wt abamectin) exposure and 1 with ivermectin (Ivomec; 1% wt/vol ivermectin) ingestion were identified. There were 14 male and 5 female patients, ranging in age from 15 to 83 years. Most patients were exposed as a result of attempted suicide (14). Oral ingestion (15) was the most common route of exposure. Four patients were asymptomatic, and 8 had minor symptoms after a mean ingestion of 23 mg/kg abamectin (4.2 to 67 mg/kg), or after dermal and inhalation contact. Seven patients manifested severe symptoms, such as coma (7), aspiration with respiratory failure (4), and hypotension (3), after a mean ingestion of 100.7 mg/kg avermectin (15.4 mg/kg for ivermectin and 114.9 mg/kg for abamectin). All 7 patients received intensive supportive care; 1 patient died 18 days later as a result of multiple organ failure. Ingestion of a large dose of avermectin may be associated with life-threatening coma, hypotension, and subsequent aspiration.

Tolerances are established for residues of abamectin, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the following table. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified in the following table is to be determined by measuring only avermectin B1 a mixture of avermectins containing greater than or equal to 80% avermectin B1a (5-O-demethyl avermectin A1) and less than or equal to 20% avermectin B1b (5-O-demethyl-25-de(1-methylpropyl)-25-(1-methylethyl) avermectin A1) and its delta-8,9-isomer in or on the following commodities:[Table#6515]

New Active Ingredients ... includes chemicals not previously registered as pesticides, as well as pesticide active ingredients initially registered after November 1, 1984 and that currently have active product registrations. By law, these pesticides must meet new safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 and, if new safety standards are met, will be reviewed again on a 15-year cycle. Abamaectin (Affirm) is designated by EPA as a New Pesticide Active Ingredient. Active Ingredient Number: 122804; Type of Pesticide: conventional - insecticide; Use Site: food use; Year: 1986.

Abamectin is scheduled registration review in fiscal year 2013. /From table/

Used as an acaricide, insecticide, and miticide; as a veterinary anthelmintic; [HSDB] Like its congener, Ivermectin, it is derived from Streptomyces avermitilis, a soil bacterium; [REPROTOX]

Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]

Smoking cigarettes [Category: Food & Drugs]

For abamectin (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 122804) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

Registered chemical alternative for chlorpyrifos for home use products to control pests such as ants, crickets and cockroaches.

Acaricide; insecticide

Abamectin is a natural product of the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis from which it is obtained by fermentation

Isoln from Streptomyces avermitilis: G. Albers-Schoenberg et al., German patent 2717040; eidem, United States of America patent 4310519 (1977, 1982 both to Merck & Co.).

Suspension concentrate.

Premix Partners: Acrinathrin; bifenazate; bifenthrin; chorpyrifos; lambda-cyhalothrin; beta-cypermethrin; zeta-cypermethrin; cyromazine; emamectin benzoate; imidacloprid; propargite; and thiamethoxam.

USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code 122804; Trade Names: MK 936, L 676, Affirm, Avid.

Mixture of avermectins containing >80% of avermectin B1a and <20% avermectin B1b.

For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for ABAMECTIN (65 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... Avermectin B1 /is/ a mixture of avermectins containing greater than or equal to 80% avermectin B1a (5-O-demethyl avermectin A1) and less than or equal to 20% avermectin B1b (5-O-demethyl-25-de(1-methylpropyl)-25-(1-methylethyl) avermectin A1) ... .[Table#6517]