ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Malathion
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Malathion

CAS ID #: 121-75-5

Affected Organ Systems: Endocrine (Glands and Hormones), Immunological (Immune System), Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Cancer Effects: None

Chemical Classification: Organophosphates and carbamates

Summary: Malathion is an insecticide that does not occur naturally. Pure malathion is a colorless liquid, and technical-grade malathion, which contains >90% malathion and impurities in a solvent, is a brownish-yellow liquid that smells like garlic. Malathion is used to kill insects on farm crops and in gardens, to treat lice on humans, and to treat fleas on pets. Malathion is also used to kill mosquitos and Mediterranean fruit flies on (medflies) in large outdoor areas.

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