ATSDR - Toxic Substances - Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids
Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options

Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids

CAS ID #: 121-21-1, 52645-53-1, 68085-85-8

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Neurological (Nervous System)

Cancer Effects: None

Chemical Classification: Pesticides (chemicals used for killing pests, such as rodents, insects, or plants)

Summary: Pyrethrins are naturally-occurring coµmpounds with insecticidal properties that are found in pyrethruµm extract froµm certain chrysantheµmuµm flowers. The pyrethrins are often used in household insecticides and products to control insects on pets or livestock. Pyrethroids are µmanufactured cheµmicals that are very siµmilar in structure to the pyrethrins, but are often µmore toxic to insects as well as to µmaµmµmals, and last longer in the environµment than the pyrethrins. More than 1,000 synthetic pyrethroids have been developed, but less than a dozen of theµm are currently used in the United States. Perµmethrin is the µmost frequently used pyrethroid in the United States.

Community Members 

Community Members
  • ToxFAQs™

    Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about a contaminant and its health effects.

  • Public Health Statement

    Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.

  • National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals

    Provides an ongoing assessment of the exposure of the U.S. population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.

  • Toxicological and Health Professionals 

    Toxicological and Health Professionals
  • Toxicological Profile

    Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for a hazardous substance.

  • ToxGuide (PDF, 114KB)

    Quick reference guide providing information such as chemical and physical properties, sources of exposure, routes of exposure, minimal risk levels, children's health, and health effects for a substance.

  • Top of Page

    Contact Us:
    • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
      4770 Buford Hwy NE
      Atlanta, GA 30341
    • 800-CDC-INFO
      (800-232-4636)
      TTY: (888) 232-6348
    • New Hours of Operation
      8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
      Closed Holidays
    • cdcinfo@cdc.gov
    USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
    Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341
    Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348

    A-Z Index

    1. A
    2. B
    3. C
    4. D
    5. E
    6. F
    7. G
    8. H
    9. I
    10. J
    11. K
    12. L
    13. M
    14. N
    15. O
    16. P
    17. Q
    18. R
    19. S
    20. T
    21. U
    22. V
    23. W
    24. X
    25. Y
    26. Z
    27. #