Ethion

Ethion is released directly into the environment in its application as an insecticide and acaricide. In the vapor-phase, ethion will react rapidly with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals at an estimated half-life rate of 6.95 hours. General population exposure to ethion may occur through ingestion of contaminated food, particularly fruits and root vegetables. Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation and dermal routes associated with the insecticidal use of ethion. Ethion is used as a non-systemic insecticide and acaricide, particularly for apples and other fruits. Ethion is susceptible to slow aqueous hydrolysis at acidic and neutral conditions with the hydrolysis becoming relatively rapid at pHs approaching 9 and above; therefore, in very alkaline moist soils, hydrolysis will probably be the dominant removal mechanism. General population exposure to ethion may occur through consumption of contaminated food, particularly fruits and root vegetables. Ethion has reportedly been identified in German drinking water.