(Z)-9-Tricosene, known as muscalure, how harmful is it to environment and human? (2024)

(Z)-9-tricosene is the sex-attractant pheromone of the female housefly.

This biochemical pesticide is used in a number of places where fly control is necessary including food/feed handling establishments, livestock premises and residential areas. However, these are considered non-food/feed uses because label restrictions prohibit use near food and feed.

(Z)-9-tricosene is formulated as an impregnated material or pest strip, as well as a granular and crystal. Products are applied by hand, using rubber gloves or a cup or scoop.

Use restrictions for products containing (Z)-9-tricosene include: usegranules and crystals in bait stations or only in places inaccessible to birds; strips containing the chemical may not be placed in areas where birds, pets or children can accidentally come in contact; products are not permitted in food areas of food handling establishments, or where milk is processed or stored; and products must be kept out of reach of food producing animals.

(Z)-9-tricosene is classified as a biochemical pesticide because even though it is chemically synthesized, it is identical to the sex pheromone of the female house fly Musca domestica.Other than slight eye and dermal irritation effects, and possibly moderate dermal sensitization, (Z)-9-tricosene showed no significant signs of acute toxicity. Because of its use patterns, no further toxicology studies are required.

The major routes of dissipation in the environment for (Z)-9-tricosene are volatilization and microbial mediated degradation.

(Z)-9-tricosene has low toxicity to mammalian species that may come in contact with this pesticide in the environment. The chemical is practically non-toxic to birds or freshwater fish on an acute oral basis. On a subacute dietary basis, it is practically non-toxic to upland game birds and waterfowl.

(Z)-9-tricosene is very highly toxic, even in low doses, to waterfowl for reproductive effects and is also highly toxic to freshwater invertebrates.

The use of registered products containing (Z)-9-tricosene will not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or the environment, provided that these products are used in accordance with the restrictions on product labeling.