Diflubenzuron

Diflubenzuron is used to control disease-carrying mosquitos.

Diflubenzuron is an insecticide used to hinder the growth of flies and mosquitoes that can carry diseases like West Nile Virus. It's used on citrus, soy and cotton crops, ornamentals, forests, pastures, cattle, and on standing water and sewage systems.

Human exposure to diflubenzuron is expected to be low due to its immobility in the environment, but exposure may occur in instances where it is applied directly to water storage containers.

Health Effects of Diflubenzuron

Diflubenzuron has a very low toxicity with acute exposure. Long term animal studies have shown changes in blood chemistry and liver and spleen weight. It is not believed to be carcinogenic, but it can metabolize into a chemical (p-chloroaniline, or PCA) that is classified by the EPA as a “probable human carcinogen.”

Water Treatment for Diflubenzuron

According to the EPA, diflubenzuron may be treated with activated carbon.

Sources: EPA (1), EPA (2), WHO, EXTOXNET, Photo: WikiMedia, author: James Gathany, CDC