Malathion

CAS ID#: 121-75-5

Affected Organ Systems: Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Cancer Classification: Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

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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Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021

Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry