Methyl Parathion

CAS ID#: 298-00-0

Affected Organ Systems: Developmental (effects while organs are developing), Hematological (Blood Forming), Neurological (Nervous System)

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

Chemical Classification: Organophosphates and carbamates

Summary:

Methyl parathion is an insecticide that does not occur naturally in the environment. Pure methyl parathion exists as white crystals. Impure methyl parathion is a brownish liquid that smells like rotten eggs.

Methyl parathion is used to kill insects on farm crops, especially cotton. The EPA now restricts how methyl parathion can be used and applied; only trained people are allowed to spray it. Methyl parathion can no longer be used on food crops commonly consumed by children.

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Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021

Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry