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Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide widely used for control of insects such as mosquitoes, flies, lice, ticks, and mites, and Permethrin is used in public health, veterinary, textile, and household pest control applications.
Permethrin acts on insect nervous systems by affecting sodium channel function, leading to paralysis and death in susceptible pests, and Permethrin is valued for strong efficacy at low use levels and broad-spectrum activity.
Permethrin use requires careful compliance with local regulations, appropriate labeling, and safe handling practices, because Permethrin can be harmful to aquatic life and is highly toxic to cats, and Permethrin concentrates can irritate skin and eyes.
CAS Number: 52645-53-1
EC Number: 258-067-9
Molecular Formula: C21H20Cl2O3
Molecular Weight: 391.29 g/mol
Synonyms: Permethrin, Permetrin (variant spelling), Permethrin Insecticide, Synthetic Pyrethroid Permethrin, 3-Phenoxybenzyl 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, Permethrin Technical, Permethrin 25:75 cis/trans (common grade), Permethrin 40:60 cis/trans (common grade), Permethrin Concentrate, Permethrin Ectoparasiticide, Permethrin Tick Repellent, Permethrin Mosquito Control Agent, Permethrin, Permethrin (INN), Permethrin (ISO), Permethrin Pyrethroid, Synthetic Pyrethroid Permethrin, Type I Pyrethroid (Permethrin), Permethrin Insecticide, Permethrin Pesticide, Permethrin Ectoparasiticide, Permethrin Pediculicide, Permethrin Scabicide, Permethrin Lice Treatment, Permethrin Scabies Treatment, Permethrin Active Ingredient, Permethrin Active Substance, Permethrin API (labeling variant), Permethrin Technical, Permethrin Technical Grade, Permethrin Industrial Grade, Permethrin Veterinary Grade (labeling), Permethrin Pharmaceutical Grade (labeling), Permethrin 1% Cream, Permethrin 5% Cream, Permethrin Cream (Permethrin), Permethrin Lotion, Permethrin Shampoo, Permethrin Topical Solution, Permethrin Spray, Permethrin Aerosol, Permethrin Dust, Permethrin Powder, Permethrin ULV, Permethrin ULV Concentrate, Permethrin Emulsifiable Concentrate, Permethrin EC, Permethrin SC, Permethrin Suspension Concentrate, Permethrin WP, Permethrin Wettable Powder, Permethrin EW (emulsion, oil in water), Permethrin ME (microemulsion), Permethrin CS (capsule suspension), Permethrin Microencapsulated, Microencapsulated Permethrin, Permethrin Impregnation Grade, Permethrin Textile Treatment, Permethrin Fabric Treatment, Permethrin Clothing Treatment, Permethrin Mosquito Repellent Treatment, Permethrin Tick Repellent Treatment, Permethrin Insect Repellent Treatment, Permethrin Termiticide, Permethrin Household Insecticide, Permethrin Residual Insecticide, Permethrin Space Spray (use context), Permethrin Residual Spray (use context), (±)-cis,trans-Permethrin, cis,trans-Permethrin, Permethrin Mixture of Isomers, cis-Permethrin, trans-Permethrin, Permethrin (cis/trans mixture), 3-Phenoxybenzyl (±)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate
APPLICATIONS
Permethrin is used in public health mosquito control programs to reduce adult mosquito populations in approved application formats.
Permethrin is incorporated into residual sprays for indoor and outdoor insect control when permitted and properly applied.
Permethrin is used in barrier treatments around buildings to control crawling and flying insects.
Permethrin is used in household insect sprays to control ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and other common pests in approved products.
Permethrin is incorporated into aerosol and pump-spray formulations designed for domestic pest management.
Permethrin is used in crack-and-crevice treatments for targeted control of insects in structural pest control.
Permethrin is used in vector-control textiles where fabric is treated to repel or kill mosquitoes and ticks.
Permethrin is incorporated into insect-repellent clothing systems used for outdoor work and recreation.
Permethrin is used in military and occupational clothing programs to reduce insect bites and vector-borne disease risk.
Permethrin is used in veterinary ectoparasite control products for dogs and livestock to manage ticks, fleas, and mites in approved formulations.
Permethrin is incorporated into livestock premises sprays to reduce fly and insect pressure in animal housing.
Permethrin is used in agricultural and farm settings for pest management where permitted by local regulations.
Permethrin is used in lice-treatment pharmaceuticals and medical products in regulated preparations where indicated and properly labeled.
Permethrin is incorporated into scabicide products designed for mite control under medical supervision and regulatory approval.
Permethrin is used in topical treatment protocols where approved concentration, dosing, and safety guidance are followed.
Permethrin is used in outdoor residual treatments on tents, nets, and gear to reduce mosquito and tick exposure.
Permethrin is incorporated into bed nets and protective fabrics in programs aimed at malaria and vector control where approved.
Permethrin is used in camping and field equipment treatments to provide long-lasting insect deterrence.
Permethrin is used in warehouse and storage pest control to manage insects in approved industrial pest management programs.
Permethrin is incorporated into perimeter and spot treatments in food-handling environments only when allowed and with strict compliance controls.
Permethrin is used in transport and logistics pest control to reduce insect infestations in containers and facilities.
Permethrin is used in termite and wood-insect control products in some regions where Permethrin formulations are approved for structural use.
Permethrin is incorporated into anti-insect wood and surface treatments to reduce reinfestation in compatible systems.
Permethrin is used in pest-control service applications where professional labeling and application practices are followed.
Permethrin is used in integrated pest management (IPM) as a chemical tool combined with sanitation, exclusion, and monitoring.
Permethrin is incorporated into rotation programs to manage resistance development and maintain efficacy.
Permethrin is used in targeted treatments to reduce overall pesticide load while achieving effective pest control.
Permethrin is used in research and laboratory settings to evaluate insecticide susceptibility and resistance mechanisms.
Permethrin is incorporated into bioassays and efficacy testing protocols for vector control studies.
Permethrin is valued because Permethrin provides strong broad-spectrum insect control and long-lasting residual performance when used responsibly and according to regulations.
Permethrin is used as a synthetic pyrethroid active in professional pest control products.
Permethrin is used to control a wide range of crawling insects in regulated indoor and outdoor programs.
Permethrin is used in integrated pest management where residual activity is required within label frameworks.
Permethrin is used in public health vector control products designed for mosquito management in some jurisdictions.
Permethrin is used in community pest management programs under trained-operator and regulatory oversight.
Permethrin is used in residual surface treatments in approved settings to reduce pest pressure.
Permethrin is used in agricultural insecticide formulations to protect crops from damaging insects where registered.
Permethrin is used in field crop protection programs to control chewing insects and some sucking pests.
Permethrin is used in orchard and vegetable production systems as part of rotation-based insect control.
Permethrin is used in greenhouse pest management where permitted to suppress insect outbreaks.
Permethrin is used in resistance management programs by alternating active ingredients with different modes of action.
Permethrin is used in crop protection strategies to reduce yield losses from insect feeding.
Permethrin is used in livestock ectoparasite control products where approved.
Permethrin is used to help manage ticks, lice, and biting flies on animals in regulated veterinary systems.
Permethrin is used in animal housing pest programs to reduce insect burden when permitted.
Permethrin is used in companion animal parasite control products for dogs where approved and labeled.
Permethrin is used to support tick and flea control systems in veterinary consumer products.
Permethrin is used in pet-environment control programs as part of broader hygiene and pest prevention routines.
Permethrin is used in human medicine as an active ingredient in topical scabies treatments in approved products.
Permethrin is used in human medicine as an active ingredient in head lice treatments in approved products.
Permethrin is used in clinical protocols only in labeled medicinal formulations under proper guidance.
Permethrin is used in institutional pest control programs for warehouses and storage facilities where allowed.
Permethrin is used to protect stored goods and packaging areas from insect infestation under regulated practices.
Permethrin is used in facility pest control plans that combine sanitation, exclusion, and targeted treatments.
Permethrin is used in structural pest control products for termites and other wood-destroying insects where registered.
Permethrin is used in construction-related pest management programs under licensed professional application.
Permethrin is used in barrier-treatment concepts in jurisdictions that approve such uses.
Permethrin is used in landscape and ornamental pest control products to protect plants from insect damage where permitted.
Permethrin is used in turf management programs to suppress insect pests that harm grass systems where registered.
Permethrin is used in municipal grounds maintenance pest plans under local pesticide rules.
Permethrin is used in household insect control products to manage nuisance insects where approved.
Permethrin is used in consumer products intended to control ants, cockroaches, and other crawling pests where permitted.
Permethrin is used in perimeter pest control concepts in compliant household or professional systems.
Permethrin is used in textile treatment technologies to provide insect-repellent performance in treated fabrics.
Permethrin is used in treated clothing to reduce tick and mosquito bites in occupational and outdoor contexts where available.
Permethrin is used in treated uniforms and gear programs that require certified, regulated treatment processes.
Permethrin is used in insecticide-treated net programs in some regions as part of mosquito bite reduction strategies.
Permethrin is used in mosquito net treatments where programs and regulations authorize such use.
Permethrin is used in humanitarian and public health supply chains for vector protection products in approved contexts.
Permethrin is used in protective outdoor equipment treatments such as screens and covers when provided as regulated products.
Permethrin is used in camping and field gear concepts designed to reduce insect contact where allowed.
Permethrin is used in occupational safety programs for workers with high tick exposure when compliant products exist.
Permethrin is used in research laboratories to study insect knockdown and recovery behavior.
Permethrin is used in bioassays that measure susceptibility of insect populations for resistance monitoring.
Permethrin is used in comparative efficacy studies against different insect species under controlled conditions.
Permethrin is used in analytical chemistry methods development to quantify pesticide residues in samples.
Permethrin is used in quality control testing to verify active content and impurity profile in formulations.
Permethrin is used in stability testing to evaluate shelf life under heat, light, and storage stress.
Permethrin is used in formulation R&D to optimize residual performance on different surface types.
Permethrin is used in microencapsulated and advanced delivery concepts to improve longevity in some products.
Permethrin is used in compatibility screening with solvents, emulsifiers, and carriers used in pesticide products.
Permethrin is used in emergency response planning as a potential component of vector control toolkits in some regions.
Permethrin is used in outbreak preparedness stockpiles under public health authority oversight where applicable.
Permethrin is used in rapid-deployment pest control strategies only within regulated and supervised programs.
Permethrin is used in education and training materials for pesticide stewardship and insecticide resistance concepts.
Permethrin is used as an example compound in toxicology and environmental fate coursework.
Permethrin is used in regulatory documentation and risk assessment case studies for pyrethroid insecticides.
Permethrin is used in industrial hygiene pest control concepts for waste-handling environments where permitted.
Permethrin is used to reduce fly and insect pressure around sanitation-adjacent areas under approved practices.
DESCRIPTION
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide modeled after natural pyrethrins.
Permethrin acts primarily on insect nerve function by affecting voltage-gated sodium channels.
Permethrin produces rapid knockdown and residual activity depending on formulation and surface.
Permethrin is typically supplied as a technical active ingredient and formulated into multiple product types.
Permethrin is commonly present as a mixture of cis and trans isomers that influence performance characteristics.
Permethrin is hydrophobic and tends to associate with organic matter and surfaces rather than dissolve in water.
Permethrin efficacy depends on target species, exposure conditions, and formulation availability at the site of action.
Permethrin performance can be reduced when insect populations develop resistance to pyrethroids.
Permethrin is often used within rotation strategies to help manage resistance development.
Permethrin can degrade under strong sunlight and weathering, so persistence varies by exposure conditions.
Permethrin persistence differs across porous and nonporous surfaces and across indoor versus outdoor environments.
Permethrin can be highly toxic to aquatic organisms, so environmental precautions are central to risk management.
Permethrin can cause irritation with improper exposure, so protective handling practices are important.
Permethrin products must be used only according to labeled directions and local regulations.
Permethrin regulatory status and permitted applications vary significantly by country and product category.
Permethrin is used in some approved human topical medicines for scabies and head lice at controlled strengths.
Permethrin medical products are distinct from agricultural or structural pesticide concentrates and should not be interchanged.
Permethrin risk depends strongly on formulation, dose form, route of exposure, and user compliance with directions.
Permethrin is typically low vapor pressure, which reduces inhalation risk from volatility compared with many solvents.
Permethrin can bind to dust and surfaces, which influences exposure pathways and cleaning considerations.
Permethrin formulations can contain solvents and emulsifiers that contribute to overall hazard profile beyond the active.
Permethrin should be stored in tightly closed containers away from heat and direct light to preserve stability.
Permethrin quality specifications often include assay, isomer ratio, impurity profile, and physical stability parameters.
Permethrin is valued for broad insecticidal spectrum and versatility across many regulated applications.
Permethrin is a lipophilic synthetic pyrethroid typically supplied as a viscous liquid or as formulated concentrates and emulsions, and Permethrin consists of cis and trans isomers whose ratio can influence performance.
Permethrin acts on voltage-gated sodium channels in insects, causing prolonged nerve excitation and paralysis, which results in insect knockdown and mortality.
Permethrin has low water solubility, so Permethrin is commonly formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, suspension concentrates, or treated materials to ensure effective delivery.
Permethrin provides residual activity on treated surfaces, and this makes Permethrin useful for barrier sprays, textile treatments, and long-lasting vector-control products.
Permethrin can be hazardous to aquatic organisms, and Permethrin should not be allowed to enter waterways, drains, or aquatic habitats during use or disposal.
Permethrin is highly toxic to cats, so cat exposure to Permethrin-treated products not intended for cats must be prevented and veterinary guidance should be followed.
Permethrin should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources.
Permethrin should be handled with appropriate PPE to prevent skin and eye contact, and application must follow label directions and local regulatory requirements.
Permethrin products must be used only as registered, labeled formulations, and Permethrin concentrations and application methods must match the approved use.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C21H20Cl2O3
Molecular Weight: 391.29 g/mol
Common Name: Permethrin
Chemical Type: Synthetic pyrethroid insecticide
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid (technical); formulation dependent
Odor: Mild characteristic odor (formulation dependent)
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low (reduced volatility; typical)
LogP: High (lipophilic; typical)
Isomer Ratio: Cis/trans ratio varies by grade (common ratios used for different applications)
Stability: Stable under normal storage; degrades with strong UV exposure and extreme conditions
Environmental Hazard: Highly toxic to aquatic life; avoid releases to water environments
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, tightly closed, away from heat and direct sunlight
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if vapors, aerosols, or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop or persist.
Keep the exposed person warm and at rest.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists or if significant exposure occurred.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention promptly if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention immediately, especially for concentrated product exposure.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider aspiration risk if hydrocarbon solvents are present in the formulation.
Monitor for neurologic symptoms and provide supportive care.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and protective clothing as required.
Avoid inhalation of mists and avoid skin and eye contact, especially with concentrates.
Follow label instructions, approved application rates, and local regulatory requirements.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation in mixing and handling areas.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
Use respiratory protection if required by exposure assessment and product labeling.
Storage:
Store in original tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizers.
Store locked up and out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spills and prevent entry into drains, soil, and waterways.
Absorb with inert material and collect into suitable containers for disposal according to regulations.
Wash spill area with detergent solution and collect washings if required by local rules.
Handling Precautions:
Keep Permethrin away from cats and do not use dog-only products on cats or in cat-accessible areas unless explicitly labeled safe.
Avoid contamination of aquariums, ponds, and aquatic habitats and remove pets from treated areas as directed by the label.
Dispose of empty containers and unused product according to local hazardous waste and pesticide disposal regulations.
