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Dimethoate

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Last updated date: 28th Apr 2024
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What is Dimethoate?

Dimethoate is a systemic insecticide that works by inhibiting cholinesterases, which are enzymes involved in nerve impulse transmission. It is chemically an organophosphate. Similar to all organophosphates, it is related to nerve gases, and it is among the most toxic of all pesticides to vertebrates, including humans. 

Dimethoate is a systemic pesticide that is taken up by plants' roots and translocated to the ground pieces, where it is poisonous to sucking insects that feed on plant juices (for example, leafhoppers, aphids, and thrips). Dimethoate may not destroy caterpillars or other chewing pests because there isn't enough juice-containing tissue consumed for it to be efficient.


Dimethoate Exposure

Most of the people will not be exposed to Dimethoate from water or air. Levels in food are much lower. The main risk of exposure is if we work where dimethoate is used or made. The Chances of people being exposed to dimethoate are through:

  • Breathing Dimethoate if we work where it is used or made

  • Drinking Dimethoate is unlikely

  • Drinking Dimethoate accidentally

  • Eye Contact with the Dimethoate if we work where it is used or made

  • Touching Dimethoate if we work where it is used or made


Tafgor Insecticide

The USP of Tafgor is that it is highly compatible with other pesticides and insecticides. It's a contact and systemic organophosphate insecticide that kills insect pests like the stem borer, mosquito, beetles, aphid, and weevil quickly. It acts both through Ingestion and by Contact.


Uses of Tafgor

Dimethoate formulations can be used to control a wide range of Aphididae, Acari,

Coccidae, Aleyrodidae, Collembola, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Pseudococcidae and Citrus, cereals, cotton, coffee, olives, fruit, grapes, pastures, beetroot, pulses, potatoes, tobacco, tea, and vegetables all have Thysanoptera in them.

They can also be used for the control of animal houses or flies. Dimethoate is given as a systemic acaricide and insecticide, with Contact and action of the stomach. It also acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor.


Some Banned Pesticides and Insecticides

Chlorpyrifos, which is a type of insecticide called “organophosphate,” was first marketed in 1965 and banned for most residential uses in 2000. Now, it is widely used on soybeans, corn, nut and fruit trees, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower, among several other foods. Also, it is used on golf courses to protect the fence posts and utility poles and to kill cockroaches, mosquitoes, and ants.

Endosulfan, a drug so dangerous that the United Nations wants it banned worldwide, was banned in India in 2011 by a Supreme Court order. In Kerala, the endoscope is banned, but other such chemicals continue to be used. But, groundwater contamination which is leading to the unsafe water supply is one of its consequences.

Neonicotinoids are given as a nicotine-like class of insecticides, which impair the neurological systems of the insects. They have been linked to the die-offs of monarch butterflies and bees — two key pollinators — and birds as well. The global food system, which relies on bees to pollinate at least 30% of the crops of the world. Now we may notice the danger to global food systems. Certain neonicotinoids in 2013 were banned by the European Union and some non-EU nations as well.

Toxaphene was primarily used on cereal grains, cotton, nuts, fruits, and vegetables as a non-systemic and contact insecticide. Also, it has been used to control mites and ticks in livestock. Toxaphene is highly insoluble in water, and it has a half-life in soil of approximately 12 years. It has also been shown to bioconcentrate in marine species and to be transported through the atmosphere. It has been banned in 37 countries globally, and its use has been severely restricted in other 11 countries.

Methyl bromide, whose usage was banned in 1990 by Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances. Also, in the atmosphere, methyl bromide attacks the ozone layer. Despite the ban, nearly 70,000 tonnes of methyl bromide were still used as a soil fumigant globally in 1999.

Atrazine, which is a weed killer that is persistent environmentally and has been linked to hormone disruption and birth defects, was banned in 2004 in the European Union. In the US, it remains the main and most widely used herbicide, while the debate over its safety continues.


Precautions to Take When Exposed to Dimethoate

If anyone touches dimethoate, they should wash or shower right away. Workers who touch dimethoate must wash any areas of the body that can have contacted it and, change with clean clothing. Also, protect the family members by not taking exposed clothing home. Exposed work clothes must be cleaned by others who have been told of the hazards of exposure.

If you breathe dimethoate, move to some fresh air, and seek medical attention. If you get dimethoate in your eyes, rinse the eyes with plenty of water for 15 minutes, at least, and seek medical help.

FAQs on Dimethoate

1. Give the Usage of Dimethoate and Where it Can Be Found.

Answer: In 1956, dimethoate was first made to control or kill insects such as the housefly. Now, it is made in several countries for use in farming.


In the environment, there is little information about the Dimethoate levels. It does not appear to be built up in the soil and has not been found in drinking water. Insecticides that contain Dimethoate can be used on vegetables, fruits, tobacco, cotton, olives, ornamentals, and sunflowers.

2. Give the Working of Dimethoate, and How Can it Affect Human Health.

Answer: Dimethoate poisoning can occur quickly and fatally when it is touched or breathed, causing sweating, headaches, and a feeling of being about to vomit. Other symptoms are given as loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and diarrhoea.


People having long-term exposure to the higher levels can suffer from personality changes, including anxiety, depression, or irritability. These specific central nervous system effects may last either for months or years. Pregnant women who touch or inhale dimethoate may suffer from mutations in their developing fetuses.

3. How is Dimethoate Poisoning Treated?

Answer: Treatment will be based on the exposure type. There are a few drugs, which may be given for dimethoate poisoning. The Doctor may suggest stomach pumping, vomiting, or other treatments.

4. What Factors Limit Use or Exposure to Dimethoate?

Answer: It is better to avoid skin contact. Should follow all the safety directions. Manufacturers or suppliers can provide some recommendations for protective gloves, footwear, clothing, and headgear.