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Aldicarb is a carbamateinsecticide with structural formula: 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propanal O-(N-methylcarbamoyl)oxime. Aldicarb is the active substance in Temikpesticide, which is effective against thrips, aphids, spider mites, lygus, fleahoppers, and leafminers but is primarily used as a nematicide.[1] Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibitor which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synapse. In case of severe poisoning, the victim dies of respiratory failure.
Regulatory status
Aldicarb is approved by the USEPA for use by professional pesticide applicators on a variety of crops, including cotton, beans, and others. It is not approved for household use.[2]
"Tres Pasitos", a mouse, rat, and roach killer that contains high concentrations of aldicarb, has been illegally imported into the United States from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The product is highly toxic to animals and people, and according to the EPA "should never be used in [the] home."[3]
Toxicity in mammals
Aldicarb is a fast-acting cholinesterase inhibitor, causing rapid accumulation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft.
It is widely used to study cholinergic neurotransmission in simple systems such as the nematode C. elegans.
Exposure to high amounts of aldicarb can cause weakness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, tearing, sweating, and tremors in humans. Very high doses can be fatal to humans because it can paralyze the respiratory system.[3]
It has a LD50 of 0.5 - 1.5 mg/kg when in liquid form and a LD50 of 7 mg/kg when in solid form.
