The safety evaluation of bendiocarb, a residual insecticide for vector control.

The safety evaluation of bendiocarb, a carbamate insecticide for vector control is described. During the course of field studies data were collected to relate dermal exposure, absorption, excretion of metabolites, whole blood cholinesterase inhibition and clinical signs and symptoms. Studies were also carried out on blood sampling techniques for cholinesterase assay and on the effects of temperature and humidity on the dermal absorption of bendiocarb. It was shown that inhibition of blood cholinesterase by bendiocarb is rapidly reversible and routine cholinesterase monitoring of operators is therefore not necessary. It was also shown that dermal absorption of bendiocarb and probably other insecticides is facilitated under hot and humid conditions and special care must be taken with insecticide application at these times. The importance of effective training, adequate protective clothing and good personal hygiene in achieving safe application of insecticides in house-spraying programmes is stressed. It is concluded from these studies that bendiocarb is a safe insecticide for vector control when used with normal safety precautions and this has been confirmed in subsequent large-scale operational programmes.