Permethrin

Toxic

How do you say it?

per-me-thrin

What is it?

Permethrin is an insecticide used for domestic pest control (ants, termites, mosquitoes etc.), head lice and fleas. It is found in head lice shampoo, scabies treatment, flea collars for pets, insect repellents.

What’s the problem?

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides were replaced with safer synthetic pyrethroids such as permethrin (often found in treatments for head lice). As with many chemicals hailed a panacea when first developed, permethrin later started to show problems of its own. It is toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects, as well as fish, birds, tadpoles, and aquatic insects, even in very small quantities. However, it is still preferable to the older chemical alternatives.

What are the alternatives?

There are herbal shampoos available which can be just as effective in removing head lice. The completely non-toxic way of dealing with head lice takes a while longer but does avoid using permethrin or any similar chemical, see the Bug Busting website, this is endorsed by Scottish Executive National Guidance on Head Lice. For flea control in pets use permethrin-free flea drops.

For further information please contact WWF Scotland: phone 01350 728200, email info@watersense.org.uk, or write to WaterSense, c/o WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD