Title: Pyriproxyfen, villain or good guy? A brief review
Summary: The review recommends more research is needed to explore the possible toxic effects of the insecticide pyriproxyfen (PPF) on non-target organisms, such as humans, even at concentrations considered safe by competent bodies. The review provides a deeper understanding of the insecticide's effectiveness and may help determine whether the use of PPF is justified for pest control.
Several studies on non-target organisms report effects such as lethargy, organ malformations, and delayed development of the central nervous system, suggesting that the thyroid axis may be a possible target for endocrine disruption by PPF.
The results of these studies also indicate that pregnant women and children should be given particular attention regarding the potential effects of PPF.
From an ecotoxicological perspective, the negative effects of PPF on animals such as fish may cause environmental imbalance.
Collectively, the evidence presented suggests the potential for new candidates in vector control. Amphibians, for instance, display altered reproductive physiology and developmental abnormalities due to disruptions in endocrine signalling pathways caused by PPF.
The ecological ramifications of PPF extend beyond direct toxicity to non-target species. Indirect effects include shifts in food web dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Reductions in insect populations, induced by PPF, can disrupt food availability for higher trophic levels, potentially destabilizing community structure and ecosystem equilibrium.
Given mounting evidence of unintended consequences, robust risk assessment and regulatory oversight are imperative. Accurate classification of PPF by regulatory bodies is essential to balancing its role in disease control and pest management benefits with the need to safeguard non-target species and maintain ecosystem health. Future research must prioritise comprehensive assessments of PPF's ecological impact across various habitats and taxa to inform evidence-based policymaking.
Cabral, A. P., Maia, F. P. S., Magliano, D. C., Graceli, J. B., Soares, P., Morris, E. A. R., & Miranda-Alves,L. (2024). Pyriproxyfen, villain or good guy? A brief review. Arch. Endocrinol. Metab., 68 (special issue), e240154.
