Propoxur (Propoxure) is an insecticide used to control cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, and lawn and turf insects. Acute (short-term) exposure of humans to propoxur by ingestion leads to cholinesterase inhibition of red blood cells, with mild cholinergic symptoms including blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and tachycardia, however, the effects are transient. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure has resulted in depressed cholinesterase levels, headaches, vomiting, and nausea in humans. Chronic ingestion studies in animals have reported depressed cholinesterase levels, depressed body weight, effects to the liver and bladder, and a slight increase in neuropathy. No information is available on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of propoxur in humans. Mixed results are available from cancer studies of propoxur in animals. EPA has not classified propoxur for carcinogenicity.
