Possible teratogenic and adults abnormalities induced by insecticide pyriproxyfen on non-target organisms

Abstract

Pyriproxyfen is an insecticide that is used in a wide range against various insects and causes potentially harmful effects on animals and their embryological stages such as effective microcephaly and other teratogenic abnormalities. Pyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone analog that has been shown to be cross-reactive with retinoic acid, part of the mammalian regulatory system for neurological development, whose application during development causes microcephaly. This causal chain provides ample justification for pursuing a careful research effort on the role of pyriproxyfen in neurodevelopmental disorders. Contrary to stated claims, existing studies of neurodevelopmental toxicity by Sumitomo, its manufacturer, provide some supportive evidence for neurodevelopmental toxicity including, low brain weight in rat pups. The large-scale use of pyriproxyfen in Brazil and its coincidental timing with an increase in microcephaly cases should provide additional motivation. We believe that this evidence is strong enough to warrant an immediate cessation of pyriproxyfen application to Brazilian water supplies until additional research can be carried out on its neurodevelopmental toxicity. Alternative hypotheses about causes or factors affecting the incidence of microcephaly should be considered.