Overview                                                                                                               

Fenbutatin Oxide is an insecticide that specifically target mites (acaricide).   It is used primary on fruit trees and nut trees, but is also approved for use on ornamentals.  It is a restricted use pesticide meaning only certified applicators have permission to apply.  Fenbutatin Oxide is a severe eye irritant, and is also highly toxic to aquatic organisms (EPA 1994).

Chemical Description

Fenbutatin Oxide (Bis [tris (2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl)tin] oxide) is classified as an Organotin. It is a white, crystalline solid and is odorless.  It is sold under the trade name Vendex (EPA 1994).

(PPDB 2011)

Use

Fenbutatin Oxide is used to control the following: mites, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies and scales, although it was originally created as a miticide (acaricide).  It is applied only to agricultural sites, as residential use is not permitted.  Fenbutatin Oxide may be applied 2-4 times per year at a rate of 1.25-2lbs active ingredient per Acre.  The estimated application of Fenbutatin Oxide for years 1989-1991 in the United States was 361,000-522,000 lbs.   There are three application methods for Fenbutatin Oxide including airblast, groundboom or aerially (EPA 1994).

History

Fenbutatin Oxide was originally registered in 1974 to Shell Chemical Company.  The registration was transferred to E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company in 1986 and continues to be manufactured (EPA 1994).

Routes of Exposure and Metabolism

For humans, the potential routes of exposure include oral, dermal, skin/eye contact, and inhalation.  Based on animal studies testing an oral dose, the majority of the insecticide was excreted unchanged within 5 days, while a small amount (about 1%) was absorbed. (EPA 1994).

Human Health Effects

The most toxic routes of exposure for humans are contact with the eyes and inhalation.  It is slightly toxic via oral and dermal exposures.  Fenbutatin Oxide has low carcinogenicity risk for humans (EPA 1994).

Environmental Effects

Persistence:

Fenbutatin Oxide is persistent in the environment.  It does not readily decompose in water under dark conditions, however in natural conditions (light/dark cycle), its half-life is 100 days.  In aerobic soil, Fenbutatin Oxide remained present after 12 months at levels greater than 70%.  For anaerobic soil, greater than 70% was undegraded after 60days.  Fenbutatin Oxide has a low level of mobility in soil (EPA 1994).

Ecological Effects:

Fenbutatin Oxide is practically non toxic to bees and mammals during acute studies.  It is highly toxic to fish and accumulates in tissues, and it is also highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates (EPA 1994).

 References

United States Environmental Protection Agency. "Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Fenbutatin Oxide". September 1994. Accessed 05-11-11.

Pesticide Properties Database. "Fenbutatin Oxide" April 2011. Accessed 05-12-11.

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