The
allethrins are a pair of related synthetic compounds used in
insecticides. They are synthetic pyrethroids, a synthetic form of a
chemical found naturally in the chrysanthemum flower. They were
first synthesized in the United States by Milton S. Schechter in
***9. Allethrin was the first pyrethroid.
The
compounds have low toxicity for humans and birds, and are used in
many household insecticides such as RAID as well as mosquito coils.
They are however highly toxic to fish and bees. Insects subject to
its exposure become paralyzed (nervous system effect) before
dying.
