Metalaxyl
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

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Metalaxyl

ingredientPesticides

Total Sources: 47

Verified Claims: 34

Scientific Sources: 18

Also known as: Ridomil

Summary

Metalaxyl is a systemic fungicide used to control plant diseases caused by Oomycetes fungi, which includes water molds. It is applied to various food, feed, and non-food crops [18]. Metalaxyl works by interfering with the fungi's ribosomal RNA synthesis [28].

What it is

Metalaxyl is an acylalanine fungicide effective against Oomycetes, a group of fungi that cause downy mildew and late blight [14], [18], [26]. It comes in various forms, including dust, granules, wettable powder, and liquid concentrates [18].

Common uses

  • Control of downy mildew in crops like grapes, lettuce, and onions [18]

  • Seed treatment to protect against damping-off diseases [2]

  • Control of Phytophthora in potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables [9]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Moderate. There are concerns about potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure, but regulatory agencies and scientific evaluations aim to ensure acceptable levels of safety [13], [10].

Cultural claims

  • Some advocate for reducing reliance on pesticides like metalaxyl, citing concerns about potential health and environmental impacts [19], [21].

  • There are concerns about the presence and increase of pesticide residues in food [13].

Source sentiment

News sources report on regulatory actions, health concerns, and legal challenges associated with pesticides like metalaxyl and glyphosate, reflecting a cautious and concerned public sentiment [20], [21], [19]. Online forums reveal personal experiences with potential side effects from medications like metronidazole, raising questions about drug safety [23].

History

Timeline

1974

Monsanto first sold glyphosate under the brand name Roundup [19].

1979

Metalaxyl was first registered as a pesticide in the U.S [18].

1985

EPA concluded that metalaxyl does not have carcinogenic potential in laboratory animals and classified metalaxyl as a Group E carcinogen [18].

2020

China's Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs (MoARA) derecognized the usage of Metalaxyl-M mixtures targeting Fusarium and Rhizoctonia solani rice diseases [30].

2021

Farmworker and environmental advocacy groups urged the EPA to pull approval for glyphosate [21].

Origin

Metalaxyl was first registered in the U.S. as a pesticide to control plant diseases caused by Oomycetes fungi [18].

First appeared: 1979

Science

Key findings

  • Metalaxyl is effective against Oomycetes, including Phytophthora and Plasmopara [14].

  • Residue levels of metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin on scallions have been determined, with a cumulative dietary risk assessment conducted for Chinese consumers [9].

  • Studies suggest that exposure to insecticides, including organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids, may increase the risk of hypothyroidism [6].

Studies

Dissipation and Residue of Metalaxyl-M and Azoxystrobin in Scallions and Cumulative Risk Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Hepatotoxicity

Metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin are used to control fungal diseases on scallions, and their residues were determined using LC-MS/MS. The cumulative dietary risk quotient of the two fungicides to Chinese consumers was calculated [9].

Exposure to pesticides and the risk of hypothyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to insecticides including organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids increased risk of hypothyroidism [6].

Setting of import tolerances for metalaxyl‐M in oil palms fruits and peppercorn

EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of metalaxyl‐M according to the authorised agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health [12].

Safety status

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted risk assessments and concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of metalaxyl-M is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health [12]. However, some information required by the regulatory framework may be missing [10], [11].

Nuance

While regulatory bodies like EFSA have found no apparent risk to consumers, some required information may be missing, and further consideration by risk managers is needed [10], [11].

Alternatives

Organic Produce

Choosing USDA-certified organic produce reduces exposure to synthetic pesticides like metalaxyl [35], [40].

Where to find: Look for the USDA Organic label on fruits and vegetables in grocery stores and farmers' markets [34].

Avoidance tips

  • Wash produce thoroughly under cold running water for 15-20 seconds to remove surface residues [34].

  • Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a soft brush [34].

  • Peel fruits and vegetables when appropriate, but be aware that you may lose some nutrients [34].

  • Consider buying canned or frozen versions of produce, as they may have different pesticide residue profiles [34].

References

1.

https://efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9573