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Wildlife and Pesticides: A practical guide to reducing the risk (continued)

WL-1017

Toxicity Tables

These tables provide toxicity comparisons for commonly used pesticides. These comparisons are intended to give applicators the information needed to reduce the risk of an application to wildlife.



INSECTICIDES

Pesticide (Trade name) Family Toxicity class Documented effects on wildlife Best measures to reduce the risk of exposure
acephate (Orthene) Organo-
phosphate		 III-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish/aquatic insects) Moderate to slight acute oral toxicity to birds and mammals Reduction in ChE activity. Increase water volumes to reduce drift. Avoid use areas of high bird numbers. Use lowest recommended effective rates. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, streams and rivers.
Aldicarb (Temik) Carbamate I-Birds, fish, mammals and aquatic insects) Bird and mammal mortality reported after ingestion of exposed granules. One of the most toxic carbamate pesticides. Extremely toxicto aquatic organisms. Proper incorporation of granules. Consider weather and terrain to avoid runoff potentials into water areas.
azinphos methyl (Guthion) Organo- phosphate I-(Mammals) II-IV (Birds) II -(Fish/aquztic insects) Extremely toxic to mammals in formulations containing a high percentage of active ingredient. Highly toxic to fish and aquatic insects. Scout fields to determine the presence of wildlife. Avoid or delay direct application when wildlife is present. Exercise caution to reduce the risk of direct, drift, or runoff applications to water or wetland areas. Avoid contaminating ponds,lakes, and streams.
Bacillus Thuringiensis (various) Microbial V-(Birds and mammals) No documented effects on wildlife. Apply according to label directions.
carbaryl (Sevin) Carbamate III-IV-(Birds III-(Mammals) I-(Aquatic insects) Moderate acute/chronic toxicity to birds, fish, and mammals. Low persistence. Toxic to aquatic insects. Avoid direct applications to wetlands and other waters. Reduce potentials for drift and runoff by using buffer zones.
carbofuran (Furdan) Carbamate I-(All) Highly toxic to all forms of wildlife even when applied at lowest recommended effective rate. Avoid applying this chemical when wildlife is present. Use buffer zones when applying near wetlands, other waters, and wooded areas. Use an alternate pestiicide. (Granular carbofuran has been voluntarily cancelled and will be phased out by 1994. Flowable is still registered.)
chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) Organo- phosphate I-II-(Birds) II-III-(Mammls) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) Highly toxic to mammals and birds through oral Extremely toxic to fish and aquatic insects. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Do not apply when wildlife are present.
diazinon (various) Organo- phosphate III-(Mammals) I-(Birds, fish and aquatic insects) Extremely toxic to birds and moderately toxic to mammals. Toxic to bees, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Applications should be made only after a careful evaluation. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
dimethoate (Cygon) Organo- phosphate I-(Birds, fish, and aquatic insects) III-(Mammals) Moderate acute oral toxicity to mammals. Extremely toxic to birds, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Pheasants are particularly sensitive to this pesticide. Avoid application (direct, drift or runoff) on water areas/wetlands. Use buffer zones near water and shelterbelts.
disulfoton (Di-Syston) Organo- phosphate I-(All) Extremely toxic to birds, mammals, fish, bee and aquatic organisms. Secondary poisoning in birds eating treated insects has been reported. Proper field scouting to include a careful evaluation of potential wildlife exposure will reduce the risk. Do not apply when wildlife is present.
endosulfan (Thiodan) Chlorinated Hydrocarbon I-(Fish and aquatic insects) II-IV (Birds) I-II (Mammals) Fish kills associated with contaminated agricultural runoff. Concentrates of <1.3 ppm were sufficient to cause mortality. Highly toxic to aquatic organisms/insects. Caution should be taken to avoid risks associated with agricultural runoff. The use of buffer zone will reduce risk associated with use of this pesticide.
esfenvalerate (Asana) Pyrethroid I (Fish) IV-(Bird and mammals) Highly toxic to fish, aquatic insects. No reported toxicity in birds/mammals. Measures to reduce the risks to wildlife. Avoid applications (direct, drift, runoff in water bodies/ wetlands. Use lowest recommended effective rates and buffer zones near water.
parathion (methy ethyl) (Penncap-M various) Organo- phosphate I-(All) Ethyl and methyl parathion are extremely toxic to birds, mammals through both acute oral and dermal exposure at recommended application rates. These chemicals are highly toxic to bees fish and other aquatic organisms. Prior to applying parathion a thorough scouting of the field should be conducted. Field applications of parathion should be made prior to 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to minimize drift and leave buffer zone near critical wildlife habitats such as windbreaks and wetlands. Do not apply when wildlife are present.
fenvalerate (Pydrin) Pyrethroid I-(Fish) IV-V(Bird and mammals) See Esfenvalerate See esfenvalerate.
fonofos (Dyfonate) Organo- phosphate I(All) Highly toxic to fish, mammals and birds due to chemical action, high field use and relatively long persistence. Used as a granular treatment. Complete incorporation of the product into the soil will minimize wildlife exposure risks. Consider weather and terrain to avoid runoff contamination.
malathion (Cythion) Organo- phosphate III-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented effects on wildlife (birds/ mammals) when used at recommended application rates. Toxic to bees, fish and other aquatic organism. Avoid application (direct, drift or runoff) on water areas/wetlands. Use near buffer zones near water.
methidathion (Supracide OP) Organo- phosphate II(All) High acute oral toxicity to birds/mammals, bees and fish. Careful scouting of field to identify the presence of wildlife and the subsequent avoidance of such area and critical wildlife habitats during application will minimize wildlife exposure risks.
phorate (Thimet) Organo- phosphate I(All) Extremely high oral and dermal toxicity has been documented in birds and mammals after exposure to pesticide. Wildlife deaths reported are related to ingestion of improperly incorporated granules, in areas subject to flooding and run off. Uptake of chemical in plants may also cause wildlife exposure. In areas subject to flooding and runoff and where wildlife are present in large concentrations (migrations) the use of this pesticide should be carefully evaluated. The pesticide must be properly incorporated.
terbufos (Counter) Organo- phosphate I(All) Extremely toxic to lab mammals. Potential for greatest impact due to ingestion of granules. Spillage, failure to cover granules, heavy rains or high winds could expose granules increasing the risk. If such conditions exist do not apply if wildlife is present. In areas subject to flooding and runoff and where wildlife are present in large concentrations (migrations) the use of this pesticide should be carefully evaluated. The pesticide must be properly incorporated. Risk can be reduced if applied as an in-furrow or modified in-furrow application.
permethin (Ambush Pounce) Synthetic pyrethroid I-(Fish and aquatic insects) V-(Birds and mammals) Extremely toxic to aquatic organisms. No documented field effects on birds or mammals. Prevent direct, applications or drift and runoff into wetlands and other water. Use a buffer zone if applied near water areas.




HERBICIDES

Pesticide (Trade name) Family Toxicity class Documented effects on wildlife Best measures to reduce the risk of exposure
2,4-D Phenoxy III-IV-(Birds and mammals) II-(Fish and other aquatic organisms) Moderately toxic to birds and mammals. Highly toxic to insects, fish. A reduction of birds broad-leaved plants from applications can result in a reduction in the nest numbers of waterfowl and other upland nesting birds. Use of a non toxic oil vehicle during application increases toxicity of the chemical to egg embryos. Spray drift can harm wooded areas. In areas where waterfowl and other upland nest apply with a water based spray mixture. Spot spray where possible to reduce impacts on potential nest cover. Avoid spray drift. Apply amine formulation where drift is a concern. Use a buffer zone when applied in wooded areas, or near water.
2,4-D Amine
2,4-D Ester (see 2,4,-D)
acifluorfen (Blazer) Biphenol ether III-V-(Birds) IV-(Mammals) I-II(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented impacts on birds or mammals. Toxic to aquatic organisms. May damage susceptible foliage (cover). Avoid spray drift. Use buffer zones near surface water. Avoid contaminating ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.
alachlor (various) Acetanilide IV-V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented impacts on birds and mammals. Highly toxic to aquatic insects and fish. Avoid spray drift and runoff contamination of wetlands and other water areas by using buffer zones. Avoid contaminating ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.
atrazine (various) Triazine IV-V-(Birds and mammals) IV-(Fish) Slightly toxic to birds at high concentrations. Indirect effects on aquatic fauna may result as the chemical impacts aquatic plant species. Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates at high concentrations. To minimize the impacts of agricultural runoff carrying this chemical into wetlands and other waters employ buffer zones. Use at lowest effective rate.Use with caution in areas where groundwater contamination is likely. Avoid contaminating ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.
bentazon (various) Benzothia- diazoles III-IV-(Birds, mammals and fish) No documented impacts on birds and mammals. Moderately toxic to Rainbow trout. Use buffer zones to reduce potential impacts to aquatic habitats. Do not apply when conditions favor drift. Avoid contaminating ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.
bromoxynil (Buctril) Benzonitrile I-(Fish and aquatic insects) II-IV-(Mammals and birds) Extremely toxic to aquatic invertebrates No documented impacts on birds and mammals. Avoid spray drift. Avoid contaminating ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.
clopyralid (Stinger) Pyridine IV-V-(Birds and mammals) II-(Fish) No documented impacts on wildlife. Use buffer zones if applying near water areas. Avoid contaminating ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.
cyanazine (Bladex) Triazine III-IV-(Birds and mammals) Slightly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. No documented impacts in birds or mammals. Use buffer zones if applying near wetland or other waters. Use caution in areas where groundwater contamination is likely.
cycloate (Ro-Neet) Thio- carbamate V-(Birds) IV-(Mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic organisms) No documented field effects in wildlife. Low acute oral and dermal toxicity in laboratory mammals. Toxic to fish. Apply according to label instructions. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
desmedopham (Betanex) Carbamate IV-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects). No documented field effects in wildlife. Low toxicity to laboratory animals. Toxic to fish. Apply according to label instructions. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
dicamba (Banvel) Benzoic Acid IV-(Birds mammals, fish, and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Slightly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Avoid spray drift. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
diclofop (Hoelon) Aryloxy- phenoxy- propionic Acid V-(Birds) IV-(Mammals) I-(Fish, and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Avoid spray drift. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
difenzoquat (Avenge) Bipyridilium IV-V-(Birds) IV-(Mammals) II-(Fish) I-(Aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
EPTC (Eptam) Thio- carbamate IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
ethalfluralin (Sonalan) Dinitro- aniline IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
fenoxaprop (Whip) (Option) Aryloxy- phenoxy- propionic Acid IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
fluazifop (Fusilade) Aryloxy- phenoxy- propionic Acid IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
glyphosate (Roundup) Amino Acid IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams. Avoid spray drift.
(Rodeo) Amino Acid III-IV Fish and aquatic insects. Rodeo is slightly toxic to aquatic organisms unlike its counterpart Round-up. Apply according to label instructions. Avoid spray drift.
imaza- methabenz (Assert) Imidazoline IV-V (Birds and mammals) II-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
MCPA-amine
MCPA-ester		 Phenoxy- carboxylic Acid III-IV (Birds and mammals) I-III(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams. Use drift precautions. Apply the amine formulation in areas where drift is a concern.
metsulfuron (Ally) Sulfonyl Urea IV-V (Birds and mammals) II-III (Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams. Avoid spray drift.
Nicosulfuron Sulfonyl- IV-V-(Birds and mammals) IV-(Fish and aquatic invertabrates) No documented field effects on wildlife. Apply according to label directions. Avoid spray drift.
paraquat (Cyclone) (Gramoxone- Extra) Bipyridilium I-(Fish and aquatic organisms) II-III-(waterfowl embroyos, mammals/bird) Toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, duck egg embryos. slightly toxic to mammals and birds. Use a buffer zone when applying near wetlands or other water areas. Avoid direct applications to wildlife and nests.
pendimethalin (Prowl) Dinitro- anilien IV-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds and streams.
picloram (Tordon) Pyridine IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals.Toxic to early life stage of fish. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams. Avoid spray drift. Use buffer zones when applying near water areas. Should not be used where groundwater contamination is likely.
primisulfuron (Beacon) Sulfonyl- urea IV-V-(Birds, mammals, fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Apply according to label directions. Avoid spray drift.
quizalofop (Assure) Aryloxy- phenoxy- propionic Acid IV-V (Birds and mammals) I-(Fish) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
sethoxydim (Poast) Cyclohex- anedione IV-V (Birds and mammals) IV-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Low toxicity in lab birds and mammals. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
thifensulfuron (Pinnacle) Sulfonyl- urea IV-V-(Birds mammals and aquatic insects) II-(Fish) No documented field effects on wildlife. Slightly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Avoid spray drift. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
triallate (Fargo) Thiocarb- amate IV-V-(Birds and mammals) I-II-(Fish and aquatic insects) Very low acute and subacute toxicity to birds and mammals. Highly toxic to fish and aquatic insects. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
tribenuron (Express) Sulfonyl- urea IV-V (Birds, mammals and fish) III (Aquatic invertebrates) No documented field effect on wildlife. Avoid spray drift and contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.
trifluralin (various) Dinitro- aniline IV-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) High toxicity to aquatic invertebrate and fish. Avoid contaminating wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams.




FUNGICIDES

Pesticide (Trade name) Family Toxicity class Documented effects on wildlife Best measures to reduce the risk of exposure
benomyl
(Benlate)		 Benzimida- zole V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish) Toxic to fish and aquatic insects. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
chlorothalonil (Bravo) Aromatic V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
iprodione
(Rovral)		 Dicarboximide V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
mancozeb (Dithane, Manzate, Penncozeb) Ethylenebis dithio- carbamate V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife. Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
propiconazole (Tilt) Triazole IV-V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
thiabendazole (Mertect) Benzimidazole V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
triadimefon (Bayleton) Triazole V-(Birds and mammals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.
thiophanate methyl (Topsin-M) Benzimidazole IV-V-(Birds and mamals) I-(Fish and aquatic insects) No documented field effects on wildlife Apply according to label instruction. Avoid contaminating wetlands, lakes, ponds, and streams. Use a buffer zone when applying near water.

Toxicity class data is based on acute oral rate median lethal dose (LD5O) values for acute toxicity comparisons among chemical. The five toxicity classes used are:

Class    
I - Extremely toxic LD5O < 40 mg/kg
II - Highly toxic LD5O 41-200 mg/kg
III - Moderately toxic LD5O 201-1,000 mg/kg
IV - Slightly toxic LD5O 1001-5,000 mg/kg
V - Relatively toxic LD5O > 5,000 mg/kg

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