O,O'-Diethyl-O-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate (Parathion - ISO)
Banned Substance
CAS Number: 56-38-2
About O,O'-Diethyl-O-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate (Parathion - ISO)
Parathion — one of the most acutely toxic organophosphate insecticides ever sold. Not a cosmetic ingredient and long banned from agriculture too.
Detailed Analysis
Parathion (O,O-diethyl-O-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate, CAS 56-38-2) is a phosphorothioate organophosphate insecticide classified by the WHO as Class Ia — extremely hazardous. It works by irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, causing cholinergic crisis (miosis, salivation, bronchospasm, seizures, respiratory paralysis). Parathion has caused thousands of occupational and accidental deaths, including numerous dermal-absorption fatalities. It is banned for agricultural use in the EU since 2003 (and in the US for most uses), classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and prohibited in cosmetics under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex II. No cosmetic or topical role exists.
Skin Benefits
- ✓ Organophosphate insecticide — no cosmetic benefit
Known Concerns
- ⚠ WHO Class Ia extremely hazardous
- ⚠ Acute cholinergic toxicity — lethal by skin absorption
- ⚠ IARC 2B possible carcinogen
- ⚠ EU agricultural ban (2003) and Annex II cosmetic ban
- ⚠ No cosmetic function
References
EU CosIng Database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry
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