WINGSHOOTER — 30 — VOL. 24 No. 3
Aldicarb is a carbamate insecticide that is the active substance in the pesticide Temik. It is effective against
thrips, aphids, spider mites, lygus, fleahoppers, and leafminers, but is primarily used as a nematicide.
Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibi-tor which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synapse. In case of severe poisoning, the victim dies of respiratory failure.
Aldicarb is one of the most widely used pesticides internationally, and is also one of the most environmentally toxic. Aldicarb poisoning from agri-cultural water runoff has led to the destruction of healthy ecosystems and the irreversible poisoning of fertile agricultural land.
This poison is also thought to have been used to kill several dogs in
Rustenburg recently. Here are some quick facts on this extremely danger-ous and fast-acting poison:• Aldicarb is an extremely toxic
insecticide.• It is described by theWHO as
‘extremely dangerous’.• Itisawhitecrystallinesolidwith
a slight sulphurous odour.• Itisdistributedas‘Temik’which
is a dust-free granulated material.• It isoftenused incitrusplanta-
tions.Chronic low-level exposure to this
poison could lead to liver damage. The poison does not accumulate in the body and is rapidly metabolised Thirty-three countries have registered it for use on potatoes, and 28 for use on cotton.
Symptoms immediately after ingesting this poison include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea and quick loss of consciousness. Breathing problems are also common.
This substance is particularly poi-sonous to mammals and people and a very small amount could lead to death. Symptoms of poisoning can occur in as little as five minutes after ingesting a large dose of the poison. Aldicarb is quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract.
Although this type of poisoning can be treated, it is unusual for vic-tims to reach medical assistance in time as the poison is fast-acting.
– Tim Snow is a member of the National Council of the SA Wingshooters.
Wildlife Poisoning Prevention & Conflict Resolution. 082 8026223
www.wildlifepoisoningprevention.co.zaArticle Sources: wikipedia.com; health24.com
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Compiled by Tim Snow & André van der WesthuizenPhoto by James Fox
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