Toxicology of Pesticides for Environmental Health Professionals

Fungicides

Fungicides also do not target pests that carry diseases. They are used to control fungi and mold.
Sulfur, copper, and chlorothalonil are the most widely used fungicides and usually have low acute
toxicity to humans. Some early fungicides included sulfur, copper sulfate, and mercury as their base
compounds. Here are some additional examples of fungicides and their effects on human health:

Hexachlorobenzene
Fungicide that was widely used as a pesticide in agriculture, especially as a seed
treatment on wheat to control the fungal disease Karnal bunt. It was banned for
use in the United States in 1966. EPA has classified hexachlorobenzene as a
probable human carcinogen. There are currently no commercial uses of
hexachlorobenzene in the United States.

Pentachlorophenol
Pentachlorophenol was once one of the most widely used biocides in the United
States, but it is now a restricted-use pesticide and is no longer available to the
public. It was primarily used as a wood preservative and is extremely toxic to
humans from acute (short-term) ingestion and inhalation exposure. Acute
inhalation exposures in humans have resulted in neurological, blood, and liver
effects, and eye irritation. Chronic (long-term) exposure to pentachlorophenol by
inhalation in humans has resulted in effects on the respiratory tract, blood,
kidney, liver, immune system, eyes, nose, and skin. Human studies suggest an
association between exposure to pentachlorophenol and cancer. EPA has
classified pentachlorophenol as a probable human carcinogen.

Dithiocarbamates

Specific class of carbamate pesticides used as fungicides. They have

been used on crops, mainly fruits and vegetables. Most carbamates are
insecticides. Dithiocarbamate fungicides include:

• Ferbam
• Maneb
• Mancozeb
• Metiram
• Thiram
• Ziram

In terms of human health hazards, dithiocarbamates can be irritating to the skin

and cause rashes. Once in the body, they can turn into a chemical considered by
EPA to be a probable human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels can
result in abnormal thyroid function. They do not accumulate or persist in the
body.