16 February 2016
Articles recently published in the media allege a correlation between the use of pyriproxyfen and the occurrence of microcephaly in Brazil. Sumitomo Chemical, the manufacturer of the product, reassures that this product is safe and effective for the use in combating diseases spread by mosquitoes, and that the concerns related to microcephaly are totally unfounded.
Pyriproxyfen, after going through extensive toxicological testing, has shown no effects on the reproductive system or nervous system in mammals, and has been approved and registered for use in the past 20 years by the authorities of around 40 countries around the world, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, the Dominican Republic and Colombia In Latin America, the product has been approved and registered for use in Brazil since 2004 (by ANVISA, Brazil’s National Health Agency). However, despite long term and widespread use in many different settings no correlation with microcephaly has been reported.
A publication titled “Pyriproxyfen in Drinking Water” by the World Health Organization and the USA Environmental Protection Agency concludes that pyriproxyfen is not mutagenic, not genotoxic, not carcinogenic and not teratogenic.
Sumitomo Chemical, since its foundation more than 100 years ago, has rigorously used science as a base for its activities and has regarded the safety of our products as of paramount importance, and thoroughly reviews any new reports and information relevant to our products.
Pyriproxyfen, as recommended by WHO (http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/water-quality/guidelines/chemicals/pyriproxyfen-background.pdf?ua=1), is an effective insecticide to fight mosquitoes, among them the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a vector of diseases that carry serious health risks such as the Zika virus, Dengue, Yellow fever and Chikungunya, and by continuing the supply of the product, Sumitomo Chemical is confident that it will contribute to controlling mosquitoes and thereby enhance the health and well-being of the human population.