Allethrins

They are classified as pyrethroids, i.e. synthetic versions of pyrethrin, a chemical with insecticidal properties found naturally in Chrysanthemum flowers.

A partly enantiopure variant of allethrin I, consisting of only two stereoisomers in an approximate ratio of 1:1, is called bioallethrin.

Chronic exposure to allethrins alters the plasma biochemical profile of humans and may have adverse health effects.

[2] Bioallethrin has been shown to cause oxidative damage, cellular toxicity and necrosis of human lymphocytes studied in vitro.

[4] Insects subject to exposure become paralyzed (nervous system effect) before dying.