Imazalil — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

12/02/2017 / By Zoey Sky

Imazalil is a systemic imidazole fungicide and is more commonly known as Enilconazole. It is used to control different kinds of fungi on fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals, such as powdery mildew on cucumber and black spot on roses. Imazalil is also used as a seed dressing and for post-harvest treatment of citrus, bananas, and other fruit to minimize storage decay.

Imazalil is a general use pesticide, and it appears as a yellow-brown oily solid. The fungicide is compatible with many other types of pesticides.

Imazalil is classified as a moderately toxic compound and carries the signal word WARNING on the label. It is supplied in a variety of formulations for use as a foliar spray or seed treatment.

Imazalil’s trade names and identifiers include:

IMAZALIL
Enilconazole
35554-44-0
Deccozil
Chloramizol
Fungaflor
Imaverol
Eniloconazol (SP)
Deccozil S 75
Enilconazole (BPC)
Clinafarm
Florasan
Fungazil
Magnate
imazalil phosphate
imazalil mononitrate
R 23979
1-(2-(Allyloxy)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl)-1H-imidazole
Enilconazol
Caswell No. 497AB

List of known side effects

Imazalil is toxic if swallowed, and it can cause serious eye damage. It is harmful if inhaled. Imazalil is very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects. Sensitive individuals exposed to imazalil have shown symptoms of contact dermatitis.

Test animals have experienced symptoms such as goose flesh (or goosebumps) due to the excitation of hair follicles, muscle incoordination/ataxia, reduced arterial tension, tremors, and vomiting.

Body systems affected by imazalil

Exposure to imazalil can have negative effects on the respiratory system. A case of palatal and nasal infection with Alternaria was treated with imazalil at oral doses up to 1200 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg bw) administered topically and orally. While the drug was tolerated, it was found to be bitter and unpleasant with an aftertaste lasting for hours. Nausea occurred at high doses (800 mg).

Items that can contain imazalil

Imazalil is a fungicide used to control a wide range of fungi including Tilletia and Helminthosporium spp. on fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals. It is used to control pests such as powdery mildew, blackspot, storage rots, and leaf stripe. Imazalil is often applied on fruit such as citrus, and it is also applied on cucumbers, roses, barley, and wheat.

Refrain from purchasing the fruits and fruit products listed below, which can have traces of the fungicide. Try to buy organic produce to ensure that they are free from harmful chemicals.

Apples
Bananas
Grapefruit
Oranges
Orange Juice
Peaches
Peaches (single serving)
Pears
Plums
Tangerines

Some manufacturers and suppliers of products using imazalil include:

Bayer
CropScience
Certis
Gustafson
Makhteshim-Agan

Some of the products using this active include:

Gustafson Flo-Pro
Fungazil 100 SL
Monceren IM
Fungaflor 100EC
Ravine Plus
Magnate 100SL

How to avoid imazalil

Always wear the proper protective gear when handling imazalil and consult your EHS (environment, health, and safety) staff for recommendations.

Eyes — Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles. Do not wear contact lenses which pose a special hazard. Soft lenses may absorb irritants and all lenses concentrate them.
Hands/Feet — Wear chemical protective gloves (e.g. PVC) and safety footwear or safety gumboots (e.g. rubber). Suitability and durability of glove type is dependent on usage. Important factors in the selection of gloves include the frequency and duration of contact, chemical resistance of glove material, glove thickness, and dexterity. Replace contaminated gloves, and only wear them on clean hands. After using gloves, hands must be washed and dried thoroughly. The application of a non-perfumed moisturizer is recommended.
Other — Wear overalls, and take note of the nearest eyewash unit. Apply barrier cream and skin cleansing cream when handling imazalil.