Organoleptic Assessment and Median Lethal Dose Determination of Oral Aldicarb in Rats
Abstract
Aldicarb, a carbamate pesticide, is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor and one of the most toxic pesticides, with oral median lethal dose (LD50) estimates in rats ranging from 0.46 mg/kg to 0.93 mg/kg. Toxicity in humans has been observed for estimated amounts of aldicarb as low as 0.022 mg/kg. A three-phase approach was used to develop a comprehensive threat assessment of aldicarb as an oral-ingestion hazard. First, the solubility of aldicarb in popular consumer beverages (bottled water, apple juice, and 2 milk) was assessed. Lethality was then assessed by administering aldicarb in bottled water via gavage. A probit model was fit to 24-hour survival data and predicted a median lethal dose of 0.83 mg/kg (95 confidence interval (CI): 0.54 1.45 mg/kg; slope: 4.50). Finally, the organoleptic properties (i.e., taste, smell, texture, etc.) were assessed by allowing rats to voluntarily consume 3.0 mL of the above beverages as well as liquid eggs adulterated with aldicarb at various concentrations. This organoleptic assessment determined that aldicarb was readily consumed at lethal and supra-lethal doses. Overt toxic signs presented within 5 minutes post-ingestion, and all rats died within 20 minutes after consuming the highest concentration (0.542 mg/mL), regardless of amount consumed. Because rats have more developed chemoreceptive capabilities than humans, these results suggest that aldicarb may be consumed in toxic or even lethal concentrations by humans in a variety of beverages or foods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1091954
Entities
People
- Mark C. Moffett
- Nathaniel C. Rice
- Noah A. Rauscher
- Todd M. Myers