A
pyrethroid is an
organic compound similar to the natural
pyrethrins produced by the flowers of
pyrethrums (
Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and
C. coccineum). Pyrethroids now constitute the majority of commercial household
insecticides. In the concentrations used in such products, they may also have
insect repellent properties and are generally harmless to human beings in low doses but can harm sensitive individuals. They are usually
broken apart by
sunlight and the atmosphere in one or two days, and do not significantly affect
groundwater quality.
