Pyrethrum Allergy: Causes, Symptoms & Skin Reactions

Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide that is obtained from chrysanthemum flowers. The compounds that make up pyrethrum are pyrethrins and cinerins and are extracted from the flowers using solvents. Pyrethrum is found in many brands of household insect sprays.

Skin Allergy

• Pyrethrum can cause an allergic reaction on the skin that presents itself as a mild rash and skin irritation. Once an initial allergic reaction has happened it does not require a great amount of the chemical to trigger another occurrence.

Respiratory

• Pyrethrum can be an irritant to the lungs and lead to an allergy that presents symptoms similar to asthma. Shortness of breath and other asthma-like symptoms indicate a potential allergy and may mean greater care is needed while handling the substance. Over time, these allergic effects can lead to permanent scarring of the lungs.

Nervous System

• High exposure to pyrethrum can be damaging to the nervous system. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, tiredness and restlessness. Pyrethrum has also been linked with potential reproductive damage.