Are Industrial Biocides Toxic?

Dec 18, 2025

Industrial fungicides are generally toxic. This is because fungicides are chemical substances that can kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. They are common in daily life and include formaldehyde solutions, toxic cyanide compounds, and trichloroacetic acid solutions, all of which are generally toxic. If the skin accidentally comes into contact with a fungicide, it may cause symptoms such as redness, pain, and itching. In this case, the affected area should be rinsed with running water or soapy water to reduce the damage.
In addition, the following points should be noted when using industrial fungicides:
Application time: Applying fungicides too early will result in pesticide waste or reduced efficacy, while applying them too late will allow a large number of pathogens to invade the host, rendering treatment ineffective even with spraying.
Concentration used: When spraying liquid agents, it is often necessary to mix or dilute the agent with water to an appropriate concentration. Too high a concentration will cause phytotoxicity and waste, while too low a concentration will render the treatment ineffective.
Number of applications: Fungicides are generally sprayed once every 10-15 days, for a total of 2-3 applications. If it rains after spraying, a follow-up application should be performed.
Mixing principles: Pesticides that are easily decomposed and inactivated by alkaline substances should not be mixed with alkaline pesticides. For example, alkaline fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture and lime sulfur cannot be mixed with 1605, dimethoate, or dichlorvos, as this will cause a chemical reaction.
Alternating the use of different types of fungicides: Long-term use of a single type of pesticide can cause pathogens to develop resistance, rendering the usual dosage ineffective and increasing the difficulty of control. To avoid the development of resistance, different types of pesticides should be used alternately.
Method of spraying on crops: The amount of spray should be appropriate. Too little spray will not provide thorough protection to all parts of the plant; too much will easily cause phytotoxicity and waste. The spray should be fine and even, covering both the front and back of the plant.
Preventing phytotoxicity: There are many reasons why pesticides cause phytotoxicity to plants. Water-soluble pesticides are more likely to cause phytotoxicity. Different crops have varying sensitivities to pesticides. For example, Bordeaux mixture generally does not cause phytotoxicity, but crops such as beans, potatoes, and cotton are sensitive to lime sulfur and are prone to pesticide damage.
In summary, the toxicity of industrial fungicides and the precautions for their use indicate that appropriate preventive measures must be taken when using these chemicals to reduce potential harm to the environment and human health.