FENSULFOTHION

Description

Fensulfothion is a systemic previously but not currently registered for insecticidal and nematicidal activity in the United States.

Chemical properties

Liquid.

Chemical properties

Fensulfothion is a yellow oil.

The Uses of FENSULFOTHION

Fensulfothion is a highly toxic insecticide used for agriculture purposes.

The Uses of FENSULFOTHION

Nematocide, insecticide.

The Uses of FENSULFOTHION

Nematocide and pesticide used to control free-living, cyst-forming and root-knot nematotodes and soil insects in vegetable and fruit crops.

Definition

ChEBI: Fensulfothion is an organic thiophosphate, a sulfoxide and an organothiophosphate insecticide. It has a role as an EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor, an agrochemical, an avicide and a nematicide. It is functionally related to a 4-(methylsulfinyl)phenol.

General Description

Oily yellow or brown liquid. Used as an insecticide, nematocide and mosquito larvicide.

Air & Water Reactions

Incompatible with alkali chemicals. Hydrolyzes in alkali, isomerize in air [EPA, 1998]. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Organothiophosphates, such as FENSULFOTHION, are susceptible to formation of highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides.

Hazard

Cholinesterase inhibitor. Questionable carcinogen.

Health Hazard

FENSULFOTHION displays cholinesterase inhibiting properties. Death results primarily from respiratory arrest stemming from failure of the respiratory center, paralysis of respiratory muscles and intense bronchoconstriction.

Fire Hazard

(Non-Specific -- Organophosphorus Pesticide, Liquid, n.o.s.) FENSULFOTHION may burn but may not ignite readily. Containers may explode in heat of fire. When heated highly toxic fumes of phosphorus and sulfur oxides are emitted. Incompatible with alkali chemicals. Hydrolyzes in alkali, isomerizes in air.

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Experimental reproductive effects. A pesticide. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of SOx and POx.

Potential Exposure

A potential danger to those involved in the manufacture, formulation, or application of this insecticide used to control parasitic, sedentary, and freeliving nematodes.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Speed in removing material from skinis of extreme importance. Shampoo hair promptly if contaminated. Seek medical attention immediately. If thischemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, beginrescue breathing (using universal precautions, includingresuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Keepvictim quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Effectsmay be delayed; keep victim under observation.

Environmental Fate

Soil. In soils, the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae degraded fensulfothion to fensulfothion sul?de (Timms and MacRae, 1982, 1983). The following microorganisms were also capable of degrading the parent compound to the corresponding sul?de: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas ?uorescens, Nocardia opaca, Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (Timms and MacRae, 1983).
Plant. Readily oxidized in plants to the corresponding sulfone (Hartley and Kidd, 1987).
Chemical/Physical. Emits toxic fumes of phosphorus and sulfur oxides when heated to decomposition (Sax and Lewis, 1987; Lewis, 1990).
Isomerizes readily to the O,S-diethyl isomer (Worthing and Hance, 1991). The hydrolysis half-lives of fensulfothion in a sterile 1% ethanol/water solution at 25°C and pH values of 4.5, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0, were 69, 77, 87 and 58 weeks, respectively (Chapman and Cole, 1982).

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handlingand storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from strong bases; strong oxidizers. Where possible, automatically pump liquid fromdrums or other storage containers to process containers.

Shipping

UN3018 Organophosphorus pesticides, liquid, toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials. UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Strong oxidizers may cause release of toxic phosphorus oxides. Organophosphates, in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides, may form highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas. Keep away from alkaline materials.

Waste Disposal

Alkaline hydrolysis. In accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.