NITROFEN

Chemical properties

Nitrofen is a crystalline solid.

The Uses of NITROFEN

Formerly as herbicide.

Definition

ChEBI: Nitrofen is an organic molecular entity. It has a role as an EC 1.3.3.4 (protoporphyrinogen oxidase) inhibitor and a herbicide.

General Description

Colorless crystals or black solid. Used as a pre- or post-emergence herbicide.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

NITROFEN is a nitrated and halogenated ether derivative.

Health Hazard

Nitrofen is moderately toxic by ingestionand inhalation of dusts. The lethal doses in cats from oral administration and inhalationof dusts are 300 mg/kg and 620 mg/m³/4h,respectively (NIOSH 1986). Bovine calvestreatedorally by 1.5 mL 25% nitrofen/kg produced toxic effects after 36–48 hours. Thesymptoms were increase in body temperature, depression, and progressive decrease inrespiration rate and pulse rate,similar to tribulin (Gupta and Singh 1985). An increase inthe activities of serum glutamic-oxaloacetictransaminase and glutamipyruvictransaminase was noted(Gupta and Singh 1984). Nitrofen has beenfound to cause cancer in animals. There issufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity inanimals (IARC). Oral administration in micecaused liver and lung cancers.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for NITROFEN are not available; however, NITROFEN is probably combustible.

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic data. Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by inhalation and possibly other routes. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects. A skin and severe eye irritant. Mutation data reported. A broad-spectrum herbicide. See also NITRO COMPOUNDS of AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS and ETHERS. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cl and NOx.

Potential Exposure

Nitrofen is a contact herbicide used for pre-and post-emergency control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds on a variety of food and ornamental crops. Occupational exposure to nitrofen, primarily through inhalation and dermal contact may occur among workers at production facilities. Field handlers of the herbicide are subject to inhalation exposure during application procedures.

Carcinogenicity

Nitrofen is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.

Shipping

UN3345 Phenoxyacetic acid derivative pesticide, solid, toxic, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.

Waste Disposal

Small quantities may be landfilled but large quantities should be incinerated. 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.