Methyl isothiocyanate (Ref: SN-32866) |
Last updated: 23/08/2024 |
(Also known as: methyl mustard oil; MITC; isothiocyanic acid methyl ester; MIT; R014821) |
SUMMARY |
Data alerts |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.
Environmental fate | Ecotoxicity | Human health |
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Warning: Significant data are missing |
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A highly toxic multipurpose soil fumigant. Also a pesticide transformation product and used in the production of many pesticides and other chemicals. | |
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Nematodes; Various soil insects; Fungal pathogens; Weed seeds | |
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UK regulatory status |
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Not approved | ||
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Not applicable | ||
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No UK approval for use |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not approved | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not applicable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not applicable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not applicable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Additional information |
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Chemical structure |
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None | |
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C₂H₃NS | |
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CN=C=S | |
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LGDSHSYDSCRFAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N | |
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InChI=1S/C2H3NS/c1-3-2-4/h1H3 | |
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Yes |
General status |
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Metabolite, Fungicide, Nematicide, Herbicide, Insecticide | |
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Soil, Groundwater | |
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Fumigant pesticide | |
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Synthetic | |
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Fumigant with contact action | |
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556-61-6 | |
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209-132-5 | |
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None allocated | |
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068103 | |
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11167 | |
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615-002-00-2 | |
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73.11 | |
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methyl isothiocyanate | |
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isothiocyanatomethane | |
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Not applicable | |
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Not applicable | |
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Not known | |
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Not known | |
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Colourless crystalline solid |
Can be a metabolite of: |
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imazalil sulfate | Soil | - | Minor fraction | |||||
metam-potassium | Groundwater | - | Relevant | |||||
metam-potassium | Soil | 0.829 | Major fraction | |||||
metam-ammonium | Soil | 0.829 | Major fraction | |||||
metam-ammonium | Groundwater | - | Relevant | |||||
imazalil nitrate | Soil | - | Minor fraction | |||||
metam | Soil | 0.829 | Major fraction | |||||
metam | Groundwater | - | Relevant | |||||
metam-sodium | Soil | 0.829 | Major fraction | |||||
metam-sodium | Groundwater | - | Relevant | |||||
dazomet | Soil | 0.740 | Major fraction | |||||
imazalil | Soil | 0.096 | Minor fraction | |||||
dazomet | Groundwater | - | Relevancy unknown |
Formulations |
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Usually supplied as an emulsifiable concentrate for drip irrigation systems |
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8940 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
High | ||||||||
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35 | E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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119 | V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID ) 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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1.12 X 1001 | Calculated | - | |||||||
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1.05 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Low | ||||||||
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1.07 | E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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12.3 | Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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Strong base | |||||||||||
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1739000 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Highly volatile. If applied directly to plants or soil, drift is a concern & mitigation is advisable | ||||||||
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14.2 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderately volatile | ||||||||
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Neutral soln: 235nm=635, 283nm=65, 321nm=17 Alkaline soln: 276nm=46, 320nm=5, 290nm=>10 Acidic soln: 235nm=635, 283nm=23, 290nm=>10 |
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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Degradation |
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2.1 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Non-persistent | |||||||
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2.1 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Non-persistent | ||||||||
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3.2 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Non-persistent | ||||||||
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6.99 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Non-persistent | ||||||||
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13.1 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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EU dossier (2023 metam) lab studies DT₅₀ (normalised) range: 1.08-3.24 days, DT₉₀ (normalised) range 3.6-10.78 days Soils=4;Ffield studies DT₅₀ (normalised) range 1.2-5.0 days, DT₉₀ (measured) 4.1-16.5 days, Soils=4; EU dossier (dazomet) lab studies range 5-32.7 days; Other literature studies Lab range - 24 soils, nursery and forest, various app rates | ||||||||||
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6 | K2 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here ) 2 = Unverified data of unknown source |
Moderately fast | |||||||
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50 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderately persistent | |||||||
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pH sensitive. DT40 50 days at pH4, 11 days at pH9 | ||||||||||
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0.37 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Fast | ||||||||
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. | ||||||||||
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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0.56 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Mobile | |||||||
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21.7 | ||||||||||
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0.86 | ||||||||||
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EU dossier (Metam, 2023) Kf range 0.21-1.38 mL g⁻¹, Kfoc range 9.0-71.7 mL g⁻¹, 1/n range 0.755-9.1, Soils=10 | ||||||||||
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Fate indices |
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1.35 | Calculated | Low leachability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2.96 X 10-03 | Calculated | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Low | Calculated | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mobile | Calculated | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1889 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Calculated using the Atkinson method. Assumed 1.5E+06 OH/cm³, 24 hr5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Substance of concern for long-range air transport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2.6 | K2 K = Research datasets (e.g. Pandora, Demetra; these datasets no longer available). Norman Ecotoxicology database. (click here ) Estimated2 = Unverified data of unknown source |
Low potential | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not available | - |
Known metabolites |
None
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Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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> 100 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Rat5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderate | ||||||||
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127 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Colinus virginianus5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderate | ||||||||
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4.0 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Eisenia foetida5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
High | ||||||||
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Aquatic ecotoxicology |
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0.0531 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Oncorhynchus mykiss5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
High | ||||||||
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0.005 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Oncorhynchus mykiss 28 day5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
High | ||||||||
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0.137 | F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment ) Danio rerio Embryo3 = Unverified data of known source |
Moderate | ||||||||
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0.076 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Daphnia magna5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
High | ||||||||
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0.00625 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Daphnia magna5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
High | ||||||||
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0.59 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Lemna gibba5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderate | ||||||||
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0.58 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderate | ||||||||
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> 0.125 | L2 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources Unknown species2 = Unverified data of unknown source |
Moderate | ||||||||
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General |
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High (class III) | - | - | ||||||||
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> 100 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Rat5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
Moderate | ||||||||
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1290 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Rabbit5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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0.54 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Rat 4 hr (whole body)5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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0.004 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Dog SF=1005 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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0.03 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Rat SF=1005 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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0.004 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Rabbit SF=3005 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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0.004 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) Dog. SF=1005 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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Some bystander risk identified via spray drift exposure | |||||||||
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May be fatal if absorbed through the skin Respiratory equipment required to mitigate risk Risks identified in glasshouse environments |
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0.1 | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) EU Dir 89/778/EC limit5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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80-85% excreted with urine within approx. 80 hrs | A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes |
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Health issues |
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Highly toxic by ingestion Harmful via skin exposure and inhalation Possible thyroid toxicant US EPA - probable human carcinogen, CLP data - suspected carcinogen |
Handling issues |
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Corrosive Not explosive or oxidising |
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Health: H301, H312, H314; H317; H335, H351, H372 Environment: H400, H410 |
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II (Moderately hazardous) | |||
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methyl isothiocyanate | ||
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isothiocyanate de methyle | ||
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Methylisothiocyanat | ||
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methylisothiocyanat | ||
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Isotiocianato di metile | ||
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isotiocianato de metilo | ||
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metyloizotiocyjanian | ||
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methylisothiocyanaat | ||
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Record last updated: | 23/08/2024 |
Contact: | aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: | Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |