WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE ORGANISATION POUR L'ALIMENTATION ET
L'AGRICULTURE
VBC/DS/75.16
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
DATA SHEETS ON PESTICIDES No. 16
June 1975
SODIUM FLUOROACETATE
It must be noted that the issue of a Data Sheet for a particular
pesticide does not imply endorsement of the pesticide by WHO or FAO for
any particular use, or exclude its use for other purposes not stated.
While the information provided is believed to be accurate according to
data available at the time when the sheet was compiled, neither WHO nor
FAO are responsible for any errors or omissions, or any consequences
therefrom.
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SODIUM FLUOROACETATE
Part 1 - General information
CLASSIFICATION
Primary use: rodenticide
Secondary use: insecticide
Chemical group: fluorine-containing
compound
Data sheet no. 16
Date issued: June 1975
1.1 CHEMICAL NAME: Sodium fluoroacetate. As the chemical name is
short, no common name has been established.
Identity: Sodium fluoroacetate.
F-CH2-OOO Na
Synonyms: Local synonyms:
Sodium monofluoroacetate
Compound 1080
1.2 SYNOPSIS: A water soluble salt of very high mammalian toxicity
which is used mainly as a rodenticide. It is rapidly absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract but is not readily absorbed through the intact
skin.
1.3 SELECTED PROPERTIES
1.3.1 Physical characteristics: a colourless, odourless salt, the
technical material having a purity of about 95%. It is hydroscopic and
it decomposes on heating at about 200°C.
1.3.2 Solubility: water at 20°C very soluble; slightly soluble in
alcohol.
1.3.3 Stability: no information but the aqueous solution can be
expected to be stable at any pH.
1.3.4 Vapour pressure (volatility): very low.
1.4 AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
1.4.1 Common formulations: usually marketed as an aqueous solution
containing 0.5% nigrosine as a black warning colour, which is used to
prepare baits. In the United Kingdom it is formulated as a 5% solid
concentrate and a 0.375% bait for dilution with water to 0.25%. Sale
and use are under strick control.
1.4.2 Pests mainly controlled: rats, mice, squirrels, prairie dogs,
coyotes, rabbits. Has also been used to control wallabies and rooks.
Has been used experimentally as an insecticide, herbicide and
repellant, but is no longer used for these purposes.
1.4.3 Use pattern: in the United Kingdom, it is used only in
sewers, ships and warehouses with restricted access. In the United
States of America it is used for sewer, ship and warehouse treatment,
and in the field. For field use small rodents are controlled by
permanent baiting throughout the winter and scattering poisoned grain
by plane at a rate of about 1 kg/ha of grain containing about 0.2%
active ingredient. The grain is dyed to discourage birds and the
scattering is designed to prevent sheep, cattle or deer receiving a
lethal dose. For coyote control, impregnated horse or sheep carcasses
are placed in "bait stations" during the winter.
In Australia rabbits and wallabies have been controlled with
apple and carrot baits. A similar method has been used for rabbits in
New Zealand, where rooks have also been controlled by using a bread
bait.
1.4.4 Unintended effects: very toxic to birds, domestic animals and
wildlife. High risk of secondary poisoning to carnivorous and
omnivorous species from eating poisoned carcasses.
1.5 PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMMES
Used for commensal rat control aboard vessels, warehouses or
areas where risk of inadvertant poisoning of man or domestic animals is
minimal.
1.6 HOUSEHOLD USE
The extremely toxic nature of sodium fluoroacetate renders its
household use highly inadvisable. In many countries it is prevented by
strict control of sale and use of the compound.
SODIUM FLUOROACETATE
Part 2 - Toxicology and risks
Common name: sodium fluoroacetate
Data sheet no. 2
Date issued: June 1975
2.1 TOXICOLOGY - MAMMALS
2.1.1 Absorption: rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract,
the oral route being the most important in cases of poisoning. Dust
formulations are easily absorbed by inhalation. Not readily absorbed
through the intact skin but it may be absorbed in the presence of cuts
or dermatitis.
2.1.2 Mode of action: blocks the Krebs cycle by the formation of
fluorocitric acid which inhibits aconitase and results in the
accumulation of citric acid. The fluorocitric acid is itself very
highly toxic, and therefore sodium fluoroacetate can cause secondary
poisoning, i.e., poisoning in an organism which has consumed a part of
an organism already poisoned.
2.1.3 Excretion products: excreted in the urine probably as
fluorocitrate salts.
2.1.4 Toxicity, single dose:
Oral: LD50 rat, 0.22 mg/kg
Dermal: not known
Inhalation: not known
Most susceptible species: rodents are the most susceptible
species.
2.1.5 Toxicity, repeated doses:
Oral: no information
Dermal: no information. Sodium fluoroacetate. is not absorbed
to any significant extent through the intact skin.
Inhalation: no information
Cumulation of compound: cumulation of sodium fluoroacetate occurs
to some extent and some tolerance can be demonstrated in the
mouse and rat and possibly in the rhesus monkey.
Cumulation of effect: no information.
2.1.6 Dietary studies:
Short-term: no information
Long-term: no information.
2.1.7 Supplementary studies of toxicity: no information.
2.1.8 Modifications of toxicity: no information.
2.2 TOXICOLOGY - MAN
2.2.1 Absorption: see 2.1.1. The oral route is the most important in
cases of poisoning.
2.2.2 Dangerous doses:
Single: judging from fatal and near-fatal cases, the dangerous
dose for man is 0.5-2.0 mg/kg.
Repeated: not known.
2.2.3 Observations of occupationally-exposed workers: no information.
2.2.4 Observations on exposure of the general population: if used
correctly, sodium fluoroacetate should not represent a hazard to the
general population.
2.2.5 Observations of volunteers: no information.
2.2.6 Reported mishaps: in one country in the Americas, there have
been 22 cases of poisoning by sodium fluoroacetate with 12 deaths. In
one instance, four men died from consumption of the compound which had
been stored in soft drink or whisky bottles.
2.3 TOXICITY TO NON-MAMMALIAN SPECIES
The entries in these sections are intended to draw attention to
special risks and to give warnings of any needs for special
precautions.
2.3.1 Fish: fairly low toxicity to fish. No risk from rat baits used
in sewers discharging into natural waters.
2.3.2 Birds: very toxic to birds. Hazard from eating grain baits seems
to be low, but there have been many deaths from eating coyote baits
and from secondary poisoning.
2.3.3 Other species: it is toxic to bees, but there is no hazard under
proper conditions of use. Very toxic to wildlife generally.
SODIUM FLUOROACETATE
Part 3 - For regulatory authorities
Common name: sodium fluoroacetate
Data sheet no. 16
Date issued: June 1975
RECOMMENDATIONS ON REGULATION OF COMPOUND
3.1 RECOMMENDED RESTRICTIONS ON AVAILABILITY (for definition of
categories, see introduction) Solid formulations over 10% category 1,
liquid formulations over 1% category 1, solid formulations over 0.5%
category 2, over 5% category 3. No formulations in category 4 or 5.
3.2 TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
All formulations
Should be stored in clearly labelled impermeable containers under
lock and key secure from access by unauthorized persons and children.
No food or drink should be stored in the same compartment.
3.3 HANDLING
All formulations
Since sodium fluoroacetate in solution is colourless all
solutions should be coloured. It is also advisable for dust
formulations to be coloured in order to avoid confusion with foodstuff.
Full protective clothing (see part 4) should be provided for all those
handling the compound. Adequate washing facilities should be available
at all times during handling and should be close to the site of
handling. Eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited during
handling and before washing after handling. Baits of sodium
fluoroacetate should be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned up
after the necessary purpose has been fulfilled.
3.4 DISPOSAL AND/OR DECONTAMINATION OF CONTAINERS
All formulations
Containers must either be burned or crushed and buried below
topsoil. Care must be taken to avoid subsequent contamination of water
sources. Decontamination of containers in order to use them for other
purposes should not be permitted.
3.5 SELECTION, TRAINING AND MEDICAL SUPERVISION OF WORKERS
All formulations
Pre-employment and periodic medical examination of workers
desirable. Special account should be taken of the workers' mental
ability to comprehend and follow instructions. Training of workers in
techniques to avoid contact essential.
3.6 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS RECOMMENDED IF DISTRIBUTED BY AIRCRAFT
A specific permit for each operation should be required to avoid
any danger of contamination of water sources.
3.7 LABELLING
All formulations
Minimum cautionary statement
"POISON"
(Skull and crossbones insignia)
"Sodium fluoroacetate is an extremely toxic substance.
Inhalation of dust or swallowing may be fatal. The compound may also
be absorbed through cuts or abrasions in the skin and lead to
poisoning. Wear protective gloves, clean protective clothing and a
respirator when handling this material. Bathe immediately after work.
Ensure that containers are stored under lock and key. Empty containers
must be disposed of in such a way as to prevent all possibility of
accidental contact with them. Keep the material out of reach of
children and well away from foodstuffs, animal feed and their
containers."
"In case of contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and
wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water; for eyes, flush with
water for 15 minutes."
"If poisoning occurs, call a physician."
3.8 RESIDUES IN FOOD
If used correctly as a bait, residues of sodium fluoroacetate
will not appear in human food. Levels have not been recommended by the
Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues.
SODIUM FLUOROACETATE
Part 4 - Prevention of poisoning in man and emergency aid
Common name: sodium fluoroacetate
Data sheet no. 16
Date issued: June 1975
4.1 PRECAUTIONS IN USE
4.1.1 General: sodium fluoroacetate is a water soluble salt of very
high toxicity which is used mainly as a rodenticide. It is readily
absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and dusts may be absorbed by
inhalation. It is not readily absorbed through the intact skin.
4.1.2 Manufacture and formulation
T.L.V.
ACGIH 0.05 mg/m3
Closed systems and forced ventilation may be required to reduce
as much as possible the exposure of workers to the chemical. All
formulations should be coloured with a warning dye.
4.1.3 Mixers and applicators: particularly when opening container and
when mixing protective impermeable boots, clean overalls, gloves and a
face mask should be worn. Mixing, if not mechanical, should always be
carried out with a paddle of appropriate length. The applicator should
avoid inhaling dust particles and avoid contact with the mouth.
Particular care is needed when the equipment is being washed after use.
All protective clothing should be washed immediately after use
including the insides of gloves. Splashes must be washed immediately
from the skin or eyes with large quantities of water. Before eating,
drinking or smoking, hands and other exposed skin should be washed.
Sodium fluoroacetate should not be used in dwelling houses.
Baits should not be used where there is a risk of contaminating food,
animal feeding stuffs or drinking or washing water. Exposed baits
should be laid in containers clearly marked "Poison". Baits should not
be laid unless all access by children and animals other than rats and
mice can be prevented. Except in locked unoccupied premises baits
should not remain down for more than 24 hours. All exposed baits and
their containers should be removed after treatment and burned. Rodent
bodies should be searched for and destroyed by burning.
4.1.4 Other associated workers (including flagmen in aerial
operations): not applicable.
4.1.5 Other populations likely to be affected: with correct use as
described under mixers and applicators (4.1.3 above) other populations
should not be exposed to hazardous amounts of sodium fluoroacetate.
4.2 ENTRY OF PERSONS INTO TREATED AREAS
The general public should be excluded from all access to premises
while baits are exposed.
4.3 SAFE DISPOSAL OF CONTAINERS AND SPILLAGE
Residues in containers should be emptied in a diluted form into a
deep pit taking care to avoid contamination of ground waters.
Decontamination of containers in order to use them for other purposes
should not be permitted. Spillage should be removed as much as
possible into a deep dry pit and the remainder washed away with large
quantities of water.
4.4 EMERGENCY AID
4.4.1 Early symptoms of poison: there is a variable latent period
ranging from 30 minutes to two hours or more between ingestion and the
appearance of symptoms. The first indication of poisoning is nausea
and mental apprehension followed by epileptiform convulsions.
4.4.2 Treatment before person is seen by a physician, if these symptoms
appear following exposure: if swallowed, vomiting should be induced
if the person is conscious. Complete rest and quiet are indicated.
Artificial respiration may be necessary.
SODIUM FLUOROACETATE
Part 5 - For medical and laboratory personnel
Common name: sodium fluoroacetate
Data sheet no. 16
Date issued: June 1975
5.1 MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CASES OF POISONING
5.1.1 General information: sodium fluoroacetate is a water soluble
salt of very high toxicity, which is used mainly as a rodenticide. It
is readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and may be absorbed
by inhalation if in the form of a dust. Although it is not absorbed
through the unbroken skin, it may be absorbed through cuts or
abrasions. It appears to interfere with acetate metabolism by blocking
the Krebs cycle leading to accumulation of citric acid.
5.1.2 Symptoms and signs: there is a variable latent period ranging
from 30 minutes to two hours between ingestion and appearance of
symptoms. The first indication of poisoning is nausea and mental
apprehension with facial twitching and numbness, generally followed by
epileptiform convulsions. After a period of several hours pulsus
alternans may exist followed by ventricular fibrillation and death.
Children appear to be more subject to cardiac arrest than to
ventricular fibrillation.
5.1.3 Laboratory: there do not appear to be any straightforward
laboratory tests for diagnosing sodium fluoroacetate poisoning. The
presence of the compound in blood and tissues is indicative of
absorption. Based upon animal studies, there may be a two to three-
fold elevation in citric acid in the blood
5.1.4 Treatment: treatment for sodium fluoroacetate poisoning is
mainly symptomatic. If ingested, vomiting should be induced immediately
followed by gastric lavage with two to four litres of tap water and
instillation of 15-30 g of saline cathartic. Monoacetin (glyceryl
monoacetate) 0.5 mg/kg should be injected IM every half hour for 12
hours varying the injection sites. Artificial respiration with the
assistance of oxygen may be required. Calcium gluconate, 2-3 g per day
in 10% solution may be given IV. To control convulsions barbiturates
(preferably phenobarbitone or pentobarbitone) should be given IM or IV
in sufficient dosage.
5.1.5 Prognosis: if the patient survives the first 24 hours after
ingestion of sodium fluoroacetate the chances of complete recovery are
favourable.
5.1.6 References of previously reported cases: the following
references give methods of treatment used in cases of poisoning:
McTaggart, D. R. (1970) Med. J. Austr., 57(2), 641-642
Hayes, W. J., jr (1963) Clinical Handbook on Economic Poisons,
U.S. Publ. Hlth Ser. Publ., No. 476, pp. 81-82
Pattison, F. L. M. (1959) Toxic Aliphatic Fluorine Compounds,
Elsevier Monographs, Amsterdam, London, New York, Princeton,
Appendix III, pp. 208-210.
5.2 SURVEILLANCE METHODS
There are no readily available surveillance methods.
5.3 LABORATORY METHODS
References only are given,
5.3.1 Detection and analysis: a thin layer chromatographic method
capable of detecting 0.1 mg in animal tissue has been developed by
Perry (1970).
5.3.2 Other tests in cases of poisoning: level of citric acid in
blood may be elevated during poisoning by sodium fluoroacetate. A
rapid method for determining citric acid in serum is given; by Camp,
B.J. & Farmer, L. (1967).
REFERENCES
Camp, B.J. & Farmer, L. (1967) Rapid spectrophotometric determination
of citric acid in blood, Clin. Chem., 13, 501
Perry, V. A. (1970) Thin layer chromatographic determination of sodium
monofluoroacetate, J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem., 53, 737