IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 64
ALDICARB
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1991
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 121:
Aldicarb
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Aldicarb : health and safety guide.
(Health and safety guide ; no. 64)
1.Aldicarb - adverse effects
2.Aldicarb - poisoning
3.Aldicarb - standards
4.Environmental exposure I.Series
ISBN 92 4 151064 1 (NLM Classification: WA 240)
ISSN 0259-7268
(c) World Health Organization 1991
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
Universal Copyright Convention. For rights of reproduction or
translation of WHO publications, in part or in toto, application
should be made to the Office of Publications, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Organization
welcomes such applications.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or
of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Exposure
2.2. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.3. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.4. Effects on animals
2.5. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1. Main human health hazards, prevention and protection,
first aid
4.1.1. Advice to physicians
4.1.1.1 Treatment of acute poisoning
4.1.2. Health surveillance advice
4.2. Explosion and fire hazards
4.2.1. Explosion hazards
4.2.2. Fire hazards
4.2.3. Prevention
4.2.4. Extinguishing agents
4.3. Storage
4.4. Transport
4.5. Spillage
4.6. Disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Exposure limit values
7.2. Specific restrictions
7.3. Labelling, packaging, and transport
7.4. Other measures
7.5. Waste disposal
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and on human health of exposure to a
chemical or combination of chemicals, or physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. Within the Guide is a Summary of Chemical Safety
Information which should be readily available, and should be clearly
explained, to all who could come into contact with the chemical. The
section on regulatory information has been extracted from the legal
file of the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
(IRPTC) and from other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes occupational health services, those in
ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are
involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of
environmental health hazards, and those wanting more information on
this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms that will be
familiar to the intended user. However, sections 1 and 2 inevitably
contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been included for
readers who require further background information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Common name: aldicarb
Molecular formula: C7H14N2O2S
Chemical structure:
CH3 O
' "
CH3S - C - CH = N = OCNHCH3
'
CH3
Synonyms and common
trade names: Aldicarbe (French); carbamic acid,
methyl- O-((2-methyl-2-(methylthio)-
propylidene)amino) deriv.; Carbanolate;
ENT 27,093; 2-Methyl-2-(methylthio)-
propanal-O-((methylamino)carbonyl)oxime
(C.A.); 2-Methyl-2-(methylthio)-
propionaldehyde-O-(methylcarbamoyl)-
oxime (IUPAC); NCI-CO8640; OMS-771;
Propanal, 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)-O-
((methylamino)carbonyl)oxime; Temic;
Temik; Temik G; Temik M; Temik LD;
Sentry; Temik 5G; Temik 10G; Temik 15G;
Temik 150G;Union Carbide 21149;
Union Carbide UC-21149
CAS registry number: 116-06-3
RTECS no. UE2275000
CAS chemical name: 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde-
O-(methylcarbomoyl)oxime
Conversion factors: 1 ppm (v/v) = 7.78 mg/m3
1 mg/m3 = 0.129 ppm (v/v), in air
(1 atm) at 25°C
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Aldicarb has a slight sulfur smell. It has a melting point of 100°C
and a specific gravity of 1.195 at 25°C. It is soluble in water,
sensitive to heat, and relatively unstable.
1.3 Analytical Methods
Analytical methods for aldicarb include thin-layer chromatography, gas
chromatography (with various detectors, such as electron capture or
flame ionization), and liquid chromatography. The preferred method for
the determination of aldicarb and its major decomposition products is
high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization
and fluorescence detectors.
1.4 Production and Uses
Aldicarb, a systemic oxime carbamate pesticide, is effective against a
variety of insects, mites, and nematodes. It is sold commercially
only in granular form. The commercial formulation, Temik, is marketed
as granules containing 5, 10, or 15% active ingredient. Aldicarb is
currently registered for use on a variety of crops, including cotton,
sugar beet, sugarcane, citrus fruits, potatoes, sweet potatoes,
peanuts, beans (dried beans), soybeans, pecans, and ornamental plants.
Home and garden use is not permitted in many countries.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Exposure
The general population may be exposed to aldicarb primarily through
the ingestion of contaminated water and foods. Aldicarb levels
ranging from 1 to over 50 µg have been detected in shallow wells. The
compound can persist in ground water for several years. Aldicarb and
its oxidative metabolites have been found at levels of more than
1 mg/kg in raw potatoes. Maximum residue levels in controlled field
trials and upper 95 percentile levels in a market basket survey
conducted in the USA were reported to be 0.82 mg/kg and 0.0677 mg/kg,
respectively. The illegal use of aldicarb on farm products, such as
cucumbers and watermelons, has resulted in levels high enough to
produce toxic symptoms in humans. Levels ranging from 0.01 to
6.3 mg/kg were found in contaminated watermelons during an outbreak of
illness associated with the ingestion of the watermelons. Two
separate episodes of poisoning resulting from the consumption of
aldicarb-contaminated cucumbers (6.6-10.7 mg/kg) have been reported.
All cases of occupational exposure to aldicarb have been the result of
either its improper application or the inadequate use of protective
equipment.
2.2 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
Aldicarb is efficiently absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and,
to a lesser extent, through the skin. It could be readily absorbed
via the respiratory tract, if present in the form of a dust. It is
distributed to all tissues, and has been found in those of the
developing rat fetus. It is metabolically transformed to the
sulfoxide and the sulfone (both of which are toxic), and is detoxified
by hydrolysis to oximes and nitriles. The excretion of aldicarb and
its metabolites is rapid, and primarily occurs via the urine. A small
amount is excreted with the bile and, consequently, undergoes
enterohepatic recycling. Aldicarb does not accumulate in the body as
a result of long-term exposure. The inhibition of cholinesterase
activity in vitro by aldicarb is spontaneously reversible, with a
half-life of between 30 and 40 min.
2.3 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
When aldicarb granules are fully incorporated into the soil to a depth
of 5 cm, as recommended by the manufacturer, there is a minimal hazard
for birds and small mammals. Kills of up to 600 songbirds have been
reported as a result of the application of the granules on the soil
surface. Birds can be killed after ingestion of a single granule.
Small mammals would be similarly at risk from surface aldicarb.
There is no indication that aquatic organisms have been killed through
aldicarb poisoning, despite its relatively high potential toxicity.
Use in areas where periodic torrential rainfall is likely, causing
substantial runoff of both water and surface soil, could contaminate
drainage ditches, but this is unlikely to kill fish or water
invertebrates.
2.4 Effects on Animals
Aldicarb is a potent inhibitor of cholinesterases, and has a high
acute toxicity, with rat oral LD50 values ranging from 0.3 to
0.9 mg/kg body weight. Recovery from its cholinergic effects in
vitro is spontaneous, with a half-life of between 30 and 40 min.
Several studies have been conducted to examine the short-term effects
of aldicarb and its metabolites. The results indicate that the
toxicity of aldicarb is not cumulative at dose levels associated with
significant cholinesterase inhibition.
The results of long-term studies have shown that aldicarb administered
in the diet at levels of up to 0.1 mg/kg per day is not toxic for rats
or dogs.
Data on the long-term effects of aldicarb on cholinesterase activity
at dose levels >0.01 mg/kg per day are not available. However,
no-observed-effect levels (NOELs) of 0.125 and 0.8 mg/kg per day have
been established for the sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites of
aldicarb, respectively. There is no evidence that aldicarb produces
delayed paralysis, as reported for some organophosphates.
The carcinogenicity of aldicarb has been tested in two animal species
with lifetime exposure. There is no substantial evidence indicating
that aldicarb is carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or
immmunotoxic.
2.5 Effects on Human Beings
Poisoning may affect the respiratory and central nervous systems, and
may cause death. Signs and symptoms of aldicarb intoxication include
dizziness, salivation, excessive sweating, nausea, epigastric cramps,
vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchial secretion, blurred vision, nonreactive
contracted pupils, skeletal muscle stiffness, dyspnoea, and muscular
fasiculations. Because the carbamylated enzyme is unstable, and its
reactivation is relatively rapid compared with that of the
phosphorylated enzyme, these symptoms are generally not severe and
usually subside spontaneously within 6 h of exposure, unless death
intervenes. Nonfatal poisoning in humans is rapidly reversible, and
recovery is aided by the administration of atropine.
No conclusive evidence of aldicarb-related health problems is evident
in the limited epidemiological data available.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Aldicarb exhibits a high acute toxicity. Absorption through the
respiratory tract would be rapid, if the compound were present in the
form of a dust. Poisoning may affect the respiratory and central
nervous systems, and may cause death. Aldicarb induces toxicity via
cholinesterase inhibition. It is readily absorbed via ingestion or
dermal exposure and is distributed throughout all tissues. It is
eliminated primarily in the urine within 24 h following exposure. The
inhibition of cholinesterase activity by aldicarb is rapidly
reversible, unless death intervenes. Accumulation of aldicarb in body
tissues is unlikely. There is no substantial evidence that aldicarb
is carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or immunotoxic.
Handling and application of aldicarb should be undertaken only by
trained operators, using all safety guidelines and safety devices.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Main Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
Aldicarb is a carbamate ester. It induces toxicity via cholinesterase
inhibition, and has a high acute toxicity. However, the carbamylated
enzyme is unstable and inhibition is reversible. Recovery occurs
within 6h, except where death intervenes. The human health hazards
associated with certain types of exposure to aldicarb, together with
preventive and protective measures and first-aid recommendations, are
listed in the Summary of Chemical Safety Information (section 6).
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
4.1.1.1 Treatment of acute poisoning
All cases of poisoning resulting from aldicarb exposure should be
dealt with as an emergency and the patient should be hospitalized as
quickly as possible. The treatment is based on:
* minimizing the absorption;
* general supportive treatment;
* specific pharmacological treatment.
(i) Minimizing the absorption
When dermal exposure has occurred, decontamination procedures should
include the removal of contaminated clothing, and washing of the skin
with alkaline soap or with a sodium bicarbonate solution. Extensive
eye irrigation with water or saline should also be performed. In the
case of ingestion, vomiting can be induced; if the patient is
conscious, ipecacuanha syrup (10-30 ml) should be administered,
followed by 200 ml of water. Gastric lavage (with the addition of
bicarbonate solution or activated charcoal) can also be performed,
particularly in unconscious patients, taking care to prevent
aspiration of fluids into lungs (i.e., only after a tracheal tube has
been put in place).
(ii) General supportive treatment
Artificial respiration (via a tracheal tube) should be started at the
first sign of respiratory failure, and should be maintained for as
long as necessary. Cautious administration of fluids and general
supportive and symptomatic pharmacological treatment are advised,
together with absolute rest.
(iii) Specific pharmacological treatment
Atropine should be given, beginning with 2 mg iv, repeated at
15-30 min intervals. The dose and frequency of atropine treatment
vary from case to case, but should maintain the patient fully
atropinized (dilated pupils, dry mouth, skin flushing, etc.). The use
of oximes is contraindicated. In general, recovery is complete within
6 h; if illness continues longer, the possibility of another
diagnostic evaluation should be considered. In some cases, diazepam
therapy, together with atropine, is also recommended.
4.1.2 Health surveillance advice
There appears to be little need for concern over the cumulative
effects of aldicarb exposure. No specific health surveillance
procedures are recommended.
4.2 Explosion and Fire Hazards
4.2.1 Explosion hazards
The explosion hazard posed by aldicarb is negligible.
4.2.2 Fire hazards
Aldicarb is also considered a negligible fire hazard. It is
non-flammable and is difficult to ignite, but may burn if exposed to
flames.
4.2.3 Prevention
Aldicarb should be kept away from open flames.
4.2.4 Extinguishing agents
Move the container of aldicarb from the fire area, if possible, and
fight the fire from the maximum distance, using agents suitable for
the type of surrounding fire. In case of small fires, use dry
chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray, or standard foam. For
larger fires, use water spray, fog, or standard foam. Thermal
decomposition products may include toxic oxides of nitrogen, sulfur,
and carbon. Avoid breathing toxic dusts and fumes from burning
material.
4.3 Storage
Store aldicarb indoors in an isolated, well-ventilated, clean, dry,
cool area (not above 46°C). Store away from incompatible substances,
such as highly alkaline materials. Aldicarb should be stored in a
manner that will preclude mixing with water, because the resultant
solution may be seriously hazardous. Do not store near food, animal
feed, or other items intended for human or animal consumption. Make
certain that the storage area is inaccessible to children.
4.4 Transport
The product must always be transported in vehicles marked for this
purpose, in properly labelled approved containers and packages. Do
not transport with food or animal feed or items intended for human or
animal consumption. Transport vehicles must be equipped with
first-aid equipment and items required to handle accidental
spills/leakages, etc.
4.5 Spillage
In case of spillage during storage or transport, isolate the affected
area, cover the spills with a sweeping compound, and post danger
signs. Cover the area with suitable sheets, transfer spoiled material
in reclaim containers for disposal. Decontaminate the area with 5%
sodium hydroxide solution. Use all personal protective devices for
handling spills. All tools and equipment should be decontaminated,
rinsed, and dried. All clothing should be laundered.
4.6 Disposal
Disposal of aldicarb should be in accordance with the recommended
procedures for the disposal and storage of pesticides and pesticide
containers (40 Code of Federal Regulations 165, USA). Product
residues and sorbent media can be packaged in 17H epoxy-lined drums
and disposed of at an approved landfill site. Alternatively, they can
be destroyed in a high temperature incineration unit with effluent gas
scrubbing equipment.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
Aldicarb is oxidized fairly rapidly to the sulfoxide. In some soils,
48% of the parent compound was converted to the sulfoxide seven days
after application. It is oxidized much more slowly to the sulfone.
Hydrolysis of the carbamate ester groups, which inactivates the
pesticide, is pH-dependent, with half-lives in distilled water varying
from a few minutes, at a pH of 12, to 560 days, at a pH of 6.0. Half
lives in surface soils ranged from approximately 0.5 to 3 months and,
in the saturated zone, from 0.4 to 36 months. Hydrolysis of aldicarb
is somewhat slower than that of either the sulfoxide or the sulfone.
The greatest leaching occurs in sandy soils with a low organic matter
content, particularly where the water table is high. Persistence,
carry-over, and leaching vary with the type of soil and the
environmental conditions. Drainage aquifers and local, shallow wells
have been contaminated with aldicarb sulfoxide and sulfone. Levels
have generally ranged between 1 and 50 µg/litre, but levels of
approximately 500 µg/litre have been recorded. Laboratory
measurements of the biotic and abiotic breakdown of aldicarb have
varied and have led to extrapolations radically different from field
observations. Field data on the breakdown of aldicarb are more
reliable estimates of its fate.
As aldicarb is systemic in plants, residues may occur in foods.
Residue levels greater than 1 mg/kg have been reported in raw
potatoes. In the USA, where the tolerance level for potatoes is
1 mg/kg, residue levels of up to 0.82 mg/kg have been reported from
controlled field trials. An upper 95 percentile level of 0.43 mg/kg
has been estimated from field trial data, and upper 95 percentile
levels of up to 0.0677 mg/kg have been determined in raw potatoes from
a market basket survey.
None of the available studies have indicated substantial ecological or
abiotic effects resulting from the proper use of aldicarb and there
have not been any significant reports of the introduction of aldicarb
or its metabolites into the food chain. The toxic effects of aldicarb
on wildlife and soil microorganisms appear to be minimal.
Contamination of soil and water should be avoided by using proper
methods of storage, transport, handling, application, and waste
disposal. To avoid ground water contamination, aldicarb should not be
applied in areas with a well-drained soil and a high water table,
shallow aquifers, or aquifers unprotected by an overlying impervious
layer. To avoid the poisoning of wildlife, granules should be
completely incorporated into the soil, as recommended by the
manufacturer.
6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
This summary should be easily available to all health workers
concerned with, and users of, aldicarb. It should be displayed at, or
near, entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to
aldicarb, and on processing equipment and containers. The summary
should be translated into the appropriate language(s). All persons
potentially exposed to the chemical should also have the instructions
in the summary clearly explained.
Space is available for insertion of the National Occupational
Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the National
Poison Control Centre, and local trade names.
Aldicarb (C7H14N2O2S)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Relative molecular mass 190.3 stable (except to strong alkali);
Physical state white crystalline solid noncorrosive to metal and plastics;
with slight sulfur odour nonflammable; do not mix with water,
resultant solution may be seriously
Melting point (°C) 100 hazardous
Boiling point(°C) not found; decomposes
above 100°C
Specific gravity (20/25°C) 1.195
Vapour pressure (25°C) 1x10-4 mmHg
Solubility (w/w at 20°C):
water 0.6%
acetone 40%
chloroform 35%
toluene 10%
Log octanol/water
partition coefficient 1.359
ROUTE HEALTH HAZARDS PREVENTION AND FIRST AID
PROTECTION
INHALATION Cholinesterase inhibition symptoms, Avoid exposure by Remove from exposure area to
including blurred vision, fatigue, using ventilation, local fresh air; if breathing has stopped
headache, vertigo, weakness, inability exhaust, or breathing give artificial respiration; administer
to concentrate, pupillary constriction, protection oxygen; keep affected person warm
muscle fasciculations or tremors, and at rest; treat symptomatically
nausea, dyspnoea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and supportively; seek medical
excessive sweating, tearing, salivation, attention immediately; if available,
bradycardia, pulmonary oedema, administer atropine sulfate
convulsions, bronchoconstriction, and (0.4-2.0 mg) as soon as possible
coma; death may occur as a result of
respiratory arrest, paralysis of
respiratory muscles, and/or intense
bronchoconstriction
SKIN Dermal adsorption may produce Avoid exposure; wear Remove contaminated clothing; wash
systemic symptoms of protective clothing and contaminated area with soap and
cholinesterase inhibition, as gloves water; treat respiratory difficulty
described under inhalation with artificial respiration and oxygen;
observe patient for at least 24 h;
alcohol can be used to remove final
traces of aldicarb from skin; if
available, administer atropine sulfate
(0.4-2.0 mg) as soon as possible
EYES Miosis or mydriasis, blurring or Wear safety goggles, if Irrigate eyes with water or saline
dimness of vision, tearing, ciliary there is a possibility of solution for at least 10 min; treat
muscle spasm, loss of accommodation, eye contact respiratory difficulty with artificial
and ocular pain; systemic respiration and oxygen; observe
symptoms of cholinesterase patient for at least 24-36 h; seek
inhibition (as described under medical attention immediately
inhalation) may occur
ROUTE HEALTH HAZARDS PREVENTION AND FIRST AID
PROTECTION
INGESTION Gastrointestinal effects of Do not eat, drink, or Induce vomiting in conscious
nausea, abdominal cramps, smoke, when handling patients with syrup of Ipecac, or
vomiting, and diarrhoea, within the compound mechanically; if vomiting has not
45 min of ingestion; absorption occurred within 15 min, or if
from gastrointestinal tract may consciousness level declines, empty
produce systemic effects of stomach by gastric lavage; follow
cholinesterase inhibition (as emesis or lavage by suspension of
described under inhalation) activated charcoal in water; establish
and maintain airway; treat respiratory
difficulty with artificial respiration and
oxygen; observe patient for at least
24 h; if available, atropine should be
administered at 0.4-2.0 mg, as soon as
possible; do not give oximes,
aminophylline, phenothiazines, reserpine,
furosemide, or ethacrynic acid
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Do not get dust or granules on Store indoors in isolated, Negligible fire hazard when
skin or in eyes; do not inhale well-ventilated, clean, dry, cool exposed to heat or flame;
dust; sweep or shovel up spilled area; store away from however, the organic formulation
material and place in clean, incompatible substances; do not store will burn, and fire may
dry container; decontaminate area near food, animal feed, or other cause the release of inorganic
using prescribed decontaminating items intended for human or formulation from a container,
solution, caustic soda solution, animal consumption in effect, producing a spill
or lime; decontaminate all tools
and equipment; remove any
contaminated clothing; launder
all clothing
WASTE DISPOSAL NATIONAL INFORMATION
Disposal should be in accordance
with the recommended procedures
for the disposal and storage of
pesticides and pesticide containers
(40 CFR 165); product residues and
sorbent media may be packaged
in 17H epoxy-lined drums and
disposed of at an approved landfill
site, or destroyed in a
high-temperature incinerator with
gas-effluent scrubbing equipment
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file. A full reference to the original national document from which
the information was extracted can be obtained from IRPTC. When no
effective date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the
reference from which the data are taken is indicated by (r).
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals
taken in a certain country can only be fully understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country. Furthermore, the
regulations and guidelines of all countries are subject to change and
should always be verified with appropriate regulatory authorities
before application.
7.1 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given in the table on pages 26-27.
7.2 Specific Restrictions
Legislation in Belize (1985(r)) and the USSR (1986(r)) prohibits the
use of aldicarb as a pesticide, owing to its high toxicity and
potential adverse environmental effects. The sale and use of aldicarb
are restricted by legislation in most countries.
7.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has classified
aldicarb as a Class 6.1 poison. Solids containing aldicarb
concentrations equal to, or greater than, 1% active ingredient should
carry a "poison" label. Solids or liquids containing less than 1%
active ingredient should carry a "harmful" label. Aldicarb is packed
according to Packing Group I, II, or III, depending on the
concentration. During transport by air (single or combination
packagings), plastic, metal, earthenware, or glass containers can be
used as the inner shell; boxes (wooden or fibreboard), drums (plastic,
steel, aluminium, or plywood), or jerricans (plastic or steel) are
required as the outer shell. The maximum package size is 100 kg for
shipment by cargo aircraft and 25 kg for shipment by passenger
aircraft and rail. During shipment by water, aldicarb may be stowed
on the deck or under the deck, preferably the latter. The storage
facility must be bounded by permanent steel decks, bulkheads, or
vessel shell, and equipped with ventilation.
The European Economic Community legislation lists aldicarb as a
"dangerous substance" at quantities greater than 100 kg. The label
should be as follows:
The label must read:
Harmful by inhalation or ingestion - avoid contact with skin.
Quantities less than 100 kg require labelling as a "toxic substance".
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous
Goods classifies aldicarb as a poisonous substance (Class 6.1).
Aldicarb solids containing concentrations equal to, or greater than,
15% active ingredient carry a "poison" label and be packaged according
to the regulations applicable to Packing Group I. Solids containing
between 1 and 15% active ingredient should carry a "poison" label and
be packaged according to Packing Group II regulations. Solids or
liquids containing less than 1% active ingredient should carry a
"harmful" label and be packaged according to Packing Group III
regulations (1986(r)). The following labels are recommended by this
organization:
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
WATER Drinking- USA Maximum contaminant 0.009 mg/litre 1985
level goal (MCLG) (proposed)
for water quality
FOOD AND USA Reference dose (formerly ADI) 0.2 µg/kg July 25,
WATER per day 1990 (r)
FOOD FAO/WHO Acceptable daily intake 0.005 mg/kg 1983 (r)
(ADI)-
FOOD/FEED FAO/WHO Maximum residue level (MRL) 1983
- maize 0.05 mg/kg
- maize forage (dry) 20 mg/kg
- maize fodder (dry) 2 mg/kg
- potatoes 1 mg/kg
- sugar beet leaves 1 mg/kg
- bananas 0.5 mg/kg
- pecans 0.5 mg/kg
- sorghum fodder 0.5 mg/kg
- citrus fruits 0.2 mg/kg
- sorghum 0.2 mg/kg
- dry beans 0.1 mg/kg
- coffee beans 0.1 mg/kg
- sweet potatoes 0.1 mg/kg
- peanuts 0.05 mg/kg
- sugar beets 0.05 mg/kg
- soybeans 0.02 mg/kg
- carcass meat 0.01 mg/kg
- milk 0.001 mg/kg
FOOD Selected plant Brazil Allowable level (AL) 0.02-1 mg/day 1984 (r)
products
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
FOOD Selected plant Canada Maximum residue level (MRL) 0.5 ppm 1978
products
Kenya Maximum level (MXL)
- cottonseed 0.1 mg/kg 1978
Sweden Maximum tolerated
concentration (MTC)
- citrus fruits 0.2 mg/kg 1985
Plant/animal USA Allowable residue level (ARL) 0.002-1 mg/kg 1982 (r)
products
7.4 Other Measures
United States legislation requires that a release of aldicarb equal
to, or greater than, the portable quantity (1 lb) for this substance,
be immediately reported to the local emergency planning committee, the
state emergency response commission, and the National Response Center.
7.5 Waste Disposal
European Economic Community legislation on waste disposal requires
that Member States should take the necessary steps to prevent the
introduction of aldicarb and its metabolites into the environment, and
to limit the consequences of any accidental introduction into the
environment.
Waste disposal methods require that waste containing aldicarb should
be incinerated in a unit with effluent gas scrubbing (IRPTC, 1990).
United States legislation requires that the disposal of aldicarb
should conform with the recommended procedures for the disposal and
storage of pesticides and pesticide containers, as set forth in
40 CFR 165. Product residues and sorbent media should be packaged in
17H epoxy-lined drums and disposed of at an EPA-approved landfill site
or destroyed by high-temperature incineration.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS INFORMATION ANNUAL. (1986) Aldicarb.
HSDB (Hazardous Substances Databank, Online) (1989).
IATA (1986) IATA dangerous goods regulations. 27th ed. Montreal,
International Air Transport Association.
IRPTC (1987) Treatment and disposal methods for waste chemicals.
Geneva, Switzerland, International Register of Potentially Toxic
Chemicals.
IRPTC (1990) Data profile: Aldicarb. Geneva, Switzerland,
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals).
MSDS (1989) Aldicarb (Material Safety Data Sheet) (CD-ROM).
US EPA (1989) IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System, Online).
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
WHO (1987) Environmental Health Criteria 121: Aldicarb. Geneva, World
Health Organization.