Uses
Herbicide. Dichloride as biological oxidation-reduction indicator.
General Description
White crystalline solid or yellow solid. Used as a contact herbicide and desiccant.
Reactivity Profile
When PARAQUAT METHOSULFATE is heated to decomposition, PARAQUAT METHOSULFATE emits very toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. Avoid strong oxidizers. [EPA, 1998].
Health Hazard
PARAQUAT METHOSULFATE can cause death by shock and/or pulmonary damage. The fatal dose is estimated to be 6 grams of paraquat ion. Exposure may cause renal tubular damage and liver dysfunction.
Potential Exposure
Those engaged in manufacture,
formulation and application of this herbicide. Classified
for restricted use: limited to use by a certified applicator, or
those under applicator’s direct supervision.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, PARAQUAT METHOSULFATE emits very toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. Avoid strong oxidizers.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water, or bentonite
clay in water, or activated charcoal in water; and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Medical observation is recommended for 2448 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or
other inhalation therapy. Obtain authorization and/or further
instructions from the local hospital for performance of
other invasive procedures. Rush to a health care facility.
Shipping
UN2781 Bipyridilium pesticide, solid, toxic,
Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
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 (hydrolysis), alkylarylsulfonate
wetting agents. Corrosive to metals. Decomposes
in presence of ultraviolet (UV) light. Decomposes in heat
(see physical properties, above) and in the presence of UV
light, producing nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride.
Chemical Properties
Paraquat is a yellow solid with a faint,
ammonia-like odor.
Waste Disposal
Paraquat is rapidly inactivated
in soil. It is also inactivated by anionic surfactants.
Therefore an effective and environmentally safe disposal
method would be to mix the product with ordinary household
detergent and bury the mixture in clay soil. 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. Consult
with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on
acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing
this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with
EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment,
and waste disposal.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. An herbicide. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of SOx and NOx.
