Chemical Properties
Nitrofen is a crystalline solid.
Uses
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/m
3/4h,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.
