Benzthiazuron is an obsolete pre-emergence herbicide that was used mainly to control annual broadleaved weeds in a variety of crops. This herbicide has a moderate aqueous solubility and is not volatile. There is some evidence that it can be moderately persistent in some soil systems. Based on its physico-chemical properties benzthiazuron also has potential to leach to groundwaters. Ecotoxicology information is scant but for aquatic organisms the risk appears to be low to moderate. The mammalian oral toxicity is moderate and the substance is a skin and eye irritant.
