Right to Know
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet
METHIDATHION
Common Name:
Synonyms: DMTP; Supracide CAS Number: 950-37-8
Chemical Name: Phosphorodithioic Acid, S-[(5-Methoxy-2-Oxo-1,3,4- RTK Substance Number: 1206
Thiadiazol-3(2H)-yl)Methyl] O,O-Dimethyl Ester
DOT Number: UN 2783
Date: July 1999 Revision: August 2008
Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE PAGE 6
Hazard Summary
Methidathion is a colorless, odorless, crystalline solid which is
often dissolved in a liquid "carrier." It is an Organophosphate Hazard Rating NJDHSS NFPA
pesticide used for scale insects, spider lice and other insects. HEALTH 3 -
FLAMMABILITY 1 -
REACTIVITY 0 -
CARCINOGEN
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
Reasons for Citation Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
Methidathion is on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance
List because it is cited by DOT, DEP, IRIS and EPA.
Methidathion can affect you when inhaled and quickly
This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance
enters the body by passing through the skin.
List.
Methidathion should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--
WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
Exposure to Methidathion can cause rapid, FATAL
Organophosphate poisoning.
Methidathion can irritate and burn the eyes with possible
eye damage.
Methidathion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5. abdominal pain.
Methidathion may cause a skin allergy.
FIRST AID High or repeated exposure may damage the nervous
system.
Eye Contact
Repeated exposure may cause personality changes such as
Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
depression, anxiety or irritability.
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact
Methidathion does not burn, however it is often dissolved in
lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical attention
a liquid carrier which may be flammable or combustible.
immediately.
Skin Contact
Workplace Exposure Limits
Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of water.
No occupational exposure limits have been established for
Shampoo hair immediately if contaminated.
Methidathion. However, it may pose a health risk. Always
Inhalation follow safe work practices.
Remove the person from exposure.
Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if Methidathion may be a CARCINOGEN in humans. There
breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all
Transfer promptly to a medical facility. contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
It should be recognized that Methidathion can be absorbed
through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
Page 2 of 6
METHIDATHION
Determining Your Exposure Reproductive Hazard
There is no evidence that Methidathion affects
Read the product manufacturer's Material Safety Data reproduction. This is based on test results presently
Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product available to the NJDHSS from published studies.
ingredients and important safety and health information
Other Effects
about the product mixture.
Methidathion may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops,
For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New
very low future exposure can cause itching and a skin rash.
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services High or repeated exposure may damage the nerves, causing
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, available on the RTK weakness, "pins and needles," and poor coordination in the
Program website (www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in arms and legs.
Repeated exposure may cause personality changes such as
your facility's RTK Central File or Hazard Communication
depression, anxiety or irritability.
Standard file.
You have a right to this information under the New Jersey
Worker and Community Right to Know Act, the Public
Medical
Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act
Medical Testing
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the
Before employment and at regular times after that, the
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you
following are recommended:
are a private worker.
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most
Plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase levels (tests for the
employers to label chemicals in the workplace and enzyme poisoned by this chemical). If exposure stops,
requires public employers to provide their employees with plasma levels return to normal in 1-2 weeks, but red blood
information concerning chemical hazards and controls. cell levels may be reduced for 1-3 months.
When cholinesterase enzyme levels are reduced by 25% or
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29
more below pre-employment levels, risk of poisoning is
CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication
increased, even if results are in lower ranges of "normal."
Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide
Reassignment to work not involving Organophosphate or
similar information and training to their employees. Carbamate pesticides is recommended until enzyme levels
recover.
This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure. If symptoms develop or overexposure occurs, repeat the
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other preceding tests as soon as possible and get an exam of the
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential nervous system. Also consider:
effects described below.
Evaluation by a qualified allergist can help diagnose skin
allergy.
Health Hazard Information
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
Acute Health Effects
present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
immediately or shortly after exposure to Methidathion:
exposure.
Exposure can cause rapid, FATAL Organophosphate
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
poisoning with headache, dizziness, constricting of the pupils
to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
(miosis) with blurred vision, tightness in the chest, sweating,
Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).
muscle twitching, loss of coordination, convulsions, coma
and death.
Methidathion can irritate and burn the eyes with possible
eye damage.
Methidathion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
abdominal pain.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Methidathion and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
Methidathion may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it
has been shown to cause lung cancer in animals.
Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen.
Page 3 of 6
METHIDATHION
Workplace Controls and Practices Eye Protection
For solid Methidathion wear eye protection with side shields
Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or
or goggles.
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less
Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles
toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures
when working with liquids.
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely
Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust
corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control
Respiratory Protection
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on
Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators
workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control
Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/. should only be used if the employer has implemented a written
program that takes into account workplace conditions,
The following work practices are also recommended: requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and
medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory
Label process containers.
Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
Provide employees with hazard information and training.
Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
For field applications check with your supervisor and your
Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed
safety equipment supplier regarding the appropriate
recommended exposure levels.
respiratory equipment.
Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers.
Where the potential for overexposure exists, use a NIOSH
Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous
approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
material.
operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
Always wash at the end of the workshift.
mode. For increased protection use in combination with an
Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes
auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a
contaminated.
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Do not take contaminated clothing home.
Get special training to wash contaminated clothing.
Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are
being handled, processed or stored.
Fire Hazards
Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking,
If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
applying cosmetics or using the toilet.
and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
In addition, the following may be useful or required: (29 CFR 1910.156).
For solid Methidathion, use a vacuum or a wet method to Solid Methidathion does not burn, however it is often
reduce dust during clean-up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. dissolved in a liquid carrier which may be flammable or
combustible.
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including
Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Oxides and Phosphorus Oxides.
Personal Protective Equipment Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train
employees on how and when to use protective equipment.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may
not apply to every situation.
Gloves and Clothing
Avoid skin contact with Methidathion. Wear personal
protective equipment made from material that can not be
permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety
equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing
material for your operation.
Safety equipment manufacturers recommend Polyvinyl
Alcohol, Polyvinyl Chloride, Silver Shield?4H?and Viton for
gloves and DuPont Tychem?BR, LV, Responder?and TK;
Kappler?Zytron?300; and Saint-Gobain ONESuit?TEC, or
the equivalent, as protective materials for
Organophosphorus compounds.
All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Page 4 of 6
METHIDATHION
Spills and Emergencies Occupational Health Information
If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
Resources
properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services,
Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR
Occupational Health Service, offers multiple services in
1910.120) may apply.
occupational health. These services include providing
informational resources, educational materials, public
If Methidathion is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical
Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the investigations and evaluations.
area.
Eliminate all ignition sources.
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
For more information, please contact:
material and deposit in sealed containers.
For solid Methidathion moisten spilled material first or use a
New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services
HEPA-filter vacuum for clean-up and deposit in sealed
Right to Know Program
containers.
Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete. PO Box 368
DO NOT wash into sewer. Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methidathion Phone: 609-984-2202
as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department
Fax: 609-984-7407
of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of
E-mail: rtk@doh.state.nj.us
the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for
Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb
specific recommendations.
The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
Handling and Storage are not intended to be copied and sold
for commercial purposes.
Prior to working with Methidathion you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
Methidathion is not compatible with WATER as it may
decompose.
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from HEAT.
When Methidathion is dissolved in a flammable solvent,
sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited.
Page 5 of 6
METHIDATHION
GLOSSARY
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial LEL or Lower Explosive Limit, is the lowest concentration of
Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit a combustible substance (gas or vapor) in the air capable of
Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. continuing an explosion.
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals.
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas. can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by
the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
regulations of the United States government. proposes standards to OSHA.
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
and reviews evidence for cancer.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental standards.
Protection.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and
that regulates the transportation of chemicals. safety standards in public workplaces.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. materials.
ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison
emergency responders for transportation emergencies Inhalation Hazards.
involving hazardous substances.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values measure of concentration by volume in air.
are intended to provide estimates of concentration ranges
where one reasonably might anticipate observing adverse A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
effects. energy under certain conditions.
A fetus is an unborn human or animal. STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15-
minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will during a work day.
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid damaging the fetus.
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
scientific group. reaction or explosion.
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured one gas to the weight of another (usually Hydrogen), at the
in electron volts. same temperature and pressure.
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
maintained by federal EPA. The database contains solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
information on human health effects that may result from indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
exposure to various chemicals in the environment. therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Page 6 of 6
Common Name: METHIDATHION
Synonyms: DMTP; Supracide
CAS No: 950-37-8
Molecular Formula: C6H11N2O4PS3
RTK Substance No: 1206
Description: Colorless, odorless, crystalline solid which is often dissolved in a flammable or combustible liquid
carrier
HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity
Solid Methidathion does not burn, however it is Methidathion is not compatible with WATER as it may
3 - Health
often dissolved in a liquid carrier which may be decompose.
1 - Fire flammable or combustible.
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE,
0 - Reactivity
including Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Oxides and
DOT#: UN 2783 Phosphorus Oxides.
Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers
ERG Guide #: 152
cool.
Hazard Class: 6.1
(Poison)
SPILL/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Odor Threshold: Odorless
Isolation Distance:
Flash Point: Noncombustible (solid)
Spill (solid): 25 meters (75 feet)
1 x 10-6 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Vapor Pressure:
Spill (liquid): 60 meters (200 feet)
Specific Gravity: 1. 5 (water = 1)
Fire: 800 meters (1/2 mile)
Water Solubility: Soluble (degrades)
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a
102o to 104oF (39o to 40oC)
similar material and deposit into sealed containers. Freezing Point:
Moisten spilled solid material first or use a HEPA-filter Molecular Weight: 302.3
vacuum for clean-up and deposit into sealed
containers.
DO NOT wash into sewer.
Very toxic to aquatic life.
EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Gloves: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyvinyl Chloride, Silver Shield?4H?br>
No occupational exposure limits have been
and Viton (>4-hr breakthrough)
established for Methidathion.
Coveralls: DuPont Tychem?BR, LV, Responder?and TK; Kappler?br>
Zytron?300; and Saint-Gobain ONESuit?TEC (>8-hr
breakthrough for Organophosphorus compounds)
Respirator: Supplied air
HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION
Remove the person from exposure.
Eyes: Irritation and burns
Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove
Skin: Irritation
contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention immediately.
Inhalation: Headache, dizziness, constriction of the
Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated
pupils (miosis) with blurred vision,
skin with large amounts of water.
muscle twitching, loss of coordination,
Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary.
convulsions and death
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
Chronic: Cancer (lung) in animals
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