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Date of Issue: June 2001
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE:
Hazardous according to the criteria of NOHSC Australia
COMPANY DETAILS:
Syngenta Crop Protection Pty Limited Telephone No.: (02) 9688 0444
ABN 33 002 933 717 24 Hours Emergency No.: 1 800 033 111
140-150 Bungaree Rd.,
PENDLE HILL, NSW, 2145
IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME: GRAMOXONE 250 HERBICIDE
Formulation type: Aqueous concentrate UN number: 3016
Active ingredients: Paraquat dichloride Dangerous goods class: 6.1 (toxic)
Product code: Subsidiary risk: none
Chemical type: bipyridilium Hazchem code: 2X
Poisons schedule: 7 Packing group: III
EPG/IERG: 6B5
USE: Herbicide for the control of a wide range of grasses and broadleaf weeds.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION/PROPERTIES
Appearance: clear dark blue liquid Flash Point: not applicable
(aqueous)
Odour: obnoxious Flammability: not applicable
Boiling/Melting point: 100癈 approx. Combustibility: non combustible
Vapour pressure: not available Solubility in water: soluble
1.17 g/cm3 at 20癈
Specific gravity: Volatility: not volatile
OTHER PROPERTIES
pH (1% aqueous): 5 ?6.5 Corrosiveness: Corrosive
INGREDIENTS
CAS No. Content (%w/v)
Paraquat (present as paraquat dichloride) 1910-42-5 23% (250 g/L)
Water 7732-18-5 > 60%
Emulsifiers ---- 10 ?29%
Stenching agent ---- < 1%
Emetic ---- < 1%
Other ingredients determined not to be hazardous --- < 1%
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE TOXICITY
This product is toxic according to NOHSC Australia.
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Ingestion: TOXIC. CAN KILL IF SWALLOWED
Rapid treatment is essential. The immediate effects of poisoning depend on the dose of paraquat absorbed
into the blood.
Mild poisoning occurs at < 20 mg paraquat ion/kg body weight and the effects are vomiting and diarrhoea.
Moderate to severe poisoning occurs at 20 ?30 mg paraquat ion/kg body weight and the effects are
vomiting, abdominal discomfort, soreness and inflammation of the mouth, throat and oesophagus, difficulty
in swallowing and, later, diarrhoea. Kidney and liver damage may appear 1 ?3 days after exposure. Can
cause death by a delayed proliferating fibrosis of the lung within 1 ?3 weeks.
Lethal poisoning occurs at > 30 mg paraquat ion/kg body weight and the effects are nausea and vomiting,
and can cause death by multi-organ failure and circulatory collapse within 48 hours.
The following acute oral toxicity results have been determined for the active ingredient of the product:
Paraquat dichloride: LD50 rats = 112 ?150 mg/kg, LD50 monkeys = 65 mg/kg
Skin contact: TOXIC
Contact with skin will result in moderate irritation. Can cause inflammation and in severe cases blistering of
the skin. Contamination of the nails may cause white spots or in severe cases cracking and loss of the nail.
Normal growth follows without delay. Intact skin is a very effective barrier to paraquat. Damaged skin
removes the barrier and paraquat may be absorbed with effects as outlined above under "Swallowed".
The following acute dermal toxicity results have been determined for the active ingredient of the product:
Paraquat dichloride: LD50 (rabbit)= 240 mg/kg
Eye contact: IRRITANT
Eye irritation may be delayed. May lead to ulceration of corneal and conjunctival epithelium giving rise to
secondary infection. Although healing may be slow, the injury is superficial and with proper medical care will
be complete, even in severe cases.
Inhalation: TOXIC
Highly toxic if inhaled. However, unlikely to be hazardous by inhalation because of low vapour pressure of
the material at ambient temperature. Nose bleeding and soreness of the throat may result from spray mist or
dust trapped on the nasal mucosa. Irritating to the respiratory system. Pulmonary oedema may occur up to
48 hours after exposure and could prove fatal.
This product contains a stenching agent to give an offensive smell. This has been done to reduce the
likelihood of accidental ingestion. This stenching agent may cause headaches and nausea in some people
when inhaled. The presence of this offensive smell in the air does not necessarily indicate the presence of
paraquat.
Modelling predicted for intact human skin and diluted solutions that systemic toxicity would be unlikely, but
the risk increased significantly with damaged skin or concentrated solutions.
The following acute inhalation toxicity results have been determined for the paraquat dichloride:
LC50 = 0.5 ?1.5 礸/L/4hrs
CHRONIC TOXICITY
Studies in animals have shown that repeated doses of paraquat do not produce carcinogenic nor teratogenic
effects or adverse reproductive effects. The dietary no effect level in the rat was 25 ppm of paraquat over 2
years.
The ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) for humans (paraquat cation) is 0.004 mg/kg/day.
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FIRST AID
OBTAIN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. SPEED IS ESSENTIAL.
Swallowed: If poisoning occurs get to a doctor of hospital quickly, warning by telephone of the
estimated arrival time so that treatment is not delayed. If more than 15 minutes from a
hospital induce vomiting by tickling back of throat with a clean, blunt instrument (eg spoon
handle) ur using fingers in the throat or Ipecac Syrup APF. DO NOT delay the start of
treatment.
Eye: Immediately irrigate with copious quantities of water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids to be
held open. Remove clothing if contaminated and wash skin. Urgently seek medical
assistance. Transport to hospital or medical centre.
Skin: Immediately take off all contaminated clothing. Wash skin immediately with water followed
by soap and water. If skin is damaged, the paraquat can be absorbed through the skin.
Seek medical advice.
Inhaled: Remove victim from exposure ?avoid becoming a casualty. Remove contaminated
clothing and loosen remaining clothing. Allow patient to assume most comfortable position
and keep warm. Seek medical advice.
ADVICE TO DOCTOR
Rapid treatment is essential. Refer to "The Treatment of Paraquat Poisoning: A Practical Guide to Doctors"
(1994 or later edition) ?available at most major treatment hospitals, Poisons Information Centres and Syngenta
Crop Protection Pty Ltd.
Treatment: Wash out stomach and test urine and gastric aspirate (if clear) for presence of paraquat. Give up to
1 litre of 15% aqueous suspension of Fuller's Earth orally or via gastric tube, together with a suitable purgative
(200 mL of an aqueous solution of mannitol). Repeat administration of absorbent plus purgative until absorbent
is seen in stools. This should normally take between 4 and 6 hours after the start of treatment.
Do not use supplemental oxygen.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
EXPOSURE STANDARDS
There are no assigned values for this specific product, however, exposure standards for the active ingredient are
as follows:
TWA STEL
3 3
ppm mg/m ppm mg/m
Paraquat (respirable sizes) -- 0.1 -- --
As published by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission ?br>
TWA ?the Time-Weighted Average airborne concentrations over an eight-hour working day, for a five-day
working week over an entire working life.
STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) ?the average airborne concentration over a 15 minute period which should
not be exceeded at any time during a normal eight-hour work day. According to current knowledge these
concentrations should neither impair the health of nor cause undue discomfort to nearly all workers.
These exposure standards are guides to be used in the control of occupational health hazards. All atmospheric
contamination should be kept to as low a level as is workable. Exposure Standards should not be used as fine
dividing lines between safe and dangerous concentrations of chemicals. They are not a measure of relative
toxicity.
If the directions for use on the product label are followed, exposure of individuals using the product should not
exceed the above standard. The standard was created for workers who are routinely, potentially exposed during
manufacture of the product.
Re-entry Period - Do not enter treated areas without protective clothing (waterproof footwear, clothing and
gloves) until spray has dried.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
In the workplace ?ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations of components below quoted
Exposure Standards. Avoid generating and inhaling mists. Keep containers closed when not in use.
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PERSONAL PROTECTION
Orica Personal Protection Guide no. 1, 1998: Wear overalls, rubber boots, face shield, safety shoes, gloves (L),
apron.
Manufacture, Packaging and Transport: Avoid skin and eye contact and the inhalation of vapour and mist. Wear
overalls, face shield, elbow-length impervious gloves, splash apron and rubber boots. Always wash hands
before smoking, eating, drinking or using the toilet. Wash contaminated clothing and other protective equipment
before storing or re-using.
If inhalation risk of vapour or spray exists wear organic vapour respirator meeting the requirements of AS/NZ
1715 and AS/NZ 1716.
Preparation and Use of Product: Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. When opening the container and
preparing product for use wear elbow-length PVC gloves and face shield or goggles. Do not work in spray mist.
When there is a risk of exposure to spray mist wear a face mask or respirator covering nose and mouth and
capable of filtering spray droplets. A high efficiency type particulate respirator is recommended, but in any event
use a respirator meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716. After use and before eating,
drinking or smoking, wash hands, arms and face thoroughly with soap and water. After each day's use, wash
contaminated clothing, gloves and face shield or goggles. Obtain an emergency supply of Ipecac Syrup APF.
Avoid contacting vegetation wet with spray, but if necessary to do so, wear waterproof footwear and waterproof
protective clothing and gloves.
FLAMMABILITY
Product is non combustible.
SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
For use by licensed pest-control operators or primary producers only. Store in the closed original container in a
dry, cool, well-ventilated locked room or place away from children, animals, food, feedstuffs, seed and
fertilisers. Do not store for prolonged periods in direct sunlight. Do not put into drink containers.
This material is a Schedule 7 Poison and must be stored, maintained and used in accordance with the relevant
regulations.
Transport Classification ?Road and Rail:
3016 BIPYRIDILIUM PESTICIDES LIQUID, TOXIC,
UN No.: Proper Shipping Name:
N.O.S.
6.1 (CONTAINS PARAQUAT)
Class:
III 2X
Packing Group: Hazchem:
SPILLS AND DISPOSAL
In case of spillage it is important to take all steps necessary to:
?Avoid eye and skin contact.
?Avoid contamination of waterways and drains.
Procedure for spill:
(1) Keep all bystanders away.
(2) Wear full length clothing and PVC gloves to prevent skin and eye contamination.
(3) Re-position any leaking containers so as to minimise further leakage.
(4) Dam and absorb spill with an absorbent material (e.g. sand or soil).
(5) Shovel the absorbed spill into drums.
(6) Disposal of the absorbed material will depend upon the extent of the spill.
?For quantities up to 50L of product bury in a secure landfill site.
?For quantities greater than 50L seek advice from the manufacturer (use emergency contact number
below) before attempting disposal. Contain in a secure location until disposal method is established.
(7) Decontaminate the spill area with detergent and water and rinse with the smallest volume of water
practicable.
(8) For large spills clear area of all unprotected personnel. Rapid decontamination of paraquat is essential.
Crystalline material from dried concentrate may become suspended in air causing irritation and nose
bleeds. Wear protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contamination and inhalation of mists and dust.
If contamination of crops, sewers or waterways has occurred advise emergency services or State
Department of Agriculture.
(9) Remove and wash all protective clothing and equipment. Change contaminated clothing immediately.
Launder as soon as possible. Shower, using liberal quantities of soap and water on completion of the
mopping up operations.
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Dispose of empty, used containers by:
(a) Triple rinsing or preferably pressure rinsing containers with water. Add the rinsings to the spray tank. DO
NOT dispose of undiluted chemicals on site.
(b) If recycling, replace cap and return clean containers to recycler or designated collection point.
(c) If not recycling, break, crush or puncture and bury empty containers in a local authority landfill. If no
landfill is available, bury the containers below 500 mm in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for
this purpose clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots. Empty containers and product should
not be burnt.
Returnable containers (110 L):
(a) Empty contents fully into application equipment. Do not rinse.
(b) Close all valves and return to designated collection point or Syngenta Crop Protection, Pendle Hill, Sydney
for re-use.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
Not combustible, however, following evaporation of aqueous component residual material may burn. On burning
will emit toxic fumes. Fire fighters must wear self contained breathing apparatus if there is risk of exposure to
products of combustion.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water fog (or if unavailable fine water spray), foam, dry agent, (carbon
dioxide, dry chemical powder).
OTHER INFORMATION
Ecological information: The active ingredient paraquat is toxic to aquatic organisms. 96hr LC50 (rainbow
trout): 55 mg/L (static). The 96 hr LC50 (brown trout): 2.5 ?13 mg/L.
Paraquat is highly toxic to birds. The oral LD50 for hens is 262 ?380 mg/kg.
Environmental fate: Distribution and persistence - paraquat is rapidly absorbed and deactivated by soil. There
is no mobility in soil. There is evidence of photodegradation in air.
Regulatory information:
Hazard category: T Toxic
Xi Irritant
R-phrases: R24/25 Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed
R37/38 Irritating to respiratory system and skin
R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes
S-phrases: S1/2 Keep locked-up and out of the reach of children
S23 Do not breathe spray
S36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection
S45 In case of accident of if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately (show label where possible).
Note: This product is a registered agricultural chemical and must therefore be used in accordance with the container label directions.
A comprehensive package of toxicological and environmental data for the active ingredients of this product has been
submitted to the Federal health and environment authorities and has been evaluated by expert toxicologists and environmental
scientists.
CONTACT POINT: Regulatory Affairs Manager - Crop Protection - (02) 9688 0444
24 HOURS EMERGENCY CONTACT: 1 800 033 111
This Material Safety Data Sheet summarises our best knowledge of the health and safety hazard information of the product and how to
safely handle and use the product in the workplace. Each user should read this MSDS and consider the information in the context of
how the product will be handled and used in the workplace including in conjunction with other products.
If clarification or further information is needed to ensure that an appropriate risk assessment can be made, the user should contact this
company.
? Registered Trademark.
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