Cacodylic Acid
Synonyms: Dimethylarsinic acid, DMA
CAS Number: 75-60-5
Sources of exposure:
Historical herbicide applications, contaminated soil and water, agricultural residues
Description:
Cacodylic acid, also known as dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), is an organoarsenic compound formerly used as a herbicide and plant desiccant. It has been used for weed control and vegetation management in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. It can also occur in the environment as a product of the transformation of other arsenic compounds.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Developmental Toxicity
May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.
Neurotoxicity
May impact brain function or development.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Respiratory Toxicity & Asthmagens
May damage the lungs or trigger asthma.
Irritant
May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II - Prohibited
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - cancer
References
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox). California Department of Public Health. California Safe Cosmetics Reportable Ingredients List.