Metam-sodium

CAS Number: 137-42-8

SERIOUS
health hazard

MODERATE
health hazard

FEW OR NO
health hazards

0 79
80 89
90 100
54

Sources of exposure:

Food
Pesticides

Agricultural soil fumigants, pre-plant soil treatments, fumigant application sites, volatilization from treated soil, and agricultural drift

Description:

Metam-sodium is a soil fumigant used before planting to control soilborne fungi, nematodes, weeds, and other pests. It breaks down in soil to produce methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), which is primarily responsible for its pesticidal activity. Exposure may occur during application or through inhalation of vapors released from treated soil.

Health concerns:

Cancer

Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.

Developmental Toxicity

May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.

Immunotoxicity & Allergens

May impact immune system function or cause allergic reactions.

Irritant

May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.

Ecotoxicity

May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.

Banned/restricted lists:

  • California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - cancer
  • California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - developmental

References

  1. US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox).

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Hazard scores within 11 different health categories (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxicants, developmental toxicants, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, skin/eye/respiratory irritants, and ecotoxicity).

They are weighted based on several factors, including strength of evidence for adverse impacts in humans, severity, and potential contamination.

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