Potassium N-methyldithiocarbamate

Synonyms: Metam potassium

CAS Number: 137-41-7

SERIOUS
health hazard

MODERATE
health hazard

FEW OR NO
health hazards

0 79

80 89

90 100

Sources of exposure:

Pesticides

Soil fumigation, agricultural fields, nursery soils, fumigant emissions

Description:

Potassium N-methyldithiocarbamate, also known as metam potassium, is a soil fumigant used to control soil-borne fungi, nematodes, weeds, and other agricultural pests. It decomposes in soil to release methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), the primary pesticidal agent. Potential exposure may occur during soil treatment or through fumigant emissions and environmental contamination.

Health concerns:

Cancer

Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.

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

References

US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox).
US National Library of Medicine. PubChem database.

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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.