Laserfiche WebLink
EXTOXNET PIP- PARAQ- T Page 1 of 3 <br /> vftwl 140 <br /> EXTOXNET <br /> Extension Toxicology Network <br /> " Pesticide Information Profiles <br /> A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University,Oregon State University,the <br /> .. University of Idaho,and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology,Michigan <br /> State University.Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide <br /> Impact Assessment Program. <br /> bm EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University <br /> Revised June 1996 <br /> �. <br /> woo <br /> Paraquat <br /> .. Trade and Other Names:Product names include Crisquat,Cyclone,Dextrone,Dexuron,Gramoxone Extra, <br /> Herb a cone,Ortho Weed and Spot Killer,and Sweep.The compound may be found in formulations with many other <br /> herbicides,including simazine and diquat dibromide. <br /> Reegulato_ry Status:Paraquat is a highly toxic compound in EPA toxicity class I.Products containing it must be is <br /> labeled with the Signal Words DANGER-POISON.Paraquat is a Restricted Use Pesticide(RUP).RUPs may be purchased <br /> V. and used only by certified applicators. <br /> Chemical_Class:quaternary nitrogen compound <br /> Introduction:Paraquat is a quaternary nitrogen herbicide widely used for broadleaf weed control.It is a quick-acting, <br /> nonselective compound,that destroys green plant tissue on contact and by translocation within the plant.It has been <br /> employed for killing marijuana in the U.S.and in Mexico.It is also used as a crop desiccant and defoliant,and as an aquatic <br /> herbicide. <br /> Formulation:Not Available <br /> L Toxicological Effects: <br /> kAcute toxicity:Paraquat is highly toxic via ingestion,with reported oral LD50 values of 110 to 150 mg/kg in rats,50 <br /> mg/kg in monkeys,48 mg/kg in cats,and 50 to 70 mg/kg in cows[8,87].The toxic effects of paraquat are due to the <br /> cation,and the halogen anions have little toxic effects[87].The dermal LD50 in rabbits is 236 to 325 mg/kg, <br /> indicating moderate toxicity by this route[58,87].The 4-hour inhalation LC50 is greater than 20 mg/L for the <br /> `. technical grade of the compound[87].It causes skin and eye irritation in rabbits(severe for some of the formulated <br /> products)and also has caused skin sensitization in guinea pigs in some formulations[87].Effects due to high acute <br /> exposure to paraquat may include excitability and lung congestion,which in some cases leads to convulsions, <br /> incoordination,and death by respiratory failure[87].If swallowed,burning of the mouth and throat often occurs, <br /> followed by gastrointestinal tract irritation,resulting in abdominal pain,loss of appetite,nausea,vomiting,and <br /> diarrhea[8].Other toxic effects include thirst,shortness of breath,rapid heart rate,kidney failure,lung sores,and <br /> liver injury[32].Some symptoms may not occur until days after exposure.Persons with lung problems may be at <br /> increased risk from exposure.Many cases of illness and/or death have been reported in humans.The estimated lethal <br /> dose(via ingestion)for paraquat in humans is 35 mg/kg[8].A maximum of 3.5 mg/hour could be absorbed through <br /> the dermal or respiratory route without damage[32]. <br /> http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/paraquat.htm 9/26/2004 <br />