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Paae 1 of 4 <br />'OXNET PIP -PARAQUAT <br /> EXTOXNE'T <br /> Extension Toxicology Network <br /> Pesticide Information Profiles <br /> esticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University,the <br /> versity of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, <br />;higan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National <br /> icultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program. <br /> TOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University <br /> iised June 1996 <br /> Paraquat <br /> i <br /> ado and Other Names: Product names include Crisquat, Cyclone, Dextrone, Dexuron, Gramoxone Extra, <br /> rbaxone, Ortho Weed and Spot Killer, and Sweep. The compound may be found in formulations with many other I <br /> rbicides, including simazine and diquat dibromide. <br /> aulatorV Status: Paraquat is a highly toxic compound in EPA toxicity class I. Products containing it must be is <br /> e <br />)eled with the Signal Words DANGER-POISON. Paraquat is a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP). RUPs may be <br /> rchased and used only by certified applicators. <br /> hemical Class: quaternary nitrogen compound <br /> Aroduction: Paraquat is a quaternary nitrogen herbicide widely used for broadleaf weed control. It is a quick <br /> ting,nonselective compound,that destroys green plant tissue on contact and by translocation within the plant. It has <br />;en employed for killing marijuana in the U.S. and in Mexico. It is also used as a crop desiccant and defoliant, and as <br /> 1 aquatic herbicide. <br /> ormulation:Not Available <br />'oxicolonical Effects: <br /> . Acute toxicity: Paraquat is highly toxic via ingestion, with reported oral LD50 values of 110 to 150 mg/kg in <br /> rats, 50 mg/kg in monkeys, 48 mg/kg in cats, and 50 to 70 mg/kg in cows [8,87]. The toxic effects of paraquat <br /> are due to the cation, and the halogen anions have little toxic effects [87]. The dermal LD50 in rabbits is 236 to <br /> 325 mg/kg, indicating moderate toxicity by this route [58,87]. The 4-hour inhalation LC50 is greater than 20 <br /> mg/L for the technical grade of the compound [87]. It causes skin and eye irritation in rabbits (severe for some of <br /> the formulated products) and also has caused skin sensitization in guinea pigs in some formulations [87]. Effects <br /> due to high acute exposure to paraquat may include excitability and lung congestion, which in some cases leads <br /> to convulsions, incoordination, and death by respiratory failure [87]. If swallowed,burning of the mouth and <br /> throat often occurs,followed by gastrointestinal tract irritation,resulting in abdominal pain, loss of appetite, <br /> nausea,vomiting, and diarrhea [8]. Other toxic effects include thirst, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate,kidney �' <br />