MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. In Case of Emergency, Call
140 Research Lane, Research Park
1-800-327-8633 (FAST MED)
Guelph, ON N1G 4Z3
Supersedes date (Y/M/D): 03-09-18
Date of MSDS Preparation (Y/M/D): 2005-09-01
MSDS prepared by:
Department of Regulatory & Biology Development
For further information contact:
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc.
1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682)
SECTION 鈥? 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Product Identifier: GRAMOXONE庐 Liquid Herbicide Formulation No.: A3879G
Registration Number: 8661 (Pest Control Products Act)
Chemical Class: A bipyridyl contact herbicide.
Synonym: None
Active Ingredient(%): Paraquat Dichloride (25.5 %) CAS No.: 1910-42-5
Chemical Name: 1,1鈥?-dimethyl-4,4鈥?-bipyridinium dichloride
Product Use: A non-residual herbicide for the control of many grasses and broadleaf weeds. Please refer to
product label for further details.
SECTION 鈥? 2 : COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Material OSHA ACGIH Other NTP/IARC/OSHA WHMIS鈥?
PEL TLV Carcinogen
Paraquat Emetic Not Established Not Established 0.02 mg/m鲁 No Not Established
Technical TWA***
CAS No. 27277-00-5
(< 0.1 %)
0.5 mg/m鲁 TWA Not Established 0.1 mg/m鲁 TWA No Not Established
Paraquat Dichloride
(respirable; skin; (respirable); 0.5
(25 %)
as paraquat) mg/m鲁 TWA
(total)***
*** Syngenta Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)
鈥? Material listed in Ingredient Disclosure List under Hazardous Products Act.
Ingredients not precisely identified are proprietary or non-hazardous. Values are not product specifications.
Syngenta Hazard Category: E, S
SECTION 鈥? 3: HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Symptoms of Acute Exposure
This product is severely irritating or corrosive to the eyes and skin. Harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes
substantial but temporary eye injury. Spray mist may irritate nose and throat. Very toxic by inhalation and may be
fatal if swallowed. Untreated spilled material can dry to a highly irritating dust.
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, chlorine,
hydrogen chloride; possible trace amounts of phosgene, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and other toxic and noxious
fumes.
GRAMOXONE庐 Liquid Herbicide
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Physical Properties
Appearance: Dark blue / green liquid.
Odour: Characteristic of pyridine bases.
Unusual Fire, Explosion and Reactivity Hazards
Hydrolyzes in alkaline media. This product reacts with aluminum to produce hydrogen gas. Do not mix or store in
containers or systems made of aluminum or having aluminum fittings.
During a fire, irritating and possibly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion.
Potential Health Effects
Relevant routes of exposure: Skin, eyes, mouth, lungs.
Adverse health effects from exposure to product or ingredients of product:
Very severely irritant or corrosive to the eyes and skin, and very toxic via dermal, inhalation and ingestion routes.
May cause permanent eye damage if left untreated. This irritation is reduced or eliminated when the product is
diluted for use. This material has a delayed eye irritation effect. May lead to ulceration of cornea and conjuctival
epithelium giving rise to secondary infection. Although healing may be slow, the injury is superficial and with
proper medical care recovery will be complete, even in severe cases.
Can cause inflammation and in severe cases blistering of the skin. Contamination of nail base with concentrate
may cause the formation of white spots on the nail or, in severe cases, transverse cracking and loss of nail.
Normal growth follows without delay. Intact skin is a very effective barrier to paraquat. If extreme damage occurs
this barrier is removed and, in the presence of sufficient paraquat, absorption of toxic amounts may occur. It is not
a skin sensitizer.
Product may cause severe irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Repeated and/or prolonged exposures
may cause productive cough, running nose, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in lungs), and
reduction of pulmonary function. Nose bleeding and soreness of the throat may result from spray mist or dust
trapped on the nasal mucosa. Material is unlikely to produce vapor or mist in transportation and be hazardous by
inhalation.
Ingestion may cause death by multi-organ failure and circulatory collapse within 48 hours or by a delayed
proliferating fibrosis of the lung within 1-3 weeks. Immediate effects of ingestion are usually vomiting,
abdominal discomfort, soreness and inflammation of the mouth, throat and esophagus, difficulty in swallowing
and later, diarrhea. Kidney and liver damage may appear 1-3 days post ingestion.
SECTION 鈥? 4: FIRST AID MEASURES
IF POISONING IS SUSPECTED, immediately contact the poison information centre, doctor or nearest hospital. Have
the product container, label or Material Safety Data Sheet with you when calling Syngenta, a poison control center or
doctor, or going for treatment. Tell the person contacted the complete product name, and the type and amount of exposure.
Describe any symptoms and follow the advice given. Call the Syngenta Emergency Line [1-800-327-8633 (1-800-
FASTMED)], for further information.
EYE CONTACT: Corrosive to eyes. Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes.
Remove contact lenses, if present, after 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. Call Syngenta, a
poison control center or doctor for treatment advice immediately.
SKIN CONTACT: Moderately to severely irritating to skin. Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately
with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. Contact a physician or contact a poison control centre
for treatment advice immediately.
INHALATION: Move person to fresh air. Apply artificial respiration if required, preferably mouth-to-mouth,
and obtain medical attention. Immediately call a poison control centre or physician for further
treatment advice.
INGESTION: SPEED IS ESSENTIAL. Immediate medical attention is required. If available, give an
adsorbent such as activated charcoal, bentonite or Fuller鈥檚 Earth. Call a poison control center or
doctor immediately for treatment advice immediately. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person.
GRAMOXONE庐 Liquid Herbicide
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NOTES TO PHYSICIAN:
Refer to the booklet 'Paraquat Poisoning. A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, First Aid and Hospital Treatment'
(http://www.syngenta.com/pqmedguide/). Administer either activated charcoal (100 g for adults or 2 g/kg body
weight in children) or Fuller's Earth (15% solution; 1 L for adults or 15 mL/kg body weight in children). NOTE:
the use of gastric lavage without administration of an adsorbent has not shown any clinical benefit. Do not use
supplemental oxygen. Eye splashes from concentrated material should be treated by an eye specialist after initial
treatment. With the possibility of late onset corneal ulceration it is advised that patients with paraquat eye injuries
are reviewed by an eye specialist the day after first presentation. Use treatment that is appropriate to chemical
burns. Treatment may need to continue for several months. Intact skin is an effective barrier to paraquat, however
contact with irritated or cut skin or repeated contact with intact skin may result in poisoning.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS KNOWN TO BE AGGRAVATED:
None known.
SECTION 鈥? 5: FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flash point and method: Not applicable.
Upper and lower flammable (explosive) limits in air: Not applicable.
Auto-ignition temperature: Not available.
Flammability: Non-flammable.
Hazardous combustion products: Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases, including carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, chlorine, hydrogen chloride; possible trace amounts of phosgene, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and other
toxic and noxious fumes.
Conditions under which flammability could occur: Keep fire exposed containers cool by spraying with water.
Extinguishing media: Use water (water-fog or mist preferable), foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder or halon extinguishant.
Avoid use of water jet or excessive use of water. Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Evacuate nonessential personnel from the area to prevent human exposure to fire, smoke, fumes or products of
combustion. Prevent use of contaminated buildings, area, and equipment until decontaminated. Water runoff can cause
environmental damage. Contain run-off water with, for example, temporary earth barriers.
Sensitivity to explosion by mechanical impact: None known.
Sensitivity to explosion by static discharge: None known.
SECTION 鈥? 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal Precautions: Make sure all personnel involved in the spill cleanup follow good industrial hygiene practices. A
small spill can be handled routinely. Wear suitable protective clothing and eye protection to prevent skin and eye contact.
Use adequate ventilation and wear an air-supplied respirator to prevent inhalation.
Procedures for dealing with release or spill: Untreated spilled material can dry to a highly irritating dust. Contain the spill to
prevent from spreading or contaminating soil or from entering sewage and drainage systems or any body of water. Pump or
scoop large amounts of liquid into a disposable container. Absorb remaining liquid or smaller spills with clay, sand or
vermiculite. Wash area with detergent and water. On soils, skim off the upper contaminated layer and collect for disposal.
Once all material is cleaned up and placed in a disposal container, seal container and arrange for disposition. Spillages or
uncontrolled discharges into watercourses must be alerted to the appropriate regulatory body.
Deactivating Chemicals: Bentonite, Fuller's Earth.
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SECTION 鈥? 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling practices: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN and animals. Avoid exposure to vapours or spray mist.
Prevent eating, drinking, tobacco use, and cosmetic application in areas where there is a potential for exposure to the
material. After work, rinse gloves and remove protective equipment. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after
handling, and before eating, tobacco use, drinking, or using the toilet. Wash contaminated clothing before re-use and
separate from household laundry. Keep containers closed when not in use. Keep product, wash or rinse water, and
contaminated materials out of water, away from crops, and away from access by people, animals and birds.
Appropriate storage practices/requirements: Store in original container only in a well-ventilated, cool, dry, secure area.
Protect from heat, sparks and flame. Do not expose sealed containers to temperatures above 40 掳C. Protect from freezing.
Keep separate from other products to prevent cross contamination. Rotate stock. Clean up spilled material immediately.
National Fire Code classification: Not required.
SECTION 鈥? 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Applicable control measures, including engineering controls: Ensure work areas have ventilation, containment, and
procedures sufficient to maintain airborne levels below the TLV. Warehouses, production area, parking lots and waste
holding facilities must have adequate containment to prevent environmental contamination. Provide separate shower and
eating facilities.
THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION ARE INTENDED
FOR THE MANUFACTURE, FORMULATION, PACKAGING AND USE OF THIS PRODUCT.
FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS AND/OR ON-FARM APPLICATIONS CONSULT THE PRODUCT LABEL.
Personal protective equipment for each exposure route:
General: Avoid breathing dust, vapours or aerosols. Avoid contact with eye, skin and clothing. Wash thoroughly after
handling and before eating, drinking, or handling tobacco.
INGESTION: Do not eat, drink, handle tobacco, or apply cosmetics in areas where there is a potential for exposure to
this material. Always wash thoroughly after handling.
EYES: Where eye contact is likely, use chemical splash goggles. Facilities storing or utilizing this material
should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
SKIN: Where contact is likely, wear chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile or butyl), coveralls, socks and
chemical-resistant footwear. For overhead exposure, wear chemical-resistant headgear.
INHALATION: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels
below exposure limits. A NIOSH-certified combination air-purifying respirator with an N, P or R 95 or
HE class filter and an organic vapor cartridge may be permissible under certain circumstances where
airborne concentrations are expected to exceed exposure limits. Protection provided by air-purifying
respirators is limited. Use a pressure demand atmosphere-supplying respirator if there is any potential for
uncontrolled release, exposure levels are not known, or under any other circumstances where air-
purifying respirators may not provide adequate protection.
GRAMOXONE庐 Liquid Herbicide
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SECTION 鈥? 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance: Dark blue / green liquid.
Formulation Type: Solution.
Odour: Characteristic of pyridine bases.
pH: 6.5 鈥? 7.5.
Vapour pressure and reference temperature: 7.5 x 10-8 mmHg @ 25 oC (Paraquat Dichloride).
Vapour density: Not available.
Boiling point: Approx. 100 oC.
Melting point: Not applicable.
Freezing point: Approx. 0 oC.
Specific gravity or density: 1.09 g/mL.
Evaporation Rate: Not available.
Water/oil partition coefficient: Not available.
Odour threshold: Not available.
Viscosity: Not available.
Solubility in Water: 620,000 mg/L @ 25 oC (Paraquat Dichloride).
SECTION 鈥? 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Chemical stability: Stable under normal use and storage conditions.
Conditions to avoid: Store above 0掳C. Decomposed by alkali and in the presence of U.V. light. Compound inactivated by
adsorption onto inert clay.
Incompatibility with other materials: Reducing agents. Corrosive to aluminum.
Hazardous decomposition products: Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases, including carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, chlorine, hydrogen chloride; possible trace amounts of phosgene, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and other
toxic and noxious fumes.
Hazardous polymerization: Will not occur.
SECTION 鈥? 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Acute toxicity/Irritation Studies (Finished Product):
Ingestion: Very Toxic
Oral (LD50 Rat): 612 mg/kg body weight
Dermal: Very Toxic
Dermal (LD50 Rat): 590 mg/kg body weight
Inhalation: Not Available
Inhalation (LC50 Rat): Not available. Considered highly toxic by
inhalation route.
Eye Contact: Severely Irritating (Rabbit)
Skin Contact: Moderately to Severely Irritating (Rabbit)
Skin Sensitization: Not a Sensitizer (Guinea Pig)
Reproductive/Developmental Effects
Paraquat Dichloride: A 3-generation reproduction study showed no evidence of fertility or
reproductive effects at doses below that causing maternal toxicity.
Reproductive NOEL was above 7.5 mg/kg/day, the highest dose level.
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Chronic/Subchronic Toxicity Studies
Paraquat Dichloride: Rodent studies showed signs of irritation in 21-day dermal studies. In a 2.5
year chronic study, rats showed evidence of cataracts, body weight reduction
and lung effects (alveolar macrophage infiltration) at 75 ppm and above. A
90-day dog diet study showed evidence of lung effects leading to alveolar
collapse and death at 3 mg/kg/day. Chronic pneumonitis was seen in a 1-year
dog study at 0.93 mg/kg/day and above.
Carcinogenicity
Paraquat Dichloride: No evidence in the rat or mouse.
Other Toxicity Information:
Occupational exposure to paraquat does not pose any health issues as long as normal hygiene precautions are
followed. Paraquat has a history of use in suicides; although difficult to quantify, it is estimated that 25 mL of
parquat (approx 25 % paraquat dichloride) by oral ingestion is sufficient to cause death. Two types of deaths can
be identified: acute fulminate poisoning leading to multi-organ failure in a few days, and a more protracted form
resulting in kidney failure and pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment is available and successful, providing the quantity
of product ingested is low and the time to treatment is short.
Toxicity of Other Components
The acute toxicity test results reported in Section 11, above, for the finished product take into account any acute
hazards related to the 鈥渙ther components鈥? in the formulation.
Paraquat Emetic:
Toxic if swallowed. Slightly irritating to skin and eyes. Inhalation of dust may cause nausea and
vomiting.
Other materials that show synergistic toxic effects together with the product: None known.
Target Organs
Active Ingredients
Paraquat Dichloride: Lung, kidney, skin, eyes.
Inert Ingredients
Paraquat Emetic: Skin, eye, respiratory system.
SECTION 鈥? 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Summary of Effects
GRAMOXONE is a non-volatile, fast acting herbicide that is mixed with water and applied as a spray for control of many
grasses and broadleaf weeds. The active ingredient, paraquat, is practically non-toxic to insects (bees), slightly toxic to
fish and birds, and moderately toxic to invertebrates (water flea).
Eco-Acute Toxicity
Paraquat Dichloride:
48 碌g/bee
Bees LC50/EC50 (contact)
Invertebrates (Water Flea) LC50/EC50 48 hr 4.0 ppm
Fish (Trout) LC50/EC50 (96 hr) 55 ppm
Fish (Bluegill) LC50/EC50 (96 hr) 13 ppm
Birds (8-day dietary - Bobwhite Quail) LC50/EC50 981 ppm
Birds (8-day dietary - Mallard Duck) LC50/EC50 4,048 ppm
Eco-Chronic Toxicity
Paraquat Dichloride:
Not Available.
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Environmental Fate
The active ingredient, paraquat, has a low bioaccumulation potential, immobile mobility in soil, not persistent in water but
is moderately persistent in soil. Paraquat is rapidly adsorbed and de-activated in soil. The main route of degradation is by
microbial degradation and formation of bound residues.
For GRAMOXONE, the bulk material sinks in water (after 24 h).
SECTION 鈥? 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste disposal information: Do not reuse empty containers. Empty container retains product residue. Triple rinse, or
equivalent, empty container, return rinse water to dilution mixture, and dispose of dilution mixture as a hazardous waste if
it cannot be disposed of by use according to label instructions. Dispose of empty containers in accordance with local
regulations. Consult provincial environment ministry for advice on waste disposal. Industrial/commercial waste may be
handled at licensed facilities only. Waste shipments must be securely packaged and properly labelled. Only licensed carriers
may be used, and proper documents must accompany the shipment.
SECTION 鈥? 14 : TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Shipping information such as shipping classification:
TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS CLASSIFICATION - ROAD/RAIL
Proper Shipping Name : Corrosive Liquid, Toxic, N.O.S. (paraquat solution)
Class / Subclass : 8 (6.1)
UN# : UN2922
P.G. : III
SECTION 鈥? 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION
WHMIS classification for product: Exempt
A statement that the MSDS has been prepared to meet WHMIS requirements, except for use of the 16 headings.
This MSDS has been prepared in accordance with WHMIS requirements, but the data are presented under 16 headings.
Other regulations; restrictions and prohibitions
Pest Control Products (PCP) Act Registration No.: 8661
SECTION 鈥? 16: OTHER INFORMATION
The information contained herein is offered only as a guide to the handling of this specific material and has been prepared
in good faith by technically knowledgeable personnel. It is not intended to be all-inclusive and the manner and conditions
of use and handling may involve other and additional considerations. No warranty of any kind is given or implied and
Syngenta will not be liable for any damages, losses, injuries or consequential damages which may result from the use of or
reliance on any information contained herein. This Material Safety Data Sheet is valid for three years. This product is
under the jurisdiction of the Pest Control Products Act and is exempt from the requirements for a WHMIS compliant
MSDS. Hazardous properties of all ingredients have been considered in the preparation of this MSDS. Read the entire
MSDS for the complete hazard evaluation of this product.
Prepared by: Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc.
1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682)
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. believes that the information and recommendations contained herein (including
data and statements) are accurate as of the date thereof. NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS
MADE CONCERNING THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided herein relates to the
specific product designated and may no be valid where such product is used in combination with any other materials or in
any process. Further, since the conditions and methods of use of the product and of the information referred to herein are
GRAMOXONE庐 Liquid Herbicide
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beyond the control of Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc., Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. expressly disclaims
any and all liability as to any results obtained or arising from any use of the product or reliance on such information.
庐 Registered trademark of a Syngenta group company
GRAMOXONE庐 Liquid Herbicide
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