Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Toxicology
Apart from occasional cases of skin irritation, adverse effects have been
few. The efficiency of skin absorption is not known. Absorbed benzyl ben-
zoate is rapidly biotransformed to hippuric acid which is excreted in the urine.
When given in large doses to laboratory animals, benzyl benzoate causes ex-
citement, incoordination, paralysis of the limbs, convulsions, respiratory pa-
ralysis, and death. No human poisonings have been reported.
f.
Arsenical Pesticides
1.
Inorganic Trivalent
a. Arsenic trioxide—"White arsenic," arsenous oxide. These are active in-
gredients in some ant pastes and veterinary preparations.
b. Sodium arsenite— Chem Pels C, Chem-Sen 56, Kill-All, Penite, Pro-
dalumnol Double. These can be used in aqueous solution for weed control;
limited use as insecticide.
c. Calcium arsenite— Mono-calcium arsenite. Formulated as a flowable
powder for insecticidal use on fruit.
d. Copper arsenite (acid copper arsenite)— Formulated as a wettable powder,
for use as insecticide, wood preservative.
e. Copper acetoarsenite— Insecticide. Example include Paris Green,
Schweinfurt Green, Emerald Green, French Green, and Mitts green. Products
are no longer used in U.S. However, they are still used outside the U.S.
2. Inorganic Pentavalent
a. Sodium arsenate—Disodium arsenate. Examples are Jones Ant Killer,
Terro Ant Killer.
b . Lead arsenate—Gypsine, Soprabel, Talbot. This is of limited use in the
U.S. Used as wettable powder insecticide outside the U.S.
c. Zinc arsenate—This powder is used in the U.S. as an insecticide on pota-
toes and tomatoes.
Toxicology of Arsenic
Toxicity of the various arsenic compounds in mammals extends over a
wide range, determined in part by unique biochemical actions of each com-
pound, but also by absorbability and efficiency of biotransformation and dis-
position. Overall, arsines present the greatest toxic hazard, followed closely
by arsenites (inorganic trivalent compounds). Inorganic pentavalent com-
pounds are somewhat less toxic that arsenites, while the organic (methylated)
