carbofuran

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P284, P301+P316, P304+P340, P316, P320, P321, P330, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H300+H330 (22.5%): Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, inhalation]

H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H330 (100%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H400 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 129 reports by companies from 5 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P273, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P317, P304+P340, P308+P316, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Carbofuran Exposure: Acute exposure to carbofuran usually leads to a cholinergic crisis. Signs and symptoms may include increased salivation, lacrimation (tearing), and spontaneous defecation and urination. Pinpoint pupils, along with blurred vision, tremor, muscle twitching, convulsions, mental confusion, and coma may also occur. Gastrointestinal effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) occurs frequently. Muscle coordination may be diminished. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) may lead to respiratory collapse.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to carbofuran may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to carbofuran.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to carbofuran.

3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas three times with soap and water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of carbofuran is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step

4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of carbofuran may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step

4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.

4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.

6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.

Breathing: Fresh air

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Stay at maximum distance.

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Dike fire control water for later disposal, do not scatter the material. (EPA, 1998)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Use foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic)/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, solid, toxic)/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Treatment techniques which may be effective in removing carbofuran from drinking water: include adsorption on granular activated carbon (GAC) or powdered activated carbon (PAC), reverse osmosis (RO), and oxidation by ozone, or ozone/ultraviolet.

Spillage of carbofuran and its formulations should be removed by washing with 5% sodium hydroxide solution and then rinsing with large quantities of water.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic); Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, solid, toxic)/

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic); Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, solid, toxic)/

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P127, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Mix carbofuran with excess calcium oxide (CaO) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sand or other adsorbent in a pit or trench at least 0.5 m deep in a clay soil. NaOH or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) can also be added to the mixture to help speed the reactions when CaO is used as the main alkali. The amt of CaO or Na2CO3 to use depends on the amt of pesticide to be disposed of and, to some extent, the concentration of active ingredient in the pesticide and the actual chemical nature of the active ingredient. A practical guideline, in the absence of specific directions, is to use an approx volume or weight of alkali from one-half of to the same as that of the pesticide. For dilute formulations, such as a 1% soln or dust, the amount of CaO or Na2CO3 can be reduced by one-half. For very concentrated pesticides (over 80% active ingredient) the amount of calcium oxide or sodium carbonate can be doubled, but the concentrate should be mixed first with water (or soapy water) before reaction with the alkali. For safety, a preliminary test should be made in which very small amt of the pesticide and alkali are mixed and observed briefly to make sure it does not react too vigorously. Sizable quantities of pesticides can be disposed of in several smaller batches, rather than all at once, for added safety. Recommendable methods: Alkaline hydrolysis & incineration. Peer-review: Use 10 parts by vol of 8% wt/vol soln of sodium ethoxide in 50% ethanol water solvent per part of carbofuran pesticide formulation. Leave for one hr. Incinerate product which contains heterocyclics plus methylamine. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

Hydrolysis: A decontaminant soln of sodium hydroxide in 50% aqueous ethanol is recommended to achieve sufficient carbofuran dissolution. T 0.999 (99.9% degradation time) was calculated with N=3 (3:1 hydroxide-carbofuran stoichiometry). For the 300 g/l flowable formulation T 0.999 was calculated as less than 1 min with 20:1 (vol/vol) 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or 10:1 (vol/vol) 2 N NaOH. Additional time is suggested for granular formulations to allow the carbofuran to desorb. The 10%, 5%, and 2% formulations can also be detoxified with 1 N NaOH in 50% aqueous ethanol. Bags should be thoroughly emptied and burned. Empty containers should be drained thoroughly and triple rinsed with the aqueous ethanolic alkaline decontaminant or water, if the rinsate could be used for dilution.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticide, liquid, toxic)/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, solid, toxic)/

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic)/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. For solids, prevent dust cloud and avoid inhalation of dust. (ERG, 2024)

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Separated from food and feedstuffs. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Acetylcholinesterase activity in red blood cells = 70% of individual's baseline; Butylcholinesterase activity in serum or plasma = 60% of individual's baseline; Sample at end of shift; [TLVs and BEIs]

0.30 [mg/m3]

0.43 [mg/m3]

3.7 [mg/m3]

0.1 mg/m³

TWA 0.1 mg/m3

none See Appendix G

See: IDLH INDEX

0.1 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction and vapor

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.1 mg/cu m. /Inhalable fraction and vapor/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed three times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 min during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed five times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: cholinesterase activity in red blood cells; Sampling Time: discretionary; BEI: 70% of individual's baseline. The determinant is nonspecific, since it is also observed after exposure to other chemicals. /Acetycholinesterase inhibiting pesticides/

0.1 mg/m

0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction and vapor) [2001]

Registered uses of carbofuran in Canada: Limitations are as follows: Do not apply to crops within the following pre-harvest intervals (days): alfalfa (7); barley (21); corn (7); flax (21); mustard (21); oats (21); pastures (1); pepper, green (3); potato (7); rape (60); rutabaga (40); sweet clover (28); sunflower (60); tomato, field (30); turnip (40); wheat (21). Do not feed foliage of treated turnips to livestock; mature roots may be fed. On alfalfa, do not apply during bloom, or allow spray to drift toward beehives. Do not graze or feed to livestock within the following intervals (days) after application: alfalfa (7); barley (21); corn (3); oats (21); mustardseed (21); pastures (1); rape seed (60); sweet clover (28); wheat (21). Do not make more than the following number of applications per season: barley (2); flax (1); mustard (1 at 140 g ai/ha or 2 at 70 g ai/ha); oats (2); pastures (2); pepper, green (6); rape (1 at 140 g ai/ha or 2 at 70 g ai/ha); sunflower (2); sweet clover (2); tomato, field (3); wheat (2). Do not permit livestock to graze on road sides or headlands within 1 day after application. ... Commercial class products limited to a maximum carbofuran content of 10%.

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on spraying or when dispersed, especially if powdered.

The substance may cause effects on the nervous system. This may result in convulsions and respiratory depression. Cholinesterase inhibition. The effects may be delayed. Exposure could cause death. Medical observation is indicated.

Cholinesterase inhibition. Cumulative effects are possible. See Acute Hazards/Symptoms.

Tolerances are established for the combined residues of the insecticide carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl-N-methylcarbamate), its carbamate metabolite 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-7-benzofuranyl-N-methylcarbamate, and its phenolic metabolites 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranol, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-3,-oxo-7-benzofuranol and 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-3,7-benzofurandiol in or on the following raw agricultural commodities:[Table#3223]

Tolerances with regional registration, as defined in section180.1(n), are established for the combined residues of the insecticide carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl-N-methylcarbamate), its carbamate metabolite 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-7-benzofuranyl-N-methylcarbamate, and its phenolic metabolites 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranol, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxo-7-benzofuranol, and 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-3,7-benzofurandiol in or on the following raw agricultural commodity:[Table#3224]

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Carbofuran:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide:

• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Shoes plus socks. Hat or other suitable head covering.

Personnel protection: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. ... Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic)/

Personnel protection: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. ... Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing. ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Carbofuran (Carbamate pesticides, solid, toxic)/

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Important additional information about respirator selection

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Carbofuran is an odorless white crystalline solid. Contact with skin may burn skin and eyes. When exposed to heat or flames it may emit toxic oxides of nitrogen. It is toxic by inhalation, skin contact, and/ or ingestion. It is used as a pesticide.

Odorless, white or grayish, crystalline solid. [insecticide] [Note: May be dissolved in a liquid carrier.]; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.

Odorless, white or grayish, crystalline solid.

Odorless, white or grayish, crystalline solid. [insecticide] [Note: May be dissolved in a liquid carrier.]

White, crystalline solid

White or grayish, crystalline solid [Note: May be dissolved in a liquid carrier].

Colorless crystals

Odorless

Slightly phenolic.

302 to 307 °F (EPA, 1998)

153.2 °C

Melting point = 153-154 °C (pure); 150-152 °C (technical)

150 - 152 °C

0.07 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

In water, 351 mg/L at 25 °C

In dichloromethane >200, isopropanol 20-50, toluene 10-20 (all in g/L, 20 °C)

Unstable in alkaline media. Stable in acidic and neutral media.

Highly soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, acetonitrile, methylene chloride, cyclohexanone, benzene, xylene

150 g/kg acetone, 140 g/kg acetonitrile, 120 g/kg dichloromethane, 90 g/kg cyclohexanone, 40 g/kg benzene

0.32 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 0.07

(77 °F): 0.07%

1.18 at 68 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink

1.180 g/cu cm

1.2 g/cm³

1.180 @ 20°C

2e-05 mmHg at 91.4 °F (EPA, 1998)

0.00000054 [mmHg]

0.072 mPa /5.4X10-7 mm Hg/ at 25 °C

Vapor pressure, Pa at 33 °C: 0.0027

(77 °F): 0.000003 mmHg

0.00002 [mm Hg] @33 °C

log Kow = 2.32

Stable under neutral or acid conditions, unstable in alkaline media

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides/.

Decomposes at 150 °C

Non-corrosive

157.8 Ų [M+Na]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID9020249]

147.3 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: DT; Method: single field calibrated]

Slightly soluble in water.

Carbamates

CARBOFURAN is a carbamate ester. Carbamates are chemically similar to, but more reactive than amides. Like amides they form polymers such as polyurethane resins. Carbamates are incompatible with strong acids and bases, and especially incompatible with strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is produced by the combination of active metals or nitrides with carbamates. Strongly oxidizing acids, peroxides, and hydroperoxides are incompatible with carbamates. This compound is unstable in an alkaline media. (NTP, 1992).

Alkaline substances, acid, strong oxidizers (e.g., perchlorates, peroxides, chlorates, nitrates, permanganates).

Alkaline substances, acid, strong oxidizers (e.g., perchlorates, peroxides, chlorates, nitrates, permanganates)

Carbofuran is an N-methyl carbamate (NMC) pesticide. Like other pesticides in this class, the primary toxic effect seen following carbofuran exposure is neurotoxicity resulting from inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE breaks down acetylcholine (ACh), a compound that assists in transmitting signals through the nervous system. Carbofuran inhibits the AChE activity in the body. When AChE is inhibited at nerve endings, the inhibition prevents the ACh from being degraded and results in prolonged stimulation of nerves and muscles. Physical signs and symptoms of carbofuran poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, excessive perspiration, salivation, lacrimation (tearing), vomiting, diarrhea, aching muscles, and a general feeling of severe malaise. Uncontrollable muscle twitching and bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) can occur. Severe poisoning can lead to convulsions, coma, pulmonary edema, muscle paralysis, and death by asphyxiation. Carbofuran poisoning also may cause various psychological, neurological and cognitive effects, including confusion, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, persistent fatigue, and blurred vision. The most sensitive and appropriate effect associated with the use of carbofuran is its toxicity following acute exposure. Acute exposure is defined as an exposure of short duration, usually characterized as lasting no longer than a day. EPA classifies carbofuran as Toxicity Category I, the most toxic category, based on its potency by the oral and inhalation exposure routes. The lethal potencies of chemicals are usually described in terms of the "dose" given orally or the "concentration" in air that is estimated to cause the death of 50 percent of the animals exposed (abbreviated as LD50 or LC50). Carbofuran has an oral LD50 of 7.8-6.0 mg/kg, and an inhalation LC50 of 0.08 mg/L .... The lethal dose and lethal concentration levels for the oral and inhalation routes fall well below the limits for the Toxicity Category I, < 50 mg/kg and < 0.2 mg/L, respectively. Carbofuran has a steep dose-response curve. In other words, a marginal increase in administered doses of carbofuran can result in a significant change in the toxic effect. For example, carbofuran data in juvenile rats (postnatal day 11 and 17) demonstrate that small differences in carbofuran doses (0.1 mg/kg to 0.3 mg/kg) can change the measured effect from significant brain and red blood cell (RBC) AChE inhibition without clinical signs (0.1 mg/kg) to significant AChE inhibition, and resultant tremors, and decreased motor activity (0.3 mg/kg). In other words there is a slight difference in exposure levels that produce no noticeable outward effects and the level that causes adverse effects. This means that small differences in human exposure levels can have significant adverse consequences for large numbers of individuals. ...The difference between the amount of food with carbofuran residues that can be safely consumed without adverse effect, and the amount that provides a dose that exceeds safe levels is minimal. Children who consume typical amounts of watermelon (i.e., 8 grams) containing carbofuran residues of 0.009 ppm-a residue level detected in PDP data--receive a safe daily dose, but those consuming the same amount of watermelon with a PDP residue level of 0.013 receive an exposure of 134% of the safe daily dose.[USEPA; 40 CFR Part 180.

Carbofuran is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Carbamates form unstable complexes with chlolinesterases by carbamoylation of the active sites of the enzymes. This inhibition is reversible. A cholinesterase inhibitor suppresses the action of acetylcholine esterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholine esterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses. Headache, salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea are often prominent at higher levels of exposure. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop.

Carbofuran

Reproductive

5 x 10 ^-3 mg/kg-day

Pesticide

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

Cancer Classification: Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans

Carbofuran does not appear to possess mutagenic activity and was negative in both rat and mouse oncogenicity assays. Carbofuran is classified as a "Not likely" human carcinogen based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in mice or rats.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Acute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, increased bronchial secretions, increased salivation, lacrimation, sweating, peristalsis, and urination can occur. Chronically high (>10 years) exposure leads to neuropsychological consequences including disturbances in perception and visuo-motor processing (A15321).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Inhalation (L793) ; oral (L793); dermal (L793)

Sweating. Pupillary constriction, muscle cramp, excessive salivation. Dizziness. Vomiting. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness.

Abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness. Further see Inhalation.

Miosis, blurred vision; sweating, salivation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), muscle twitching, incoordination, convulsions

As with organophosphates, the signs and symptoms are based on excessive cholinergic stimulation. Unlike organophosphate poisoning, carbamate poisonings tend to be of shorter duration because the inhibition of nervous tissue acetylcholinesterase is reversible, and carbamates are more rapidly metabolized. Muscle weakness, dizziness, sweating and slight body discomfort are commonly reported early symptoms. Headache, salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea are often prominent at higher levels of exposure. Contraction of the pupils with blurred vision, incoordination, muscle twitching and slurred speech have been reported. (L795)

central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, blood cholinesterase

Chemical: CARBOFURAN

Other Poison - Carbamate

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

FAO/WHO ADI: 0.01 mg/kg bw

IRIS Current

HEAST Current

LD50: 5 mg/kg (Oral, Rat)

LD50: 120 mg/kg (Dermal, Rat)

LD50: 450 ug/kg (Intravenous, Mouse)

Fatal concentrations of carbofuran in blood ranged from 0.32 to 11.6 ug/mL /in four fatal cases./

LD50 oral /estimated/ 11 mg/kg

LD50 dermal 10,000 mg/kg

LD50 oral 5-50 mg/kg bw /estimated/

LD50 Rabbit percutaneous 2550 mg/kg /Active ingredient as wettable powder/

LD50 Guinea pig oral 9.18 mg/kg

LD50 Rat percutaneous 1350 mg/kg /Flowable powder, 4 lb active ingredient/gal/

LD50 Rat ocular 21.5 mg/kg /25% Wettable powder/

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (33 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

If the compound has been ingested, rapid gastric lavage should be performed using 5% sodium bicarbonate. For skin contact, the skin should be washed with soap and water. If the compound has entered the eyes, they should be washed with large quantities of isotonic saline or water. In serious cases, atropine and/or pralidoxime should be administered. Anti-cholinergic drugs work to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and reactivate AChE. Atropine can be used as an antidote in conjunction with pralidoxime or other pyridinium oximes (such as trimedoxime or obidoxime), though the use of '-oximes' has been found to be of no benefit, or possibly harmful, in at least two meta-analyses. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist, and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine peripherally.

... Male Sprague-Dawley rats acutely intoxicated with the carbamate insecticide carbofuran (1.5 mg/kg, sc) developed hypercholinergic signs within 5-7 min of exposure, with maximal severity characterized by seizures within 30-60 min, lasting for about 2 h. At the time of peak severity, compared with controls, AChE was maximally inhibited (by 82-90%), radical oxygen species (ROS) markers (F(2)-isoprostanes, F(2)-IsoPs; and F(4)-neuroprostanes, F(4)-NeuroPs) were elevated 2- to 3-fold, and the radical nitrogen species (RNS) marker citrulline was elevated 4- to 8-fold in discrete brain regions (cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus). In addition, levels of high-energy phosphates (HEPs) were significantly reduced (ATP, by 43-56%; and phosphocreatine, by 37-48%). Values of total adenine nucleotides and total creatine compounds declined markedly (by 41-56% and 35-45%, respectively), while energy charge potential remained unchanged. Quantitative morphometric analysis of pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA1 region revealed significant decreases in dendritic lengths (by 64%) and spine density (by 60%). Pretreatment with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine (18 mg/kg, sc), in combination with atropine sulfate (16 mg/kg, sc), significantly attenuated carbofuran-induced changes in AChE activity and levels of F(2)-IsoPs and F(4)-NeuroPs, declines in HEPs, as well as the alterations in morphology of hippocampal neurons. MEM and ATS pretreatment also protected rats from carbofuran-induced hypercholinergic behavioral activity, including seizures. These findings support the involvement of ROS and RNS in seizure-induced neuronal injury and suggest that memantine by preventing carbofuran-induced neuronal hyperactivity blocks pathways associated with oxidative damage in neurons.

... /In male Sprague-Dawley rats/ pretreatment with memantine alone or in combination with atropine significantly protected carboxylesterase activity from inhibition caused by carbofuran. A single sc dose of memantine HCl (18 mg/kg) and atropine sulfate (16 mg/kg) 60 and 15 min, respectively, prior to carbofuran admin completely prevented the expected gross toxic signs and significantly attenuated carbofuran induced inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. When given therapeutically, this combined treatment completely reversed clinical evidence of carbofuran toxicity within 15 min and also markedly reduced acetylcholinesterase inactivation. Memantine or atropine when given alone was less effective compared to their combined admin; memantine primarily protected nicotinic receptor associated effects while atropine protected primarily muscarinic receptor associated effects.

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) female, 3-4 months old; oral (through glass tubing to crop) 0.397 mg/kg (95% confidence limit: 0.315-0.500 mg/kg) /Technical grade sample purity, 98.8%/

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) female, 12 months old, active egg-laying condition; oral (through glass tubing to crop) 0.510 mg/kg (95% confidence limit: 0.410-0.635 mg/kg) /Technical grade sample purity, 98.8%/

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) male, 12 months old, active breeding condition or had gonads in early stage of regression; oral (through glass tubing to crop) 0.480 mg/kg (95% confidence limit, 0.381-0.604 mg/kg) /Technical grade sample purity, 98.8%/

LC50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) 10 days old; oral (5-day diet ad libitum) 190 ppm (95% confidence limit 156-230 ppm) /Technical grade, 99%/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (93 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ Based on avian acute effects (oral) in Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) and avian chronic effects (reproduction) in Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos)/ carbofuran is characterized as "very highly toxic" to birds on an acute oral basis and "highly toxic" on a sub-acute basis. Chronic toxicity testing in birds showed dose- related parental mortality at all test concentrations, so a NOAEL and LOAEL could not be established. A LOAEL of <2.0 mg/kg-diet was chosen as the toxicological risk assessment for chronic risk assessment, since 2.0 mg/kg-diet was the lowest dose tested.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ Effects of a single dietary exposure to ... carbofuran on the survival, feeding behavior and brain ChE activity of eastern screech-owls, Otus asio and American kestrels, Falco sparverius, were evaluated. Birds were exposed to ... carbofuran (31.7-253.6 ppm) via meatballs. Carbofuran-exposed owls ate either < or = 10% or > or = 80% of the meatball whereas all kestrels ate < or = 10% of the meatball before exhibiting acute signs of toxicity. ... Significant brain ChE inhibition was observed in dead and surviving kestrels exposed ... carbofuran .... Brain ChE activity of owls exposed to carbofuran that survived was not different from that of controls (P = 0.25). Data suggest: (1) slow feeding on a carbamate-contaminated item may provide limited protection from the toxicity of the chemical at certain rates of exposure; (2) the degree of ChE inhibition at neuromuscular junctions may be critical in determining the sensitivity of a species to a carbamate insecticide; (3) sensitivity may be a function of the ChE affinity for the carbamate inhibitor; and (4) the importance of neuromuscular junction ChE depression in determining the sensitivity of an animal may be species-specific.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ Rice is the main crop in the subbasin of the fluvial lagoon system of Palizada River (FLSPR) in the state of Campeche, Mexico. The pesticides used to control pests of this crop mainly are carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, and glyphosate. Black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is an ecologically and economically important species in the area. This duck is consumed by local inhabitants throughout the year, despite its potential exposure to pesticides. Due to its feeding habits, abundance, and nutritional value, D. autumnalis is a good indicator of environmental contamination and a potential route of human exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. In this study, the brain cholinesterase (ChE) in the frontal cerebral cortex of autochthonous ducks was characterized. In addition, the potential of the three locally used pesticides and mixtures to inhibit ChE activity was investigated and the exposure of the wild duck population during intensive pesticide applications in rice fields was evaluated. ... Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) seems to be the predominant ChE form in the biological fraction analyzed. Carbofuran was the most potent ChE inhibitor of D. autumnalis brain ChE activity from the three pesticides analyzed. Cholinesterase inhibition after exposure to pesticide mixtures predominantly was due to carbofuran. A decrease (p < 0.05) in AChE activity (>30%) was apparent in wild ducks compared to reference ducks, with recovery of ChE inhibition in wild ducks occurring months later when no pesticides were applied in the field. Dendrocygna autumnalis brain ChE is a suitable parameter for inclusion in biomonitoring programs for both environmental protection and human safety.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ In this study, homing pigeons were used as surrogate species to assess the differences in the effect of incrementally low doses (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) of carbofuran and diazinon on time of flight and determine whether there was a threshold dose of either or both xenobiotics when orally administered at these levels. The results indicate that there is a significant dose-dependent increase in flight time in pigeons dosed with carbofuran while diazinon exposed pigeons showed little effect. More profound effects were noted with carbofuran with pigeons falling off the pace of the flock and a dose for highly significant increase in flight time elucidated between 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg. The results of the studies validate the homing pigeon as a good subject for comparative studies of cholinesterase inhibitors in birds and the need for further research on repeated low-level exposures on populations of avian species.

For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (60 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

3.20e+02

4.10e+03

9.40e+01

4.00e+01

3.70e-02

1.60e-02

5.00e-03

Volatile

9.50e+02

1.20e+04

2.80e+02

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to soil organisms, bees and birds. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be taken to avoid any additional release, for example through inappropriate disposal.

Carbofuran's production may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams; its use as an insecticide will result in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 5.4X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates carbofuran will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase carbofuran will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 14 hours. Particulate-phase carbofuran will be removed from the atmosphere by wet or dry deposition. Carbofuran strongly absorbs light at wavelengths between 295 and 305 nm and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, carbofuran is expected to have very high to high mobility based upon Koc values of 7.3 to 123. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.5X10-10 atm-cu m/mole. Carbofuran is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. The half-life of carbofuran in soil has been reported as 11-75 days. Experimental data indicate that carbofuran degrades faster in soil that has previously been treated with carbofuran or other pesticides. If released into water, carbofuran is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. Carbofuran dissipation from paddy water was rapid with an estimated half-life of 3 days and a 95% removal time of 13 days; dissipation was due to both hydrolysis and biodegradation. The aqueous hydrolysis half-life at 27 °C was found to be 5.1 weeks at pH 7.0 and 1.2 hours at pH 10. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. A BCF of 117 using Tilapia nilotica suggests bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. The half-lives for degradation of carbofuran in river, lake, and seawater following irradiation with sunlight were approximately 2, 6, and 12 hours, respectively; it was not reported whether the degradation was due to direct photolysis, indirect photooxidation or other processes. Occupational exposure to carbofuran may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where carbofuran is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to carbofuran via inhalation of ambient air in the vicinity of application and ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water. Occupational and general population exposure in the US should be low or non-existent since carbofuran is a restricted use pesticide and all uses of carbofuran are proposed as ineligible for reregistration. On March 18, 2009 the EPA posted a Product Cancellation Order for carbofuran and a Final Tolerance Revocations was posted on May 15, 2009. (SRC)

Carbofuran's production may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams; its use as an insecticide(1) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC). Carbofuran is a restricted use pesticide and all uses of carbofuran are ineligible for reregistration (July, 2007)(2). On March 18, 2009 the EPA posted a Product Cancellation Order for carbofuran and a Final Tolerance Revocations was posted on May 15, 2009(3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 7.3-123(2-5), indicate that carbofuran is expected to have very high to high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of carbofuran from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.5X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 5.4X10-7 mm Hg(6), and water solubility, 351 mg/L(6). Carbofuran is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(6). The rate of degradation of carbofuran in soil is greatly increased by pretreatment with carbofuran; 90% and 3% remaining after one day in untreated and treated soils, respectively(7); in Italian soils complete degradation was observed 30 and 15 days after treatment with carbofuran in un-treated and treated soils, respectively(8). In the soil, carbofuran was metabolized into the insecticide compounds, 3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran, and into the non-insecticide carbofuran phenol and 3-ketocarbofuran phenol(9).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: No appreciable degradation of carbofuran occurred in Kari soil (pH 4.8; organic matter 11.8%) until 30 days after flooding, but at the end of 40 days, more than 81% of carbofuran degraded followed by steady increase in recovery of nonextractable soil bound residues(1). Degradation products were carbofuran phenol (major) and 3-hydroxycarbofuran(1). After incorporation into soils, 95% carbofuran disappearance varied from 145 to 434 days as a function of temperature, moisture, and soil pH; disappearance followed first-order kinetics(2). In 4 soils with known insecticidal use, the technical carbofuran had a calculated half-life of 11-13 days (pH 6.5) and the granular formulation had a half-life of 60-75 days (pH 6.5)(3). Time of disappearance of carbofuran from the soil at 3.1 to 5.6 kg/hectare was 145 to 434 days(3).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 7.3-123(2-5), indicate that carbofuran is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(6) based upon a calculated Henry's Law constant of 4.5X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 5.4X10-7 mm Hg(7), and water solubility, 351 mg/L(7). According to a classification scheme(8), a BCF of 117 in Tilapia nilotica which were exposed over a 30-day period(9), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC), provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). Bioconcentration in other aquatic organisms is not expected to be an important fate process for this compound(10-12). The aqueous hydrolysis half-life at 27 °C was found to be 5.1 weeks at pH 7.0 and 1.2 hours at pH 10(13). In pond water, a biodegradation half-life of 2 days was reported for early rice and 5-6 days for late rice treated with carbofuran(14). Carbofuran dissipation from paddy water was rapid with an estimated dissipation time for 50% initial concentration (DT50) of 3 days and a DT95 of 13 days; dissipation was due to both hydrolysis and biodegradation(15). The half-lives for degradation of carbofuran in river, lake, and seawater from Greece following irradiation with sunlight were approximately 2, 6, and 12 hours, respectively; it was not reported whether the degradation was due to direct photolysis, indirect photooxidation or other processes(16).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), carbofuran, which has a vapor pressure of 5.4X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase carbofuran is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 14 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.6X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase carbofuran may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Carbofuran strongly absorbs light at wavelengths between 295 and 305 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Under laboratory conditions and 8 weeks of incubation, 77% of applied carbofuran remained in sterile muck while only 25% remained in non-sterile muck; 50% remained in sterile loam while none remained in non-sterile loam(1). The rate of CO2 release two weeks after incubating a vineyard soil with carbofuran was 40 times greater than when the soil had been autoclaved(2). Carbofuran was rapidly lost from cornfield soils both with and without a history of carbofuran use, but virtually no loss was observed when the soil was autoclaved(3). The main metabolite of carbofuran in soil is 3-ketocarbofuran; small amounts of 3-hydroxycarbofuran, carbofuran phenol, and 3-ketocarbofuran phenol were also present(4). The dominant fate of the carbonyl group of carbofuran, once added to non-history soils, is hydrolysis of the carbamate bond followed by rapid mineralization of the methylamine(5). Non-sterile samples exhibited a lag phase followed by a period of rapid hydrolysis; the reaction is essentially complete after 14 days with CO2 production from 77.6-100% of the added labeled carbofuran(5). A half-life of 8-10 days was determined for carbofuran in paddy soils. In pond water, a biodegradation half-life of 2 days was reported for early rice and 5-6 days for late rice treated with carbofuran(6). Carbofuran dissipation from paddy water was rapid with an estimated dissipation time for 50% initial concentration (DT50) of 3 days and a DT95 of 13 days; the DT50 from paddy soil was about 10 days and the DT95 was 42 days; dissipation was due to both hydrolysis and biodegradation(7).

AEROBIC: The rate of degradation of carbofuran in soil is greatly increased by pretreatment with carbofuran(1-9); this does not appear to be due to a substantial increase in the microbial population(1). In previously untreated soil, 90% of the initial carbofuran added remained after 1 day; only 3% remained after the same time in a soil which had been treated with carbofuran 13 weeks previously(2). Heat sterilization, freezing or drying of this soil drastically reduced the rate of degradation, suggesting that degradation is due to biological processes(2). Sequences of treatments of carbofuran after fensulfothion or fensulfothion after carbofuran resulted in faster breakdown of the second than of the first field treatment but breakdown was slower than following the second application of the same compound(3). Degradation was complete in 15 days using Italian soils previously treated with carbofuran as opposed to 30 days in un-treated soils(4). Soil previously treated with tri-allate gave an enhanced degradation rate for carbofuran(10). The degradation of 14C-ring carbofuran was not enhanced in soils pretreated with its hydrolysis product, carbofuran phenol(11). Enhanced biodegradation of carbofuran was not seen using a Lima silt loam; degradation of this compound may occur through cometabolic processes as no increase in the microbial population is seen in acclimated soils and as there is little incorporation of 14C-label into cellular biomass(12).

AEROBIC: C14-Ring labeled carbofuran, incubated at 1 ug/g in silt loam soil, had recoveries of 16, 27, 32 and 33 % as 14CO2 after 4, 11, 21, and 32 days, respectively; 14C-carbonyl labeled carbofuran, at the same concentration, had recoveries of 13, 36, 47, and 62% 14CO2 after 4, 11, 21, and 32 days, respectively(1). Biodegradation of carbofuran in soil may proceed in two steps: hydrolysis of the carbonyl side chain followed by the adsorption of the primary metabolite, causing a decrease in ring breakdown(1-2). Degradation of soluble and sorbed carbonyl-14C-carbofuran at differing soil moisture was measured; rates of degradation were comparable at 20 and 17.5% moisture with >97% degradation within 14 days and 14CO2 recoveries of 90%(3). Rates decreased with diminishing moisture content until only 7% of 14CO2 was recovered after 5 weeks at 7.5% moisture(3). The decrease in biodegradation with decreasing soil moisture content was due to dessication and not to decreasing availability of the pesticide(3). Carbofuran was mineralized in all subsoil samples of Monchengladbach soil showing a decrease in mineralization with depth(4). Carbofuran biodegradation was studied under field conditions at three different depths; half-lives of 14, 14, and 73 days were reported for 2, 20, and 60 cm depth, respectively(5). In another soil, 0.2, 4.6, 30.7, and 40.3% of the initial carbofuran was extracted following 5 months of incubation at 0-10, 20-30, 50-60, and 90-100 cm depth, respectively(6).

In soils containing high levels of actinomycetes, carbofuran degradation was rapid. At 20 °C, about 50% was gone within approx 4 weeks. 3-Hydroxycarbofuran incubated in soil under similar conditions was not detectable after 4 weeks. Carbofuran degradation was most rapid in soils under flooded conditions. A bacterium, not identified, was isolated from flooded soil & found capable of degrading carbofuran under static conditions.

The degradation of carbofuran was studied in two soils, laterite (44.4% sand, 15% silt, 40.6% clay, pH 5.4, 2.35 g/kg organic carbon) and alluvial (66.6% sand, 25% silt, 8.4% clay, pH 7.3, 5.85 g/kg organic carbon) under aerobic laboratory conditions for 60 days in the dark at 30 °C. The concentration in mg/kg of carbofuran and its two major degradation products, 3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran were recorded throughout the incubation period. Detection limit for all three compounds is 0.01 mg/kg.[Table#3225]

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of carbofuran with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.6X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 14 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The hydrolysis half-lives of carbofuran in sterile water-ethanol (99:1) were found to be 170, 690, 690, 8.2, and 1.0 weeks at pH values of 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0, respectively, at 25 °C(2). The aqueous hydrolysis half-life at 27 °C was found to be 5.1 weeks at pH 7.0 and 1.2 hours at pH 10(3). Degradation in deionized water at pH 7.0 was approximately 10% faster during sunlight exposure as compared to dark conditions; degradation in natural water (paddy and drainage ditch water) was 30-50% faster in sunlight than in the dark(3). The presence of hydroxyl radicals in sunlit water increased the photodecomposition rate of carbofuran(4); a hydroxyl radical rate constant in aqueous solution was measured as 7X10+9 /M-sec(5). The half-lives for degradation of carbofuran in river, lake, and seawater from Greece following irradiation with sunlight were approximately 2, 6, and 12 hours, respectively; it was not reported whether the degradation was due to direct photolysis, indirect photooxidation or other processes(6). Direct photolysis may be an important removal process for carbofuran as it strongly absorbs light at wavelengths between 295 and 305 nm(7). The approximate half-lives for degradation of carbofuran in sterile and non-sterile natural water (pH 7.8-8.0 and 7.8, respectively), collected from the Holland Marsh, Ontario, were 2.5 and 3 weeks, respectively; the half-lives in sterile and non-sterile distilled water (pH 7.0-7.2 and 6.8, respectively) were 2 and 3.8 weeks, respectively(8). These results indicate that carbofuran degradation in this system is primarily due to chemical processes(8). The photochemical degradation of carbofuran in pure aqueous solution at wavelengths >290 nm proceeded very slowly; in the presence of soil particles, photodegradation rates increased(9). Carbofuran irradiated by sunlight in water for 5 days formed 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl benzofuran-4,7-diol as the main photodegradation product(10).

Carbofuran hydrolyzed rapidly when added to a model ecosystem, producing carbofuran phenol and N-methylcarbamic acid. 3-Ketocarbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuranphenol, N-hydroxymethylcarbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran were also observed. Carbofuran hydrolyzed, primarily chemically, to the phenol in 5 days in paddy water. While autoclaving did not affect the hydrolysis, further degradation was inhibited. The hydrolysis half-life in rice paddy water was 1.2 hr at pH 10 and 864 hr at pH 7.

A BCF for carbofuran of 117 was measured using Tilapia nilotica which were exposed over a 30-day period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC), provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC).

Carbofuran residues were not detected on any sampling day in zooplankton, black bullheads, or bluegill in a farm pond treated with the insecticide for 2 years (0.025 ppm the first year and 0.050 ppm the second year)(1). Carbofuran residues were not detected in caterpillars, freshwater clams, freshwater crabs, or frogs following the application of 5 mg of carbon-labeled carbofuran to a laboratory aquatic ecosystem(2). Only low residual amounts of carbofuran were found in mosquito larvae and fish (Gambusia) in a model ecosystem treated with carbofuran(3). Carbofuran did not bioconcentrate in caddisfly eggs when exposed for over 120 hours(4). A measured BCF value of 10 was reported for the snail Pila luzonica(5). The addition of carbofuran to a rice/fish model ecosystem after 30 days equilibration resulted in higher bioaccumulation for Tilapia nilotica and Ctenopharyngodon idellus than when carbofuran was initially mixed with the soil in the ecosystem; residue concentrations were highest 2 to 3 days following carbofuran treatment(6). Water from a rice paddy was drained into an adjacent fish pond; carbofuran residues were concentrated in the fish entrails with highest concentrations reported within 5-10 days(7). There was no evidence for the concentration of carbofuran in fish using a rice/fish model ecosystem(8). The uptake of radio-labeled carbofuran by southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardii Barber, larvae was measured at different concentrations of insecticide and in soils with organic contents of 0.46%, 1.76%, 1.85%, 3.50%(9). Maximum uptake was recorded after 24 hours and then stabilized(9). Uptake correlated with organic content of soil, more carbofuran being absorbed in the soils with less organic carbon content(9).

The Koc of carbofuran was studied in 43 surface soils (0-15 cm) from Sri Lanka, 28 soils were from the wet zone, 15 from the dry zone, Koc values ranged from 7.3 to 120.6 with a mean and median of 41.65 and 36.1, respectively(1). The Koc range of 8 European soils was determined to be 48.6 to 110.0(2). Carbofuran had an average Koc of 105 measured in three soils with an organic content ranging from 0.68 to 2.01%(3). A mean Koc value of 29.4 was determined for 5 different soils(4). Based on measured Rf values, carbofuran was found to be mobile to very mobile in sandy soil, sandy loam, silty clay, and silty loam soil, moderately mobile in silty clay and silty clay loam soil, and only slightly mobile in muck soil(5). Koc values ranging from 24 to 123 were determined for sand, sandy loam, creek sediment, and an organic soil(6). According to a recommended classification scheme(7), these measured Koc values indicate that carbofuran has very high to high mobility in soil(SRC). Laboratory studies found carbofuran leached through soil, but tests in a corn field found that carbofuran traveled only to a depth of 7.5 cm over 22 weeks which included periods of heavy rain; the formulated product was found to leach less than the technical product(8). Carbofuran adsorbed more strongly to red loam soil than sandy loam soil with adsorption due to organic matter and clay content of the soil(9). Carbofuran was detected in agricultural drain water from a rice growing area at a total of 1.72-11.03% during a 54-80 day period after flooding(10).

Water collected from a subsurface tile drain system overlain by Clermont silt loam soil contained carbofuran within 3 weeks of pesticide application; a Koc value of 41 was measured for carbofuran in this soil(1). Carbofuran behavior was studied in 2 drained cornfield soils (clay and loamy clay) for 2 successive years. The persistence values (total residence time) obtained were 56 and 63 days for the first and second yr(2). Drained water, from soil rich in organic matter, was found to have a high carbofuran content, 7.1-13.7% and 2.5-5.0% of the applied dose for clay and loamy clay soils, respectively(2). Koc values for carbofuran of 0, 0, 27.03, and 29.28 were measured for four rice-growing soils in India, a laterite (pH 7.2, 0.62% organic carbon), a alluvial soil (pH 6.2, 1.62% organic carbon), an acid sulfate Pokkali (pH 3.6, 7.1% organic carbon), and an acid sulfate Kari soil (pH 2.7, 8.8% organic carbon)(3).

The Henry's Law constant for carbofuran is estimated as 4.5X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 5.4X10-7 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 351 mg/L(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that carbofuran is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from moist soil and water surfaces(2). Carbofuran is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1). In glass chamber laboratory tests, 5.8% of carbofuran applied to rice seedlings was lost by volatilization during 10 days of observation(3). Only 0.01-0.03% of the original 14C-carbofuran activity was lost by volatilization following application to soil during plant growth(4). The average half-life for carbofuran loss was 57 hr from rice paddy water(5). The loss due to hydrolysis was over 700 times more rapid at pH 10 (half-life 1.2 hr) than at pH 7 (half-life 864 hr) in buffered deionized water, indicating that pH is the predominating factor in carbofuran degradation(5). Volatilization of carbofuran at 25 °C from soils in the laboratory was 0.5% in sandy loam and 36.2% in sand after 60 days(6).

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P127, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Mix carbofuran with excess calcium oxide (CaO) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sand or other adsorbent in a pit or trench at least 0.5 m deep in a clay soil. NaOH or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) can also be added to the mixture to help speed the reactions when CaO is used as the main alkali. The amt of CaO or Na2CO3 to use depends on the amt of pesticide to be disposed of and, to some extent, the concentration of active ingredient in the pesticide and the actual chemical nature of the active ingredient. A practical guideline, in the absence of specific directions, is to use an approx volume or weight of alkali from one-half of to the same as that of the pesticide. For dilute formulations, such as a 1% soln or dust, the amount of CaO or Na2CO3 can be reduced by one-half. For very concentrated pesticides (over 80% active ingredient) the amount of calcium oxide or sodium carbonate can be doubled, but the concentrate should be mixed first with water (or soapy water) before reaction with the alkali. For safety, a preliminary test should be made in which very small amt of the pesticide and alkali are mixed and observed briefly to make sure it does not react too vigorously. Sizable quantities of pesticides can be disposed of in several smaller batches, rather than all at once, for added safety. Recommendable methods: Alkaline hydrolysis & incineration. Peer-review: Use 10 parts by vol of 8% wt/vol soln of sodium ethoxide in 50% ethanol water solvent per part of carbofuran pesticide formulation. Leave for one hr. Incinerate product which contains heterocyclics plus methylamine. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

Hydrolysis: A decontaminant soln of sodium hydroxide in 50% aqueous ethanol is recommended to achieve sufficient carbofuran dissolution. T 0.999 (99.9% degradation time) was calculated with N=3 (3:1 hydroxide-carbofuran stoichiometry). For the 300 g/l flowable formulation T 0.999 was calculated as less than 1 min with 20:1 (vol/vol) 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or 10:1 (vol/vol) 2 N NaOH. Additional time is suggested for granular formulations to allow the carbofuran to desorb. The 10%, 5%, and 2% formulations can also be detoxified with 1 N NaOH in 50% aqueous ethanol. Bags should be thoroughly emptied and burned. Empty containers should be drained thoroughly and triple rinsed with the aqueous ethanolic alkaline decontaminant or water, if the rinsate could be used for dilution.

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS-TOXIC/ Health: TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. /Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, poisonous; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, toxic; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, toxic, flammable/

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS-TOXIC/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. /Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, poisonous; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, toxic; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, toxic, flammable/

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS-TOXIC/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, poisonous; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, toxic; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, toxic, flammable/

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS-TOXIC/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, poisonous; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, flammable, toxic; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable; Carbamate pesticide, liquid, toxic, flammable/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2757; Carbamate pesticides, solid, toxic

UN 2758; Carbamate pesticides, liquid, flammable, toxic, flashpoint less than 23 °C

UN 2991; Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic, flammable, flashpoint not less than 23 °C

UN 2992; Carbamate pesticides, liquid, toxic

For more Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO (Complete) data for CARBOFURAN (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

49 215 25; Carbofuran

49 215 24; Carbofuran mixture, liquid (agricultural insecticides, nec, liquid)

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.

Symbol: T+, N; R: 26/28-50/53; S: (1/2)-36/37-45-60-61

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: I