Material Safety Data Sheet – Metaldehyde

1. Identification

Product Name: Metaldehyde
Chemical Formula: C8H16O4
CAS Number: 108-62-3
Synonyms: Acetaldehyde tetramer, Slug Pellets
Recommended Use: Molluscicide, Slug and Snail Killer
Manufacturer Information: Listed on packaging container, contact for emergency or technical support
Emergency Telephone Number: Usually found with the product supplier, check label or safety signage

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity – Oral (Category 3); Eye Irritant (Category 2A); Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed; causes serious eye irritation; may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Pictograms: Skull and Crossbones, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from children and pets; do not breathe dust; avoid contact with eyes and skin; use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; wash hands thoroughly after handling

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Metaldehyde
Purity: 98-99% (based on technical grade)
Impurities: Small amounts of acetaldehyde and other trace byproducts
Formulation Additives: May include fillers, binders, colorants or denatonium benzoate for taste aversion
Molecular Weight: 176.21 g/mol

4. First Aid Measures

General Advice: Seek immediate medical attention for severe exposure
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; keep at rest; seek medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness or headache develop
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with plenty of water; wash thoroughly with soap
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; seek medical care if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth (if conscious); do not induce vomiting; give water to drink and get medical help
Main Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, possible seizures in severe cases

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet
Specific Hazards: Combustion can produce toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and aldehydes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Risks: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Special Advice: Move containers from fire area if it can be done without risk; cool unopened containers with water spray

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, avoid dust formation, use suitable breathing protection if necessary
Environmental Precautions: Avoid entry into waterways, drains, or sewers; notify authorities in case of large spill
Cleanup Methods: Collect by shoveling dry material into sealed containers; use non-sparking tools; wash spill site with soapy water after material is picked up
Waste Disposal: Place waste in approved hazardous waste receptacle; dispose of according to local regulations

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles and mask; avoid generating dust; keep away from food and drinks
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep away from direct sunlight, sources of ignition, and incompatible materials
Specific Requirements: Clearly label storage areas; keep out of reach of children and pets
Avoid: Moisture, strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for Metaldehyde
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), protective clothing, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator (P2/P3 type)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid, sometimes formulated as blue-green pellets
Odor: Mild, characteristic odor
Melting Point: 246–247°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Poorly soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.53 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Partition Coefficient n-octanol/water (Log Kow): 1.1

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, ignition sources, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetaldehyde, other organics on burning
Reactivity: Low under recommended handling conditions

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 227 mg/kg; toxic in small doses if ingested
Chronic Effects: Potential for liver and nervous system damage with repeated exposure
Symptoms of Exposure: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, muscle tremors, convulsions
Sensitization: Not classified as a skin sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence from available studies for humans

12. Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life (LC₅₀ for fish 75 mg/L)
Toxicity to Other Organisms: Toxic to birds and mammals at low doses; highly toxic to domestic pets, particularly dogs
Persistence and Degradability: Moderate; degrades slowly in soil under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential to bioaccumulate (Log Kow: 1.1)
Mobility in Soil: Relatively mobile due to water solubility, risk to water bodies exists after rainfall

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of by incineration or through licensed hazardous waste contractor
Disposal of Product: Never dispose of product in drains or watercourses; follow local hazardous waste guidelines strictly
Contaminated Packaging: Must be cleaned before reuse or recycled/disposed as hazardous material
Special Precautions: Prevent contamination of surface and ground water during disposal activities

14. Transport Information

UN Number: 2757
Proper Shipping Name: METALDEHYDE
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging is undamaged, labeled correctly, and stowed away from foodstuffs or animal feed

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
FIFRA Classification: Registered pesticide, subject to regulations for agricultural use
GHS Labelling: Required labels: pictogram, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements
REACH: Registered in accordance with European requirements
Other Requirements: Product label must carry hazard and precautionary statements, responsible person contacts, batch number, and expiry date
Worker Protection: Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for hazardous chemical use necessary