Dicamba

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of dicamba stem from its toxicologic properties as an organochlorine herbicide. Contact with dicamba may cause burns to the skin and eyes. Results from animal testing have indicated that dicamba is a compound of low acute toxicity; however, effects of acute exposure to humans have been reported to include appetite loss, weight loss, vomiting, depression, muscular weakness, and even death if sufficient quantities are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Those involved in the manufacture, formulation and application of this pale, odorless, crystalline herbicide are at risk of exposure. Those at risk should wear boots, protective gloves, and goggles. Breathing dicamba dust is to be avoided and areas of the body that may have contacted dicamba should be washed with soap and water; particularly before smoking, eating, or using toilet facilities. Considered non-flammable, dicamba burns only with great difficulty. Therefore, any fire involving dicamba should be extinguished with agents suitable for use on surrounding materials. A positive-pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing should be worn under such emergency conditions. Fire control water should be diked to prevent its entering water sources and sewers. Dicamba is stable, and resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis under normal storage conditions. While no label is required for shipment, dicamba should be clearly identified in storage areas. Containers of dicamba may be shipped by air, rail, road, or water. Small liquid spills of dicamba may be reduced to solid phase by evaporation, and then removed by vacuum cleaning. Large land spills should be deposited in excavated pits, ponds or other holding areas that have been sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner. Surface flow should be diked with soil or sand bags. Spills of dicamba in bodies of water, first may need to be treated with activated carbon, then immobilized masses removed with mechanical dredges or lifts. Before permanent land disposal of dicamba, consult with environmental regulatory agencies.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dicamba safe storage

Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Separated from food and feedstuffs.

Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Dicamba storage conditions

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dicamba incompatible materials

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dicamba reactivity

DICAMBA is a chlorinated benzoic acid derivative. Reacts as a weak acid to neutralize bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. May corrode iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers if moist. Reacts with cyanide salts in the presence of moisture to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. May react if moist with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, may initiate polymerization reactions or catalyze other reactions.

Source: CAMEO Chemicals