Dichlobenil

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of dichlobenil stem from its toxicologic properties as a pesticide. Dermal effects appear to be the most common: ranging from possible contact burns to the skin and eyes, to dermatitis, including chloracne. However, dichlobenil also may be fatal if sufficiently high doses are inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. Breathing of dichlobenil's aromatic, off-white, crystaline dust, and its contact with skin or eyes should be avoided. Where avoidance is not possible, wear boots and protective clothing, gloves, and goggles (also, a positive pressure breathing apparatus in emergency situations). Remove and isolate contaminated clothing at the exposure site and wash exposed skin well with soap and water, particularly before smoking, eating or using toilet facilities. Formulated dichlobenil is nonflammable. However, when heated to decomposition, it may evolve highly toxic fumes including phosgene or cyanide. If dichlobenil is involved in a fire, extinguish the fire using an agent suitable for the type of surrounding material. Fire-control water should be diked, as necessary to prevent dichlobenil from entering water sources and sewers. While dichlobenil is non-corrosive and thermally stable, it nevertheless should be stored in a cool, dry place, in tightly closed containers, and away from alkalis, feed and feedstuffs. Containers of dichlobenil may be shipped via air, water, road, or rail. Small spills of dichlobenil should be carefully shovelled into a clean dry container (liquid dichlobenil is first absorbed by a non-combustible material, like sand) for later disposal. Large land spills should be deposited in excavated pits, ponds, or holding areas that have been sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner (solids also should be covered with plastic sheeting). Spills of dichlobenil in bodies of water, first may need to be treated with activated carbon ... Before permanent land disposal of dichlobenil, consult with environmental regulatory agencies.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Cancer Classification: Group C Possible Human Carcinogen

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dichlobenil safe storage

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

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

Dichlobenil storage conditions

The shelf life in storage is at least 2 yr when stored in a cool, dry place. In view of its volatility, the product should be packed in tightly closed containers.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dichlobenil incompatible materials

Dichlobenil as a suspension in water does not deteriorate. It is compatible with most wettable powder herbicides. Mixing with water soluble fertilizers or emulsifiable herbicides is not recommended.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dichlobenil reactivity

A halogenated nitrile. Nitriles may polymerize in the presence of metals and some metal compounds. They are incompatible with acids; mixing nitriles with strong oxidizing acids can lead to extremely violent reactions. Nitriles are generally incompatible with other oxidizing agents such as peroxides and epoxides. The combination of bases and nitriles can produce hydrogen cyanide. Nitriles are hydrolyzed in both aqueous acid and base to give carboxylic acids (or salts of carboxylic acids). These reactions generate heat. Peroxides convert nitriles to amides. Nitriles can react vigorously with reducing agents. Acetonitrile and propionitrile are soluble in water, but nitriles higher than propionitrile have low aqueous solubility. They are also insoluble in aqueous acids.

Source: CAMEO Chemicals