IPCS INCHEM Home
FENTHION ICSC: 0655
Date of Peer Review: October 2006

O,O-Dimethyl-O-(4-methylthio-m-tolyl) phosphorothioate
Phosphorothioic acid, O,O-dimethyl O-(3-methyl-4-(methylthio)phenyl) ester
CAS # 55-38-9 C10H15O3PS2 / (H3CO)2PSOC6H3(CH3)SCH3
RTECS # TF9625000 Molecular mass: 278.3
UN # 3018
EC Annex 1 Index # 015-048-00-8
EC/EINECS # 200-231-9
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Liquid formulations containing organic solvents may be flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Water spray, foam, powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting. Sweating. Pupillary constriction, muscle cramp, excessive salivation. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! (Further see Inhalation).
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.
Eyes Blurred vision.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer immediately for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: A/P2 filter respirator for organic vapour and harmful dust. Chemical protection suit.and protective gloves. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Severe marine pollutant.
EU Classification
Symbol: T, N
R: 21/22-23-48/25-50/53-68
S: (1/2-)36/37-45-60-61
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: III
GHS Classification
Danger
Toxic if swallowed
Toxic in contact with skin
Causes damage to the nervous system
Very toxic to aquatic life
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT6-III
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
FENTHION ICSC: 0655
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS OILY LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes including phosphorus oxides and sulfur oxides. Reacts with oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.05 mg/m³ as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2006).
MAK: 0.2 (Inhalable fraction) mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(2); skin absorption (H); (DFG 2006).
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body in hazardous amounts by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C ; on spraying or dispersing, however, much faster.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Cholinesterase inhibitor. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system , resulting in convulsions and respiratory failure. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Cholinesterase inhibitor; cumulative effect is possible: see acute hazards/symptoms.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Decomposes when heated
Melting point: 7.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.25
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 0.005
Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: negligible
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 9.6
Flash point: 170°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 365°C
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.17-4.8
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be given to avoid any additional release, e.g. through inappropriate disposal.
NOTES
The technical grade (95-98% pure) is a yellow to brown oil with a weak garlic-like odour. Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may change physical and toxicological properties. Do NOT take working clothes home. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2005
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Fenthion (PDS)
       Fenthion (WHO Pesticide Residues Series 1)
       Fenthion (WHO Pesticide Residues Series 5)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1977 evaluations)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1978 evaluations)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1979 evaluations)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1980 evaluations)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1983 evaluations)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1995 evaluations Part II Toxicological & Environmental)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1995 evaluations Part II Toxicological & Environmental)
       Fenthion (Pesticide residues in food: 1997 evaluations Part II Toxicological & Environmental)