It must be noted that the issue of a Data Sheet for a particular pesticide does not imply endorsement of the pesticide by WHO or FAO for any particular use, or exclude its use for other purposes not stated. while the information provided is believed to be accurate according to data available at the time when the sheet was compiled, neither WHO nor FAO are responsible for any errors or omissions, or any consequences therefrom.

The issue of this document does not constitute formal publication. It should not be reviewed, abstracted or quoted without the agreement of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations or of the World Health Organization.

Ce document ne constitue pas une publication. Il ne doit faire l'objet d'aucun compte rendu ou résumé ni d'aucune citation sans l'autorisation de l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'Alimentation et l'Agriculture ou de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé.

None

2-methoxyethylmercury chloride is a broad spectrum, cumulative and systemic alkoxyalkyl mercurial fungicide; a non-specific, non-selective metabolic inhibitor; and an unstable organic compound that decomposes to release inorganic mercury which is most persistent. It is highly toxic to mammals and other non-target organisms. It is used exclusively for seed treatment, however, it is believed to be no longer manufactured, or marketed for crop protection. Some stocks may, however, remain and be used.

2-methoxyethylmercury chloride is a white (colourless) crystalline solid melting at 65 ºC.

In water, 50 g/litre at room temperature; readily soluble in acetone and ethanol.

2-methoxyethylmercury salts are stable in alkaline media, they are decomposed in halogen acids to ethylene, methanol and inorganic mercury (II) salts.

1.33 x 10^-4 kPa (1 x 10^-3 mm Hg) at 35ºC.

These include various dusts and liquid preparations for slurry seed dressing and dips at concentrations of 2-60 g Hg/kg of seeds and 19 g/litre respectively.

This compound is used exclusively against seed borne diseases of a fungal type.

Methoxyethylmercury chloride was applied to sugar cane and pineapple sets; against surface borne diseases of seed potatoes and flower bulbs and, as a seed dressing against seed borne diseases of cereals, legumes and root crops.

This compound presents no hazard to plants or animals if used as directed.

No recommended use.

No recommended use.

Alkoxyalkylmercurial compounds are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and by inhalation. There is no published data available on skin absorption. Mercury from alkoxyalkylmercury salts crosses the placental barrier to a minor extent.

Mercury in whatever form, will denature membraneous and intra-cellular proteins, generally inactivating enzymes and causing metabolic disruption.

Studies using ¹⁴C labelled methoxyethylmercury chloride demonstrated rapid metabolism. Within 24 hours approximately 50% of the radioactivity was exhaled as ethylene and carbon dioxide in a ratio of 9 to 1. The principal route of mercury excretion was via the faeces. Urinary excretion accounted for approximately 10% of the dose in the first four days, initially as organic mercury but after 24 hours exclusively as inorganic mercury. Biliary metabolites were not identified and it was presumed that some degradation occurred in the gut directly. The rate of elimination appears to be dose dependant, at 0.05 mg/kg b.w. dosage the half life was observed to be 4-10 days.

(administered as a dust of the silicate salt.)

Acute adverse effects of alkoxyalkylmercury compounds include: local effects on the skin and mucous membranes, impaired weight gain, nephrotoxicity, neurological symptoms (ataxia, tremors and/or palsied movements), gastrointestinal irritations, and pulmonary oedema.

Oral: In rats, a cumulative dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. by gavage caused an increased activity of hydrolytic enzymes as evidenced by histoenzymatic changes in some axonal processes, the oligodendroglia of the corpus callosum and fornix and the astroglia of the cerebral cortex. These findings of enzyme activation were supported in a second study in which findings also included a tendency toward increased proliferation of glial cells.

Intraperitoneal: In rats, 0.12 or 1.2 mg Hg/kg/day after 30 days caused decreased growth, neurological symptoms and nephrotoxicity at the highest dose and, similar changes by 80 days at the lower dose. Behaviourial changes were also observed at the high dose level within 10 days.

Cumulation of compound: No published information is available. However, cumulation is not likely, given the rapid clearance rate for alkoxyalkylmercurials.

Short-term: No published information available.

Long-term: No published information available.

Carcinogenicity: There is no evidence that organomercurials are carcinogenic, however, given their extreme acute toxicity, it is unlikely that sufficient exposure could be sustained to reveal a carcinogenic potential.

Reproduction: No published information available.

Teratology: No published information available.

Mutagenicity: Methoxyethylmercury chloride gave negative results in a screening test for nondisjunction and loss of sex chromosomes in Drosophila larvae of both sexes at dose levels of 2 and 5 mg/kg of substrate. The compound gave positive results in a chinese hamster cell line (V79-4) study, in a human lymphocyte study at 200 μmol/litre and also for mouse sperm morphology and induction of nondisjunction at 13 mg/kg b.w.

No published information available.

Alkoxyalkymercurial compounds are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and by inhalation of dusts, aerosols, or vaporous mercury contaminants. There are no published data on skin absorption. Inorganic mercury is known to cross the placental barrier in mice.

No published information available.

In one case, 2-3 hours of inhalation of the silicate salt, as a dust, caused pulmonary and gastrointestinal distress and months later, evidence of renal and central nervous damage appeared. Other cases describe digestive system malfunction and loss of appetite, peripheral sensory loss, general weakness and general oedema.

Typical signs and symptoms of acrodynia were observed in a young child exposed to an unknown quantity of a seed treatment formulation. Recovery was complete in a matter of weeks.

A number of cases of systemic poisoning due to inhalation have been reported. They showed symptoms similar to those described in 2.2.3. Typically, exposure to the silicate salt has been observed to cause skin irritation ranging from mild dermatitis to ulceration. No cases of prenatal poisoning have been published.

No published information available.

No published reports of other than individual poisonings are available.

No published information available.

[For definition of categories see the "Introduction to data sheets".]

All formulations: Should be transported and stored in clearly labelled, rigid and leakproof containers under lock and key, secure from access by children and other unauthorized persons. No food or drink should be stored in the same compartment.

All formulations: Full protective clothing (see 4.3 part 4) should be used by those handling the compound. Adequate washing facilities should be available at all times during the handling and should be close to site of handling. Eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited during handling and before washing after handling.

All formulations: Containers must be either burned or crushed and buried below topsoil. Care must be taken to avoid subsequent contamination of water sources. Decontamination of containers in order to use them for other purposes should not be permitted.

All formulations: Pre-employment and periodic medical examination of workers necessary. Workers suffering from active hepatic or renal disease and pregnant women should be excluded from contact. The skin, eyes, lung, cardiovascular and central nervous system should also be examined. Special account should be taken of the workers' ability to comprehend and follow instructions. Training of workers in techniques to avoid contact is essential.

All formulations: Not applicable, not recommended for distribution by aircraft.

All formulations:

"DANGER - POISON"

(skull and cross bones insignia)

This formulation contains 2-methoxyethylmercury chloride. It is a primary irritant and highly acutely toxic. Contact with the skin should be avoided. Inhalation or ingestion of the compound may be fatal. Wear protective gloves, clean protective clothing and an appropriate respirator when using dust formulations. Bathe immediately after work. Ensure that containers are stored under lock and key. Empty containers must be disposed of in such a way as to prevent all possibility of accidental contact with them. Keep the material out of reach of children and well away from foodstuffs, animal feed and their containers.

In case of contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water; for eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes

If poisoning is suspected, call a physician. There is no specific antidote, most chelating agents are ineffective. Treatment must be symptomatic. Artificial respiration may also be needed.

Maximum residue levels: Not applicable.

2-methoxyethylmercury chloride is a fungicide of very high acute toxicity. It is a metabolic poison absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and by inhalation of dust or aerosols and a primary irritant. Most formulations should be handled by trained personnel wearing protective clothing. All uses could increase mercury levels in foods should be vigorously discouraged.

T.L.V. - (ACGIH) 0.1 mg/m³ (8 hour TWA). OSHA standard in Air: TWA 10 μg(Hg)/m³. Formulation should not be attempted without advice from the manufacturer.

Although volatility is low, vapour and dusts should be controlled preferably by mechanical means. Protective equipment for the skin and respiratory protection are usually necessary.

When opening the container and when mixing, protective impermeable boots, clean overalls, gloves and a supplied air respirator should be worn. Mixing, if not mechanical, should always be carried out with a paddle of appropriate length. Avoid contact with the mouth. Particular care is needed when equipment is being washed after use, including the insides of gloves. Splashes must be washed immediately from the skin or eyes with large quantities of water. Before eating, drinking, or smoking, hands and other exposed skin should be washed. Showers must be available and their use, prior to change to street clothing, should be encouraged.

Persons exposed to the compound and associated with its application should wear protective clothing and observe the precautions described above in 4.2.3 under "Mixers and applicators".

With good agricultural practice, subject to 4.2 below, other persons are not likely to be exposed to hazardous amounts of 2-methoxyethyl mercury chloride. Special attention should be given to public warnings and educational programmes directed at susceptible populations to prevent primary and secondary accidental poisonings.

Not applicable.

Spillage of the compound and its formulations should be removed by washing with 5% sodium hydroxide solution and then rinsing with large quantities of water. Wash water should be carefully collected and disposed of in such a way that it does not contaminate sewage or streams.

Residues in containers should be emptied in a diluted form into a deep pit taking care to avoid contamination of ground waters. The empty container must be burned or crushed and buried below topsoil. Decontamination of containers in order to use them for other purposes should not be permitted.

Skin contact may produce irritation leading to second degree burns if not decontaminated. Inhalation causes respiratory membrane irritation. Ingestion produces abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Intoxication also produces fine tremors of the extremities, abnormal movements, general weakness and visual problems. In severe cases, a rapid weak pulse, shallow breathing and pallor may lead to prostration, collapse and death.

The person should stop working immediately, contaminated clothing should be removed and the affected skin washed with soap and water. Flush the area contaminated and eyes in case of eye contact with large quantities of water. If swallowed, give activated charcoal then vomiting should be induced if the person is conscious. In the event of collapse, artificial respiration should be given, bearing in mind that if mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is used, vomit may contain toxic amounts of the pesticide. Keep the patient warm and comfortable until medical treatment is available.

2-methoxyethyl mercury chloride is a fungicide of very high acute toxicity; a potent metabolic poison, it is more toxic by the oral route than inorganic mercury but less than short chain alkyl mercurials. It is absorbed quite readily from the gastrointestinal tract and by inhalation of fine dust or aerosols. It is irritating to the skin and mucosae. It may cross both the blood-brain and placental barriers.

Following ingestion, the initial phase of acute poisoning, lasting up to 36 hours, includes: Immediate and painful erosion of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa occurs. A rapid progression of transient neurotoxic effects follow; fine tremors of the hands and face, ataxia, paresis, tunnel vision and delirium similar to those of alkyl mercury poisoning. Abdominal upset occurs within minutes; epigastric pain followed by diffuse abdominal pain; vomiting of mucus containing blood and mucosal shreds; tenesmus, diarrhoea and haemorrhaging. A general malaise and metallic taste sensation with perfuse salivation and excessive thirst follow. Within hours cardiovascular and respiratory signs appear: tachycardia leading to fibrillation, falling blood pressure, shallow breathing, pallor, prostration and finally collapse. Death, if it occurs, is usually due to cardiac failure.

If the first phase is survived the second phase may follow, one to three days after exposure, unless the dose was small or persistent purging and vomiting have effectively eliminated the compound from the gut. This phase, is similar to the second phase of inorganic mercury poisoning and may include: membranous colitis with dysentery, tenesmus, ulceration and haemorrhage; stomatitis characterized by glossitis, ulcerative gingivitis with profuse salivation and major oral complications; renal tubular necrosis progressing through transient polyuria, albuminuria, cylinduria, anuria and finally recovery or azotemia and renal acidosis leading to death from complete renal failure. Liver necrosis as evidenced by increased serum SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST) levels is an infrequent occurrence. Without treatment, death follows 10 to 14 days after exposure.

Inhalation and dermal exposure often do not produce all of the symptoms of the first phase. A metallic taste sensation, excessive salivation and thirst have been reported following serious inhalation exposure.

Many of the effects of alkoxyalkyl mercury may be due to elemental mercury contamination of the compound

Analysis of mercury in blood and urine will confirm exposure but will not give information on the extent of exposure. Analysis of hair samples may be a useful indicator of chronic exposure.

There is no specific antidote for mercury poisoning. The treatment must be symptomatic and must be initiated without delay. Decontamination must be the first step, to prevent further absorption of the compound. In the case of skin contact, remove decontaminated clothing, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. In the case of eye contact, flush the eyes with large volumes of water or physiological saline. If the poison has been ingested and the patient is conscious, precipitating agents (e.g. activated charcoal) should be given without delay. If vomiting is not spontaneous, it should be induced and followed by a mild purgative (e.g. sodium or magnesium sulfate) if spontaneous purging has not begun. If vomiting cannot be induced safely, gastric lavage with precipating agents or sodium bicarbonate must be speedily performed.

The use of chelating agents (intra-muscular) has not been proven to be a consistently effective form of treatment, BAL in particular is contraindicated. Increased excretion of absorbed mercury should not be considered a precondition for life saving.

If the acute toxic effect is survived and the effects were not severe, the chances of complete recovery are good. The possibility of irreversible organ damage following severe intoxication cannot be discounted.

No published information available.

Several analytical methods are available and they are described in the following papers:

Leitch RE and Pease HL (1973), Anal Methods Pestic Plant Growth Regul 7: 331.

Pease HC and Kirkland JJ (1968), J Agric Food Chem 16: 554.

Rangaswamy JR et al. (1977), J Assoc Off Anal Chem 60(5): 1043.

Sundaram KMS et al. (1979), J Chromatogr 177: 29.

Szeto SY and Sundaram KMS (1980), J Chromatogr 172: 528.

Thean JE et al. (1978), J Assoc Off Anal Chem 61: 15.

Thewari SN and Singh R (1979), J Chromatogr 172: 528.

Williams JH (1972), Pestic Sci 3: 179.

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations