UNIVERSAL Crop Protection (Pty) Ltd Subject: MSMA SL
Co. Reg. No.: 83/08184/07 Document no: 038UM
Effective Date: August 1998
Revision no: 0
Product Code: HMSM01P
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE 4. FIRST AID MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS
Product Name: MSMA 720 SL The toxic potentials of the biotransformation
Common Name: MSMA products are not well established, it is thus safest to
Chemical Name: sodium hydrogen methylarsonate manage cases of arsenic ingestion as though all
(IUPAC) forms of arsenic are highly toxic.
CAS No.: 2163-80-6 Symptoms of acute poisoning may appear within one
Chemical Family: Organoarsenic (Pentavalent) hour of ingestion, but may delayed for several hours.
Chemical Formula: CH4AsNaO3 (Mol. wt: 162.0) Identification for this toxicant in the severely poisoned is
Use: Selective pre-emergence contact the familiar garlic odour of the breath and feces.
herbicide, with some systemic Gastrointestinal effects: inflammation of the mouth,
properties. pharynx, esophagus, burning abdominal pain, thirst,
Formulation: MSMA (organic arsenical): 720 g/l vomiting and rice-water or bloody diarrhea.
Soluble Liquid Renal injury: proteinuria, hematuria, glycosuria, oliguria,
UN number: 2994 for South Africa casts in the urine, and in severe cases, acute tubular
3280 - Internationally necrosis.
Central nervous system effects: headache, dizziness,
Supplier: Universal Crop Protection (Pty) Ltd muscle weakness and spasms, hypothermia, lethargy,
PO Box 801 delirium, coma and convulsions.
Kempton Park, 1620, South Africa Cardiovascular effects: shock, cyanosis, cardiac
Telephone: (011) 396 2233 arrhythmias due to direct toxic action and electrolyte
Fax: (011) 396 4777 disturbances.
E-mail: technical@villacrop.com Inhalation:
Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh
Emergency telephone: (011) 396 2233 air. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration
24 Hr Emergency Numbers: and administer oxygen. Keep person warm and at rest.
Bateleur Trauma: 0860 333 911 Treat symptomatically and supportively as and when
(Client: Villa Crop Protection) required. Obtain medical advice if necessary.
Tygerberg Hospital: (021) 931 6129 Skin contact:
University of Free State: 082 491 0160 Remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods.
Gently wipe off excess chemical. Wash skin gently and
thoroughly with water and non-abrasive soap. Seek
2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
medical attention if necessary. The product is not
considered to be a dermal sensitiser, but persons who
Active Ingredient: MSMA (organic arsenical)
become sensitised may require specialised medical
SYMBOLS: Xn, Xi
management with anti-inflammatory agents.
RISK-PHRASE(S): R 22, R36/38
Eye contact:
Immediately flush the contaminated eyes with gently
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION flowing lukewarm water or saline solution for 20 minutes,
holding the eyelid(s) open. Seek medical attention if
Toxicity class: necessary.
WHO III; EPA III. Ingestion:
A moderately toxic herbicide. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not
Likely routes of exposure: induce vomiting. Administration of gastric lavage or
Ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. The pentavalent oxygen should be performed by qualified medical
arsenicals are relatively water soluble and absorbable personnel. Seek medical advice.
across mucous membranes. Advice to physician:
Eye contact: If ingested, empty the stomach by intubation,
May cause eye irritation. aspiration and lavage, using a slurry of activated
Skin contact: charcoal in isotonic saline, taking all precautions to
Minimally toxic. May cause mild skin irritation. protect the respiratory tract form aspiration or vomitus.
Ingestion: If patient is unconscious, insert a cuffed endotracheal
Toxic by ingestion. tube prior to gastric intubation. Keep victim’s head
Inhalation: below level of stomach during gastric intubation and
Minimally toxic. lavage. Aspirate pharynx as regularly as possible.
Page 1 of 4
UNIVERSAL Crop Protection (Pty) Ltd Subject: MSMA SL
Co. Reg. No.: 83/08184/07 Document no: 038UM
Effective Date: August 1998
Revision no: 0
Product Code: HMSM01P
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Leave activated charcoal in stomach as indicated, with Occupational spill:
a repeated administration of charcoal at half or more For small liquid spills, soak up with sand or other suitable
the original dose very 2 to 4 hours. non-combustible absorbent material and place into
It is not appropriate to administer a cathartic, because containers for subsequent disposal. For large spills,
arsenic poisoning always results in profuse diarrhea. contain liquid far ahead of spill. Contain spillage and
Intravenous fluids should be administered to restore contaminated water for subsequent disposal. Do not
adequate hydration and electrolyte imbalances. flush spilled material into drains. Keep spectators away.
Dimercaprol (BAL) is recommended as an antidote for
arsenic poisoning.. (Side effects with BAL: nausea, 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
headache, burning and tingling sensations, sweating,
tremor, restlessness, tachycardia, hypertension and fever. Handling:
Acute symptoms usually disappear within 30 to 90 Harmful if swallowed. Avoid contact with eyes, prolonged
minutes. For relief of these symptoms give contact with skin, and inhalation of fumes. Use with
antihistamines or an oral dose of 25 to 30 mg of adequate ventilation. Wash hands before eating,
ephedrine sulfate.) Treat symptomatically and drinking, chewing gum, smoking, or using the toilet.
supportively as and when required. Remove clothing immediately if the herbicide gets inside.
Then wash skin thoroughly using a non-abrasive soap
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES and put on clean clothing. Do not apply directly to areas
where surface water is present, or to intertidal areas
Fire and explosion hazard: below the mean high water mark. Water used to clean
No fire or explosion hazard. equipment must be disposed of correctly to avoid
Extinguishing agents: contamination.
Extinguish small fires with carbon dioxide, dry powder, Storage:
halon or alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray or fog can Store in its original labelled container in a shaded, well-
be used for larger fires or cooling of unaffected stock, but ventilated area, away from heat, sparks and other
avoid the accumulation of polluted run-off from the site. sources of ignition. Not to be stored next to foodstuffs
Firefighting: and water supplies. Keep out of reach of children and
Remove container from fire area if possible. Contain fire animals. Local regulations should be complied with.
control water for later disposal. Use a recommended
extinguishing agent for the type of surrounding fire. 8. EXPOSURE CONTROL / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Avoid inhaling hazardous vapours. Keep material away
from water sources and sewers. Do not touch material It is essential to provide adequate ventilation. The
and avoid breathing fumes. Keep upwind. measures appropriate for a particular work site depend on
Personal protective equipment: how this material is used and on the extent of exposure.
Fire may produce irritating or poisonous vapours Ensure that control systems are properly designed and
(arsenicoxides and oxides of sodium), mists or other maintained. Comply with occupational safety,
products of combustion. Fire-fighters and others that may environmental, fire, and other applicable regulations.
be exposed should wear full protective clothing and self- PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
contained breathing apparatus. If engineering controls and work practices are not
effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES (SPILLAGE) suitable personal protective equipment including
approved respiratory protection.
Personal precautions: Respirator:
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not inhale fumes. An approved respirator suitable for protection from dusts
For personal protection see Section 8. In view of the and mists of pesticides is adequate. Limitations of
toxicity induced in experimental animals on repeated respirator use specified by the approved agency and the
exposure, proper care should be taken during manufacturer must be observed.
occupational use to avoid ingestion of spray particles, and Clothing:
to prevent accidental contamination of food products and Employee must wear appropriate protective (impervious)
water. clothing and equipment to prevent repeated or prolonged
Environmental precautions: skin contact with this substance.
Do not allow to enter drains or water courses. When the Gloves:
product contaminates public waters, inform appropriate Employee must wear appropriate synthetic protective
authorities in accordance with local regulations. gloves to prevent contact with this substance.
Page 2 of 4
UNIVERSAL Crop Protection (Pty) Ltd Subject: MSMA SL
Co. Reg. No.: 83/08184/07 Document no: 038UM
Effective Date: August 1998
Revision no: 0
Product Code: HMSM01P
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Eye protection: 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The use of safety goggles is recommended.
Emergency eye wash: Where there is any possibility Acute oral LD50 :
that an employee’s eyes may be exposed to this 700 mg/kg in male rats.
substance, the employer should provide an eye wash Acute dermal LD50 :
fountain or appropriate alternative within the immediate 2 500 mg/kg in rats.
work area for emergency use. Acute skin irritation:
The product may cause mild skin irritation (rabbits).
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Acute eye irritation:
The product may cause mild eye irritation (rabbits).
Appearance: Carcinogenicity:
Clear to slightly cloudy liquid. Inadequate data available on organoarsenic products to
Odour: determine product carcinogenicity. No human information
Slight sweetish odour. available.
Explosive properties: Teratogenicity:
Non explosive. Animal studies did not detect teratogenic effects. No
Flammability: human information available.
Non flammable. Mutagenicity:
Storage stability: Animal studies did not detect mutagenic activity. No
Stable for up to 2 years under normal warehouse storage human information available.
o
conditions. The product is stable after 14 days at 54 C
(accelerated storage test), and after 3 months at both 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
o o
25 C and -3 C.
Suspensibility: Degradability:
Not applicable. The product is metabolised by micro-organisms in the
Dilution stability: soil, the metabolites being CO2 and arsenate. Product
Excellent. half-life is 55 days. Product degradation due to
Solubility in water: photodecomposition and volatilisation is negligible.
O
Readily soluble in water. 75 g in 100 g water at 25 C. Mobility:
Solubility: The product is adsorbed by clay soils, but downward
Moderately soluble in methanol. Insoluble in most leaching may occur.
organic solvents. Accumulation:
Flash point: The product shows little or no tendency to bioaccumulate.
None. ECOTOXICOLOGY:
Specific gravity: Birds:
3
1.506 g/cm LD50: quail: 425.2 g/kg
Fish:
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY LC50 (96 hours): bluegill sunfish: > 51 mg/l
trout: > 176 mg/l
Stability: Bees:
The product is stable to hydrolysis, but is decomposed by LD50: 68 µg/bee
strong oxidising and reducing agents. Daphnia:
Incompatibility: LC50 (48 hours): 77.5 mg/l
Spray solutions containing this product should be mixed, Other aquatic organisms:
stored or applied using aluminium, fibreglass or plastic- EC50 (14 days): Lemna gibba: 145.9 mg/l
lined containers and equipment. The product is corrosive
to mild steel. The product is compatible with many 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATION
herbicides when used at normal rates. However, a
compatibility test is required before using with other Pesticide disposal:
products. Do not physically mix concentrate directly with
Contaminated absorbents, surplus product (in diluted
other herbicides or pesticide concentrates; always dilute
form), etc., should be buried in approved landfill. Comply
first.
with any local legislation applying to waste disposal.
Thermal decomposition:
Package product wastes:
Toxic fumes of arsenic oxides and toxic oxides of sodium
Emptied containers retain vapour and product residues.
are released when the product decomposes on heating.
Observe all labelled safeguards until container is cleaned,
reconditioned, or destroyed. Containers must be triple
Page 3 of 4
UNIVERSAL Crop Protection (Pty) Ltd Subject: MSMA SL
Co. Reg. No.: 83/08184/07 Document no: 038UM
Effective Date: August 1998
Revision no: 0
Product Code: HMSM01P
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
rinsed with water. Containers are not to be reused and the recipient subsequently produces formulations(s)
should be punctured and transported to a facility for containing this product, it is the recipients sole
recycling or disposal in approved landfill site. Comply responsibility to ensure the transfer of all relevant
with any local legislation applying to disposal. information from this MSDS to their own MSDS.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION 18. REFERENCES
UN NUMBER: 3280 Applicable own physical and chemical, toxicity and
ADR/IRD: 6.1 ecotoxicity research studies.
IMDG/IMO: 6.1 The Pesticide Manual; Tenth Edition; Editor Clive
ICAO/IATA: 6.1 Tomlin; Crop Protection Publications, 1994.
PACKING GROUP: III The Pesticide Manual; Eleventh Edition; Editor Clive
ROAD/RAIL: Organoarsenic compound, n.o.s. Tomlin; Crop Protection Publications, 1997.
(methylarsonic acid). Pestline; Material Safety Data Sheets for Pesticides
AIR/IATA: 619, Y619 and Related Chemicals; Volume II; Occupational
Organoarsenic compound, n.o.s. Health Services Inc., 1991.
(methylarsonic acid). Agriculture and Public Health; Guide to the
SEA: Organoarsenic compound, n.o.s. Treatment of Poisoning by Chemicals, 1993.
(methylarsonic acid).
Considered as a marine pollutant. END OF DOCUMENT
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION Compiled: August 1998
Symbol: Xn, Xi
Indication of danger: Harmful; Irritant.
Risk phrases:
R 22 Harmful if swallowed.
R 36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.
Safety phrases:
S2 Keep out of reach children.
S 36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves
and eye/face protection.
S 46 If swallowed, seek medical advice
immediately and show this container and
label.
16. PACKING AND LABELLING
Packed in fluorinated 5 , 20 and 25 plastic containers
and labelled according to South African regulations and
guidelines.
17. OTHER INFORMATION
All information and instructions provided in this Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are based on the current state
of scientific and technical knowledge at the date indicated
on the present MSDS and are presented in good faith
and believed to be correct. This information applies to the
PRODUCT AS SUCH. In case of new formulations or
mixes, it is necessary to ascertain that a new danger will
not appear.
It is the responsibility of persons in receipt of this MSDS
to ensure that the information contained herein is properly
read and understood by all people who may use, handle,
dispose or in any way come in contact with the product. If
Page 4 of 4