Craven

Potential health effects

Irritation of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach can develop following ingestion. The degree of injury will depend on the amount absorbed from the gut. Symptoms following ingestion of diquat concentrate may initially include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and severe irritation of the mouth, throat and esophagus. These can be followed by kidney failure and other internal organ involvement. This substance is considered slightly toxic by inhalation. The degree of injury will depend on the airborne concentration and duration of exposure. Diquat is a water-soluble salt which has no measurable vapour pressure. Therefore, inhalation hazard from diquat vapour is minimal. If the concentrate is spilled and allowed to stand, it can dry to a highly irritating dust. Symptoms of inhalation overexposure may include headache, nose bleed, sore throat and coughing. This material is classified as "slightly toxic" by dermal absorption. The degree of injury will depend on the amount absorbed. Because diquat is an ionized compound, it has a slow rate of absorption through intact skin. Prolonged or repeated contact may result in skin damage, thus allowing more of the chemical to be absorbed. This could result in systemic poisoning as evidenced by injury to internal organs, primarily the kidneys. Short contact periods with human skin are not usually associated with skin irritation; repeated and/or prolonged contact can result in skin irritation. Repeated and/or prolonged contact may cause dermatitis. This material may irritate human eyes following contact and could cause prolonged (weeks) impairment of vision. The degree of injury will depend on the amount of material that gets into the eye and the speed and thoroughness of the first aid treatment. Symptoms may include pain, tearing, swelling, redness, and blurred vision.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin, eyes, mouth, lungs SECTION – 4: FIRST AID MEASURES IF POISONING IS SUSPECTED, immediately contact the poison information centre, doctor or nearest hospital. Have the product container, label or Material Safety Data Sheet with you when calling Syngenta, a poison control center or doctor, or going for treatment. Tell the person contacted the complete product name, and the type and amount of exposure. Describe any symptoms and follow the advice given. Call the Syngenta Emergency Line [1-800-327-8633 (1-800- FASTMED)], for further information.