Frequently Asked Questions ACETOCHLOR What is ACETOCHLOR? Acetochlor is a common herbicide in the United States. Pesticides that contain acetochlor include insecticides and herbicides. Where can acetochlor be found and how is it used? Acetochlor can be found at low levels in surface water and groundwater in farming areas. It is used as a pesticide to control grasses, some broadleaf weeds and yellow nutsedge. It is also used on crops ranging from citrus to sugarcane. How can people be exposed to acetochlor? Most people are not likely to be exposed to acetochlor. People who work where it is made, handled, mixed or used are most at risk for exposure. You could be exposed to acetochlor through: Breathing pesticides that contain acetochlor. Inhaling acetochlor can occur if it is put on dry soil, or if it is inhaled on a windy day. Drinking acetochlor. It is not likely that a person would drink acetochlor. Touching acetochlor when handling it. Eye Contact if dust containing acetochlor gets in the eyes. This might occur on a windy day near where acetochlor was used. How does acetochlor work and how can it affect my health? Acetochlor has been named a probable cancer-causing substance. Tests in animals found an increase in cancers of the liver, thyroid, lung, uterus, ovaries, kidney and nose. Other tests showed that acetochlor causes changes to the DNA of cells. Studies of high doses of acetochlor showed that it can cause problems with reproduction and development in animals, specifically lower weights of the parent and offspring. Birth defects were not found. Studies of long- term exposures of three months to one year showed that high doses of acetochlor caused harmful effects to laboratory animals. These effects include lower body weight, harmful effects to testes and blood chemistry effects. How is acetochlor poisoning treated? There is no treatment just for exposure to acetochlor. A doctor will treat the symptoms. What should I do if exposed to acetochlor? If you touch acetochlor, wash your skin with soap and water. Wash clothing before you wear it again. If acetochlor gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with warm water for 20 minutes. Get medical help. What factors limit use or exposure to acetochlor? Follow all protective measures if you work with a product containing acetochlor. Such measures include wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, waterproof gloves, chemical-resistant footwear plus socks and protective eyewear. When cleaning equipment, mixing or loading, wear a chemical-resistant apron. Farmers applying acetochlor to their crops should follow all safety measures to prevent the chemical from drifting in the wind. Is there a medical test to show whether I’ve been exposed to acetochlor? Tests can show if acetochlor is in your body. Technical information for acetochlor CAS Number: 34256-82-1 Chemical Formula: C14H20ClNO2 Carcinogenicity (EPA): The EPA has designated acetochlor as a probable human carcinogen. MCL (Drinking Water): There is no MCL established. The EPA does require monitoring of acetochlor levels in groundwater as a condition of registration of the pesticide. The Acetochlor Registration Partnership is required to provide assistance to owners of rural domestic drinking water wells in which herbicides containing acetochlor are detected and verified at levels above 1 part per billion (ppb). OSHA Standards: No OSHA standard has been established. NIOSH Standards: No NIOSH standard has been established. References and Sources American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). 2003. Guide to Occupational Exposure Values. Cincinnati, OH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. 2003. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.agrocare.com.cn/Products/Acetochlor.htm - Accessed 8/25/09 http://www.arpinfo.com/ - Accessed 8/25/09 24/7 Emergency Contact Number: 1-888-295-5156 Revised: 08/2009 Doc. # 35-05-20/09/08/2A