RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE
DUE TO ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY OF HIGHLY TOXIC HYDROGEN PHOSPHIDE (PHOSPHINE, PH3 GAS)
For retail sale to and use only by Certified Applicators for those uses covered by the applicators certification or persons trained in accordance with the attached product manual working under the direct supervision and in the physical presence of the Certified Applicator. Physical presence means onsite or on the premises. Refer to Pestcon Systems, Inc. Applicator's Manual for complete instructions for the safe use of this product. REGISTRANT
D&D HOLDINGS, INC. P.O. BOX 116, WEYERS CAVE, VA 24486 EPA REG. NO. 72959-1 ­ TABLETS EPA REG. NO. 72959-2 ­ PELLETS EPA REG. NO. 72959-3 ­ BAGS
FOR USE AGAINST LISTED INSECTS WHICH INFEST STORED COMMODITIES, SPECIFIED PROCESSED FOODS, AND ANIMAL FEEDS. ACTIVE INGREDIENT ­ Aluminum Phosphide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55% Inert Ingredients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45% 100% KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN DANGER/PELIGRO ­ POISON
MANUFACTURED FOR PESTCON
SYSTEMS, INC.
U.S.A. 1808 FIRESTONE PARKWAY WILSON, NC 27893 TELEPHONE: 252-237-7923 FAX: 252-243-1832 EPA EST. NO. 5857-NC-001 INDEX
Page I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A. History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 II. Chemical and Physical Properties of FUMITOXIN Fumigants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 III. Storage of FUMITOXIN Aluminum Phosphide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 IV. Precautionary Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A. Physical and Chemical Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 B. Hazards to Human and Domestic Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 C. Statement of Practical Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 V. Safety Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 VI. Respiratory Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A. When Respiratory Protection Must Be Worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 B. Permissible Gas Concentrations For Respiratory Protection Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 C. Requirements for Availability of Respiratory Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 VII. Gas Detection Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 VIII. Applicator Worker and Exposure Guideline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A. Hydrogen Phosphide Exposure Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 B. During Application of Fumigant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 C. During leakage from Fumigated Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 D. During Aeration and Reentry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 E. When Handling Unaerated Commodities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 F. Industrial Hygiene Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 IX. Use Patterns - Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 X. Commodities Which May Be Fumigated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 A. Raw Agricultural Commodities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 B. Processed Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 C. Animal Feed and Feed Ingredients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 D. Nonfood Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 XI. Fumigation Exposure Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A. Temperatures/Exposure Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 XII. Recommended Dosage Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 B. Type of Storage and Recommended Dosage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1. Tablets and Pellets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 2. Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 XIII. Difference Between Using Tablets or Pellets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 XIV. Directions for Use ­ General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 XV. Directions for Use ­ Specific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A. Tablets and Pellets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1. Farm Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2. Vertical Storage (concrete upright bins, silos, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3. Flat Storage (bunkers, quonset buildings, large steel tanks, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 4. Trucks, Vans, Chambers, Containers, and Other Transport Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5. Small Sealable Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 6. Mills, Warehouses and Other Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7. Barges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 8. Railcar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 a.Bulk Raw Commodities and Processed Brewers Rice Malt and Corn Grits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 b.Processed Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 9. Beehives, Supers, and Other Beekeeping Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 10. Fumi-Sleeve Dust Retainer Fumigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 11. Burrows of Rodents and Moles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 12. Endangered Species Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 13. Shiphold ­ Intransit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 a.General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 b.Preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14 c. Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 d.Specimen Copies of Required Shipboard Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 e.Precautions During Voyage And Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17 XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. B. Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 1. General Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 2. Vertical Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3. Flat Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4. Bunker and Other Outdoor Type Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 5. Farm Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6. Mills, Warehouses, Food Processing Plants, Chambers, Trucks, Trailers, Containers, and Other Static Sealable Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 7. Under Tarps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 8. Railcars, Containers, Trucks and Other Similar Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 a.General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 b.Processed Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 c. Bulk Rail Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 d.Boxcars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 e.Containers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 9. Shiphold ­ Intransit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 a.General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 b.Pre-voyage Procedures/Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21 c. Bulk Dry Cargo Vessels/Tankers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 d.Voyage Precautions/Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 e.Precautions Procedures During Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 f. Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 10. In-Transit Containers on Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 11. Barges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Placarding of Fumigated Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22 Aeration of Fumigated Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 A. Foods and Feeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 B. Tobacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Disposal Instructions A. Tablets and Pellets 1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 2. Spent Residual Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 3. Deactivation and Disposal of `Green' Partially Spent Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 4. Wet Method Deactivation and Disposal of Large Quantities of Partially Spent Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 5. Dry Method Deactivation and Disposal of Small Quantities of Partially Spent Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 6. Disposal of Empty Flasks and Plastic Stoppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 B. Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 1. Unreacted or Partially Reacted Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2. Disposal Following Space Fumigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 a.General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 b.Deactivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 (i) Dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 (ii) Wet-Method One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 (iii) Wet-Method Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 C. Disposal of Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 D. Disposal of Cans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Spill and Leak Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 A. Tablets and Pellets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 1. Handling Spill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2. Wet Deactivation of Spill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 B. Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1. General Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 2. Fiberboard Box (Outside Case). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 3. Leaking Can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 4. Spill of Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Local Emergency Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Note to Physician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sample Industrial Hygiene Monitoring Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sample Safety Training Guideline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 I. INTRODUCTION A. History: Pestcon Systems, Inc. was the first to create and implement a "SAFE PRACTICES POLICY" for agricultural fumigants. We've been involved in the field of insect control for over half a century. This applicators manual provides information and gives detailed instructions on how to apply this product safely. Before using, read and follow all precautions and directions on the label and in labeling. If you have any questions, please contact Pestcon Systems, Inc., 1808 FIRESTONE PARKWAY, WILSON, NC 27893, TELEPHONE: 252-237-7923 - FAX: 252-243-1832. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FUMITOXIN® FUMIGANTS A. Chemical formula for hydrogen phosphide is PH3 or H3P. B. FUMITOXIN fumigant's active ingredient pure, finely ground aluminum phosphide, liberates hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) gas via the following chemical reaction: AIP + 3H2O --- Al (OH)3 + PH3. C. FUMITOXIN also contains ammonium carbamate which liberates ammonia and carbon dioxide as follows: NH2COONH4 --2NH3 + CO2. These gases are essentially nonflammable and act as inerting agents to reduce fire hazards. The pungent smelling ammonia gas serves as an initial warning agent, and begins to develop immediately upon opening. D. FUMITOXIN is prepared in the form of tablets, pellets and bags. E. Upon exposure to air, FUMITOXIN tablets and pellets begin to react slowly with atmospheric moisture to produce small quantities of hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) gas. This reaction gradually accelerates and then tapers off again as the aluminum phosphide decomposes. Bags begin to release hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) gas immediately upon exposure to air. F. The rate of decomposition of the tablets, pellets, and bags varies depending on the moisture and temperature. For example, when moisture and temperature of the fumigated commodity are high, decomposition may be complete in less than 3 days. However, with ambient temperatures lower than 15 degrees C (60 degrees F), grain moisture lower than 10% or relative humidity lower than 25%, decomposition may require 5 days or more. G. The tablets weigh approximately 3 grams and release 1 gram of gaseous hydrogen phosphide. They are spherical in shape, approximately 5/8 of an inch in diameter and are packaged in resealable, seamless aluminum flasks which contain approximately 100 tablets, or larger flasks of approximately 500 tablets each. H. Pellets are spherical in shape, approximately 3/8 of an inch in diameter, weigh approximately 0.6 grams, and release 0.2 grams of hydrogen phosphide. They are packaged in resealable aluminum flasks containing approximately 1,660 pellets or larger flasks containing approximately 2,490 pellets each. I. Bags are packaged in tins of 6, 10 or 100 bags each and in drums of foil pouches of 3, 6, and 10 bags per pouch for a total of 300 bags per drum. Each bag is approximately 3 inches by 3 inches and contains 34 grams of 55% aluminum phosphide. Bags release 11 grams of hydrogen phosphide when exposed to atmospheric conditions. FUMITOXIN aluminum phosphide bags allow for the marketing of aluminum phosphide, ammonium carbamate and paraffin in granular form. The paper bag is an integral part of this concept and should never be torn open during fumigation. Once the hermetically sealed tins or the foil packaging is opened, the bags will begin to release hydrogen phosphide. J. After decomposition, FUMITOXIN leaves a grey-white powder composed almost entirely of non-poisonous aluminum hydroxide and a small amount of unreacted aluminum phosphide. This is not considered a hazardous waste. The slight trace of aluminum phosphide decomposes when raw commodities are moved. Following space fumigation and fumigations of processed foods, this powder may be disposed of as outlined in "Directions for Disposal of Spent Residual Dust." II. III. STORAGE OF FUMITOXIN ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE PRODUCTS A. Store in a dry, well ventilated area, away from heat and under lock and key. Keep away from irresponsible people and children. Post as a pesticide storage area. Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storing pesticides in the same area used to store these commodities. B. Do not store in buildings where humans or domestic animals reside. C. FUMITOXIN tablets and pellets are supplied in relatively gas tight resealable aluminum flasks. Do not expose the product to atmospheric moisture any longer than is necessary. Reseal tightly before returning flasks to storage; mark the flask opened and partially used. D. FUMITOXIN bags that are supplied in tins are non-resealable and must be completely used when opened. FUMITOXIN bags that are supplied in metal drums do not have to be completely used as long as the bag is not removed from the foil pouch or the foil pouch is not opened. Remove the number of pouches required and reseal the metal drum. E. The shelf life of FUMITOXIN is virtually unlimited as long as the containers are kept tightly sealed. IV. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS A. Physical and Chemical Hazards Aluminum phosphide tablets, pellets, bags, and partially spent dust will release hydrogen phosphide if exposed to moisture from the air or if it comes into contact with water, acids and many other liquids. Piling of tablets, pellets, bags or dust from their fragmentation may cause a temperature increase and confine the release of gas so that ignition could occur. It is recommended that you open aluminum phosphide products in open air or near a fan which exhausts outside immediately. Never open in a flammable atmosphere because on rare occasions it may flash. When opening, point the container away from the face and body. These precautions will also reduce the applicators exposure to hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) gas. Pure hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) gas is practically insoluble in water, fats and oils, and is stable at normal fumigation temperatures. However, it may react with certain metals and cause corrosion, especially at higher temperatures and relative humidities. 1 Metals such as copper, brass, and other copper alloys, and precious metals such as gold and silver are susceptible to corrosion by phosphine, especially at high temperatures and humidity. Thus items such as small electric motors, smoke detectors, brass sprinkler heads, batteries and battery chargers, forklifts, temperature monitoring systems, electrical switch gear, communication devices, computers, calculators, watches, and other electronic equipment should be protected or removed before fumigation. Hydrogen phosphide will also react with certain metallic salts and, therefore, sensitive items such as photographic film, copying papers and some inorganic pigments, etc. should not be exposed. B. Hazards to Human and Domestic Animals DANGER: FUMITOXIN tablets, pellets, bags or dust can be fatal if swallowed. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling aluminum phosphide fumigants. When a sealed container is opened, allowing material to come in contact with moisture, water or acids, toxic phosphine gas will be released. If a garlic odor is detected, refer to section on Industrial Hygiene Monitoring for appropriate monitoring procedures. Pure phosphine gas is odorless; the odor is due to a contaminant. Since an odor may not be detected under certain circumstances, the absence of garlic odor does not mean that phosphine gas is absent. Observe proper application, aeration, reentry and disposal procedures specified elsewhere in the labeling to prevent overexposure. C. Statement of Practical Treatment Symptoms of overexposure are headache, dizziness, nausea, difficult breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. In all cases of overexposure get medical attention immediately. Take victim to a doctor or emergency treatment facility. 1. If excessive amounts of gas from aluminum phosphide are inhaled: Get exposed person to fresh air. Keep warm and make sure person can breathe freely. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration by mouth to mouth or other means of resuscitation. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 2. If aluminum phosphide pellets, tablets or powder are swallowed: Drink or administer one or two glasses of water and induce vomiting by touching back of throat with finger, or if available administer syrup of ipecac. Do not give anything by mouth if victim is unconscious or not alert. 3. If powder or granules of aluminum phosphide get on skin or clothing: Brush or shake material off clothes in a well ventilated area. Check that all pockets and cuffs are empty. Allow clothes to aerate in a ventilated area prior to laundering. Do not leave contaminated clothing in occupied and/or confined areas such as automobiles, vans, motel rooms, etc. Wash contaminated skin thoroughly with soap and water. 4. If dust from pellets, tablets, or bags get in eyes: Flush with plenty of water. Get medical attention. V. SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Carefully read all labeling and follow instructions explicitly. 2. Never work alone when applying fumigant from within an enclosed area. 3. Never allow untrained personnel to apply FUMITOXIN® tablets, pellets or bags. 4. It is preferable to open container in open air or near a fan that exhausts outside immediately. NEVER OPEN IN A FLAMMABLE ATMOSPHERE. 5. Do not allow FUMITOXIN products or dust to contact liquid water or pile up. 6. Dispose of empty container, spent bags, and spent residual dust, in a proper manner consistent with the label instructions. 7. Post "DANGER" signs on fumigated areas. 8. Notify appropriate company employees and provide relevant safety information to local officials annually for use in the event of an emergency. 9. Hydrogen phosphide fumigants are not to be used for vacuum fumigations. 10. Exposure to hydrogen phosphide must not exceed the 8 hour TWA of 0.3 ppm during application or a maximum concentration of 0.3 ppm after application is completed. This includes re-entry into a structure. 11. Fumigated finished foods and feeds must be aerated 48 hours prior to offering to the end consumer. 12. Transfer of a treated commodity to another site without complete aeration (down to 0.3 ppm maximum) is permissible provided the new site is placarded. 13. Keep container sealed and intact until ready to begin applying fumigant. 14. Use all bags from opened tins or foil pouches. Drums may be resealed. 15. OSHA recommends that exposure screening of employees be conducted to detect impaired pulmonary function. OSHA recommends that any employee developing the above condition be referred for medical attention. 16. NIOSH/MSHA respiratory protection must be available at the site of application when applying fumigant from within an enclosed area. Respiratory protection need not be available for uses such as outdoor application. 17. Wear dry gloves of cotton or other appropriate material when applying FUMITOXIN tablets and pellets. 18. Do not fumigate when commodity temperature is below 40° F (5° C). 19. During transfer and processing of unaerated commodities, workers must not be exposed to levels of hydrogen phosphide above 0.3 ppm. 20. It is recommended to aerate contaminated clothing in a well ventilated area prior to washing. Check that all pockets and cuffs are empty. 21. Protect copper, silver, gold and their alloys from corrosive exposure to hydrogen phosphide. 22. Pellets, tablets, and/or bags, or their reacted residues must not come into contact with any processed food with the exception that both can be added directly to processed brewers rice, malt, and corn grits used in the manufacture of beer. 23. Do not re-use aluminum phosphide containers for any purpose other than recycling or reconditioning. 2 VI. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION A. WHEN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION MUST BE WORN NIOSH/MSHA approved respiratory protection must be worn during exposure to concentrations in excess of permitted limits or when concentrations are unknown. B. PERMISSIBLE GAS CONCENTRATION RANGES FOR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION DEVICES A NIOSH/MSHA approved, full face gas mask, hydrogen phosphide canister combination may be used at levels up to 15 ppm or to escape from levels up to 1500 ppm. Above this level or in situations where the hydrogen phosphide concentration is unknown, a NIOSH/MSHA approved, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or its equivalent must be used. The NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide, 8-85, DHEW/NIOSH 78-210, lists these and other types of approved respirators and the concentration limits of which they may be used. C. REQUIREMENTS FOR AVAILABILITY OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Respiratory protection must be available at the site of application in case it is needed when applying FUMITOXIN® tablets, pellets, and bags from within the structure being fumigated. An approved full face gas mask, phosphine canister combination or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or its equivalent must be available at the application site. If SCBA or its equivalent is not available at the application site, it must be available locally, for example, at a fire station or rescue squad. Respiratory protection need not be available for applications from outside the area to be fumigated such as addition of tablets or pellets to automatic dispensing devices, etc., if exposures above the permitted limit will not be encountered. Respiratory protection need not be available for outdoor applications. C. If monitoring equipment is not available on a farm and application cannot be done from outside the structure, an approved canister respirator must be worn during application from within the enclosed indoor area. VII. GAS DETECTION EQUIPMENT There are several reliable devices marketed. One type is the hand pump when used in conjunction with appropriate detector tube. They are portable, simple devices and do not require intensive training or elaborate supporting equipment to operate. Furthermore, they are inexpensively adaptable to remote monitoring procedures and will measure concentrations of hydrogen phosphide in air in trace amounts on up. Use instructions are enclosed with each purchase. Consult your local supplier of such equipment or contact Pestcon Systems, Inc. for more information. VIII. APPLICATOR AND WORKER EXPOSURE A. HYDROGEN PHOSPHIDE EXPOSURE LIMITS Exposure to hydrogen phosphide must not exceed the 8 hour TWA of 0.3 ppm for applicators and workers during application. Application is defined as the time period covering the opening of the first container, applying the appropriate dosage of fumigant and closing up the site to be fumigated. All persons in the treated site and in adjacent indoor areas are covered by this exposure standard. After application is completed worker or applicator exposure must not exceed 0.3 ppm maximum concentration. Such exposures may occur because of leakage into enclosed areas from fumigation sites, during reentry or during transfer of unaerated commodity. B. APPLICATION OF FUMIGANT Depending upon temperature and humidity, FUMITOXIN® tablets, pellets, and bags release hydrogen phosphide gas slowly upon exposure to moisture from the air. This release is often slow enough to permit applicator to deposit fumigant in the desired areas and then vacate the premises without significant exposure to the gas. If the fumigator's exposure exceeds the 8 hour TWA of 0.3 ppm, approved respiratory protection must be worn. Gas concentration measurements for safety purposes must be made using low level detector tubes or other suitable low level detection equipment. See the "Industrial Hygiene Monitoring Section." Information on hydrogen phosphide (phosphine), PH3 detector tubes may be obtained from Pestcon Systems, Inc. C. LEAKAGE FROM FUMIGATED SITES Hydrogen phosphide is highly mobile and given enough time may penetrate seemingly gas-tight materials such as concrete and cinder block. Therefore, adjacent, enclosed areas likely to be occupied should be examined to ensure that significant leakage has not occurred. Sealing of the fumigated site and/or air flow in the occupied areas must be sufficient to prevent exposures exceeding the TLV's. D. AERATION AND REENTRY If the area is to be entered after fumigation, it must be aerated until the level of hydrogen phosphide gas is 0.3 ppm or below. The area or site must be monitored to ensure that liberation of gas from the treated commodity does not result in the development of unacceptable levels of hydrogen phosphide. Do not allow reentry into treated areas by any person before this time unless protected by an approved respirator. E. HANDLING UNAERATED COMMODITIES Following the required exposure time for fumigation, transfer and processing of a treated commodity prior to complete aeration is permissible, however, workers must not be exposed to hydrogen phosphide in excess of the permitted exposure limits. 3 F. INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE MONITORING It is recommended that hydrogen phosphide exposure be documented in an operation log or manual for each site and operation where exposure may occur. The purpose of this monitoring is to prevent excessive exposure and to determine when and where respiratory protection is required. Once exposures have been adequately characterized, subsequent monitoring is not routinely required. However, spot checks should be made occasionally, especially if conditions significantly change or if an unexpected garlic odor is detected. If monitoring shows that workers are exposed to concentrations in excess of the permitted exposure limits, then engineering controls (such as forced air ventilation) and/or appropriate work practices should be used where possible to reduce exposure below permitted limits. IX. USE PATTERNS - INSECTS Hydrogen Phosphide: Hydrogen phosphide, more commonly referred to as phosphine, is a colorless gas which is toxic to insects, humans, and other forms of animal life. It is very mobile with a high vapor pressure. Thus, the penetrating capability of hydrogen phosphide is great. The combination of high molecular activity, vapor pressure and toxicity to insects at low dosages accounts for its wide acceptance as a fumigant. FUMITOXIN has been found effective against the following stored products, insects and their pre-adult stages ­ that is eggs, larvae and pupae: almond moth Angoumois grain moth bean weevil cadelle cereal leaf beetle cigarette beetle confused flour beetle dermestid beetle dried fruit beetle dried fruit moth European grain moth flat grain beetle fruit fly granary weevil greater wax moth hairy fungus beetle hessian fly Indian meal moth Khapra beetle lesser grain borer maize weevil Mediterranean flour moth pink bollworm raisin moth red flour beetle rice weevil pea weevil rusty grain beetle saw-toothed grain beetle spider beetle tobacco moth yellow meal worm Africanized and honeybee infested with tracheal mites Although it is possible to achieve total control of the listed insect pests, this is frequently not realized in actual practice. Factors contributing to less than total control are leaks, poor gas distribution, unfavorable exposure conditions, etc. In addition, some insects are less susceptible to hydrogen phosphide than others. If maximum control is to be attainable, extreme care must be taken sealing, the higher dosages must be used, exposure periods lengthened, proper application procedures followed, and temperature and humidity conditions must be favorable. X. COMMODITIES WHICH MAY BE FUMIGATED WITH FUMITOXIN® ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE FUMITOXIN may be used for the fumigation of listed raw agricultural commodities, animal feed and feed ingredients, processed foods, tobacco and certain other non-food items. A. Raw Agricultural Commodities: Almonds Animal Feed & Feed Ingredients Barley Brazil Nuts Cashews Cocoa Beans Coffee Beans Corn Cottonseed Dates Filberts Flower Seed Grass Seed Millet Oats Peanuts Pecans Pistachio Nuts Popcorn Rice Rye Safflower Seed Sesame Seed Seed & Pod Vegetables Sorghum Soybeans Sunflower Seeds Triticale Vegetable Seed Walnuts Wheat B. Processed Foods: The listed processed foods may be fumigated with FUMITOXIN. Under no conditions shall any processed foods or bagged commodity come into contact with tablets, pellets, or the residual dust from bags except that FUMITOXIN may be added directly to processed brewers rice, malt and corn grits for use in the manufacture of beer. · · · · Processed candy and sugar Cereal flours and bakery mixes Cereal foods (including cookies, crackers, macaroni, noodles, pasta, pretzels, snack foods and spaghetti) Processed cereals (including milled fractions and packaged cereals) 4 · Cheese and cheese by-products · Chocolate and chocolate products (such as assorted chocolate, chocolate liqueur, cocoa, cocoa powder, dark chocolate coating and milk chocolate) · Processed coffee · Corn grits · Cured, dried and processed meat products and dried fish · Dates · Dried eggs and egg yolk solids · Dried milk, dried powdered milk, nondairy creamers · Dried or dehydrated fruits (such as apples, dates, figs, peaches, pears, prunes, raisins, citrus, and sultanas) · Figs · Malt · Peanuts · Processed herbs, spices, seasonings and condiments · Processed nuts (almonds, apricot kernels, brazil nuts, cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachio nuts, walnuts) and other processed nuts · Processed Oats · Rice (brewers rice grits, enriched and polished wild rice) · Soybean flour and milled fractions · Processed Tea · Dried and Dehydrated Vegetables (such as beans, carrots, lentils, peas, potato flour, potato products and spinach) · Yeast (including primary yeast) · Wild Rice · Other Processed Foods C. Animal Feed and Feed Ingredients: FUMITOXIN may be added directly to animal feed, feed ingredients and raw agricultural commodities stored in bulk. For those commodities not stored in bulk, tablets or pellets may be placed in moisture permeable envelopes or placed on trays, etc. or bags may be used, following directions as with processed foods. D. Nonfood Products: · Animal Hide · Clothing · Processed or unprocessed cotton, wool and other natural fibers or cloth · Feathers · Furs · Human hair, rubberized hair, vulcanized hair, mohair · Leather Products · Tobacco · Wood, cut trees, wood chips and wood and bamboo products · Paper and paper products · Dried plants and flowers · Seed (grass seed, or ornamental herbaceous plant seed, and vegetable seed) · Straw or hay · Other Nonfood Commodities XI. FUMIGATION EXPOSURE GUIDELINE The following table may be used as a guide in determining the minimum length of the exposure period at the indicated temperatures: A. TEMPERATURES/EXPOSURE PERIOD TEMPERATURE TO WHICH MINIMUM EXPOSURE PERIOD FOR FUMIGATION FUMIGANT AND INSECTS ARE EXPOSED PELLETS TABLETS BAGS Below 40° F (5° C) 40° - 53° F (4-12° C) 54° - 59° F (12-15° C) 60° - 68° F (20° C) Above 68° F (20° C) Do not 8 days 4 days 3 days 2 days fumigate (192 hours) (96 hours) (72 hours) (48 hours) Do not fumigate 10 days (240 hours) 5 days (120 hours) 4 days (96 hours) 3 days (72 hours) Do not fumigate 14 days (336 hours) 9 days (216 hours) 5 days (120 hours) 3 days (72 hours) The length of the fumigation must be long enough so as to provide for adequate control of the insect pests which infest the commodity being treated. It will be necessary to lengthen the fumigation at lower temperatures and relative humidities (or grain moisture) since insects are more difficult to control under these conditions. The fumigation period should also be long enough so that the generation of hydrogen phosphide gas has essentially ceased and worker exposure is minimized during further storage and/or processing. There is little to be gained by extending the exposure period if the structure to be fumigated has not been carefully sealed. This is required to insure that adequate gas levels are retained. Proper application procedures must be followed to provide satisfactory distribution, retention and results. The exposure periods in the above table are minimum periods and should not be shortened for any reason other than when it may be necessary to abort the fumigation. FUMITOXIN may be placed in moisture permeable envelopes, on trays, etc., and fumigated as with processed foods. 5 XII. RECOMMENDED DOSAGE RATES A. GENERAL The successful conclusion of a fumigation depends on the concentration being held for a sufficient length of time or exposure period. With hydrogen phosphide, minimum exposure times are required because of the means of generating the gas from solid material and the biological action of the insect. For successful results against all stages, exposure times are not generally possible in less than 48 hours. It is beyond the scope of this brochure to take into account all conditions prevailing in all situation where FUMITOXIN® is used. Construction and tightness of storages vary considerably, so do climatic conditions. Therefore, we can only give a general guidance, which explains the wide range of the following recommended dosage rates. Dosage rate depends primarily upon the following factors: ­ Type of storage ­ Pests to be controlled ­ Commodity temperature Dosage is calculated per 1,000 cubic feet or per 1,000 bushels. PRODUCT Pellets Tablets Bags PER 1,000 CU.FT. 100-500 20-145 2-13 PER 1,000 BUSHELS 125-625 25-180 These dosages are not to be exceeded. It is important to be aware that a shortened exposure period cannot be compensated by an increased dosage of hydrogen phosphide. Long fumigation experience has shown the following recommendations to be generally reliable. Extremely adverse conditions may require deviation from these recommended dosage rates. Contact your Pestcon Systems, Inc. representative for assistance. B. SPECIFIC Recommended dosages for several types of fumigations: It is permissible to choose from the full range of dosages listed, however, these dosages should not be exceeded. Remember, a shortened exposure period cannot be compensated for with an increased dosage. The upper dosages listed are recommended in structures that are of loose construction and in bulk stored commodities. TYPE OF STORAGE 1. TABLETS/PELLETS a. Silos Large vertical silo bins which are relatively gas tight (e.g., steel), or well constructed concrete bins b. Farm Bins (Butler Type) Well constructed and reasonably gas tight RECOMMENDED DOSAGE 40-180 tablets per 1,000 bushels 120-300 pellets per 1,000 bushels (When distributed by automatic dispenser) 90-180 tablets per 1,000 bushels 200-600 pellets per 1,000 bushels (Farm bins made of wood or loosely constructed metal are rather untight; even a considerable increase in dosage may not give complete kill. Such structures should be covered with polyethylene sheeting, permitting the dosage to be considerably reduced.) c. Bulk stored commodities in flat stores, steel bins, bunkers, etc. d. Loosely piled commodity stored under temporary relatively gas tight covering e. Packaged commodities (bagged grain, processed foods, etc.) in sealable enclosure f. Nuts or dates in bags or storage boxes g. Nuts or dates in bulk h. Railcars i. j. Space fumigation such as cereal mills, feed mills, food processing plants & warehouses Stored tobacco 90-180 tablets per 1,000 bushels 270-540 pellets per 1,000 bushels 90-180 tablets per 1,000 bushels 270-540 pellets per 1,000 bushels 30-90 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 165-300 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 20-40 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 100-200 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 30-40 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 150-200 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 45-145 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 225-500 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 20-45 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 100-225 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 20-40 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 100-165 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 30-90 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 150-450 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet k. Non-food products 6 TYPE OF STORAGE l. Stored beehives, supers and other beekeeping equipment for wax moth control and Africanized honeybees infested with tracheal mites and foulbrood RECOMMENDED DOSAGE 30-45 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet 150-225 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet 2-4 tablets per burrow 10-20 pellets per burrow 30-60 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet - BULK 30-60 tablets per 1,000 cubic feet - BAGGED 165-300 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet - BULK 100-300 pellets per 1,000 cubic feet - BAGGED 1-2 pellets per 10 cubic feet m. Rodent burrows n. Shipholds o. Spices in small containers 2. BAGS TYPE OF STORAGE 1. Space (including packaged commodities) a. Mills, Warehouses, etc. b. Bagged Commodities c. Dried Fruits, Nuts & Dates d. Stored Tobacco 2. Bulk Stored Commodities a. Vertical Storage b. Tanks c. Flat Storage (loose construction) d. Farm Bins e. Rail Cars f. Bunkers, Tarped Ground Storage g. Barges h. Shipholds RECOMMENDED DOSAGE PER 1,000 CU. FT. 2-6 3-6 2-4 2-4 3-5 4-6 5-13 6-13 3-6 3-6 3-7 3-6 Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags Bags NOTE: The maximum dosage allowed for dates, nuts and dried fruits is 4 bags per 1,000 cu. ft. The wide range of dosages listed above is required to handle the variety of fumigation situations encountered in practice. Somewhat higher dosages are usually recommended under cooler, drier conditions where exposure periods are relatively short. However, the major factor in selection of dosage is the ability of the structure to hold hydrogen phosphide gas during the fumigation. A good illustration of this point is comparison of the low dosages required to treat modern, well-sealed warehouses; with the higher range used for poorly constructed buildings that cannot be sealed adequately. 700 To illustrate this, the following chart summarizes the results of a test fumigation of two bins of identical size, one treated with 22 tablets (66 grams) per 1,000 bushels and the other treated with 110 pellets (66 grams) per 1,000 bushels. The results show a clear difference in the amount of gas available and the concentration reached using identical weights of aluminum phosphide. Peak concentration of the pellet treated bins were over three times that of the tablet treated bin (770 ppm vs 230 ppm). For warehouse and flat storage buildings, tablets often (but not always) are the preferred choice. PPM XIII. USING TABLETS OR PELLETS The question often is asked why there may be a difference in the total amount of aluminum phosphide in dosage recommendations between tablets and pellets. Contrary to what might be expected, it is not always the best decision to assume that you use five times as many pellets (which weigh 0.6 grams each) as tablets (which weigh 3 grams each). Because they are smaller, pellets decompose more quickly and almost always give a higher peak concentration much sooner than tablets. Often you have a different distribution pattern. These and other factors thus suggest there often will be a difference in dosage rates between tablets and pellets. PW ­ Pellet bin, west side PE ­ Pellet bin, east side TW ­ Tablet bin, west side TE ­ Tablet bin, east side 600
PW 500 400
PE 300 200
TW 100
TE 2 6 12 24 32 36 48 60 72 96 120 7 XIV. DIRECTIONS FOR USE - GENERAL 1. It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. 2. FUMITOXIN® tablets, pellets, and bags are Restricted Use Pesticides due to the acute inhalation toxicity of hydrogen phosphide (phosphine, PH3) gas. 3. FUMITOXIN is a highly hazardous material and may be used only by individuals trained in its proper use. Before using, read and follow all label precautions and directions on the label and in labeling. Additional copies of this Manual are available from: PESTCON SYSTEMS, INC. 1808 FIRESTONE PARKWAY WILSON, NC 27893 TELEPHONE: 252-237-7923 FAX: 252-243-1832 4. At least two trained persons must be present when FUMITOXIN pellets, tablets, and bags are applied from within the enclosed indoor area being treated or during reentry into a fumigated or partially aerated site. Only one trained person is required to be present when the fumigant is applied from outside the area being fumigated. 5. Prior to applying this product you should determine (1) if the structure can be made sufficiently gas tight, (2) if recording of gas readings will be required, (3) how to efficiently and safely apply the fumigant and (4) emergency procedures. 6. Shipholds, barges, containers on ships, railroad cars and containers shipped piggyback by rail may be fumigated in-transit. However, fumigated trucks, vans, trailers and similar transport vehicles shall not be moved over public roads or highways until they are aerated. 7. Do not fumigate commodities with this product when commodity temperature is below 40° F (5° C). 8. Wear gloves of cotton or other suitable material while handling FUMITOXIN® tablets, pellets, or dust from bags. Wash hands thoroughly after use. 9. Hydrogen phosphide gas may flash at concentrations above its flammable limit. Therefore, always open FUMITOXIN containers in outdoor air and never in a flammable atmosphere. This precaution will not only prevent harm in the unlikely event of a flash but will reduce the applicators exposure to hydrogen phosphide gas. 10. Piling of tablets, pellets, bags or dust from their fragmentation, or addition of liquid water to FUMITOXIN may cause a temperature increase and confine the release of gas so that ignition could occur. 11. As much as possible, protect unused FUMITOXIN from excessive exposur