Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

IMIDACLOPRID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Active component of systemic insecticide with good root- systemic action and with contact
and stomach action. Used to control sucking insects, soil insects, termites and some
species of biting insects. For seed dressing, soil treatment and foliar treatment in
different crops. Acts on the central nervous system causing irreversible blocking of post-
synaptic nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors. Normally used as a slurry for seed
treatment. · Material is mixed and used in accordance with manufacturers directions.

SYNONYMS

C9-H10-Cl-N5-O2, "2-imidazolidinimine, 1-((6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl)-N-nitro-", "2-
imidazolidinimine, 1-((6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl)-N-nitro-", 1-(6-chloro-3-
pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylideneamine, 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-
nitroimidazolidin-2-ylideneamine, "Bay-NTN 33893", Merit, "Confidor 200 SL", "Gauchofor
CAS RN: 105827-78-9", "Gauchofor CAS RN: 105827-78-9", "1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-
4, 5-dihydro-N-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-amine", "1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-4, 5-dihydro-
N-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-amine", "neonicotinoid insecticide/ pesticide"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Severely toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 5 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  The insecticidal activity of neonicotinoids (nitromethylene, chlorothiazoles, chlorpyridines, spinosads) is attributed to binding of the molecule to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) located in the insect central nervous system (CNS).This group of insecticides have much lower activity in vertebrate tissues due to differences in binding to nAChR subtypes. Poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier is an additional factor that acts to reduce the toxicity of neonicotinoids in vertebrates. Nevertheless at relatively high levels of exposure, these insecticides are neuroactive and produce neurotoxic effects. The principal effect may involve stimulation or inhibition. Tremors have occurred in mice treated with representative compounds. These compounds produce a variety of neurotoxic signs following acute exposure, with complete recovery within several hours or a few days following treatment.The most consistent finding at lower doses is evidence of decreased activity. At higher doses, tremors, impaired pupillary function (either dilated or pin-point pupils) and hypothermia are the most common effects. Finally, at near lethal doses, neurotoxic effects are assorted and include motor incoordination, (uncoordinated gait or impaired aerial righting), autonomic signs (lachrymation, urine staining) and CNS depression (marked decreased motor activity and decreased response to stimuli). Deaths associated with treatment occurred within 4-24 hours. There was no evidence of neuropathology associated with these compounds.Certain findings (e.g tremors, impaired pupillary function and hypothermia) that are evident at sublethal doses are likely associated with nicotinic stimulation or represent nonspecific toxic effects.Sustained dietary exposure to relatively low doses produces little or no evidence of neurotoxicity. These results suggest that cumulative toxicity is not a concern with neonicotinoid insecticides. This outcome is consistent with their rapid metabolism and excretion in rats.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact with the material and inhalation of generated dust.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.