Maleic hydrazide — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts
11/23/2017 / By Michelle Simmons
Maleic hydrazide is an artificial compound that has a plant growth regulating action. It is used in potatoes as a foliar treatment to fight against volunteer formation and sprouting during storage. In addition, it is used before harvesting to inhibit sprout formations in onions. This chemical has a mutagenic effect on cells and stops cell division in tubers. Moreover, it has an inhibitory effect on biosynthetic activity. This chemical can be used together with different herbicides, such as dicamba and MCPA, and fatty acids, to prevent unwanted vegetation in amenity turf and ornamental plants. Maleic hydrazide has the molecular formula of C4H4N2O2 .
List of known side effects
There are a few known side effects that maleic hydrazide can cause in humans. One of these is it may cause irritation because of direct skin contact with the chemical. Likewise, direct contact with eyes may cause irritation. The chemical can also cause respiratory tract irritation when inhaled. It is also suspected to cause genetic defects. Maleic hydrazide exposure can also cause chronic liver damage and acute central nervous system effects.
Body systems affected by maleic hydrazide
The body systems adversely affected by maleic hydrazide are the integumentary, ocular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Items that can contain maleic hydrazide
Some of the items that contain maleic hydrazide are herbicide products that are used to suppress growth and induce dormancy in lawns, amenity turf, non-cropped areas, fruit like citrus, potatoes, carrots, onions, shallots, and garlic, tobacco, and ornamental shrubs. Several of the brand names that use maleic hydrazide include Fazor, Source II, Retard, Sprout Stop, and Sucker Stuff.
How to avoid maleic hydrazide
Maleic hydrazide exposure can be minimized or avoided in several ways when handling and storing it. One of these ways is to have a proper ventilation in the area to avoid inhaling the chemical. If there is no proper ventilation, wearing an appropriate respirator is important. To prevent contact in the eyes, wearing safety glasses with side shields are recommended. Another way to prevent skin contact with pyrazophos is by wearing suitable protective gloves. Moreover, to protect the body from the chemical, it is recommended to use protective work clothing. When working with the chemical, do not eat, drink, or smoke. It is also important to wash hands after handling it and before eating, drinking, or smoking. Likewise, routinely washing the protective equipment used is important in order to remove contaminants. Store it in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers and away from oxidizing agents.
Where to learn more
Summary
Maleic hydrazide is an herbicide that suppresses growth and induces dormancy in lawns, amenity turf, non-cropped areas, fruit like citrus, potatoes, carrots, onions, shallots, and garlic, tobacco, and ornamental shrubs.
Maleic hydrazide may cause irritation in the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Maleic hydrazide may cause genetic defects.
Maleic hydrazide may cause chronic liver damage and acute central nervous system effects.
Maleic hydrazide may adversely affect the integumentary, ocular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
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