12/15/2017 / By Janine Acero
Carbetamide is a pre- and post-emergence herbicide used against annual grasses and some broad-leaved weeds such as blackgrass, ryegrass, common chickweed, speedwell, meadowgrass, forget-me-not, red deadnettle and mayweed. Carbetamide is also a carbamate insecticide, which is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor; it suppresses the action of acetylcholine esterase, and such chemicals are potent neurotoxins.
Carbetamide is widely used in homes, gardens and agriculture – it is applied to oilseed rape, beans, brassica, root crops, alfalfa and grapes. The first carbamate, carbaryl, was introduced in 1956, and has had wide use in lawn and garden settings.
Carbetamide is the common name for 1-(ethylcarbamoyl)ethyl N-phenylcarbamate. It has a molecular formula of C12H16N2O3.
Most carbamates are extremely toxic to Hymenoptera (bees, ants, wasps and sawflies), as well as to birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates and earthworms. Additionally, it shows a low toxicity to aquatic plants and algae.
In human poisoning and exposure, carbetamide may be fatal if swallowed. It is also suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. The side effects may range from mild to severe, depending on the level of exposure. These symptoms include:
Oral administration of carbetamide mainly targets the liver and thyroid, as seen in animal studies.
These are some of the products that contain carbetamide as the active ingredient:
Carbetamide may be found under other trade names, such as Carbetamex; Carbetamid; Carbethamide; D-n-ethylacetamide carbanilate; D-(-)-1-(Ethylcarbamoyl)ethyl phenylcarbamate; (Phenylcarbamoyloxy)-2-N-ethylpropionamide; (R)-N-Ethyl-2-(((phenylamino)carbonyl)oxy)propanamide; 1-(Ethylcarbamoyl)ethyl phenylcarbamate; 2-(Ethylamino)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl phenylcarbamate; and 2-Phenyl-carbamoyloxy-N-aethyl-propionamid.
Manufacturers that supply products containing carbetamide include:
Avoid products that use carbetamide as an active ingredient. Handlers, mixers and applicators of carbetamide may be exposed to its fumes in the workplace. The following are some protective measures to avoid any contact with carbetamide:
Carbetamide is a pre- and post-emergence herbicide used against annual grasses and some broad-leaved weeds. It is also an insecticide that is highly toxic to Hymenoptera (bees, ants, wasps and sawflies).
Carbetamide may be fatal if swallowed. It is also suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Oral exposure mainly targets the liver and thyroid.
Sources include:
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