Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 9 OF 14

Main Title Human occupational health problems resulting from exposure to ethylene dibromide in California in 1975 and 1976 /
Author Peoples, S. A.,
Other Authors
Author Title of a Work
Maddy, Keith T.,
Riddle, Lucinda C.,
Publisher California Department of Food and Agriculture, Worker Health and Safety Unit,
Year Published 1977
OCLC Number 903649312
Subjects Ethylene dibromide--Health aspects--California ; Ethylene dibromide--Toxicology--California
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
Checkout
Status
EJBM  RA1270.I5.P46 1977 Headquarters Library/Washington,DC 02/23/2015
Collation 141 pages : illustrations, charts, forms ; 30 cm
Contents Notes
Ethylene dibromide is a nonflammable liquid which has wide usefulness as an insecticide and nematocide, particularly in treating soil and stored grain. It has the possibility of causing toxic reactions by inhalation of the vapor or dermal absorption of the liquid. It is a strong irritant to the skin and eyes. When absorbed it results in central nervous system symptoms and toxic effects on the kidney and liver. There was a total of 16 incidents of exposure to ethylene dibromide while it was being used as a pesticide that were reported by physicians to the California Department of Food and Agriculture in 1975 and 1976. The five cases showing systemic effects were due to exposure to vapors of the fumigant without adequate protective equipment, and one occurred during transport. The other injuries were due to the careless handling of the liquid, resulting in irritation of the skin and eyes. All cases responded well to treatment and there were no permanent effects. This chemical has been shown to cause inhibition of sperm formation in the bull; this action was seen in the rat but not in the rooster. Laboratory studies have shown this compound to be a carcinogen, a mutagen and a possible teratogen. It will be these factors that will weigh against continued use of this compound as a pesticide. When used in accordance with the label there have been few identified illnesses or injuries attributed to exposure to this pesticide.