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Activity:
Fumigant, Insecticide (Fluorine Inorganic)
Structure:

• Due to its length, we present this section in 2 Parts:
Adverse Effects Part
1
Amyloidosis - Kidney
Blood
Body Weight Decrease
Bone
Brain
CNS
Deaths from Vikane fumigation
Endocrine: Adrenal
Endocrine: Hypothalmus
Endocrine: Thyroid
Adverse
Effects Part
2
Eye
Heart
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Tremors/Convulsions
•
See all
Food tolerances approved by US EPA as of July 15, 2005
•
On January 23, 2004, US
EPA approved the first-time use of sulfuryl fluoride
as a fumigant on food.
•
Sulfuryl fluoride requires two tolerances: one for inorganic
fluoride levels and one for sulfuryl fluoride.
•
With its approval of sulfuryl fluoride as a fumigant on
food, US EPA permitted the highest levels of inorganic fluoride
in food commodities in its history.
•
On March 23, 2004, Fluoride Action Network and Beyond Pesticides
submitted formal objections
to this approval.
|
Rationale
for US EPA to add Sulfuryl Fluoride to the Toxic Release
Inventory
The
primary effects of sulfuryl fluoride in humans are respiratory
irritation and central nervous system depression, followed
by excitation and possibly convulsions. Rabbits exposed
via inhalation (6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 2 weeks) to
sulfuryl fluoride showed hyperactivity, convulsions and
vacuolation of the cerebrum at 600 ppm (2.5 mg/L). Renal
lesions were present in all rats exposed by inhalation (6
hours/day, 5 days/week, for 2 weeks) to 600 ppm (2.5 mg/
L) sulfuryl fluoride. Minimal renal changes were noted in
rats exposed to 300 ppm (1252 mg/L), whereas no effects
occurred at 100 ppm (4.2 mg/ L). Convulsions at near lethal
concentrations were reported in rabbits, mice, and rats.
In a 30-day inhalation study, loss of control, tremors of
the hind quarters, and histopathological changes in the
lung, liver, and kidney were reported in rabbits exposed
to 400 ppm (1.6 mg/L) for 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for 5
weeks. The NOEL was 200 ppm (0.83 mg/L). Cerebral vacuolation
and/or malacia and inflammation of nasal tissues were observed
in rabbits exposed by inhalation to 100 or 300 ppm (0.4
or 1.25 mg/L) for 13 weeks. The NOEL was 30 ppm (0.125 mg/L).
Rats exposed by inhalation to 100 to 600 ppm (0.4 to 0.25
mg/L) sulfuryl fluoride for 13 weeks developed mottled teeth
(indicative of fluoride toxicity), renal and respiratory
effects, and cerebral vacuolation. EPA believes that there
is sufficient evidence for listing sulfuryl fluoride on
EPCRA section 313 pursuant to EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B)
based on the available neurological, renal, and respiratory
toxicity data for this chemical.
Ref:
USEPA/OPP. Support Document for the Addition of Chemicals
from Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
Active Ingredients to EPCRA Section 313. U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC (1993).
As cited by US EPA in: Federal
Register: January 12, 1994. Part
IV. 40 CFR Part 372. Addition of Certain Chemicals; Toxic
Chemical Release Reporting; Community Right-to-Know; Proposed
Rule.
|
Amyloidosis
(click
on for all fluorinated pesticides)
ONCOGENICITY, MOUSE
**50223-028 125636 "Sulfuryl Fluoride: 18-Month Inhalation Oncogenicity
Study in CD-1 Mice", (J. F. Quast, G. J. Bradley and K. D. Nitschke,
Dow Chemical Co., Toxicology Research Laboratory, Lab Project
Study ID K-016399-039, 8/19/93). Sulfuryl fluoride,
99.8% purity, was administered via inhalation at concentrations
of 0, 5, 20, or 80 ppm to 50 CD-1 mice/sex/group for 6 hours/day,
5 days/week for 18 months. Ten additional mice/sex per dose level
were included for sacrifice at 12 months. NOEL = 20 ppm.
Primary concern was increased mortality in females (mainly due
to increased incidence of severe degree of bilateral
amyloidosis in glomeruli).
Possibly treatment-related findings in males were food impaction
in esophagus and inflammation and/or abscesses in the head and/or
oral cavity at 80 ppm. Lesser changes at 80 ppm included very
slight vacuolation of brain, particularly of cerebral external
capsule (M and F), and very slight hypertrophy of thyroid epithelial
cells (especially in males). This study is considered to indicate
a "possible adverse effect", based on the exacerbation of geriatric
renal disease in high dose females. Considering how high the NOEL
and LEL of this study are to levels which cannot be tolerated
in acute and subacute toxicity exposure, this flagging of a "possible
adverse effect" should not be taken to indicate unusual concern.
No oncogenicity effects. Acceptable. Kishiyama and Aldous, Sept.
14, 1994.
Ref: SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGY DATA SULFURYL
FLUORIDE. Revised 11/17/98. California EPA, Department of Pesticide
Regulation, Medical Toxicology Branch.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.fluoride.tox.data.pdf
•
Definition of Glomeruli - Network of microscopic blood vessel
structures in the kidney, responsible for filtering waste from
the blood.
Blood
(click
on for all fluorinated pesticides)
Poisonings and fatalities have been reported in humans following
inhalation exposure to sulfuryl fluoride... A second person died
of cardiac arrest after sleeping
in the house overnight following fumigation. A
plasma fluoride level of 0.5 mg/L (10 times normal) was found
in this person following exposure. Prolonged chronic inhalation
exposure to concentrations of sulfuryl fluoride gas significantly
above the TLV of 5 ppm have caused fluorosis in humans because
sulfuryl fluoride is converted to fluoride anion in the body.
Fluorosis is characterized by binding of
fluoride anion to teeth (causing mottling of the teeth) and to
bone.
Ref:
Federal Register: September 5, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 172). Sulfuryl
Fluoride; Proposed Pesticide Temporary Tolerances.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.flu.fr.sept.5.2001.htm
-- 2-Week inhalation study--dog
NOAEL = 26/27 (M/F) mg/kg/day
LOAEL = 79/80 (M/F) mg/kg/day based on intermittant tremors and
tetany during exposure, minimal inflammatory changes in upper
respiratory tract, decreased body weight (F only).
Note: Increased serum fluoride at >=
26/27 mg/kg/day
-- 90-Day inhalation
toxicity--mouse NOAEL = 38/36 (M/F) mg/kg/day
LOAEL = 125/121 (M/F) mg/kg/day
based on miscroscopic lesions in caudate-putamen nucleus and external
capsule of the brain, decreased body weight, decreased body weight
gain, follicular cell hypertrophy in thyroid.
Note: Increased serum fluoride at >=
26/27 mg/kg/day
Ref:
January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final Rule. Federal
Register
Body
Weight Decrease (click
on for all fluorinated pesticides)
-- In subchronic (90-day) inhalation studies
in rats, dogs, rabbits and mice, the brain
was the major target organ. Malacia
and/or vacuolation were observed in the white matter of the brain
in all four species. The portions of the brain most often affected
were the caudate-putamen nucleus in the basal ganglia, the white
fiber tracts in the internal and external capsules, and the globus
pallidus of the cerebrum. In dogs and rabbits, clinical signs
of neurotoxicity (including tremors, tetany, incoordination, convulsions
and/or hind limb paralysis) were also observed. Inflammation of
the nasal passages and histiocytosis of the lungs were observed
in rats and rabbits; but not in dogs, in which species inflammation
of the upper respiratory tract was more prominent in the 2-week
study. In rats, kidney damage was also observed. In mice, follicular
cell hypertrophy was noted in the thyroid gland.
Decreased body weights and body weight gains were
also observed in rats, dogs and mice.
-- In
chronic (1-2 year) inhalation studies
in rats, dogs and mice, target organs were the same as in the
90-day studies. In rats, severe kidney damage caused renal failure
and mortalities in many animals. Additional gross and histopathological
lesions in numerous organs and tissues were considered to be secondary
to the primary effect on the kidneys. Other treatment-related
effects in rats included effects in the brain (vacuolation of
the cerebrum and thalamus/hypothalamus) and respiratory tract
(reactive hyperplasia and inflammation of the respiratory epithelium
of the nasal turbinates, lung congestion, aggregates of alveolar
macrophages). In dogs and mice, increased mortalities, malacia
and/or vacuolation in the white matter in the brain, histopathology
in the lungs, and follicular cell hypertrophy in the thyroid gland
were observed. Decreased body weights
and body weight gains were also noted in all three species.
-- In a developmental toxicity inhalation
study in rats, no developmental toxicity was observed in
the pups. Although no maternal toxicity was observed in this study
at the highest dose tested (225 ppm), significant
maternal toxicity (decreased body
weight, body weight gain and food consumption; increased
water consumption and kidney weights; and gross pathological changes
in the kidneys and liver) was observed in a previously conducted
range-finding study at a slightly higher dose level (300 ppm).
In a developmental toxicity inhalation study in rabbits, decreased
fetal body weights were observed in the pups. At the same
dose level, decreased body weight and body
weight gain were observed in the dams. In a 2-generation
reproduction inhalation study in rats, vacuolation of the white
matter in the brain, pathology in the lungs (pale, gray foci;
increased alveolar macrophages) and decreased
body weights were observed in the parental animals. Decreased
pup body weights in the F1 and F2 generations were observed
in the offspring. No effects on reproductive parameters were noted
in this study. No quantitative or qualitative evidence of increased
susceptibility of fetuses or pups was observed in the developmental
toxicity or reproduction studies on sulfuryl fluoride.
Ref:
Federal Register: September 5, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 172). Sulfuryl
Fluoride; Proposed Pesticide Temporary Tolerances.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.flu.fr.sept.5.2001.htm
-- Two fatalities occurred
when the owners of a home re-entered after the dwelling had been
fumigated with 250 pounds of sulfuryl fluoride. The concentration
to which the occupants were exposed was not determined. The man
died within 24 hr, and the woman expired 6 days after exposure.
Signs of intoxication included severe dyspnea
[abnormal breathing], cough, generalized seizure, cardiopulmonary
arrest (in the male), and weakness, anorexia,
nausea, repeated vomiting, and hypoxemia
[subnormal oxygenation of arterial blood, short of anoxia]; ventricular
fibrillation and diffuse pulmonary infiltration were also
reported in the female. [American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and
Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati,
OH: ACGIH, 1991.1471]
-- Groups of 35 to 36 pregnant Fischer 344 rats and 28 to 29 pregnant
New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to 0, 25, 75, or 225 ppm
of sulfuryl fluoride vapor via inhalation for 6 hr/day on days
6 to 15 and 6 to 18 of gestation, respectively. Among rats, maternal
water consumption was increased in the 225 ppm exposure group
(p < 0.05), but there were no indications of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity,
or teratogenicity in any of the exposed groups. Among rabbits,
maternal weight loss during the exposure
period (days 6 to 18) was observed in the 225 ppm group. Decr
fetal body wt, considered secondary to maternal
weight loss, were also observed at 225 ppm. However, no
evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was observed among
rabbits in any exposure group. For both species a low incidence
of malformations were seen scattered among all exposure groups,
with no indication of any treatment related effects. In preliminary
studies, exposure of pregnant rats and rabbits to 30, 100, or
300 ppm sulfuryl fluoride produced significantly
decr maternal wt gain in both rats and rabbits exposed
to 300 ppm. Increased absolute kidney wt (rats) and decr liver
wt (rabbits) were also observed at this exposure level. No adverse
effects were observed at either 30 or 100 ppm in either species.
Ref:
Hazardous Substances Data Bank for SULFURYL FLUORIDE CASRN: 2699-79-8.
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB
Bone
(click on for all fluorinated pesticides)
Prenatal
developmental--rabbit (870.3700)
Developmental
NOAEL = 75 ppm or 29/29 (M/F) mg/kg/ day
LOAEL = 225 ppm or 86 (F) mg/kg/day
based on decreased fetal body weight, decreased
crown-rump length, possible increased fetal liver pathology
(pale liver)
Ref:
January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final Rule. Federal
Register |
From FAN
Note the similarity of effect with the following: - EC. |
Abstract:
Fluoride was first associated with fetal malformation shortly
after water fluoridation was initiated in the 1940s. Since
many chemicals can interact directly with the embryo to
cause malformation, the effects of fluoride on embryonic
and fetal development were investigated. The effects of
sodium fluoride on the development of frog embryos were
studied under conditions described by the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis
Assay —Xenopus (FETAX), a screening assay for teratogens.
The most prominent malformations caused
by sodium fluoride are reduction in the head-tail
lengths and dysfunction of the neuromuscular system
of the tadpoles. The values for LC50, EC50, and minimal
concentration to inhibit growth (MCIG) of sodium fluoride
met the limits established for a teratogen in frog embryos,
showing that sodium fluoride is a direct acting teratogen
on developing embryos. Since FETAX has a high degree of
success in identifying mammalian teratogens, the observed
teratogenic action of sodiu fluoride on frog embryos would
indicate a strong possibility that sodiun fluoride may also
act directly on developing mammalian fetuses to cause malformation.
Ref: Effects of fluoride on Xenopus
embryo development
EH Goh, AW Neff
Food and Chemical Toxicology 41 (2003)1501
–1508
•
Note: The fluoride anion is the toxicological endpoint of
concern for Sulfuryl fluoride. |
... Rats exposed by
inhalation to 100 to 600 ppm (0.4 to 0.25 mg/L) sulfuryl fluoride
for 13 weeks developed mottled teeth (indicative
of fluoride toxicity), renal and respiratory effects, and
cerebral vacuolation. EPA believes that there is sufficient evidence
for listing sulfuryl fluoride on EPCRA section 313 pursuant to
EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B) based on the available neurological,
renal, and respiratory toxicity data for this chemical.
Ref:
USEPA/OPP. Support Document for the Addition of Chemicals from
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Active
Ingredients to EPCRA Section 313. U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, DC (1993).
As cited by US EPA in: Federal
Register: January 12, 1994. Part IV.
40 CFR Part 372. Addition of Certain Chemicals; Toxic Chemical
Release Reporting; Community Right-to-Know; Proposed Rule.
-- 90-Day inhalation toxicity--rat. NOAEL
= 24/25 (M/F) mg/kg/day. LOAEL = 80/83 (M/F) mg/kg/day based on
dental fluorosis*.
-- 90-Day inhalation toxicity--rabbit.
NOAEL = 8.6/8.5 (M/F) mg/kg/day. LOAEL = 29/28 (M/F) mg/kg/day
based on decreased body weight, decreased liver weight, dental
fluorosis*, vacuolation of white matter of the brain (F
only).
-- Chronic toxicity--rodents. NOAEL
= 3.5 for M and 16 for F mg/kg/day. LOAEL = 20 ppm or 14 for M
and 80 ppm or 62 for F mg/kg/day based on dental
fluorosis* in males...
-- 1-Year chronic inhalation toxicity--dog.
NOAEL = 5.0/5.1 (M/F) mg/kg/day. LOAEL =
20/20 (M/F) mg/kg/day based on decreased body weight gain, increased
alveolar macrophages in lungs, dental fluorosis*.
-- 2-Year combined chronic/ carcinogenicity--rat.
NOAEL = 3.5 for M and 16 for F mg/kg/day.
LOAEL = 20 ppm or 14 for M and 80 ppm or 62 for F mg/kg/day based
on dental fluorosis* in males...
* = dental fluorosis is not
considered an adverse health effect, and the identification of
that effect in any of these toxicological studies has not served
to define a safe level of exposure to sulfuryl fluoride under
the FFDCA.
Ref: January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final
Rule. Federal Register
-- Poisonings and fatalities have been reported in humans following
inhalation exposure to sulfuryl fluoride. The severity of these
effects has depended on the concentration of sulfuryl fluoride
and the duration of exposure. Short-term
inhalation exposure to high concentrations has caused respiratory
irritation, pulmonary edema, nausea, abdominal pain, central nervous
system depression, and numbness in the extremities. In addition,
there have been two reports of deaths of persons entering houses
treated with sulfuryl fluoride. One person entered the house illegally
and was found dead the next morning. A second person died of cardiac
arrest after sleeping in the house overnight following fumigation.
A plasma fluoride level of 0.5 mg/L (10 times normal) was found
in this person following exposure. Prolonged chronic inhalation
exposure to concentrations of sulfuryl fluoride gas significantly
above the TLV of 5 ppm have caused fluorosis
in humans because sulfuryl fluoride is converted
to fluoride anion in the body. Fluorosis is characterized
by binding of fluoride anion to teeth (causing
mottling of the teeth) and to bone.
-- In many subchronic and chronic inhalation studies in rats,
dogs, and rabbits, dental fluorosis was
the most sensitive toxic effect observed in the study.
In two 90-day studies in rats and rabbits, in which serum fluoride
levels were determined, an increased serum level of fluoride anions
was observed at even lower dose levels. The increased serum fluoride
levels were due to the conversion of sulfuryl fluoride to fluoride
anions in the body.
Ref:
Federal Register: September 5, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 172). Sulfuryl
Fluoride; Proposed Pesticide Temporary Tolerances.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.flu.fr.sept.5.2001.htm
Chronic exposure to
either too low or too high a concentration of fluoride may have
deleterious effects on the skeletal
system. An increased in the incidence of severe osteoporosis was
correlated with use of drinking water containing 0.4 mg/l fluoride.
Severe skeletal fluorosis has been
reported in persons living in areas of naturally high fluoride
concentrations (up to 14 mg/l). Radiologically detectable osteosclerosos
has been observed in about 10 percent of long term residents using
water supplies containing 8 mg/l fluoride. Retardation of skeletal
maturity has been observed in children using a water supply containing
3.6 mg/l fluoride. In other situations, skeletal
fluorosis has not been described in populations whose water supplies
contained less than 4 mg/l fluoride.
Ref: [USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria
Document (Draft): Fluoride p.vi-48 (1985)] as
cited in Hazardous Substances Data Bank for Ammonium fluoride
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Ammonium.fluoride.TOXNET.htm
•
Note:
Inorganic fluoride is the toxicological endpoint of concern
for Sulfuryl fluoride
Brain
(click on for all fluorinated pesticides)
Ref:
January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final
Rule. Federal Register |
Excerpts
from: Table 1.--Subchronic,
Chronic, and Other Toxicity |
Study
Guideline |
Type
of Study |
NOAEL
mg/kg/day |
LOAEL
mg/kg/day |
Based
on: |
None
cited |
2-Week inhalation study--rabbit |
30/30
(M/F) |
90/90
(M/F) |
malacia
(necrosis) in cerebrum, vacuolation
of cerebrum |
None
cited |
2-Week inhalation study--rabbit |
- |
180/180
(M/F) |
malacia
(necrosis)
in cerebrum, vacuolation
of cerebrum |
(870.3100) |
90-Day
inhalation toxicity--rat |
24/25
(M/F) |
90/90
(M/F) |
malacia
(necrosis) in cerebrum, vacuolation
of cerebrum |
(870.3100) |
90-Day
inhalation toxicity--rat |
- |
180/180
(M/F) |
malacia
(necrosis)
in cerebrum, vacuolation
of cerebrum |
(870.3100) |
90-Day
inhalation toxicity--rat |
- |
240/250
(M/F) |
vacuolation
of caudate-putamen nucleus and
white fiber tracts of the internal capsule
of the brain |
(870.3100) |
90-Day
inhalation toxicity--mouse |
38/36
(M/F) |
125/121
(M/F) |
miscroscopic
lesions
in caudate-putamen nucleus and external
capsule of the brain |
(870.3150) |
90-Day inhalation toxicity--dog |
25/26
(M/F) |
50/51
(M/F) |
slight
histopathology of the caudate nucleus
of the basal ganglia |
(870.3150) |
90-Day inhalation toxicity-- rabbit |
8.6/8.5
(M/F) |
29/28
(M/F) |
vacuolation
of white matter of the brain
(F only) |
(870.3150) |
90-Day
inhalation toxicity-- rabbit |
- |
86/85
(M/F) |
malacia
(necrosis) and vacuolation of
putamen, globus pallidus and
internal and external capsules in the
brain |
(870.4100) |
Chronic toxicity--rodents |
3.5
for M
16 for
F |
14
for M
62
for F |
histopathology
in brain (vacuolation in cerebrum
and
thalmus/hypothalmus) |
(870.4100) |
1-Year chronic inhalation toxicity--dog
|
5.0/5.1
(M/F) |
50/51
(M/F) |
malacia
(necrosis) in caudate nucleus
of brain |
(870.4200) |
18-Month carcinogenicity inhalation study--mouse |
25/25
(M/F) |
101/101
(M/F) |
cerebral
vacuolation in brain |
(870.4300) |
2-Year combined chronic/
carcinogenicity--rat |
3.5
for M
16 for
F |
14
for M
62
for F |
histopathology
in brain (vacuolation
in cerebrum and
thalmus/hypothalmus) |
Ref:
January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final
Rule. Federal Register |
Excerpts: Table 2.--Summary
of Toxicological Dose and Endpoints for sulfuryl fluoride
for Use in Human Risk |
Exposure
Scenario |
Dose
Used in Risk Assessment, Interspecies and Intraspecies and
any Traditional UF |
Special
FQPA SF and Level of Concern for Risk Assessment |
Study
and Toxicological Effects |
Chronic dietary (all populations) |
NOAEL
= 8.5 mg/kg/day
UF = 3,000...
Chronic RfD = 0.003 mg/kg/day. |
Special
FQPA SF = 1X
cPAD = chronic RfD/
Special FQPA SF = 0.003 mg/kg/day |
Rabbit
- 90-Day inhalation
LOAEL = 28 mg/kg/day based on vacuolation
of white matter in the brain of females. |
Short-term inhalation (1 to 30 days) |
Inhalation
study
NOAEL = 30 mg/kg/day
(100 ppm; 0.42 mg/L). |
Residential
LOC for MOE = 1,000 Occupational
LOC = 100 |
Rabbit
- 2-Week inhalation
LOAEL = 90 mg/kg/day (300 ppm; 1.25 mg/L) based on malacia
(necrosis) and vacuolation in
brain, inflammation of nasal tissue and trachea |
Intermediate-term inhalation (1 to 6 months) |
Inhalation
study
NOAEL = 8.5 mg/kg/day (100 ppm; 0.42mg/L). |
Residential
LOC for MOE = 1,000
Occupational LOC for MOE = 100. |
Rabbit
- 90-Day inhalation
LOAEL = 28 mg/kg/day (100 ppm; 0.42 mg/L) based on vacuolation
of white matter in the brain of females. |
Long-term inhalation (>6 months) |
Inhalation
study
NOAEL = 8.5 mg/kg/day
(30 ppm; 0.13 mg/L). |
Residential
LOC for MOE = 3,000
Occupational LOC for MOE = 300.
|
Rabbit
- 90-Day inhalation
LOAEL = 28 mg/kg/day based on vacuolation
of white matter in the brain of females |
Federal
Register: September 5, 2001. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Proposed
Pesticide Temporary Tolerances. Volume 66, Number 172. Proposed
Rules. Page 46415-46425.
Excerpt
from Table 1.
Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for sulfuryl
fluoride for Use in Human Risk Assessment
|
Exposure
Scenario \1\ |
Dose
(mg/kg/day) |
Endpoint |
Study |
Chronic
Dietary (General Population including Infants and Children) |
NOAEL
= 8.5;
UF = 300;
FQPA Factor = 3 |
Vacuolation
of white
matter
in the brain
of females.
Chronic RfD = 0.028 mg/ kg/day
Chronic Population- Adjusted Dose (cPAD) = 0.0093 mg/kg/day |
90-Day
inhalation- rabbits |
Inhalation
Short-Term (Occupational) |
NOAEL
= 30;
MOE = 100;
FQPA Factor = N/A |
Malacia
(necrosis) and vacuolation in the cerebrum,
inflammation of nasal tissues and trachea. |
2-Week
inhalation- rabbits |
Inhalation
Short-Term (Residential) |
NOAEL
= 30;
MOE = 300;
FQPA Factor = 3 |
Malacia
(necrosis) and vacuolation in the cerebrum,
inflammation of nasal tissues and trachea. |
2-Week
inhalation- rabbits |
Inhalation
Intermediate-Term (Occupational) |
NOAEL
= 8.5;
MOE = 100;
FQPA Factor = N/A |
Vacuolation
of white matter in the brain
of females. |
90-Day
inhalation- rabbits |
Inhalation
Intermediate-Term (Residential) |
NOAEL
= 8.5;
MOE = 300;
FQPA Factor = 3 |
Vacuolation
of white matter in the brain
of
females. |
90-Day
inhalation- rabbits |
\*\
The reference to the FQPA Safety Factor refers to any additional
safety factor retained due to concerns unique to the FQPA. |
\1\
The only significant route of exposure for inorganic fluoride
is dietary exposure, which includes residues in drinking water.
This risk assessment uses the maximum concentration limit
goal (MCLG) of 4.0 ppm for fluoride as the basis for a maximum
allowable exposure to inorganic fluoride (see the Cryolite
Reregistration Eligibility Decision, 8/96, EPA- 738-R-96-016).
Using the Agency default values of body weight (70 kg) and
water consumption (2 liters/day), the MCLG converts to an
exposure limit of 0.114 mg/kg/day. This exposure is used as
the cPAD for inorganic fluoride in this risk assessment.
|
-- In 2-week inhalation studies in
rats, dogs and rabbits, different target organs were affected...
In rabbits, the primary target organ was
the brain, in which malacia (necrosis) and vacuolation were observed
in the cerebrum...
-- In subchronic (90-day)
inhalation studies in rats, dogs, rabbits and mice,
the brain was the major target organ. Malacia and/or vacuolation
were observed in the white matter of the brain in all four species.
The portions of the brain most often affected were the caudate-putamen
nucleus in the basal ganglia, the white fiber tracts in the internal
and external capsules, and the globus pallidus of the cerebrum.
In dogs and rabbits, clinical signs of neurotoxicity (including
tremors, tetany, incoordination, convulsions and/or hind limb
paralysis) were also observed...
-- In chronic (1-2 year) inhalation studies
in rats, dogs and mice, target organs were
the same as in the 90-day studies. In rats, severe kidney
damage caused renal failure and mortalities in many animals. Additional
gross and histopathological lesions in numerous organs and tissues
were considered to be secondary to the primary effect on the kidneys.
Other treatment-related effects in rats
included effects in the brain (vacuolation
of the cerebrum and thalamus/hypothalamus) and respiratory
tract (reactive hyperplasia and inflammation of the respiratory
epithelium of the nasal turbinates, lung congestion, aggregates
of alveolar macrophages).
In dogs and mice, increased mortalities, malacia
and/or vacuolation in the white matter in the brain, histopathology
in the lungs, and follicular cell hypertrophy in the thyroid gland
were observed. Decreased body
weights and body weight gains were also noted in all three species.
No evidence of carcinogenicity was observed in either the
combined chronic toxicity/ carcinogenicity study in rats or in
the 18-month carcinogenicity study in mice.
-- In specially designed acute and subchronic
inhalation neurotoxicity studies in rats, several electrophysiological
parameters (EEGs) were recorded in addition to observations for
clinical signs of neurotoxicity, functional observational battery
(FOB) and motor activity testing, and/or neurohistopathologic
examination. Following two exposures on consecutive days for 6
hours/day at 300 ppm of sulfuryl fluoride (354 mg/kg/day), no
treatment-related neurotoxic effects were noted. In a 90-day study,
changes in some EEG patterns were observed at 100 ppm (80 mg/kg/day)
and in several additional patterns at 300 ppm (240 mg/kg/day).
Vacuolation of the white matter in the cerebrum
was also observed at 300 ppm in this study. In a specially designed
1-year chronic inhalation neurotoxicity study in rats, no treatment-related
neurotoxic effects were observed at 80 ppm (56 mg/kg/ day). EEGs
were not recorded in this study.
Ref:
Federal Register: September 5, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 172). Sulfuryl
Fluoride; Proposed Pesticide Temporary Tolerances.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.flu.fr.sept.5.2001.htm
Vikane, sulfuryl fluoride,
Lot No. TWP 830919-408, 99.8%, was administered to New Zealand
White rabbits via inhalation for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for
13 weeks at 0, 30, 100 or 300 ppm. Seven animals per sex per group.
NOEL = 30 ppm; [cerebral vacuolation in
regions of internal and external capsules, putamen, and globus
pallidus of one female: and nasal tissue inflammation in
one male]. At 300 ppm, common brain findings
were vacuolation to severe malacia of cerebrum (both sexes, in
the above regions), and gliosis and/or hypertrophy of vascular
endothelial cells in some females in the same regions.
Ref: CA EPA, Summary of Toxicolgy Data,
August 1, 1986. http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/toxsums/pdfs/618.pdf
The primary effects
of sulfuryl fluoride in humans are respiratory irritation and
central nervous system depression, followed by excitation and
possibly convulsions. Rabbits exposed via inhalation (6 hours/day,
5 days/week, for 2 weeks) to sulfuryl fluoride showed hyperactivity,
convulsions and vacuolation of the cerebrum
at 600 ppm (2.5 mg/L). Renal lesions were present in all rats
exposed by inhalation (6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 2 weeks)
to 600 ppm (2.5 mg/ L) sulfuryl fluoride. Minimal renal changes
were noted in rats exposed to 300 ppm (1252 mg/L), whereas no
effects occurred at 100 ppm (4.2 mg/ L). Convulsions at near lethal
concentrations were reported in rabbits, mice, and rats. In a
30-day inhalation study, loss of control, tremors of the hind
quarters, and histopathological changes in the lung, liver, and
kidney were reported in rabbits exposed to 400 ppm (1.6 mg/L)
for 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks. The NOEL was 200 ppm
(0.83 mg/L). Cerebral vacuolation
and/or malacia and inflammation of nasal tissues were observed
in rabbits exposed by inhalation to 100 or 300 ppm (0.4 or 1.25
mg/L) for 13 weeks. The NOEL was 30 ppm (0.125 mg/L). Rats exposed
by inhalation to 100 to 600 ppm (0.4 to 0.25 mg/L) sulfuryl fluoride
for 13 weeks developed mottled teeth (indicative of fluoride toxicity),
renal and respiratory effects, and cerebral
vacuolation. EPA believes that there is sufficient evidence
for listing sulfuryl fluoride on EPCRA section 313 pursuant to
EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B) based on the available neurological,
renal, and respiratory toxicity data for this chemical.
Ref:
USEPA/OPP. Support Document for the Addition of Chemicals from
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Active
Ingredients to EPCRA Section 313. U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, DC (1993). As cited by US EPA in: Federal
Register: January 12, 1994. Part IV. 40 CFR Part 372. Addition
of Certain Chemicals; Toxic Chemical Release Reporting; Community
Right-to-Know; Proposed Rule.
CNS
(click on for all fluorinated pesticides)
PubMed abstract:
This study assessed
the health effects associated with occupational exposure to methyl
bromide and sulfuryl fluoride among
structural fumigation workers... Sulfuryl
fluoride exposure over the year preceding examination was associated
with significantly reduced performance
on the Pattern Memory Test and on olfactory
testing...
Occupational sulfuryl fluoride exposures may be associated with
subclinical effects on the central nervous system, including effects
on olfactory and some cognitive functions.
Ref: Am J Public Health 1998 Dec;88(12):1774-80.
Health
effects associated with sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide exposure
among structural fumigation workers by
Calvert GM et al.
"Sulphuryl fluoride
induces CNS depression."
Ref: Pesticide Policies in Zimbabwe. Status
and Implications for Change. Godfrey D. Mudimu Hermann Waibel
Gerd Fleischer (eds). A Publication of the Pesticide Policy Project
Hannover, September 1999 Special Issue Publication Series, No.
1.
http://www.ifgb.uni-hannover.de/ppp/ppp_s01.pdf
A review of unpublished
reports of animal experiments apparently ... /indicated/ that
dosages sufficient to produce illness from a single exposure produce
respiratory irritation, CNS depression,
and possible liver and kidney injury. [Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R.
Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991.
564]
Ref:
Hazardous Substances Data Bank for SULFURYL FLUORIDE CASRN: 2699-79-8.
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB
The
primary effects of sulfuryl fluoride in humans are respiratory
irritation and central nervous system depression,
followed by excitation and possibly convulsions. Rabbits
exposed via inhalation (6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 2 weeks)
to sulfuryl fluoride showed hyperactivity, convulsions and vacuolation
of the cerebrum at 600 ppm (2.5 mg/L). Renal lesions were present
in all rats exposed by inhalation (6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for
2 weeks) to 600 ppm (2.5 mg/ L) sulfuryl fluoride. Minimal renal
changes were noted in rats exposed to 300 ppm (1252 mg/L), whereas
no effects occurred at 100 ppm (4.2 mg/ L). Convulsions at near
lethal concentrations were reported in rabbits, mice, and rats.
In a 30-day inhalation study, loss of control, tremors of the
hind quarters, and histopathological changes in the lung, liver,
and kidney were reported in rabbits exposed to 400 ppm (1.6 mg/L)
for 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks. The NOEL was 200 ppm
(0.83 mg/L). Cerebral vacuolation and/or malacia and inflammation
of nasal tissues were observed in rabbits exposed by inhalation
to 100 or 300 ppm (0.4 or 1.25 mg/L) for 13 weeks. The NOEL was
30 ppm (0.125 mg/L). Rats exposed by inhalation to 100 to 600
ppm (0.4 to 0.25 mg/L) sulfuryl fluoride for 13 weeks developed
mottled teeth (indicative of fluoride toxicity), renal and respiratory
effects, and cerebral vacuolation. EPA believes that there is
sufficient evidence for listing sulfuryl fluoride on EPCRA section
313 pursuant to EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B) based on the available
neurological, renal, and respiratory toxicity data for this chemical.
Ref: USEPA/OPP. Support Document for the
Addition of Chemicals from Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA) Active Ingredients to EPCRA Section 313. U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC (1993). As cited by US EPA in:
Federal Register: January 12, 1994. Part IV. 40 CFR Part 372.
Addition of Certain Chemicals; Toxic Chemical Release Reporting;
Community Right-to-Know; Proposed Rule.
http://www.epa.gov/tri/frnotices/59fr1788.htm
Deaths
from Vikane fumigation |
Note:
Information on the number of human deaths as a result of fumigation
with Vikane is not accessible. We will add information to this
section as we find it. |
March 10,
2005 |
Fault
is disputed in death, gassing. Woman was inside a tented building.
By Kristen Green. The San Diego Union-Tribune (California).
"State
officials said it was apparently the
third such death in recent years." |
Mentioned
in 2002 |
(page
15)
... Otis Woods, Pioneer Pest Services.
" I have a pest control business here or in San
Juan up in Dallas, but the situation coming that's up right
now about fumigation, we lost a guy who was using Sulfuryl
Fluoride, Vikane. It is very dangerous.
(page
23)
Mr. Burnett: Otis, you had mentioned you "lost a guy".
He is deceased?
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Mr. Burnett: If I could ask some follow-up questions to you
with that. What kind of training had the deceased received?
Mr. Woods: Really the training that he had was just for putting
the tarps up. Knowing how to roll the tarps, you know, and
sealing the house. He didn't deal with the gases at all.
Mr. Burnett: Okay, and how long had this person been on this
type of work?
Mr. Woods: Couple of years.
Mr. Burnett: Couple of years.
Mr. Woods: About two years I believe.
Ref: February
12, 2002. MINUTES. Structural Pest Control Board. Austin,
Texas.
Part
1 and Part 2 |
Cited in
1991 |
A
25 year old man
with postmortem blood alcohol level of 0.156% was found lifeless
in a residence that had been fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride
under canvas.
Ref: Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide
Toxicology. Volume 2. Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic
Press, Inc., 1991., p. 564.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank at Toxnet |
September
25, 1986 |
2
Fatalities
Resulting From Sulfuryl Fluoride Exposure After Home Fumigation
-- Virginia. Two fatalities occurred when the owners of a home
re-entered after the dwelling had been fumigated with 250 pounds
of sulfuryl fluoride. The concentration to which the occupants
were exposed was not determined. The man
died within 24 hr, and the woman expired 6 days after exposure.
Signs of intoxication included severe dyspnea, cough, generalized
seizure, cardiopulmonary arrest (in the male), and weakness,
anorexia, nausea, repeated vomiting, and hypoxemia; ventricular
fibrillation and diffuse pulmonary infiltration were also reported
in the female.
References:
• MMWR,
Sept. 18, 1987 and
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists,
Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological
Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH:
ACGIH, 1991., p. 1471 (Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank
at Toxnet) |
Endocrine:
Adrenal (click
on for all fluorinated pesticides)
- (870.4100) Chronic
toxicity--rodents. NOAEL = 3.5 for M and 16 for F mg/kg/
day
LOAEL = 20 ppm or 14 for M and 80 ppm or 62 for F mg/kg/day based
on dental fluorosis* in males and for females greatly increased
mortality (due mostly to severe kidney
toxicity which led to kidney failure); and histopathology in brain
(vacuolation in cerebrum and thalmus/hypothalmus), adrenal
cortex, eyes, liver, nasal
tissue and respiratory tract; and, dental fluorosis*.
- (870.4300) 2-Year combined chronic/carcinogenicity--rat.
NOAEL = 3.5 for M and 16 for F mg/kg/day. LOAEL = 20 ppm or 14
for M and 80 ppm or 62 for F mg/kg/day based on dental fluorosis*
in males and for females greatly increased mortality (due mostly
to severe kidney toxicity which led to kidney failure); and histopathology
in brain (vacuolation in cerebrum and thalmus/hypothalmus), adrenal
cortex, eyes, liver, nasal
tissue
and respiratory tract; and, dental fluorosis*.
Ref: January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final Rule. Federal
Register
Endocrine:
Hypothalmus (click
on for all fluorinated pesticides)
Ref:
January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final Rule. Federal
Register |
Excerpts
from: Table 1.--Subchronic, Chronic, and Other Toxicity |
Study
Guideline |
Type
of Study |
NOAEL
mg/kg/day |
LOAEL
mg/kg/day |
Based
on: |
(870.4100) |
Chronic toxicity--rodents |
3.5
for M
16 for
F |
14
for M
62
for F |
histopathology
in brain (vacuolation in cerebrum
and thalmus/hypothalmus) |
(870.4300) |
2-Year combined chronic/
carcinogenicity--rat |
3.5
for M
16 for
F |
14
for M
62
for F |
histopathology
in brain (vacuolation in cerebrum
and
thalmus/hypothalmus) |
Endocrine:
Thyroid
(click on for all fluorinated pesticides)
-- In subchronic (90-day) inhalation studies
- In
mice, follicular cell hypertrophy was noted in the thyroid
gland. Decreased body weights and body weight
gains were also observed in
rats, dogs and mice.
-- In chronic (1-2
year) inhalation studies - . In dogs
and mice, increased mortalities,
malacia and/or vacuolation in the white matter in the brain, histopathology
in the lungs, and follicular cell
hypertrophy in the thyroid gland were observed. Decreased
body weights and body weight gains were also noted in all three
species. No evidence of carcinogenicity was observed in either
the combined chronic toxicity/ carcinogenicity study in rats or
in the 18-month carcinogenicity study in mice.
Ref:
Federal Register: September 5, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 172). Sulfuryl
Fluoride; Proposed Pesticide Temporary Tolerances.
http://www.fluorideaction.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.flu.fr.sept.5.2001.htm
18-Month carcinogenicity NOAEL =
25/25 (M/F) mg/kg/day inhalation study--mouse
LOAEL = 101/101 (M/F) mg/kg/day based (870.4200) on for both M/F
cerebral vacuolation in brain, decreased body weight gain, follicular
hypertrophy in thyroid (M only), increased mortality (F
only), heart thrombus (F only), and lung congestion (F only).
No evidence of carcinogenicity in M or F.
Ref: January
23, 2004. Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide Tolerance.
40 CFR Part 180 [OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1]. Final Rule. Federal
Register
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