Metham sodium, dazomet and methylisothiocyanate (MITC)

Metham sodium and dazomet are dithiocarbamate pesticides used for the control of weeds, nematodes, symphylids, fungi, soil insects and other soil-borne pests.

Metham sodium and dazomet are primarily used as soil fumigants in Australia. Metham sodium is also registered for use as an inhibitor of root growth in sewer lines. Both metham sodium and dazomet break down to methylisothiocyanate (MITC), which is the pesticidally active component. MITC is a brown oily or clear yellow liquid with moderate volatility.

MITC has not been approved for use in Australia as a separate active constituent since 1990. However, MITC was included in this review as it is the metabolite of both metham sodium and dazomet.

Metham sodium, dazomet and MITC review

Status: review completed

The APVMA reviewed metham sodium, dazomet and MITC, following reports of adverse occupational health and safety effects.

In June 1997 the APVMA (formerly the NRA) released the Special Review of Metham Sodium, Dazomet and (MITC). The APVMA recommended changing the labels on products containing metham sodium and dazomet to: include appropriate warnings and precautions; improving user information and training; and restricting products to uses which would not present a risk to human health. Read a full history of the review...

For more information please contact the Chemical Review Program on (02) 6210 4749 or by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au

Review report	Date
Metham Sodium, Dazomet and MITC Special Review Vol 1: Review Record ( PDF - 115KB) Vol 2: Summary of Toxicology and OH&S Assessment ( PDF - 341KB) Vol 2: Attachments ( PDF - 83KB) Vol 3: Full Toxicology Assessment ( PDF - 426KB) Vol 3: Attachments ( PDF - 7KB)	Jun 1997

Product search

Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain metham sodium or dazomet.

APVMA metham sodium, dazomet and MITC archive

Title	Date