Proper Name: S,S,S-Tributyl phosphorotrithioate
Chemical Formula: C12H27O3PS3
SYNONYMS: Tribufos, DEF, O,O,O-Tributyl phosphorotrithioate
Intended Use: Crop chemical for defoliation, used frequently in agriculture, especially cotton fields
Health Risks: Skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory issues due to inhalation, potential neurotoxic effects under sustained exposure
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, ingestion, and eye contact
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic organisms, risks to bees and pollinators
Classifications: Moderately hazardous by international chemical safety standards
Main Constituent: S,S,S-Tributyl phosphorotrithioate, more than 95 percent by weight
Contaminants: Trace organic phosphorus impurities possible based on source
Form: Typically an oily, colorless to yellowish liquid
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for headache, dizziness, or confusion, seek emergency help if symptoms worsen
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothes
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously for several minutes, remove contacts, consult medical help if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek urgent medical attention, don’t induce vomiting without advice
Flammability: May not ignite easily but can emit toxic fumes if burned
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam for large fires, avoid water when substance is burning
Special Hazards: Produces sulfur oxides, phosphorus oxides, and other toxic gases
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, suitable protective clothing
Containment: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or water sources
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with inert material (sand or earth), collect in drums for hazardous waste disposal
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water and detergent after bulk removal
Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid skin and eye contact
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, out of sunlight, in a cool and well-ventilated area
Segregation: Keep away from acids, alkalis, and foodstuffs
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation where product handled
Personal Protection: Gloves, splash-resistant goggles, protective clothing, respiratory protection in case of insufficient ventilation
Monitor Exposure: Routine health checks for those regularly exposed, strict adherence to exposure limits where available
Appearance: Oily, transparent to yellowish liquid
Odor: Faint, disagreeable
Boiling Point: 386°F (197°C) reported
Melting Point: Below room temperature
Solubility: Poor in water, better in most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperatures
Density: Near 1.04 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions of storage and use
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, oxidizers, and strong alkalis, breaks down at high temperatures, fire liberates hazardous gases
Avoid: Excessive heat, incompatible materials like strong oxidizers and acids
Acute Effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, severe if ingested or inhaled in significant quantity
Chronic Exposure: Organophosphate neurotoxicity with repeat or long-term contact
Health Risks: Impacts central nervous system, can inhibit cholinesterase
Population Risks: Agricultural workers, pesticide applicators, rural communities close to treated areas
Persistence: Breaks down in soil but may last weeks
Aquatic Impact: Harmful to fish and invertebrates, poses risk to water quality if not managed
Pollinator Risks: Lethal to bees and other beneficial insects
Bioaccumulation: Low in animals, but environmental persistence means repeated exposure can add up
Preferred Route: High-temperature incineration due to toxic combustion byproducts
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, crush, send to hazardous waste collection
Regulations: Must follow local, state, and federal laws, avoid dumping in environment or through municipal drains
Hazard Labels: Toxic, environmentally hazardous
Packaging: Leak-proof containers, labeled, separated from food cargo
Road, Rail, Air Rules: Subject to hazardous materials regulations during transit, reporting requirements for spills
Pesticide Registration: Controlled under international and domestic pesticide acts
Use Restrictions: Only for licensed operators, subject to regular review
Workplace Controls: Risk assessments mandated by health and safety authorities, exposure surveillance required
Worker Protections: Training, personal protective equipment, restricted-entry intervals on treated fields