Diquat

Agent Name
Diquat
CAS Number
2764-72-9
Formula
C12-H12-N2
Major Category
Pesticides
Diquat formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Diquat dibromide; 1,1`-Ethylene-2,2`-bipyridyllium ion; [NIOSH]
Category
Herbicides, Bipyridyl
Description
Dibromide salt: Yellow crystals. Commercial product may be found in a liquid concentrate or a solution. [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Herbicide; Pesticide; Defoliant; [ChemIDplus]
Comments
Poisoning usually occurs after toxic ingestion, e.g., attempted suicide. Symptoms of poisoning include acute renal failure, shock, convulsions, delirium, and skin burns. Diquat does not cause progressive pulmonary fibrosis as seen after paraquat poisoning. [EPA Pesticides, p. 111] "Among the many herbicides in use, only the bipyridyl compounds have appeared to produce hepatic injury in humans. Even these agents have produced hepatic injury only as the result of ingestion of large amounts, not because of environmental contamination and questionably as the result of occupational exposures." [Zimmerman, p. 415]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.5 mg/m3(inhalable fraction), 0.1 mg/m3(respirable fraction)

Adverse Effects

Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: