Product Name: N-Phosphonomethylglycine
Common Name: Glyphosate
Synonyms: N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, Glycine, N-(phosphonomethyl)-, Glyphosate Acid
CAS Number: 1071-83-6
Relevant Uses: Herbicide, agricultural weed control
Manufacturer Information: Refer to label from supplier
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300 (USA), regional equivalents worldwide
Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning (GHS)
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust or spray, wear eye protection, wash skin after handling
Symptoms: Stinging eyes, redness, coughing, mild skin irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Chemical Name: N-Phosphonomethylglycine
Concentration: Pure compound or variable (check product label, typical ranges 40–50% in formulations)
Impurities: May contain trace surfactants or inerts (from formulation process)
Molecular Formula: C3H8NO5P
Molecular Weight: 169.07 g/mol
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for several minutes, lifting eyelids, remove contact lenses, consult medical care if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, consult physician
Most Important Symptoms: Eye irritation, coughing, mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Medical Attention: Supportive and symptomatic treatment only
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jet (may spread substance)
Special Hazards: Toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides)
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective suit
Advice for Firefighters: Remain upwind, keep unnecessary personnel away, avoid runoff entering drains
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical goggles, gloves, and mask; ventilate area
Containment Methods: Stop leak if safe, use earth or sand to contain spilled product
Cleaning Procedures: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth), place in suitable containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways and sewers
Notification Requirements: Inform local authorities if large quantities escape
Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing mists or dust, never eat/drink while using
Storage Recommendations: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, away from food and animal feed
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, direct sunlight, moisture, incompatible materials (strong oxidizers)
Incompatibilities: Reactive metals, oxidants, strong acids/bases
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for glyphosate
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if handling powders or sprays
Eye Protection: Safety goggles
Skin Protection: Gloves (nitrile or neoprene), long-sleeved clothing
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator if exposure likely
General Hygiene: Wash hands after use, remove soiled clothing
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: 4.0–5.0 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 230°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water (12 g/L at 25°C), practically insoluble in most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: 1.7 g/cm³
Partition coefficient (log Kow): -3.2
Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reaction known under proper use
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, reactive metals like aluminum or zinc
Decomposition: Produces oxides of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus at high temperatures
Acute Toxicity – Oral (Rat): LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (low acute toxicity)
Acute Toxicity – Dermal (Rabbit): LD50 > 5000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity – Inhalation: Not classified as toxic by inhalation
Eye Effects: Causes significant irritation
Skin Effects: Mild irritant; prolonged exposure may worsen effect
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as carcinogenic; some debate and ongoing studies
Chronic Effects: Animal studies suggest no adverse effects at environmental exposure levels
Other Risks: No evidence of mutagenicity/teratogenicity at typical doses
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic plants; fish and invertebrate toxicity low (LC50 > 100 mg/L)
Persistence and Degradability: Moderate persistence in environment, degrades by microbial action
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (does not readily accumulate in organisms)
Mobility in Soil: Binds to soil, but risk of runoff if soil is saturated
Other Environmental Risks: Can impact beneficial soil microorganisms and non-target plant species if misapplied
Disposal Methods: Take to licensed chemical disposal facility, incinerate under controlled conditions
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and puncture before recycling or disposal, follow local regulations
Prevent Pollutant Release: Avoid dumping into drains, waterways, or on soil
UN Number: Not regulated under most international or US transport schemes
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous good for transport
Packing Group: None assigned
Hazard Class: None assigned
Transport Precautions: Keep containers secure and upright during transit, prevent shifts and spills
US EPA Status: Registered for use as pesticide
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU REACH: Listed with restrictions; subject to review
SARA Title III: Not listed as extremely hazardous
WHMIS (Canada): Not classified as hazardous product
Label Requirements: Hazard warnings and directions for use must appear on product labels in keeping with local law