2,6 Dichlorobenzonitrile

Mechanism of action

It has herbicidal properties killing young seedlings of both monocot and dicot species. DCBN interferes with cellulose synthesis. DCBN adapted cell walls use minimal amounts of cellulose, instead relying on Ca²⁺-bridge pectates.

Usage

In 1971 in the U.S. State of California, their department of agriculture reported, "Dichlobenil kills the roots of many species, but not all; further, the killing does not extend much beyond the portion actually soaked."

In 1996, the University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project reported:

Dosages were difficult to control... and as a result soaking or spraying methods are no longer used.
The current application method involves applying metam-sodium products in foam carriers (similar to shaving cream).

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration or FDA (a major operational division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) mentions "dichlobenil" in a reports entitled "Herbicidal suppression of bracken and effects on forage production."

Residue

On the one hand, the Inland Fisheries Ireland has reported, "The dichlobenil residue in water almost completely dissipates in 5 to 6 months."

On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Energy - Bonneville Power Administration has reported "high potential" for dichlobenil to mix into water runoff and "moderate potential" to enter groundwater. It then states with regard to "threateneed and endangered species" that "federally listed terrestrial and aquatic plants may be adversely affected if the product is applied directly to the plants, or indirectly as the result of drift or leaching."

U.S. FDA reports on pesticide residue have included "dichlobenil" at least since 2001, if not earlier:

Toxicity and environment

Since 1995, the U.S. National Institutes of Health has warned about potential damage to humans during indoor usage (see products listed, below):

Leave all windows open and fans operating... Put all pets outdoors, and take yourself any your family away from treated areas for at least the length of time prescribed on the label.

In 2006, the University of Hertfordshire reported on "dichlobenil":

It is no longer approved for use within the EU. It has low solubility, is not highly volatle and has potential to leach into groundwater. It is moderately persistent in soils and very persistent in water. It is moderately toxic to mammals, aquatic organisms, honeybees and earthworms.

The report quotes a European Union regulatory effective date of 2009. The Inland Fisheries Ireland has reported:

The registration of all dichlobenil products (including Casoron G) was revoked in Ireland from 18th March 2009, under Commission Decision 2008/754/EC of 18th September 2008. A period of grace for the disposal, storage, placing on the market and use of existing stocks expired on 18th March 2010.

The London underground found itself in violation by using dichlobenil in September 2011. As of 2012, the United Nations' International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) has advised that "the substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion... A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed... The substance may have effects on the skin. This may result in chloracne. Further, it has advised

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be taken to avoid any additional release, for example through inappropriate disposal.

For personal protection during usage, the IPCS advises:

Particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance... Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

While the ICPS warns strongly, "Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment," it does not note that the contradiction that dichlobenil's usage is on the environment.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) follows and cites the ICPS.

USA

This partial list of consumer products with "dichlobenil" as an active ingredient:

Synthesis

Dichlobenil is produced from 2,6-dichlorotoluene via the oxime. Its activity was discovered in the mid 50s.