Malathion

Synonyms & Trade Names

Diethyl (dimethoxyphosphinothioylthio) succinate, S-[1,2-bis(ethoxycarbonyl) ethyl]O,O-dimethyl-phosphorodithioate

Physical Description

Deep-brown to yellow liquid with a garlic-like odor. [insecticide] [Note: A solid below 37°F.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, magnesium, alkaline pesticides [Note: Corrosive to metals.]

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin; miosis, aching eyes, blurred vision, lacrimation (discharge of tears); salivation; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, ataxia; rhinorrhea (discharge of thin nasal mucus), headache; chest tightness, wheezing, laryngeal spasm

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 100 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 250 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection