ABSTRACT

Dalapon is released directly to the environment in its use as a herbicide for the control of annual and perennial grasses. Atmospheric removal via washout may be possible since dalapon is extremely water soluble. Occupational exposure to dalapon may occur through dermal and inhalation routes associated with the formulation and application of dalapon herbicide. Microbial degradation and leaching appear to be the important fate processes in soil with respect to dalapon. The environmental fate processes which are potentially important for removing dalapon from natural waters include hydrolysis, microbial degradation, and photolysis. The vapor-phase reaction of dalapon with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated to be 72.3 days in typical atmosphere. General population exposure to dalapon may occur through oral consumption of drinking water since it has been detected in drinking water concentrates. Occupational exposure may occur through dermal and inhalation routes associated with the formulation and application of dalapon herbicide.