ABSTRACT
Maleic hydrazide reportedly biodegrades fairly rapidly under moist, warm conditions in soils. The most probable routes of human exposure to maleic hydrazide are by ingestion of food and inhalation of tobacco smoke containing this compound as a result of intentional applications, as well as inhalation and dermal exposure due to occupational exposure of maleic hydrazide applicators and crop harvesters. Maleic hydrazide may enter the environment from production sites, and due to its use on agricultural crops such as tobacco, stored onions, stored potatoes and citrus crops and its use in turf and roadside maintenance. Maleic hydrazide may biodegrade in natural water based upon its observed rapid biodegradation in various soil systems. Based upon its photolysis in water, maleic hydrazide may be subject to direct photolysis in the atmosphere. In water, maleic hydrazide reportedly undergoes rapid photochemical decomposition. Cigarettes analyzed after the 1970 growing season contained residues of 18 to 31 ppm maleic hydrazide.
