ABSTRACT
Zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (Zineb) may be released to the environment in wastewater, spills, and in dust and aerosols during its manufacture, and its formulation, spray application, and cleanup in its use as a fungicide. In agricultural applications, it is available as a wettable powder or dust or alternatively may be formed in the spray tank by mixing nabam with zinc sulfate and applied to crops as a spray. Zineb is unstable in aqueous solutions, producing ethylenethiourea 5,6-dihydro-3H-imidaz-1,2,4-dithiazole-3-thione, ethylenediamine, ethylenediisothiocyanate, sulfur, carbon disulfide, and hydrogen sulfide. Field workers who apply zineb-containing sprays or who come into contact with treated crops have the greatest risk of exposure. The general public may be exposed from ingesting fruits or vegetables containing zineb residues. The National Occupational Hazard Survey has statistically estimated that 3,205 workers are exposed to zineb in the USA.
