3563 Metaldehyde Metaldehyde is a cyclic tetramer of acetaldehyde commonly used as a pesticide against slugs, snails, and other gastropods. Metaldehyde intoxication leads to central nervous system depression, and liver and kidney injury. (L1782) 108-62-3 61021 C8H16O4 44.026220 Colourless or white powder crystals with a mild characteristic odour. (L1787) 246°C 110-120 °C 1.27 g/cm³ 200 mg/L (at 17 °C) 36-40 °C Oral (L1782) ; inhalation (L1782) ; dermal (L1782) The toxicologically active substance in metaldehyde intoxication is mainly the degradation product acetaldehyde; other toxic products are probably also formed. Acetaldehyde acts as a releasing factor for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA). It also competitively inhibits biogenic amine oxidation which, in turn, decreases 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), a metabolite of 5-HT by competitively inhibiting 5-HT-oxidation. Acetaldehyde also increases monoamine oxidase activity and decreases central serotonin levels. (L1782) Metaldehyde is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and may be absorbed from the skin or lungs. Metaldehyde slowly hydrolyses to acetaldehyde in acid solutions (i.e., in the stomach). Acetaldehyde is then oxidized to acetic acid. (L1787) LD50: 630 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (L1782) LD50: 600 mg/kg (Oral, Dog) (L1782) 50 to 500 mg/kg orally for an adult human. (L1782) No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Metaldehyde is used as a pesticide against slugs, snails, and other gastropods, it is also used in tablets as a solid fuel for small heaters, and as fire-starter. (L1782) Metaldehyde intoxicatin leads to central nervous system depression, and liver and kidney injury. Death from respiratory failure can occur within a few hours of exposure. (L1787) Ingestion is the most common route of metaldehyde poisoning. One to three hours after ingestion the following can occur: severe abdominal pain, nausea, salivation, vomiting, facial flushing, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, metabolic acidosis, a marked rise in body temperature, drowsiness, convulsions, muscular rigidity, spasms, rhabdomyolysis and coma. Pulse and respiratory rate become progressively slower. Liver and kidney injury occurs at a later stage. Metaldehyde fumes may cause somnolence, uncoordinated movements, nausea, dizziness, CNS-depression, convulsions, and coma. Metaldehyde is also irritant to eyes and skin. (L1787) Measures to eliminate the substance from the gastrointestinal tract should be especially emphasized because metaldehyde is slowly absorbed and eliminated in the gastrointestinal tract. There is no specific antidote. (L1787) 2009-07-30T17:59:01Z 2014-12-24T20:26:07Z http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaldehyde C00084 100650 15343 ACETALD Metaldehyde 7888 true CC1OC(C)OC(C)OC(C)O1 C8H16O4 InChI=1S/C8H16O4/c1-5-9-6(2)11-8(4)12-7(3)10-5/h5-8H,1-4H3 InChIKey=GKKDCARASOJPNG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 176.2102 176.104859 Exogenous Solid