Bromadiolone (chemical formula: C30H23BrO4), is a highly toxic chemical, typically found as an odourless, yellowish coloured powder. It is soluble in acetone and slightly soluble in chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol.
Bromadiolone is an active ingredient in rodent baits and poisons. It is a cumulative poison that acts as an anticoagulant, which means it prevents the blood from clotting, causing the rats and mice to eventually die from internal bleeding. These rodenticide products are normally in the form of pellets or bait blocks and they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Bromadiolone is very effective compared with some other rodent poisons and can be lethal from just one feeding.
The routes of exposure for bromadiolone include; inhalation, ingestion and skin and eye contact.
Inhalation of bromadiolone isn’t thought to produce adverse health effects and irritation of the respiratory tract, however those with already compromised respiratory function (conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis), may suffer further disability upon inhalation. Those with prior circulatory, nervous system or kidney damage should also take extra precautions when handling the chemical.
Ingestion of bromadiolone can lead to severely toxic effects including fatality. Under normal conditions, bromadiolone can be handled with little danger. Prolonged, repeated or large dose ingestion may have haemorrhaging effects. Symptoms might include; nausea, vomiting, bleeding gums, an increased tendency to bruise, blood in the urine and faeces and excessive bleeding from minor cuts. Severe poisoning can result in coma and death.
Bromadiolone is not thought to be a skin irritant, but abrasive damage can result from prolonged exposure. Severely toxic and systemic effects leading to death can result following entry into the bloodstream, so it is important that the skin is inspected for open cuts or wounds prior to handling the chemical.
Direct eye exposure to the chemical may cause transient discomfort characterised by tearing and redness. Slight abrasive damage may also result.
If inhaled, remove the patient from the contaminated area to the nearest fresh air source. Other measures are not usually necessary.
If swallowed, a dose of at least 3 tablespoons of activated charcoal in water should be taken. Vomiting may be recommended, but is generally avoided due to the risk of aspiration, however if charcoal is unavailable, vomiting should be induced. Seek medical attention without delay.
If skin exposure occurs, remove all contaminated clothing, footwear and accessories and flush the affected area with plenty of running water, using a safety shower if available. Transport to hospital or doctor.
If the chemical is exposed to the eyes, flush the eyes out immediately with fresh running water for at least 15 minutes, remembering to wash under the eyelids. Removal of contact lenses should only be done by a skilled individual. Transport to hospital or doctor without delay.
Emergency eyewash fountains and safety showers should be accessible in the immediate area of the potential exposure to the chemical and there should always be adequate ventilation to remove or dilute any air contaminants (install local exhaust if necessary). Skin cleansing and barrier creams are also recommended for use in the event of skin exposure.
The PPE recommended when handling bromadiolone includes; safety glasses with unperforated side shields, chemical goggles, full face shields, gas masks, elbow length PVC gloves, overalls and safety boots.
For more information on how to safely handle bromadiolone, refer to your SDS. Click here for a trial of our SDS Management Software or contact us at sales@chemwatch.net for more information about our chemicals management solutions.
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