Chapter 88 - Sulfuryl Fluoride

Abstract

This chapter outlines the uses, micronucleus test, and mode of action of sulfuryl fluoride. Sulfuryl fluoride has been used to fumigate over one million buildings, including houses, museums, historical landmarks, libraries, government archives, and scientific and medical research laboratories. The activity of sulfuryl fluoride is dependent on the concentration reaching the target pest and the duration of exposure. Insect eggs require a higher dosage of sulfuryl fluoride compared to postembryonic life stages. Sulfuryl fluoride was evaluated in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Groups of mice were exposed to 0, 50, 175, or 520 ppm sulfuryl fluoride. Mice were sacrificed at 24, 48, or 72 hours after exposure to sulfuryl fluoride. There were no significant increases in the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice. Rats were exposed to 4000, 10,000, 20,000, or 40,000 ppm to determine the time to incapacitation. Rats were exposed to sulfuryl fluoride in a 14-liter cylindrical chamber equipped with a motor-driven activity wheel. Animals were forced to walk on the activity wheel for designated intervals during the exposure. All rats either died or were moribund within 3 hours following the end of the exposure.