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Iron (Ferric) Phosphate (034903) Fact Sheet

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Issued: 3/01

On This Page

  1. Description of the Active Ingredient
  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods
  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health
  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment
  5. Regulatory Information
  6. Registrant Information
  7. Additional Contact Information

Summary

As a pesticide active ingredient, iron phosphate is used in controlling snails and slugs on food crops and ornamentals at outdoor and indoor sites. Iron phosphate is a common chemical with a variety of uses, including as a human nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in fertilizer. The substance is not harmful to humans, to other non-target organisms, or to the environment. It is an alternative to a more toxic chemical that has been used for controlling snails and slugs.

  1. Description of the Active Ingredient

    2. I. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT

    Active Ingredient Name: Iron (Ferric) Phosphate

    OPP Chemical Code: 34903 CAS # 10045-86-0)

    Iron phosphate is ubiquitous in nature. It is a solid. It is not volatile and does not readily dissolve in water, which minimizes its dispersal beyond where it is applied. It is applied to soil as part of a pellet that also contains bait to attract snails and slugs. When the pests eat the pellets, the iron phosphate interferes with calcium metabolism in their gut, causing the snails and slugs to stop eating almost immediately. They die three to six days later.

  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods

  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health

    4. No adverse effects to humans are known or expected. Iron phosphate is considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe for food use).

  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment

    5. Snails and slugs are more sensitive to the effects of iron phosphate than are other organisms. No toxicity was seen in mammals, birds, or fish. For several other organisms, including earthworms and certain ground beetles, no harmful effects are expected if users follow the application rates and use directions on the label.

  5. Regulatory Information

    6. Year active ingredient was initially registered (licensed for sale): 1997

    Number of end use products (March 2001): 1

  6. Registrant Information

    7. U.S. Agent
    Walter G. Talarek
    1008 Riva Ridge Drive
    Great Falls, VA 22066

  7. Additional Contact Information

    8. Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
    Office of Pesticide Programs
    Environmental Protection Agency
    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C. 20460

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