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Silver Nitrate (072503) Fact Sheet
Related Information
Information related to this page:Issued: 10/01
On This Page
- Description of the Active Ingredient
- Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods
- Assessing Risks to Human Health
- Assessing Risks to the Environment
- Regulatory Information
- Producer Information
- Additional Contact Information
Summary
Silver nitrate is a common natural substance. It is used indoors to extend the useful lifetime of commercial cut flowers by limiting their ability to make ethylene. Because silver nitrate solutions can cause brown stains on skin, users are required to wear appropriate protective equipment. No harmful effects to humans or the environment are expected if users follow label directions.
- Description of the Active Ingredient
- Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods
- Use Sites: Ethylene-sensitive cut flowers in greenhouses and indoor storage facilities
- Purpose: Inhibits cut flowers from making ethylene
- Application Methods: The pesticide product is diluted with water according to label instructions. Fresh cut flowers are immediately placed in the diluted solution for a minimum of 2 hrs and a maximum of 72 hrs, except for lilies, with a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 36 hrs.
- Assessing Risks to Human Health
- Assessing Risks to the Environment
- Regulatory Information
- Producer Information
- Additional Contact Information
Active Ingredient Name: Silver Nitrate
OPP Chemical Code: 072503 (CAS #77614-88-8)
Silver nitrate is a solid that dissolves in water. It is prepared commercially by dissolving elemental silver in dilute nitric acid. Pesticide products containing silver nitrate as the active ingredient are used in the commercial cut flower industry to prevent premature shrinking or dropping of buds and blooms. When cut stems are placed in a dilute solution of silver nitrate, the plants are inhibited from making ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening and aging in plants.
The single end product registered as of October 2001, Chrysal AVB, is a liquid containing 2.83% silver nitrate.
Silver nitrate is a non-food-use active ingredient that is not toxic to humans. Applicators are instructed to use gloves to protect against contact with the skin because silver nitrate can discolor skin
Silver nitrate is not harmful to mammals, but it is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Environmental risks are not expected if the registered product is used and disposed of according to label instructions.
Use: Virtually no environmental exposure occurs during use because the only approved uses are indoors.
Disposal: The label contains environmental precautionary labeling and special disposal instructions to ensure that silver nitrate does not enter bodies of water during cleanup or disposal.
Year active ingredient was initially registered (licensed for sale): 1962
Number of end use products: 4
Canceled: 1987Next product registration: 1997
Number of end use products: 1
Canceled: 1998Current pesticide registration: 2001
Number of end use products: 1
James Kaplin
Pokon & Chrysal
3063 NW 21st Street
Miami, FL 33172
Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460