Metolachlor

Metolachlor is a chloroacetanilide herbicide. It is a ground water contaminant, a possible carcinogen, and a suspected endocrine disruptor. Pesticide Action Network lists it as a Bad Actor. Metolachlor causes slight acute toxicity with symptoms including headaches and nausea following inhalation and abdominal cramps following ingestion. In California, it is most commonly used on corn, beans, and sorghum. Metolachlor is made by Syngenta and sold under the trade names Dual, Dual Magnum, and Pennant Magnum.

Pollution of Waterways
According to a 1999 U.S. Geological Survey publication, metolachlor was among the top herbicides found in streams in both agricultural and urban areas. In agricultural areas, breakdown products of metolachlor are more commonly found than metolachlor itself. "Unlike streams, however, metolachlor was seldom detected [in urban shallow ground water], probably because of its lower urban use and lower persistence in the environment compared to the other herbicides."

Related SourceWatch Pages

 * Herbicides
 * Chloroacetanilide Herbicides
 * Classification of Herbicides