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Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC)
(Benzalkonium chloride, Dimethylcocobenzalkonium chloride, Quaternary ammonium compounds)

The chemical case (ADBAC) is comprised of 24 compounds that are structurally similar quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) due to various substitutions of the alky group.

General Information

• Chemical Class: Quaternary amines/Antimicrobial
• Uses: General use for wood treatment, carpets, textiles, hard surfaces, agricultural premise and equipment, aquatic areas, food handling/storage, industrial processes and water systems. ADBAC is also applied to nursery ornamentals and turf, and is used for mosquito control in ponds and puddles.
• Alternatives:
• Beyond Pesticides rating: Toxic

Health Effects

• EPA Acute Toxicity Class:
• Cancer: Not documented
• Endocrine Disruption: Not documented
• Reproductive Effects: Not documented
• Neurotoxicity: Not documented
• Kidney/ Liver Damage: Not documented
• Sensitizer/ Irritant:Yes (8)
• Birth/ Developmental Defects: Not documented

Environmental Effects

• Detected in Groundwater: Not documented
• Detected in Streams: Not documented
• Potential Leacher: Not documented
• Toxic to Birds: Yes (8)
• Toxic to Fish/ Aquatic Organisms: Yes (8)
• Toxic to Bees: Not documented
• Toxic to Mammals: Slightly toxic(8)
• Long-Range Transport: Not documented

Additional Information

• Regulatory Information:
  • EPA Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) signed (8/2006)
• Supporting information:
  • CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities
  • PAN Pesticides Database: (Pesticide Action Network)
• Key Studies: