Gateway on Pesticide Hazards and Safe Pest Management

Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC)

(Benzalkonium chloride, Dimethylcocobenzalkonium chloride, Quaternary ammonium compounds)

General Information

• Product Names:
  Brulin QDC (Brulin)
  Saygen 3 in 1 Algaecide (Miami Products)
  Quat-A-Mone (Alpharma)
  Zep bowl shine (Zep)

  Magic Germicide (ABC Compounding)
  Super Grit ( ABC Compounding)
  Pine-Sol (Clorox)
  Lemon-Sol (Clorox)

• 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.
• Beyond Pesticides rating: Toxic

Health and Environmental Effects

• 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 Not documented
• Detected in Groundwater: Not documented
• Potential Leacher: Not documented
• Toxic to Birds: Yes (8)
• Toxic to Fish/Aquatic Organisms: Yes (8)
• Toxic to Bees: Not documented

Additional Information

• Regulatory Status:
  • 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)