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Common Name: METAM SODIUM
Active ingredient: 32.7%
Active ingredient: Sodium methyldithiocarbamate (MITC)
Other ingredients: 67.3% Identity withheld as trade secret by manufacturer
Type: biocide/soil fumigant Dithiocarbamate

Mode of Action: Methyldithiocarbamate (MITC) binds to oxygen carrying molecules and prevents tissues from using oxygen. Metam Sodium is a biocide which is used to sterilize soil prior to planting. Once applied, metam sodium decomposes into MITC, which is the actual pesticidal compound. Metam sodium was spilled into the Sacramento River in Dunsmuir during a train accident in 1991, killing all aquatic life for 20 miles and injuring hundreds of nearby residents. MITC and metam sodium are restricted use chemicals and can only be applied by licensed professionals.