Water poisoning fluoroacetate

Toxicity. Sodium fluoroacetate is one of the most effective all-purpose rodenticides known (18). It is highly toxic to all species of rats tested and can be used either in water solution or in bait preparations. Its absence of objectionable taste and odor and its delayed effects lead to its excellent acceptance by rodents. It is nonvolatile, chemically stable, and not toxic or irritating to the unbroken skin of workers. Rats do not appear to develop any significant tolerance to this compound from nonlethal doses. However, it is extremely dangerous to humans, to common household pets, and to farm animals, and should only be used by experienced personnel. The rodent carcasses should be collected and destroyed since they remain poisonous for a long period of time to any animal that eats them. 

Fluoroacetate (3), the sodium salt of monofluoroacetic acid, is also a substance of vegetable origin, reported to poison sheep and cattle repeatedly. It is the toxic substance of a South African plant called gifblaar (Dichapetalum cymostm) and of the Australian plant Acacia georginae (Marais, 1944). The compound is readily soluble in water and is very toxic. Its acute oral lDj for rats is 0.2-2 mg/kg. The compound is converted via the citrate cycle into fluorocitrate and this blocks the citrate cycle. 

Fluoroacetate, also known as compound 1080, sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA), and sodium fluoroacetate, is one of the most toxic substances known. In the past. It was used primarily as a rodenticide by licensed pest control companies, but It has been removed from the US market because of its hazard. (However, it is still used as packets attached to sheep to poison wolves and coyotes that kill and ingest the sheep.) It is a tasteless, odorless, water-soluble white crystalline powder. Fluoroac-etamide (compound 1081) is a similar compound with similar toxicity. 

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