Jump to main content.

Silver Nitrate (072503) Fact Sheet

Related Information
Information related to this page:

Issued: 10/01

On This Page

  1. Description of the Active Ingredient
  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods
  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health
  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment
  5. Regulatory Information
  6. Producer Information
  7. Additional Contact Information

Summary

Silver nitrate is a common natural substance. It is used indoors to extend the useful lifetime of commercial cut flowers by limiting their ability to make ethylene. Because silver nitrate solutions can cause brown stains on skin, users are required to wear appropriate protective equipment. No harmful effects to humans or the environment are expected if users follow label directions.

  1. Description of the Active Ingredient

    2. Active Ingredient Name: Silver Nitrate
    OPP Chemical Code: 072503 (CAS #77614-88-8)

    Silver nitrate is a solid that dissolves in water. It is prepared commercially by dissolving elemental silver in dilute nitric acid. Pesticide products containing silver nitrate as the active ingredient are used in the commercial cut flower industry to prevent premature shrinking or dropping of buds and blooms. When cut stems are placed in a dilute solution of silver nitrate, the plants are inhibited from making ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening and aging in plants.

    The single end product registered as of October 2001, Chrysal AVB, is a liquid containing 2.83% silver nitrate.

  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods

  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health

    4. Silver nitrate is a non-food-use active ingredient that is not toxic to humans. Applicators are instructed to use gloves to protect against contact with the skin because silver nitrate can discolor skin

  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment

    5. Silver nitrate is not harmful to mammals, but it is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Environmental risks are not expected if the registered product is used and disposed of according to label instructions.

    Use: Virtually no environmental exposure occurs during use because the only approved uses are indoors.

    Disposal: The label contains environmental precautionary labeling and special disposal instructions to ensure that silver nitrate does not enter bodies of water during cleanup or disposal.

  5. Regulatory Information

    6. Year active ingredient was initially registered (licensed for sale): 1962
    Number of end use products: 4
    Canceled: 1987

    Next product registration: 1997
    Number of end use products: 1
    Canceled: 1998

    Current pesticide registration: 2001
    Number of end use products: 1

  6. Producer Information

    7. James Kaplin
    Pokon & Chrysal
    3063 NW 21st Street
    Miami, FL 33172

  7. Additional Contact Information

    8. Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
    Office of Pesticide Programs
    Environmental Protection Agency
    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C. 20460

Top of Page

Publications | Glossary | A-Z Index | Jobs

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.