Ingredients in CheckMate LBAM-F

Water

(E)-11-Tetradecen-1-yl Acetate and (E,E)-9,11 Tetradecadien-1-yl Acetate: These active ingredients are synthetic pheromones mimicking the female moth’s mating scent. They are not likely to have a significant impact on the environment or humans, but officials acknowledge that they may have some effect on related “leafroller” moths.

Crosslinked polyurea polymer: According to Suterra, this compound makes up the shell of the microcapsule that contains the pheromone. Urea is a nitrogen source that dissolves in water. The overall effect on the marine environment is likely small compared to the large amount of nitrogen that enters the water with runoff.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene: Acts as a common preservative that keeps food from going rancid. “There is no reason to suspect an effect, even from breathing it in.”

Polyvinyl Alcohol: An emulsifier that allows other compounds to mix together and may keep the microcapsules suspended in water. Harmless in isolation, but could potentially dissolve other compounds on impervious surfaces into stormwater. The Society of Plastics Industry considers it a plastic resin.

Tricaprylyl Methyl Ammonium Chloride: A low-foaming surfactant that keeps polymer beads from sticking together and allows other compounds to dissolve in water. May have some level of antimicrobial properties, which can favor the spread of immune bacteria. In large amounts, surfactants can change the surface tension of water—possibly affecting zooplankton, particularly in shallow waters or along shorelines. Even at modest levels, surfactants can significantly impact amphibians such as frogs.

Sodium Phosphate and Ammonium Phosphate: Buffers to control pH; common ingredients in fertilizer. Both are on the EPA list of inert ingredients of minimal concern. They are likely harmless to humans at low application levels. If stormwater runoff concentrates them to high levels, they could contribute to algal blooms potentially harmful to marine life.

1,2-benzisothiozolin-3-one: Urbansky is not familiar with this compound. According to Haz-Map, a federal database of occupational hazards, exposure is associated with asthma and skin irritation.

2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxybenzophenone: According to ChemIndustry.com, acts as an absorber of ultraviolet light. May add a very faint smell used as a tracer to enable monitoring. Health impacts are unknown.