Topic: Chemistry
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Chitosan; Poly-D-glucosamine (128930) Fact Sheet
Chitosan is used primarily as a plant growth enhancer, and as a substance that boosts the ability of plants to defend against fungal infections. It is approved for use outdoors and indoors on many plants grown commercially and by consumers. The active ingredient is found in the shells of crustaceans, such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, and in certain other organisms
Given its low potential for toxicity and its abundance in the natural environment, chitosan is not expected to harm people, pets, wildlife, or the environment when used according to label directions.
Chitosan (poly-D-glucosamine) is one of the most common polymers found in nature. Structurally, it is related to cellulose, which consists of long chains of glucose molecules linked to each other. In chitosan, the building block of the chains is a slightly modified form of glucose. For another pesticide active ingredient structurally related to chitosan and cellulose, see chitin, also called poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Like chitin, chitosan is present in the shells of all crustaceans and insects, and in certain other organisms including many fungi, algae, and yeast. Commercially, chitosan is prepared from chitin, which is isolated from the shells of crustaceans after the edible parts have been removed.
No risks to humans are expected when products containing chitosan are used according to label directions. In toxicity tests, the only effect seen was slight skin irritation after chitosan was applied to skin.
Source: www.re-green.com
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