Dieldrin
Agent Name
Dieldrin
CAS Number
60-57-1
Formula
C12-H8-Cl6-O
Major Category
Pesticides
Synonyms
HEOD; 1,2,3,4,10,10-Hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-1,4-endo,exo-5,8-dimethanonaphthalene; [NIOSH]
Category
Organochlorine Pesticides
Description
Colorless to light-tan crystals with a mild, chemical odor. [insecticide]; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Dieldrin was used in the past to control insects, primarily in corn and citrus production. [ACGIH]
Comments
Dieldrin is very toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. For occupational exposures the greatest hazard is through skin absorption. TLV Basis: Liver damage; Reproductive effect; CNS impairment; [ACGIH] High-dose animal studies show that organochlorine insecticides are toxic to the liver. [LaDou, p. 553] A case of Coomb's positive anemia associated with exposure to Dieldrin was reported in 1978. [Rosenstock, p. 460 "No evidence of hepatic injury in humans as the result of environmental contamination." [Zimmerman, p. 414]
Restricted
In 1974, EPA banned all uses except termite control. In 1987, EPA banned al uses. [ATSDR ToxFAQs]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
Bioaccumulates
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor
PEL (OSHA)
0.25 mg/m3
MAK
0.25 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
IDLH (NIOSH)
50 mg/m3
Vapor Pressure
5.89E-06 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from HSDB;
Reference Link #2
Adverse Effects
Anemia
Hemolytic anemia
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Probable (2a)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Other Poison
Organochlorine
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: