Chlordane

Synonyms

Chlordan; Clordano; 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-Octachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindane; [NIOSH] Chlor-Kil; Dowchlor; Gold Crest C-100; Octa-Klor; Topiclor 20; Velsicol 1068; [ATSDR Case Studies] BELT; Chlor Kil; Chlortox; Corodane; Gold Crest C-100; Kilex Lindane; Kypchlor; Niran; Octachlor; Synklor; Termex; Topiclor 20; Toxichlor; Velsicol 1068; [EXTOXNET]

Category

Organochlorine Pesticides

Description

Amber-colored, viscous liquid with a pungent, chlorine-like odor. [insecticide]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Formerly used as an insecticide and fumigant; Formulations available internationally for termite control and wood treatment; [HSDB]

Comments

Classified as "moderately toxic," it persists in soil with a half-life of about 4 years. In two cases of poisoning by ingestion, the biological half-life of chlordane in serum was found to be 88 days and 21 days. [EXTOXNET] High-dose animal studies show that organochlorine insecticides can cause liver injury. [LaDou, p. 593] "No evidence of hepatic injury in humans as the result of environmental contamination." [Zimmerman, p. 414] No illnesses among workers exposed to 5 mg/m3 for 1 to 3 years; Fatal human dose is about 6 grams; Convulsions can occur after dose of 2.25 grams; Application of 30 grams to skin caused death in 40 minutes; [ACGIH]

EPA banned it for food crops in 1978 & all production, sale & use in the U.S. in 1988; Chlordane is still licensed for fire ant control in electric transformers. [EXTOXNET] All U.S. registrations cancelled; [EPA Pesticides, p. 56]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

0.5 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor

0.5 mg/m3

0.5 mg/m3, inhalable fraction

100 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: The fatal oral dose has been estimated to be about 6 grams [Derbes et al. 1955] or to range from 6 to 60 grams [Pennsylvania 1969]. [Note: An oral dose of 6 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to about 4,000 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]

1E-05 mm Hg

An "extended period of time" because of accumulation in fat; [TDR, p. 302] See "Comments."

Reference Link #2

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Other Poison

Organochlorine

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Organochlorine insecticides, acute poisoning