Heptachlor

Synonyms

1,4,5,6,7,8,8-Heptachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene; Biarbinex; Cupincida; Drinox; E 3314; Fennotox; Heptagran; Heptamul; Heptox; Termide; Velsicol 104.

Category

Organochlorine Pesticides

Description

White to light-tan crystals with a camphor-like odor. [insecticide]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to kill termites, ants, and soil insects; [EXTOXNET]

Comments

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] Heptachlor exposure has been associated with aplastic anemia, e.g., after domestic application for termite control, but no dose-dependent relationship was found; [ACGIH] TLV basis = liver damage; Heptachlor epoxide (1024-57-3) is apparently formed during the environmental degradation of heptachlor. [ACGIH]

All uses cancelled in 1988; still licensed for control of fire ants in electrical transformers; [EXTOXNET] All U.S. registrations cancelled except for underground use in power lines to control fire ants; [EPA Pesticides, p. 56]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

0.05 mg/m3

0.5 mg/m3

0.05 mg/m3, inhalable fraction

35 mg/m3

0.0003 mm Hg

Heptachlor is stored mainly in fatty tissue. It could be detected in experimental rats for up to 14 weeks after cessation of exposure. [EXTOXNET]

Reference Link #2

Aplastic anemia

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

Possible (2b)

Confirmed Animal

Other Poison

Organochlorine

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Organochlorine insecticides, acute poisoning