Chlordecone
Agent Name
Chlordecone
Alternative Name
Kepone
CAS Number
143-50-0
Formula
C10-Cl10-O
Major Category
Pesticides
Synonyms
1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one; 1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8,9,10,10-Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2-cyclobuta(c,d)pentalone; 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,10-Decachloro(5.2.1.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 3,9).0(sup 5,8))decano-4-one; 1,3,4-Metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one, 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-; 2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a,8,8a-Decachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoinden-1-one; Chlordecone; Ciba 8514; Clordecone; Compound 1189; Decachloro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one; Decachloroketone; Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-methano-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one; Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalen-2-one; Decachloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5),(8))decan-4-one; Decachloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 3,9).0(sup 5,8))decan-4-one; Decachloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 4,10).0(sup 5,9))decan-3-one; Decachlorotetracyclodecanone; Decachlorotetrahydro-4,7-methanoindeneone; GC 1189; General chemicals 1189; Kepone; Kepone-2-one, decachlorooctahydro-; Merex; Perchloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8))decan-5-one; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organochlorine Pesticides
Description
Tan to white, crystalline, odorless solid. [insecticide]; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Formerly used as an insecticide; Base material for the manufacture of kelevan; [HSDB]
Comments
In the past, workers in a manufacturing plant developed "Kepone shakes" with tremor, weakness, and slurred speech. Abnormal liver function tests were also seen. [Sullivan, p. 1078-9] Workers had decreased sperm counts. There is strong positive data and limited negative data that chlordecone causes fetal loss in animals. [ATSDR Case Studies #29]
Restricted
In 1975 the sole manufacturer of Kepone in the U.S. was ordered to terminate production. [Sullivan, p. 1048-9]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Bioaccumulates
Yes
Vapor Pressure
3E-07 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
NIOSH REL = 0.001 mg/m3;
Reference Link #2
Adverse Effects
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
NTP Carcinogen
Anticipated human carcinogen
Other Poison
Organochlorine
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: