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Chlordane
Description:
Pure chlordane (C.A.S. 57-74-9) is a white crystalline solid with a mild, pungent odor. It was originally used as a pesticide on field crops such as corn and citrus fruits, and later used to control termites in homes. Its use and production were cancelled in April 1988, because of concern over cancer risk, evidence of human exposure and accumulation in body fat, persistence in the environment, and danger to wildlife. All aboveground uses had stopped by 1983. Between 1983 and 1988, chlordane was used only as a pesticide for termites. Chlordane is listed as a toxic chemical under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; estimates of releases of existing chlordane into the air, water or land must be reported annually and entered into the national Toxic Release Inventory. Chemical and physical properties: Chlordane's chemical formula is C10H6Cl8. It is a non-combustible liquid, but may be dissolved in flammable or combustible liquids for commercial use. Chlordane itself does not burn, but will emit a poisonous gas if engulfed in fire. Chlordane is very persistent in the environment, resisting chemical and biological degradation into harmless substances. It is strongly bioaccumulated in fish and other aquatic organisms. Synonyms for chlordane are 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-2,3,3A,4,7,7A-hexahydro-4,7,-meth; 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-2,3,3A,4,7,7A-hexahydro-4,7-metha; 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-3A,4,7,7A-hexahydro-4,7-methylene; 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-3A,4,7,7A-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoi; 1068; 4,7-methano-1H-idene, 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-2,3,3A,4,7; 4,7-methanoindan; 4,7- methanoindan,1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-3A,4,7,7A-tetra; aspon-chlordane; belt; cd 68; chlor kil; chlordan; chlordane; chlordane, liquid (DOT); chlordano; chlorindan; chlorotox; corodan; corodane; cortilan-neu; dowchlor; ent 9,932; ent 9932; ent-9932; hcs 3260; intox; intox (insecticide); kypchlor; m 140; m 410; nci-c00099; niran; octa-klor; octachlor; octachlordane; octachloro- 4,7- methanotetrahydroindane; octachloro-4,7-methanohydroindane; octachloro-4,7-methanotetrahydroindane; octachlorodihydrodicyclopentadiene; oktaterr; ortho-klor; starchlor; sydane; synklor; tat chlor 4; technical chlordane; termex; topiclor; toxichlor; unexan- koeder; and velsicol 1068. Identification: Health effects: Chlordane is a carcinogen. It may damage a developing fetus and may decrease fertility in men and women. It may damage the liver and kidneys and may cause an acne-like rash following contact with skin. Breathing the vapor of chlordane or contacting skin with chlordane may cause convulsions, unconsciousness and death. Lower exposures may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, vision problems, incoordination, irritability, muscle twitching, headaches, abdominal pain and vomiting. The liquid may irritate the eyes and the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact; exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Exposure Values: Economics: U.S. manufacturer of chlordane is Velsicol Chemical Corp, Marshall, IL. Regulation: On April 15, 1988, the sale, distribution, and use of chlordane were prohibited. It is illegal to dump existing chlordane supplies into sinks, toilets, storm drains, or any body of water. During 1987, before the use of chlordane was banned, 2,614 pounds of the pesticide were released into the air, according to a recent report by the National Wildlife Federation. The only three states in which chlordane was released were Illinois (884 pounds), Mississippi (500 pounds), and Tennessee (1,230 pounds). Under Section 302 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, chlordane is listed as an Extremely Hazardous Substance and has a threshold planning quantity of 1000 lbs. Under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, releases of more than one pound of chlorine into the air, water, and land must be reported annually and entered into the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Notations: The NIOSH recommended exposure limits (RELs) are time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations for up to a 10-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. A short-term exposure limit (STEL) is designated by "ST" preceding the value; unless noted otherwise, the STEL is a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday. A ceiling REL is designated by "C" preceding the value. Any substance that NIOSH considers to be a potential occupational carcinogen is designated by the notation "Ca." The OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL) are found in Tables Z-1, Z-2, and Z-3 of the OSHA General Industry Air Contaminants Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000). Unless noted otherwise, PEL are TWA concentrations that must not be exceeded during any 8-hour workshift of a 40-hour workweek. A STEL is designated by "ST" preceding the value and is measured over a 15-minute period unless noted otherwise. OSHA ceiling concentrations (designated by "C" preceding the value) must not be exceeded during any part of the workday; if instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, the ceiling must be assessed as a 15-minute TWA exposure. In addition, there are a number of substances from Table Z-2 (e.g., beryllium, ethylene dibromide, etc.) that have PEL ceiling values that must not be exceeded except for specified excursions. For example, a "5-minute maximum peak in any 2 hours" means that a 5-minute exposure above the ceiling value, but never above the maximum peak, is allowed in any 2 hours during an 8-hour workday. Information Sources:
Originally published in Environment Writer by the National Safety Council. Reprinted with permission. Environment Writer Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography Office of Marine Programs Narragansett, RI 02882 Tel: 401-874-6211; Fax: 401-874-6485 Disclaimer * Copyright 2002-2006 * All rights reserved. * University of Rhode Island |