Agent Name |
Chlordane |
CAS Number |
57-74-9 |
Formula |
C10-H6-Cl8 |
Major Category |
Pesticides |
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. 553] "No evidence of hepatic injury in humans as the result of environmental contamination." [Zimmerman, p. 414] |
Restricted |
EPA banned it for food crops in 1978 and for termite control 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 |
EXTOXNET PIP - CHLORDANE |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
PEL (OSHA) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
MAK |
0.5 mg/m3, inhalable fraction |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
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.] |
Vapor Pressure |
1 x 10 -05 mm Hg |
Half Life |
An "extended period of time" because of accumulation in fat; [TDR, p. 302] See "Comments." |
Reference Link |
ATSDR Medical Management - Chlordane |
Adverse Effects |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Other Poison |
Organochlorine Pesticide |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: CHLORDANE
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