chlordane

A detailed Summary of chlordane

Chlordane was among the first chemicals banned by the Environmental Protection Agency, yet to this day it is found present on many fruits and vegetables. Chlordane is considered to be one of the most dangerous insecticides. Arnold Lehman, Chief Pharmacologist at the United States Food and Drug Administration during 1950 described Chlordane as "one of the most toxic of insecticides- anyone handling it could be poisoned". Of course, Chlordane had to undergo a series of test to be considered toxic. The EPA approval process is one that is very long and enduring. All pesticides products created for use by homeowners and farmers in the United States must be registered by EPA. This process includes extensive testing to determine the toxicity of the product and its potential for threatening the health of people, wildlife, and the environment. When the EPA registers a pesticide, the manufacturer is required to label it with specific instructions as to use, disposal, and special precaut!

ions. The label requires agricultural employers to provide their employees with the many safety protections. If later scientific developments indicate unsuspected dangers, the registration can be suspended, canceled, or amended. The Agency sets specific li

As of 1987, under an agreement with the EPA, the manufacturer Velsicol ceased to sell Chlordane for consumer use in the United States. However, the company was and still is allowed to export this toxic chemical. The EPA banned the use of Chlordane because it is considered poisonous to humans who come into contact with it. When Velsicol exports this chemical, they are giving it to other countries to use as a pesticide on the fruits that are imported to the people in the United States. We then eat these fruits not knowing what is on it! In effect, we are still using this chemical. The regulation for chlordane in water came in effect in 1992. EPA requires the local water supplier to collect water samples every three months to find out if chlordane is present and above the Maximum Contaminant Level. The MCL for chlordane in drinking water is 2 ppb while the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG) is zero.

Chlordane can enter the body through the nose, mouth, skin, and/or eyes. Chlordane is an excellent insecticide, however, it is very harmful to human beings. A study of 261 people who either lived or were living in chlordane treated homes, were found to have nearly three-times more respiratory illnesses, including sinusitis, bronchitis, and cough. This study, which was conducted at the School of Public Health, University of Illinois, also found other illnesses significantly more in chlordane homes. These illnesses include neuritis, ovarian/uterine disease and skin disorders. In a study conducted

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Category: Miscellaneous