chlordane
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What is Chlordane and its Derivative Oxychlordane?

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Summary of Chlordane and Oxychlordane

Chlordane is an artificial pesticide, which was banned for food crops in 1978. In 1988, that restriction extended to termite extermination. It resists degradation in the environment and can cause cancers, diabetes, and neurological disorders. This combination of chemicals is a thick liquid whose color ranges from colorless to amber, depending on its purity, and may have no smell or a mild, irritating smell. Chlordane is known to resist environmental degradation and accumulates in the fat cells of humans and animals that can potentially cause cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and other resulting symptoms. A breakdown product of chlordane is the metabolite oxychlordane which accumulates in the blood and adipose tissue, or body fat, with age.

Uses and Manufacturing of Chlordane

Chlordane was first commercially produced in 1947 for termite eradication around housing foundations and control of soil insects for the benefit of corn production. It was also an active ingredient in many lawn and garden pesticides. Technical chlordane was sold as an emulsifiable concentrate for use in dilute water suspension as a spray. Chlordane remains in our food supply to this day, despite being banned years ago. It remains in many farmland soils because its use was so prevalent in the ’60s and ’70s.

Health impact of Chlordane

Exposure to chlordane occurs when you eat crops grown in contaminated soil, consume contaminated fish or shellfish, breathe air, or touch ground near waste sites or landfills. Health implications of chlordane are dependent on the length and severity of the exposure. Short-term large exposures can cause neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, irritation, tremors, seizures, or other symptoms like gastrointestinal distress and injury to the liver. Long-term exposure can potentially produce cancer-causing chemicals in the human body.

Is There a Medical Test to Determine Whether a Person has been Exposed to Chlordane?

Laboratory tests can indicate if chlordane and its breakdown products, metabolites, are present in blood, fat, breast milk, and other bodily fluids. This test cannot tell how much you have been exposed to, how long you have been exposed, or predict if harmful effects from exposure will occur.

Does Chlordane Cause Cancer?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a study investigating men with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma found that the odds of chlordane use as an insecticide were significantly greater among cases than among controls. Animal studies have also reported liver cancer in mice and rats after exposure to chlordane. For these reasons, the EPA considers chlordane a probable human carcinogen and classifies it as a Group B2 carcinogen.

How do I Get Rid of Chlordane?

The FDA and OSHA have established levels of chlordane and its metabolites in most fruits and vegetables and workplace air, but exposure can happen. Using chlordane near home foundations can result in the entry and dispersion of the chemical through the duct systems. In this case, one can contain the release by repairing ducts or by closing off and circumventing the underground duct system. Once the exposure ceases, Chlordane will slowly leave the body over the following months or years, depending on the length and severity of the exposure.

What Happens to Chlordane When it Enters the Environment?

Once chlordane enters the environment, it can stay in the same soil for over 20 years as it has a low potential to move and mostly leaves the soil by evaporation into the air. It does not readily break down by water or light.

Testing for Chlordane

When testing for chlordane levels, we advise testing the homes and surrounding areas before testing biological samples. First, collect air and soil samples for evaluation. Be wary that when testing the house, levels may have been effected by your air and soil samples. Levels may be increased if the house was closed prior to sampling or if the heat or cooling system was on.

How Chem Service analytical standards can be used to test for Chlordane and Oxychlordane?

With Chlordane’s lingering effects on home and local environments, it is important to test if this chemical compound is present, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of exposure or have reason to believe it is present. We are here to help you! To determine the best test for Chlordane and Oxychlordane, contact the experienced and friendly Chem Service team.

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