Endrin

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Endrin is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that has been used as an insecticide, rodenticide, and acaricide. It is a colorless, odorless solid, although commercial samples can be off-white and possess a mild chemical odor.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Endrin is a stereoisomer of dieldrin, a related pesticide. It is a solid that is not soluble in water, but is soluble in most organic solvents. It is stable to heat and light, but is broken down by ultraviolet light.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Endrin was used primarily to control rodents, rabbits, and insects in field crops such as cotton and grains. It was also used to control insects on orchard fruits, and as a seed dressing. Its use has been discontinued in the U.S. since 1986 due to its high toxicity and persistence in the environment.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to endrin can cause a variety of adverse health effects, including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, death. It is also considered a potential human carcinogen.

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Endrin is highly persistent in the environment, with a half-life of up to 12 years. It can bioaccumulate in fish and birds, leading to secondary poisoning of predators. It is also toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the U.S., endrin is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is also listed as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Endrin Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD