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What is Toxaphene?
Toxaphene is a mixture of hundreds of different chlorinated compounds. It was one of the most heavily used pesticides in the Unites States until 1982, when it was canceled for most uses. All registered uses were banned by 1990. Toxaphene was used primarily in the southern United States to control insect pests on cotton and other crops. Toxaphene is usually found as a solid or a gas. In its original form, toxaphene is a yellow to amber waxy solid that has a piney odor.
Uses
The principal use of toxaphene in the past was for pest control on cotton crops. It was also used to control pests in livestock and poultry, and on other field crops. In 1982, EPA cancelled the registration of toxaphene for use as a pesticide, except for use on livestock, in emergency situations, and for controlling insects on banana and pineapple crops in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In 1990, all uses of toxaphene were cancelled.
Sources & Potential Exposure
The major effect of toxaphene is central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, which results in convulsive seizures. No studies are available on acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to toxaphene in humans or animals. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to toxaphene in humans results in reversible respiratory toxicity, while chronic, oral exposure in animals has resulted in effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, adrenal and thyroid glands, CNS, and the immune system.
Animal studies have reported an increased incidence of thyroid gland tumors and liver tumors via ingestion. Low levels (approximately 1 part per billion [ppb]) of toxaphene have been measured in outdoor air. However, these levels were measured before its use as a pesticide was restricted in 1982, and current levels would be expected to be lower. Toxaphene has also been detected in soil and food. Fish and other seafood from contaminated water usually contain the highest levels of the pesticide. Toxaphene has been detected very rarely in drinking water supplies.
Federal Regulations
EPA has classified toxaphene as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.
