Environmental Pollutants
Other Contaminants Pesticides Research Center Learn More
|
Aldrin and Dieldrin: Dangerous Chemicals Banned by the EPA
Aldrin and dieldrin are chemical insecticides. Aldrin quickly breaks down to
dieldrin in both the environment and in the bodies of both humans and animals.
Neither aldrin nor dieldrin occurs naturally in the environment.
From the
1950s until 1970, aldrin and dieldrin were widely used as pesticides, until the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all uses other than termite
control. The EPA banned aldrin and dieldrin for all uses in 1987.
In the
environment aldrin and dieldrin binds to the soil and evaporates slowly into the
air. When dieldrin is in a soil and water mix, it breaks down very slowly.
Plants absorb dieldrin from the soil.
Human exposure to aldrin and
dieldrin can cause headaches, dizziness, irritability, vomiting, and
uncontrolled muscle movements. In severe cases where large amounts of the
chemicals were ingested, the exposure has been known to cause convulsions and
death.
Exposure can also cause adverse effects to your health after a
longer period of exposure to smaller amounts because dieldrin builds up in the
body. However, studies have shown that when the source of exposure is removed,
those who have shown adverse effects of exposure recover rapidly.
If you
have been exposed to aldrin or dieldrin, there are special blood, urine and body
tissue tests that can be performed to measure the level of the chemicals in your
body. Testing for aldrin levels needs to be performed shortly after exposure
because it converts into dieldrin. But since dieldrin can stay in the body for
months, measurements of dieldrin can be made much longer after exposure.
see also:
Aldrin and Dieldrin
Have you been exposed to Aldrin and Dieldrin? Exposure to the pesticides Aldrin and Dieldrin can make you ill
Pesticides
Pesticides Herbicides Lawsuit - FREE Resource Center: Learn MorePesticides Herbicides - Environmental Pollution that causes Cancer
