ARCHIVED REPORTS_DR OM AGREEMENT 2017 JANUARY

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ATSDR ALDRIN and DIELDRIN AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES CAS # 309-00-2 and 60-57-1 AND DISEASE REGISTRY Divisionof Toxicology1 TI 1 1 ' This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about aldrin and dieldrin. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure to aldrin and dieldrin happens mostly from eating contaminated foods, such as root crops, fish, or seafood. Aldrin and dieldrin build up in the body after years of exposure and can affect the nervous system. Aldrin has been found in at least 207 of the 1,613 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dieldrin has been found in at least 287 of the 1,613 sites. What are aldrin and dieldrin? ❑ Eating food like fish or shellfish from lakes or streams Aldrin and dieldrin are insecticides with similar chemical contaminated with either chemical, or contaminated root structures. They are discussed together in this fact sheet crops, dairy products, or meats. because aldrin quickly breaks down to dieldrin in the body ❑ Air, surface water, or soil near waste sites may contain and in the environment. Pure aldrin and dieldrin are white higher levels. powders with a mild chemical odor. The less pure commercial ❑ Living in homes that were once treated with aldrin or powders have a tan color. Neither substance occurs naturally dieldrin to control termites. in the environment. How can aldrin and dieldrin affect my health? From the 1950s until 1970, aldrin and dieldrin were widely People who have intentionally or accidentally ingested large used pesticides for crops like corn and cotton. Because of amounts of aldrin or dieldrin have suffered convulsions and concerns about damage to the environment and potentially some died. Health effects may also occur after a longer to human health, EPA banned all uses of aldrin and dieldrin period of exposure to smaller amounts because these in 1974, except to control termites. In 1987, EPA banned all chemicals build up in the body. uses. Some workers exposed to moderate levels in the air for a What happens to aldrin and dieldrin when they long time had headaches, dizziness, irritability, vomiting, and enter the environment? uncontrolled muscle movements. Workers removed from the ❑ Sunlight and bacteria change aldrin to dieldrin so that we source of exposure rapidly recovered from most of these mostly find dieldrin in the environment. effects. ❑ They bind tightly to soil and slowly evaporate to the air. Animals exposed to high amounts of aldrin or dieldrin also ❑ Dieldrin in soil and water breaks down very slowly. had nervous system effects. In animals, oral exposure to ❑ Plants take in and store aldrin and dieldrin from the soil. lower levels for a long period also affected the liver and ❑ Aldrin rapidly changes to dieldrin in plants and animals. decreased their ability to fight infections. We do not know ❑ Dieldrin is stored in the fat and leaves the body very whether aldrin or dieldrin affect the ability of people to fight slowly. disease. How might I be exposed to aldrin or dieldrin? Studies in animals have given conflicting results about ❑ Dieldrin is everywhere in the environment, but at very low whether aldrin and dieldrin affect reproduction in male levels. animals and whether these chemicals may damage the sperm. DEPARTMENT 1 HUMAN SERVICES, Public Agency for i Disease