Toxaphene

What is Toxaphene?

Toxaphene is an insecticide which is usually found as a solid or gas. From 1947 to 1980 toxaphene was primarily used in the southern United States on cotton crops. Widespread use of toxaphene has been banned in the United States due to its harmful effects on us. Toxaphene is a persistent, bioacculumative, and toxic (PBT) pollutant targeted by EPA.

Why Are We Concerned About Toxaphene?

Because toxaphene is bioaccumulative, it does not easily break down in our environment and becomes more concentrated as it moves up the food chain to humans and other animals. Levels may be high in some predatory fish and mammals because toxaphene accumulates in the bodies of those exposed to it. Toxaphene-like substances have been found in the Great Lakes ecosystem.

What harmful effects can Toxaphene have on us?

Injures the kidneys and liver
Damages the immune system
Harms the adrenal gland
Causes changes in the development of unborn children
May cause cancer
Damages the lungs
Damages the nervous system

How are we exposed to Toxaphene?

By eating contaminated fish and shellfish
By eating foods exposed to toxaphene
Infants may be exposed through breast milk
Unborn children can be exposed through the mother's blood stream if she is exposed

Where can Toxaphene be found?

Current uses:

Cattle dip for scabies control
Pineapples in Puerto Rico
Emergency treatment of cotton, corn, and small grains
Bananas in the Virgin Islands

Potential Sources to our Environment: