Where It Comes From
Former organochlorine insecticide for crops; no longer approved in the U.S.; persists in soil/sediment near old farms, factories, and waste sites [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating contaminated fish, game, or produce; touching/breathing contaminated soil or dust; handling old stockpiles or during cleanup work [1].
Why It Matters
Very toxic to the nervous system (tremors, seizures); can harm the liver; bioaccumulates in fat and converts to endrin in people and the environment [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Residents near contaminated sites; remediation and demolition workers; pregnant people, infants, children; subsistence anglers and hunters [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow fish/game advisories; avoid tracking soil from known sites; wash/peel produce; wet-wipe dust; safely dispose of old pesticides; wear PPE during cleanup [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Aldrin/Dieldrin/Endrin/Isodrin. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (2002). https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=316&tid=56
- [2]WHO/IPCS. Environmental Health Criteria 130: Endrin (includes information on isodrin/endrin relationship). World Health Organization (1992). https://inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc130.htm