Toxaphene: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A chlorinated pesticide used historically in agriculture}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
[[File:Toxaphen.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Toxaphene]] | |||
Toxaphene | |||
'''Toxaphene''' is an [[insecticide]] that was widely used in the [[United States]] and other countries for controlling insect pests on [[cotton]], [[grain]], [[fruit]], [[nut]] crops, and [[vegetable]]s. It is a complex mixture of over 670 different chemicals, primarily [[chlorinated camphenes]]. | |||
Toxaphene is | |||
== | ==History== | ||
Toxaphene was first introduced in the late 1940s and became one of the most heavily used pesticides in the United States by the 1970s. It was favored for its effectiveness against a wide range of insect pests and its relatively low cost. However, concerns about its environmental persistence and potential health effects led to increased scrutiny and regulation. | |||
== | ==Chemical properties== | ||
Toxaphene is a yellow, waxy solid with a piney odor. It is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. The chemical is highly stable and resistant to degradation, which contributes to its persistence in the environment. | |||
== Environmental impact == | ==Environmental impact== | ||
Toxaphene is highly persistent in the environment | Toxaphene is known to be highly persistent in the environment, with a tendency to bioaccumulate in the [[food chain]]. It has been detected in [[soil]], [[water]], and [[air]] samples far from its original application sites. The chemical is particularly concerning due to its potential to travel long distances through the atmosphere and its ability to accumulate in the [[tissues]] of [[fish]] and other [[aquatic organisms]]. | ||
== | ==Health effects== | ||
Exposure to toxaphene can occur through [[inhalation]], [[ingestion]], or [[skin contact]]. It is considered a potential human [[carcinogen]] and has been associated with adverse effects on the [[liver]], [[kidneys]], and [[nervous system]]. In [[animal studies]], toxaphene has been shown to cause [[tumors]] and [[reproductive]] effects. | |||
==Regulation== | |||
Due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks, the use of toxaphene was banned in the United States in 1982. It is also listed under the [[Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants]], which aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants globally. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Pesticide]] | |||
* [[Persistent organic pollutant]] | |||
* [[Bioaccumulation]] | |||
==References== | |||
* United States Environmental Protection Agency. "Toxaphene." Retrieved from [https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/toxaphene]. | |||
* Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "Toxaphene Toxicity." Retrieved from [https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp94.pdf]. | |||
[[Category:Pesticides]] | |||
[[Category:Organochlorides]] | [[Category:Organochlorides]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Persistent organic pollutants]] | ||
Revision as of 19:59, 8 February 2025
A chlorinated pesticide used historically in agriculture
Toxaphene is an insecticide that was widely used in the United States and other countries for controlling insect pests on cotton, grain, fruit, nut crops, and vegetables. It is a complex mixture of over 670 different chemicals, primarily chlorinated camphenes.
History
Toxaphene was first introduced in the late 1940s and became one of the most heavily used pesticides in the United States by the 1970s. It was favored for its effectiveness against a wide range of insect pests and its relatively low cost. However, concerns about its environmental persistence and potential health effects led to increased scrutiny and regulation.
Chemical properties
Toxaphene is a yellow, waxy solid with a piney odor. It is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. The chemical is highly stable and resistant to degradation, which contributes to its persistence in the environment.
Environmental impact
Toxaphene is known to be highly persistent in the environment, with a tendency to bioaccumulate in the food chain. It has been detected in soil, water, and air samples far from its original application sites. The chemical is particularly concerning due to its potential to travel long distances through the atmosphere and its ability to accumulate in the tissues of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Health effects
Exposure to toxaphene can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. It is considered a potential human carcinogen and has been associated with adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. In animal studies, toxaphene has been shown to cause tumors and reproductive effects.
Regulation
Due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks, the use of toxaphene was banned in the United States in 1982. It is also listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants globally.
