What are Organochlorine Pesticides?

Insecticides made of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine. They were used heavily for agriculture and mosqutio control during the 40's, 50's, and 60's. They range in form from sprays to pellets.

So, what's the problem?

Organochlorine Pesticides are highly toxic!! They break down very slowly and can remain in the environment long after they are used. This means pesticide residue can accumulate on our food and water supplies. They can also be inhaled in areas of recent use.

How do they affect our health?

Short term exposure can produce the following symptoms: convulsions, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.

Long term exposure is linked to many more chronic diseases such as Parkinson's, birth defects, respiratory illness, neurological damage, immune system defects, and cancer.

What has been done?

The United States has banned several types such as DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, toxaphene, chlordane, and heptachlor. However, dangerous organochlorine pesticides are still being used. The two most notable ones are Lindane and Endosulfan.

Lindane- Banned in over 40 countries, it is used in medicated soaps and shampoos to control head lice and scabies.

Endosulfan- used as an insecticide for fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and cotton. It is highly toxic to the nervous and circulatory system. It has also be observed to be a hormone disruptor. Endosulfan is very similar to DDT.

What is the EPA doing?!?

For the remaining pesticides, measures have been taken. The EPA is currently working on banning Endosulfan in the United States. However, Lindane is still in use.

Be informed! Read the latest on Endosulfan in America:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=endosulfan-banned-epa

What about the rest of the world?

The United Nations has established the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants which works to globally ban these harmful substances. To keep up to date on their progress, check out their site!

http://chm.pops.int/Home/tabid/36/language/en-US/Default.aspx

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Stay informed & support the cause:

http://www.panna.org/get-involved/action-center

know what is on your food!!:

ISLS Ohio