Endosulfan

A) What is endosulfan? Endosulfan is a broad spectrum organochlorine insecticide/acaricide... for the control of a large variety of insects and mites in crops. Endosulfan is a pesticide. It is a cream- to brown-colored solid that may appear in the form of crystals or flakes. It has a smell like turpentine, but does not burn. It does not occur naturally in the environment. It is used to control insects on food and non-food crops and also as a wood preservative. B) How might I be exposed to endosulfan?

• Eating food contaminated with endosulfan, but levels in foods are very low.
• People working in industries involved in making endosulfan or as pesticide applicators.
• Skin contact with soil containing endosulfan.

C) Can endosulfan effect my health? Endosulfan is highly toxic if sufficient exposure occurs by ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation. Lethal poisoning in humans has been reported after accidental or suicidal ingestion of endosulfan. The lowest reported dose that has resulted in death in humans is 35 mg/kg of bodyweight (equivalent to 2.4 grams for a 70 kg adult). Signs of poisoning reported in humans suggest the nervous system is mostly affected. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, weakness, hyper-excitability, shortness of breath, decreased respiration, and fine tremors are suggestive of poisoning. Endosulfan is absorbed through the lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Following absorption, endosulfan (and its metabolites) does not persist for long periods in the tissues or organs and passes relatively quickly from the body. Endosulfan affects the central nervous system and prevents it from working properly. Hyperactivity, nausea, dizziness, headache, or convulsions have been observed in adults exposed to high doses. Severe poisoning may result in death. Studies of the effects of endosulfan on animals suggest that long-term exposure to endosulfan can also damage the kidneys, testes, and liver and may possibly affect the body's ability to fight infection. However, it is not known if these effects also occur in humans. D) What happens to endosulfan when it enters the environment? Endosulfan enters the air, water, and soil during its manufacture and use. It is often sprayed onto crops and the spray may travel long distances before it lands on crops, soil, or water. Endosulfan on crops usually breaks down in a few weeks, but endosulfan sticks to soil particles and may take years to completely break down. Endosulfan does not dissolve easily in water. Endosulfan in surface water is attached to soil particles floating in water or attached to soil at the bottom. Endosulfan can build up in the bodies of animals that live in endosulfan-contaminated water. Sources: The State of Queensland Health Fact Sheet (Australian Government), US Department of Health and Human Services - Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry