Aldrin and Dieldrin are both man-made insecticides introduced in the 1940s. [2]

Dieldrin is a by-product of Aldrin.

They were mostly used from the 1950s to the 1970s to control pests on corn, cotton and citrus crops. [3,2]

Dieldrin was used to control locusts, mosquitos, and termites. [3]

Dieldrin was also used as a wood preserve. [3]

Aldrin and dieldrin have chemical properties that allow them bind tightly to soil and slowly evaporate in the air

Plants absorb chemicals through soil

Aldin breaks down into dieldrin in animals and plants

Bioaccumulant – becomes more concentrated up the food chain

Endocrine disruptor

Current Status in US [2]

Under FIFRA:

No US registrations; most uses canceled in 1969, all uses canceled by 1988

All tolerance on food crops revoked in 1986

No production (stopped in1997), import, or export

Priotity toxic pollutant (CWA)

Aldrin [1]

Dieldrin [1]

Moderate exposure for long time causes headaches, dizziness, irritabilty, vomiting, or uncontrollable muscle movements

The IARC calls aldrin and dieldrin are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans

EPA classifies aldrin and dieldin as probable human carcinogens

Results from animal studies show high levels effect the nervous system, the kidneys, and reproductive success

Aldrin can enter the blood stream through lungs, stomach, or skin.

Contaminated breast milk can transfer chemcials to infants

Once aldrin is in body, it changes to dieldrine, which is easily store in fatty tissues

Eating contaminated foods, including fish or shellfish, that come from contaminated streams, root crops, dairy products, and meats

Contaminated drinking water, air, or contact with soil at or near hazardous waste sites.

People who live in homes that were once treated for termites using aldrin or dieldrin

Detected in soil, sediment and animal fat.

[1] UNEP - Persistent Organic Pollutants: Chemical Information. - www.chem.unep.ch/pops/alts02.html

[2] EPA - Persistent Organic Pollutants: A Global Issue, A Global Response. EPA 160-F-02-001. - www.epa.gov/international/toxics/pop.htm

[3] EPA Priority PBT Profiles - www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbt/cheminfo.htm

[4] ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Aldrin and Dieldrin. September 2002. - www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tpw.html