Insecticide used on crops such as cotton and grains [3]

Rodenticide used to control mice and voles and Insecticide on cotton, rice and corn [2]

Does not dissolve readily in water

More likely to cling to bottom sediments of rivers, lakes and other bodies of water than to be found in groundwater and surface water. Persistent in soils - 10 years

Bioaccumulant

Current Status in US [2]

Under FIFRA:

no US registrations, most uses cancelled in 1979, all uses by 1984

no production, import, or export

Priority toxic pollutant (CWA)

Endrin[1]

Severe central nervous system injury (brain and spinal cord)

If consumed in large amounts, death

Contaminated foods, drinks or air

Contact with skin

Endrine and products are rapidly broken down and removed from body

Hazardous waste sites - in air, water, or soil

[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