Problem

Heptachlor

Nature:

Heptachlor is an organochlorine compound that was used as an insecticide. Usually sold as a white or tan powder, heptachlor is one of the cyclodiene insecticides. In 1962, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring questioned the safety of heptachlor and other chlorinated insecticides. Due to its highly stable structure, heptachlor can persist in the environment for decades. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency has limited the sale of heptachlor products to the specific application of fire ant control in underground transformers. The amount that can be present in different foods is regulated.

Incidence:
The US company that produced chlordane and heptachlor for export announced in 1998 that it would cease production of these chemicals.
Broader Problems:
Persistent organic pollutants
Related Problems:
Chlordane pollution
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems
Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST