Chlordecone

Synonyms: Kepone

CAS Number: 143-50-0

SERIOUS
health hazard

MODERATE
health hazard

FEW OR NO
health hazards

0 79
80 89
90 100
58

Sources of exposure:

Food
Pesticides

Historically treated agricultural crops, contaminated soil, drinking water, fish, seafood, and other foods from contaminated areas

Description:

Chlordecone, also known as Kepone, is a synthetic organochlorine insecticide historically used to control agricultural pests. Its use has been banned in many countries, including the United States, but it persists in the environment. Exposure may continue through contaminated soil, water, and foods produced in historically treated areas.

Health concerns:

Cancer

Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.

Developmental Toxicity

May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.

Ecotoxicity

May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.

Banned/restricted lists:

  • California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - cancer
  • California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - developmental
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II - Prohibited
  • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants - Annex A - Elimination

References

  1. US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox).

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Hazard scores within 11 different health categories (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxicants, developmental toxicants, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, skin/eye/respiratory irritants, and ecotoxicity).

They are weighted based on several factors, including strength of evidence for adverse impacts in humans, severity, and potential contamination.

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