Heptachlor
CAS Number: 76-44-8
Sources of exposure:
Food
Pesticides
Environmental pollution (water and soil), legacy contamination in older homes and buildings
Description:
Heptachlor is an organochlorine pesticide once used to control insects on crops and in buildings. It is classified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention. Its use is largely banned worldwide, with only limited exemptions remaining.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Reproductive Toxicity
May alter hormone function and harm reproduction.
Developmental Toxicity
May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.
Neurotoxicity
May impact brain function or development.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II - Prohibited
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - cancer
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - developmental
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants - Annex A - Elimination
- Rotterdam Convention - Annex III - Prior Informed Consent (PIC) - Pesticide
References
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox). California Department of Public Health. California Safe Cosmetics Reportable Ingredients List. UN Environment Programme. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Available at https://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/ThePOPs/tabid/673/Default.aspx