Toxaphene
CAS Number: 8001-35-2
Sources of exposure:
Environmental pollution (soil and water)
Description:
Toxaphene is a complex mixture of chlorinated chemicals formerly used as an agricultural insecticide. It is classified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention and is effectively banned and prohibited for use internationally.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Neurotoxicity
May impact brain function or development.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Respiratory Toxicity & Asthmagens
May damage the lungs or trigger asthma.
Irritant
May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Rotterdam Convention Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade - Annex III
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).