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Aldrin/Dieldrin

Background

Previous Uses: Aldrin/Dieldrin's use began in the 1950s as a pesticide. In 1974, the EPA banned all uses except termite control. In 1987, all uses were banned.

Health Effects: The EPA classifies both aldrin and dieldrin as probable human carcinogens. Increased rates of liver tumors were found in both rats and mice that ingested low levels of aldrin and dieldrin in the diet (USEPA 1991A). More-recent literature reviews conducted by ATSDR also found human studies to be inconclusive but found strong support for cancer associated with exposure in laboratory animals. The central nervous system is also affected by exposure to aldrin/dieldrin. Acute exposure can lead to convulsions and death. Other symptoms from lower levels of exposure include headache, irritability, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of muscular coordination (ATSDR 1993).

Ecological Effects: Aldrin and dieldrin are highly toxic to fish and wildlife. Animal studies have linked these chemicals to liver damage, central nervous system effects, and suppression of the immune system. In addition, aldrin and dieldrin also disrupt the endocrine system, with evidence that exposure may harm the developing fetus. Aldrin and dieldrin demonstrate very high acute toxicity to aquatic organisms such as fishes, crustaceans, and amphibians (World Wildlife Fund Factsheet).

Trade Names: Aldrin: Octalene, Aldrex, Aldrosol, Drinox, and Aldrite. Dieldrin: Octalox, Alvit, Quintox, Diedrex, Dieldrite, Panaram D-31, Illoxal, Dielmoth, Dorytox, Insectlack, Kombi-Alberta, Moth Snub D, Red Shield, SD 3417, and Termitox.

EPA Substance Regulatory Information: EPA’s Chemical Substance Registry Information contains information about Aldrin (CAS # 309-00-2), Dieldrin (CAS # 60-57-1) and Aldrin/Dieldrin (no CAS #). (exit DNR)

Aldrin/Dieldrin Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin

Environmental Monitoring

  • DNR’s Public Drinking Water Supply Data base has information about lead levels found in public water supplies (Search for Aldrin or Dieldrin).

Source Monitoring and Reporting

Research

Laboratory Certification

  • The Department of Natural Resources certifies and registers laboratories to perform Aldrin and Dieldrin tests for soil, water and waste testing for many of the agency's environmental programs.

Cleanup and Management of Aldrin/Dieldrin in Wisconsin

Contaminated Sediment

Remediation and Redevelopment

  • The DNR’s RR program assists Responsible Parties with site investigation and clean up of any "hazardous substance" releases in Wisconsin. This would include releases of aldrin or dieldrin that contaminate soil or groundwater. RR program guidance on investigations and clean ups can be found at the RR program web site.
  • In cases where the release is from a former pesticide practice, such as at a historical pesticide mixing or loading operation or through historical legitimate pesticide application, then the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) may have the lead for investigation and clean up. The site may be eligible for funding under the DATCP Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program. Such sites must be remediated in accordance with the DNR/DATCP MOU covering discharges of hazardous substances. Please see the DATCP web site (exit DNR) for more ACCP information.

Air Management

Waste Management

  • Aldrin and dieldrin contaminated wastes are solid wastes and may be hazardous waste. Waste Management program guidance on can be found at the WA program web site: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ As a canceled pesticide, it may be possible to manage aldrin or dieldrin at an Agricultural Clean Sweep operation. Please check with the DATCP web site (exit DNR) for more information on these clean sweeps.

Options to Reduce Aldrin/Dieldrins

Aldrin and Dieldrin are banned pesticides in the United States. The primary efforts today focus on Agricultural Clean Sweep Options - DATCP (exit DNR) to collect and safely dispose of any remaining pesticides in Wisconsin.

National, International and other Aldrin/Dieldrin Initiatives