Chlordane

• Background
• Chlordane Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin
• Cleanup and Management Chlordane in Wisconsin
• Options to Reduce Chlordane
• National, International, and Other Chlordane Initiatives

Background

Previous Uses: Chlordane was used as a pesticide from 1948 to 1988. The EPA banned all uses in 1983 except to control termites. All uses were banned by 1988.

Health Effects: Chlordane is rated by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen. Chlordane is associated with liver tumors in different strains of laboratory mice (USEPA 1998). The human data regarding the carcinogenicity of chlordane is inconclusive. The central nervous system, digestive system, and the liver are affected by exposure to chlordane. Other symptoms associated with large doses include vision problems, confusion, irritability, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, convulsions, headaches, and jaundice (ATSDR 1994).

Ecological Effects: Chlordane is highly persistent and lipophilic, accumulating in animal tissues with high fat content. Chlordane´s acute toxicity has been reported as moderately toxic to birds and highly toxic to freshwater invertebrates and fish as well as highly toxic to amphibians and reptiles. Chlordane is metabolized in animals and the resulting metabolites are extremely toxic. Other toxic effects of chlordane include decreased survival in birds along with decreased reproduction. Secondary poisoning has been reported in raptors. Increased mortality, growth inhibition and liver cancer have been reported in mice exposed to chlordane (Eisler 1990).

Trade Names: Ortho-Klor (Chevron), Kow-Klor (Dow), Belt, Chlordan, Gamma Chlordan, Kypchlor, Corodane, Dowchlor, Oktaterr, Topichlor, Snyklor, Octacholor, and Velsicol 1068.

EPA Substance Registry Information: Chlordane (CAS# 57-74-9), The registry lists over 12 additional Chlordane containing substances.

Chlordane Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin

Environmental Monitoring

• DNR´ Public Drinking Water Supply Data base has information about Chlordane levels found in public water supplies (Search for Chlordane or Chlordane A).  

Source Monitoring and Reporting

• TRI data for Wisconsin facilities reporting releases can be retrieved at EPA´s TRI Explorer, US EPA [exit DNR]

Cleanup and Management of Chlordane in Wisconsin - 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 chlordane that contaminate soil or groundwater. RR program guidance on investigations and clean ups can be found at the RR program.
• 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 DATCP [exit DNR] for more ACCP information.

Air Management

• Chlordane is regulated as hazardous air pollutants (NR 445 Wisc. Adm. Code) under Wisconsin´s Air Management Program.

Groundwater and Drinking Water Management

• There are groundwater standards for Chlordane in NR 140 and Safe Drinking Water law, NR 809 Wisc. Adm. Code (Summary Table)

Surface Water and Watershed Management

• Wisconsin has water quality standards to protect human health for Chlordane (NR 105 Wisc. Adm. Code) and guidelines for setting associated effluent limits (NR 106 Wisc. Adm. Code).
• General Wastewater Discharge Permit applicants must certify that to the maximum extent of their knowledge their discharge doesn´t contain Chlordane

Waste Management

• In some cases chlordane contaminated material must be managed as either solid waste or hazardous waste. Waste Management program guidance on can be found at the Waste Management program web site. As a canceled pesticide, it may be possible to manage chlordane at an Agricultural Clean Sweep event. Please check with the DATCP [exit DNR] for more information on these clean sweeps.

Options to Reduce Chlordane

Chlordane is a 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 Chlordane Initiatives

• EPA Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemical Program, US EPA [exit DNR] has listed Chlordane as a priority PBT and includes Chlordane in its draft PBT National Action Plan For the Level 1 Pesticides, US EPA [exit DNR]
• The Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy, US EPA [exit DNR] includes Chlordane as a Type 1 priority chemical.
• EPA´s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) [exit DNR] includes Chlordane as a PBT chemical.
• The Stockholm Agreement for Persistent Organic Pollutants, US EPA [exit DNR] includes Chlordane as one the "dirty dozen" for international action.