Intoxication Due to Chlordane

Abstract

have reported that it causes acute toxicity in rabbits equal to that caused by dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a similar compound, in equivalent oral dosage (L.D.50), and that it causes greater chronic toxicity than does this similar compound because of greater cumulative action. Lehman 2 reported that toxicity in rats occurred after 12 weeks' administration of chlordane, 250 parts per million in the diet, the lowest intake causing gross demonstrable defects, whereas the toxic dose of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was only 100 parts per million, but this required administration for 104 weeks. In dogs, administration of chlordane, 660 parts per million, caused death in four weeks; 2,640 parts per million of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was necessary over a similar period. As with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, continuous administration of chlordane to laboratory animals caused focal hepatic necrosis, edema, congestion and exudates in the lungs, and degenerative changes in intestinal submucosa and in the convoluted tubules of the kidnsys.Organically bound chlorine was demonstrated in the urine of these animals. Bushland, Wells, and Radeleff3 reported that, when chlordane was applied to cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats by spraying or in dips, signs of neurological and hepatic damage and subserosal hemorrhages resulted.Statements by some investigators indicate the possibility of human intoxication from chlordane. Lehman 2 reported that the mean lethal dose of this compound in man is half that of dichlorodiphenlytrichloroethane and that smaller amounts than those of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane can be dangerous to man, in both divided and single doses. Hiñe 4 stated, "The halogenated hydrocarbons affect, in large amounts, the heart or central nervous systems, just as does chloroform; and in small amounts, if given over a period of time, produce liver and kidney damage, as does chloroform." On the other hand, Princi and Spurbeck,5 in a study of 22 workers exposed to chlordane, aldrin, and dieldrin (compounds similar to chlordane) in the manufacture of these compounds, found no evidence of toxic effects as indicated by history, physical examinations, or laboratory tests. The men worked in atmospheres having up to 54 mg. of chlorinated hydrocarbons per cubic meter and were protected only by rubber gloves. Poisoning by swallowing an aldrin mixture has been reported by Spiotta.6 A review of the available medical literature has revealed no specific instance of chlordane causing toxic reactions in man. In the following case there was evidence of injury to the lungs, liver, and hematopoietic system after inhalation of chlordane. REPORT OF A CASEA 33-year-old Caucasian housewife was admitted to the United States Naval Hospital, San Diego, Calif., complaining of nausea, vomiting, and cough. She had been well until approximately one week previously, when a mildly acute infection of the upper respiratory tract had developed. Two or three days later, she entered her apartment at about 9:30 p. m. and noticed strong f...