February 2001 |
ToxFAQs™ |
for |
Endosulfan |
(Endosulfán) |
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This fact sheet answers the most frequently
asked health questions about endosulfan. For more information,
you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737.
This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous
substances and their health effects. This information is important
because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure
to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration,
how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether
other chemicals are present.
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HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure to endosulfan
happens mostly from eating contaminated food, but may
also occur from skin contact, breathing contaminated air,
or drinking contaminated water. Endosulfan affects the
function of the central nervous system. Endosulfan has
been found in at least 164 of 1,577 National Priorities
List sites identified by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). |
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What is endosulfan? |
Endosulfan is a pesticide. It is a cream-
to brown-colored solid that may appear in the form of crystals
or flakes. It has a smell like turpentine, but does not burn.
It does not occur naturally in the environment.
Endosulfan is used to control insects
on food and non-food crops and also as a wood preservative.
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What
happens to endosulfan when it enters the environment? |
- Endosulfan enters the air, water, and soil during its
manufacture and use. It is often sprayed onto crops and
the spray may travel long distances before it lands on crops,
soil, or water.
- Endosulfan on crops usually breaks down in a few weeks,
but endosulfan sticks to soil particles and may take years
to completely break down.
- Endosulfan does not dissolve easily in water. Endosulfan
in surface water is attached to soil particles floating
in water or attached to soil at the bottom.
- Endosulfan can build up in the bodies of animals that
live in endosulfan-contaminated water.
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How
might I be exposed to endosulfan? |
- Eating food contaminated with endosulfan, but levels in
foods are very low.
- People working in industries involved in making endosulfan
or as pesticide applicators.
- Skin contact with soil containing endosulfan.
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How
can endosulfan affect my health? |
Endosulfan affects the central nervous
system and prevents it from working properly. Hyperactivity,
nausea, dizziness, headache, or convulsions have been observed
in adults exposed to high doses. Severe poisoning may result
in death.
Studies of the effects of endosulfan
on animals suggest that long-term exposure to endosulfan can
also damage the kidneys, testes, and liver and may possibly
affect the body's ability to fight infection. However, it
is not known if these effects also occur in humans.
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How
likely is endosulfan to cause cancer? |
We do not know if endosulfan can cause
cancer in humans. Studies in animals have provided inconclusive
results.
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How
does endosulfan affect children? |
We do not know if children are more sensitive
to endosulfan than adults. We do not know if endosulfan can
affect the ability of people to have children or if it causes
birth defects. Large amounts of endosulfan damaged the testes
of animals, but it is not known if this damaged their ability
to reproduce. Some birth defects have been seen in the offspring
of animals ingesting endosulfan during pregnancy.
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How
can families reduce the risk of exposure to endosulfan? |
- Fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed before being
eaten.
- Children should not play on grasses that were recently
treated with endosulfan. Carefully follow the directions
on the pesticide label about how long to wait before re-entering
the treated area.
- People working in a factory making endosulfan and people
using endosulfan should wash clothing, skin, and hair before
going home.
- Pesticides should be used according to the directions
on the label and stored in the original container in a place
that children cannot reach.
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Is
there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to endosulfan? |
Endosulfan and its breakdown products
can be detected in your blood, urine, and body tissues if
you have been exposed to a large amount. These tests are not
usually available at your doctors office, but your doctor
can send the samples to a laboratory that can perform the
tests. Because endosulfan leaves the body fairly quickly,
these methods are useful only for finding exposures that have
occurred within the last few days.
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Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health? |
The EPA recommends that the amount of
endosulfan in rivers, lakes, and streams should not be more
than 74 parts per billion (74 ppb).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
allows no more than 24 parts per million (24 ppm) endosulfan
on dried tea.
EPA allows no more than 0.1 to 2 ppm
endosulfan on other raw agricultural products.
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References |
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 2000. Toxicological
Profile for endosulfan. Update. Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
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Where can I get more information? |
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational
and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize,
evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous
substances. You can also contact your community or state health
or environmental quality department if you have any more questions
or concerns. For more information, contact:
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov
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