ABSTRACT
Molecular formula: C9H6Cl6O3S Synonyms and trade names: Acmaron; Agrosulphan; Endocel; Endomil; Endol; Endosol; Endotox 555; Fezdion; Hexa-sulfan; Kendan; Polydan; Thiodan; and many more names Chemical name: 6,7,8,9,10,10-Hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3benzodioxathiepine-3-oxide Toxicity class: U.S. EPA: IB; WHO: II
Endosulfan is a pesticide. It is a cream-to brown-coloured solid that may appear in the form of crystals or akes. 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. Endosulfan is used for the control of ticks and mites and the control of rice stem borers. It is a restricted use pesticide, meaning that it can only be used by professional applicators. Endosulfan, commonly known by its trade name Thiodan, is an insecticide and was rst introduced in the 1950s. 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 oating in water or attached to soil at the bottom. Endosulfan can build up in the bodies of animals that live in endosulfan-contaminated water. It is also extremely toxic to sh and other aquatic life.
Exposures to endosulfan occur among workers and people working in industries involved in making endosulfan or as pesticide applicators and by skin contact with soil containing endosulfan.
