Miscellaneous Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Pesticides

Abstract

Organochlorine insecticides represent the first group of synthetic compounds to have a significant impact on the control of infectious diseases transmitted via insect vectors. These insecticides have been used extensively as both agricultural insecticides and as agents to combat such vectorborne diseases. Of these insecticides, DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is credited as the primary compound that, for the first time in history, brought epidemics of malaria, typhus, and plague to a complete stop. Due their persistence in the environment and potential for bioaccumulation, many uses of these insecticides in agriculture have been restricted or cancelled. Neurological hyperactivity has been noticed in animals and in humans following excessive exposures of chlorinated insecticides. The organochlorine insecticides are considered as potential human carcinogens and several epidemiology studies have evaluated the association between exposure to organochlorine chemicals such as the polychlorinated biphenyls and DDT and an increased incidence of breast cancer. The chapter presents properties, production, uses, toxic effects, and standards, regulations, or guidelines of exposure for this class of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. The primary use of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is as a herbicide to control broadleaf weeds in agriculture, forestry, and residential applications. 2,4‐D is not regarded a carcinogen in either animals or humans and does not persist or bioaccumulate in the environment.