Methoxychlor

GENERAL INFORMATION
Methoxychlor is a colorless organic solid with a slightly fruity odor. It is an insecticide preferred to DDT for use on animals, in animal feed, and on DDT-sensitive crops such as squash, melons, etc. Since methoxychlor is more unstable than DDT, it has less residual effect. It has been used extensively in Canada for the control of biting flies, and is also effective against mosquitoes and houseflies. The major source of methoxychlor in drinking water is runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing methoxychlor well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience reproductive difficulties.

Standard value 1: 
40.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
Pesticide
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Methoxychlor levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Methoxychlor levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS