Toxaphene

GENERAL INFORMATION
Toxaphene, a synthetic organic chemical, is an amber, waxy organic solid with a piney odor. Toxaphene was used as an insecticide for cotton and vegetables, and on livestock and poultry. In 1982, most of its uses were banned and in 1990, all uses were banned in the United States. Major sources of toxaphene in drinking water are runoff/leaching from a banned insecticide that was used on cotton and cattle. It is very persistent, remaining in soil for up to 14 years. It is not expected to leach to groundwater. It will not break down by microbial or other means. Though it strongly binds to soils and the sediments of water bodies, it may gradually evaporate to the air where it is slowly broken down by sunlight. Toxaphene has a high potential to accumulate in aquatic life.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing toxaphene well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer.