Dieldrin is an organochlorine insecticide that is now banned in the U.S., but is highly persistent and still present in the environment. It was used in agriculture on cotton, corn and citrus crops, for public health to control diseases carried by insects, such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies, for termites, and as a wood preservative. The peak of dieldrin’s production occurred from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Dieldrin also forms as a breakdown product of aldrin, a similar organochlorine pesticide. Although dieldrin was banned in 1974 for nearly all uses in the U.S., aldrin’s use continued for termite control until 1987. Dieldrin is considered a persistent organic pollutant (POP), which tend to remain in the environment and in the fatty tissue of animals for long periods of time and can travel long distances.
Health Effects
Immediate Health Effects
If SWALLOWED, dieldrin is Very Highly Toxic
If ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN, dieldrin is Very Highly Toxic
If INHALED (SNIFFED OR BREATHED IN), dieldrin is Very Highly Toxic
Longterm or Delayed Health Effects
This chemical is likely to cause cancer. It is considered a Probable Carcinogen by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or another agency.
Neurotoxin = Can harm brain and central nervous system
Suspected Endocrine Disruptor = May interfere with, mimic or block hormones
Can cause kidney damage
Other
Immune suppression.
Dieldrin has caused low birth weight and skeletal deformities in test animals, but there is not enough evidence to conclude the same could occur in humans. There are also animal studies that suggest, but not prove, that it can damage sperm.Enters breast milk.
Neurological effects, such as depression; anxiety; irritability.
Dieldrin has caused liver cancer in animal studies, but there is no evidence it causes cancer in humans. There is recent evidence that is can cause breast cancer.
Ingesting large amounts can result in convulsions and death.
Exposure to moderate levels in the air can cause headaches, dizziness, irritability, vomiting, and uncontrolled muscle movements.
How Exposures Occur
Breast Milk
Dieldrin is often present in breast milk. However, the benefits for babies from breast feeding outweigh the risks of dieldrin exposure. Breastfed babies are healthier than those who are bottle-fed; they experience fewer allergies, respiratory illnesses, and skin problems. In its 1997 policy statement, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommends breast feeding for all infants for one year.
Food
Low levels of dieldrin can be found in fish, meat, dairy products, and vegetables, in particular root vegetables, squash, melons and cucumbers. Since dieldrin is absorbed into the pulp of root vegetables, squash, melons and cucumbers, washing and peeling these vegetables doesn’t reduce exposure.
Children and adults primarily ingest dieldrin from meat and dairy products. However, the highest levels of dieldrin are found in squash.
Fumes in Older Homes
Homes that had been treated with dieldrin even two decades ago may still emit dieldrin fumes that can be inhaled by children. Since the pesticide penetrates deeply into the structure of a home, it can be difficult to eliminate.
Significant Statistics
The Corn Belt, in the upper Midwest, is the region of the country with the greatest risk to fish-eating wildlife. Fish in this region have the greatest risk of having high concentrations of dieldrin putting their predators at risk.
Though dieldrin has been banned for use in the United States, residues are still found on food because the pesticide remains in the environment for long periods.
Food: There is no way for parents to determine exactly how much dieldrin is in their children’s food. The primary source of dieldrin in food is meat and dairy products. Squash, root vegetables, cucumbers and melons may also contain unsafe levels. Freshwater fish may also contain dieldrin. You can get a rough idea of the fruits and vegetables that may contain dieldrin from:
To detect dieldrin residues in homes that may have been treated with it, air sampling by an accredited expert, such as an industrial hygienist, is recommended.
How to minimize exposure to dieldrin
It is difficult to eliminate dieldrin residues from homes that have been treated with dieldrin because the chemical typically becomes embedded in the structure.
Alternatives
Eat a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables and a moderate level of low-fat meats and dairy products.
Choose certified organic foods, when possible, as they have not been treated with pesticides. A good place to start is with 10 Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic.
Reduce dietary fat to decrease dieldrin intake. Remove fat from meat as well as skin on chicken and fish, before cooking. Use cooking methods such as broiling, which allows fat to drip away from the food.
Consumer Reports recommends avoiding consumption of U.S. frozen winter squash due to high pesticide residue levels.
Peeling and washing of melons, cucumbers, squash and other vegetables will not significantly reduced the level of dieldrin residue, because this pesticide is absorbed into the flesh.
For More information
Books, articles, factsheets and reports
Schafer, Kristin S., et al. Nowhere to Hide: Persistent Toxic Chemicals in the U.S. Food Supply. Pesticide Action Network North America, March 2001 . http://www.panna.org/files/nowhereToHide.pdf.
