Dieldrin+Aldrin

**Dieldrin and Aldrin **
  **What are Dieldrin and Aldrin?**
 * Aldrin quickly breaks down to dieldrin in the body and environment
 * Pure form - white powder with mild chemical odor
 * Less pure form -commercial powder has tan color

**History of Dieldrin/Aldrin**        **URL's ** Information - http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts1.html Information - http://www.epa.gov/superfund//accomp/success/rma.htm Image - http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/images/rocky-south-plant-1964.jpg Image - http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/hazardous/risks-former-sheep-dip-sites-nov06/html/images/elliotts-dip.jpg 
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Produced by Julius Hyman and Company in 1948
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Used as insecticides, banned in 1974, except in termite control, then all uses banned in 1987
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Used in pesticides for corn and cotton crops, manufactured by Julius Hyman and Company at Rocky Mountain Arsenal, distributed by Shell Chemical Company
 * In The Environment**
 * Dieldrin is most commonly found in the environment as opposed to aldrin
 * Aldrin is changed to dieldrin with sun and bacteria, binding tightly to soil and evaporating into the air
 * In soil and water dieldrin breaks down very slowly
 * Plants take in the dieldrin and aldrin from the soil and store it
 * In plants and animals, aldrin quickly changes to dieldrin
 * Dieldrin is stored in the fat and exits the body very slowly
 * Why is it considered hazardous?**
 * In animals, high levels of exposure damages nervous system
 * In animals, lower levels of oral exposure for long period of time affects liver and defense system (decreased ability to fight infections)
 * In pregnant animals it can cause low birth weight and minimal alterations in skeletal system
 * In humans, high levels can cause death, low levels over time affect muscular system and cause flu-like symptoms
 * In humans dieldrin can be passed from mother to infant through breast milk
 * Where might we be exposed to this substance?**
 * Eating fish or shellfish from contaminated lakes or streams
 * Eating contaminated root crops, dairy products, or meat
 * Living near contaminated sites with contaminated air, surface water, or soil (high levels)
 * Living in old homes that were treated for termites (treated with dieldrin or aldrin)
 * Short term/long term health effects of exposure?**
 * Ingesting large amounts causes convulsions and possible death (chemical can build up over time as well)
 * Moderate level exposure in air over time causes headaches, dizziness, irritability, vomiting, and uncontrolled muscle movement (if removed from exposures recovery is rapid)