Assessment of the Health Risks of Seven Pesticides Used for Termite Control

摘要

Seven pesticides are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for control of subterranean termites: chlordane, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin, lindane, pentachlorophenol, and chlorpyrifos. Chlordane is the most widely used of this group, and heptachlor the second most widely used. The Department of Defense requested an independent review of the seven pesticides by the National Research Council's Committee on Toxicology. Specifically, the Committee was asked to evaluate the key information on the toxic effects of the pesticides; make a comparative assessment of the human-health risks associated with exposure to the pesticides; review the previously recommended exposure limit for airborne chlordane; and, if there are sufficient data, suggest airborne exposure limits for the other pesticides. Information reviewed included: Carcinogenic risks; Airborne monitoring, Epidemiology; Long term animal inhalation studies; Occupational exposure; Public water contamination; Teratogenicity, and Reproductive Effects; Mutagenicity; Toxicokinetics and Chronic and Acute exposure.