Dieldrin

Description

A chlorinated hydrocarbon formerly used as an Insecticide, Fungicide and wood preservative. First used in 1948, dieldrin was an effective contact insecticide against cockroaches and termites with persistent residual action. However, because of its high chemical stability and high toxicity to birds and fish, dieldrin had drastic long-term environmental effects. It is no longer manufactured or used in the United States and its use is banned in most countries.

Synonyms and Related Terms

HEOD; insecticide no. 457; Octalox; Dieldrx; Dieldrite; Alvit: Quintox; Illoxol; Panoram D-31; Dorytox; Compound 497

Risks

• Extremely toxic by skin absorption, ingestion and inhalation. LD50 = 46 mg/kg.
• Carcinogen.
• Severe environmental hazard.
• ChemService: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in most organic solvents. Insoluble in water.

Composition	C12H8OCl6
CAS	60-57-1
Melting Point	176-177 C
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 381

Resources and Citations

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: agriculture, history of [Accessed March 26, 2002] for date of introduction

• Lynda A. Zycherman, J.Richard Schrock, A Guide to Museum Pest Control, FAIC and Association of Systematics Collections, Washington DC, 1988

• Stephen R. Edwards, Bruce M. Bell, Mary Elizabeth King, Pest Control in Museums: a Status Report 1980, Association of Systematics Collections, Washington DC, 1980

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002

• G.Caneva, M.P.Nugari, O.Salvadori, Biology in the Conservation of Works of Art, ICCROM, Rome, 1991