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
Other Properties
Soluble in most organic solvents. Insoluble in water.
| Composition | C12H8OCl6 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 60-57-1 |
| Melting Point | 176-177 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 381 |
Hazards and Safety
Extremely toxic by skin absorption, ingestion and inhalation. LD50 = 46 mg/kg.
Carcinogen. Severe environmental hazard.
International Chemical Safety Card
Authority
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: agriculture, history of" Encyclopædia Britannica [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 Sytematics 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