About Hexachlorobenzene

What is Heptachlor?

Heptachlor is one of the more popular white or tan powder cyclodiene insecticides. The organochlorine compound can remain in the environment for decades. It is a persistent organic pollutant that affects both humans and the environment.

What Types of Industrial Uses Does it Have?

The principal use of heptachlor is as an insecticide for the treatment of termites in residential and business areas. Unfortunately, the chemical compound was banned as an insecticide due to its toxicity. Today, heptachlor is only used in the treatment of fire ants.

How Does Heptachlor Get Into Your Drinking Water?

Since it is extremely resistant to biodegradation, heptachlor persists in the upper soil layers for years. The residue of the organochlorine compound can be found in the soil 14 years after its application.

What Are the Health Risks Associated with Heptachlor?

Prolonged exposure to heptachlor-contaminated drinking water may increase the chances of getting cancer. Chronic exposure to the pollutant above the MCL may also lead to liver problems.

How Common is Heptachlor in Water?

Since it is persistent, heptachlor may be present for a long time in water systems near farmlands that relied on the insecticide years ago.

What is the EPA’s Standards for Heptachlor in Drinking Water?

The set standard by the EPA for the contaminant is zero. The enforceable regulation for the organochlorine compound is at 0.0002 mg/L or 200 ppt.

What is the Best Reduction Media for Removing Heptachlor from Drinking Water?

If you want to reduce heptachlor to below 0.0002 mg/L or 200 ppt, the best media for the job is premium granular activated carbon. This reduction media can be found in most of the reliable water filter system like AquaOx. A good water filter system can separate impurities so they can’t pass through your faucet. Check out our product and find out how you can protect your family from heptachlor and other potential contaminants in your drinking water!

From The Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

CAS ID #: 118-74-1

Affected Organ Systems: Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Hepatic (Liver), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Cancer Classification: NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Pesticides (chemicals used for killing pests, such as rodents, insects, or plants)

Summary: Hexachlorobenzene was widely used as a pesticide to protect the seeds of onions and sorghum, wheat, and other grains against fungus until 1965. It was also used to make fireworks, ammunition, and synthetic rubber. Currently, there are no commercial uses of hexachlorobenzene in the United States. Hexachlorobenzene is a white crystalline solid that is not very soluble in water. It does not occur naturally in the environment. It is formed as a by-product while making other chemicals, in the waste streams of chloralkali and wood-preserving plants, and when burning municipal waste.