About Endrin

What is Endrin?

Endrin is an organic solid with the chemical formula C12H8CI6O. The colorless crystal is an odorless organochloride produced as an insecticide and emulsifiable solution. However, it was banned in the United States and in many countries due to its toxicity and prevalence as a persistent organic pollutant.

What Types of Industrial Uses Does it Have?

The colorless chemical compound is mainly manufactured as an insecticide to control pests on field crops.

How Does Endrin Get Into Your Drinking Water?

The organochloride can get into water systems through runoff of the residue from crop applications. Since it is a persistent organic pollutant, it will stay on the ground for many years.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Endrin?

Individuals who are exposed to contaminated drinking water will most likely experience liver problems. Continuous exposure to this water pollutant may lead to neurological effects. Acute endrin poisoning will affect the central nervous system of the individual exposed to the contaminant.

How Common is Endrin in Water?

Endrin contamination is common in water systems near field crops using the insecticide. Today, the common cause of contamination is due to the residue of the banned chemical compound.

What is the EPA’s Contamination Level Standards for Endrin in Drinking Water?

The Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water regulations for Endrin is 0.002 mg/L or 2 ppb. Excess presence of the contaminant in drinking water requires quick action to avoid public health issues.

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

The best filter media for removing endrin to below the EPA’s contamination level standards of 0.002 mg/L or 2 ppb is granular activated carbon (GAC). Most of the modern water filter systems have granular activated carbon in their cartridges to eliminate contaminants like endrin. AquaOx’s multi-stage water filter is a reliable water treatment system in removing water pollutants before they reach your faucet. Get your filter system today and enjoy the safe drinking water!

CAS ID #: 72-20-8

Affected Organ Systems: Neurological (Nervous System)

Cancer Classification: EPA: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. IARC: Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. NTP: Not evaluated

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: Endrin is a solid, white, almost odorless substance that was used as a pesticide to control insects, rodents, and birds. Endrin has not been produced or sold for general use in the United States since 1986. Little is known about the properties of endrin aldehyde (an impurity and breakdown product of endrin) or endrin ketone (a product of endrin when it is exposed to light).