chemical Class
Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)
Chemicals in the class:
2,4'-DDD, 2,4'-DDE, 2,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endosulphan Sulphate, Endrin, Endrin Ketone, Endrin aldehyde, Heptachlor, Heptachlor Epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Methoxychlor, Mirex, Octachlorostyrene, Pentachlorophenol, alpha-BHC, alpha-Chlordane, alpha-Endosulphan, beta-BHC, beta-Endosulphan, cis-Nonachlor, delta-BHC, gamma-BHC (Lindane), gamma-Chlordane, oxy-Chlordane, trans-Chlordane, trans-Nonachlor
Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)
Top health concerns for Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs) (References)
| health concern or target organ | weight of evidence |
| Cancer | limited |
| Reproduction and fertility | unknown |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | probable |
Other health concerns for Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs) (References)
| health concern or target organ | weight of evidence |
| Gastrointestinal (including liver) | moderate |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | moderate |
| Brain and nervous system | strong |
| Kidney and renal system | limited |
| Skin | unknown |
| Hematologic (blood) system | strong |
| Endocrine system | known |
| Persistent, accumulates in wildlife and/or people | probable |
| Wildlife and environment | probable |
| Sense organs | limited |
| Cardiovascular system | limited |
Data gaps for Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs) (References)
Data are insufficient to assess cancer potential.
Violations, restrictions, and warnings for Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs) (References)
Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union.
Unsafe for use in cosmetics, Canada.
Other relevant risk considerations for Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs) (References)
Wildlife and environmental toxicity.
Toxicity Classifications (References)
| classification | governing entity/references |
| A3- Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans, ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygeinists) | Amer Conf of Gov't Industrial Hygienists - Carcinogens |
| Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Adult-onset Leukemias * - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Autoimmune antibodies (positive ANA, anti-DNA, RF, etc.) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| B2 Probable human carcinogen - based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals (1986) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Bioaccumulative - can build up in the environment, food chain, and people, with the rate of intake exceeding the rate of elimination | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| Brain cancer (adult)* - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Breast cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cancer hazards: recognized | P65, P65-MC |
| Cardiovascular or blood toxicity hazards: suspected | LADO, RTECS, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, MALA, RTECS, LADO, MALA, RTECS, EPA-HEN, LADO, RTECS, EPA-HEN, MALA, HAZMAP, LADO, RTECS |
| Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span)/Mental Retardation/Developmental Delay - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Developmental toxicity hazards: recognized | P65 |
| Developmental toxicity hazards: suspected | ATSDR, EPA-SARA, EPA-HEN, EPA-SARA, ATSDR, EPA-SARA, OEHHA-CREL, ATSDR, EPA-SARA, JANK |
| EPA: known endocrine disruptor | Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System |
| EPA: probable endocrine disruptor | Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System |
| EPA: suspected endocrine disruptor | Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System |
| Endocrine toxicity hazards: suspected | BKH, BRUC, IL-EPA, JNIHS, KEIT, RTECS, BKH, JNIHS, KEIT, WWF, BRUC, GUIL, IL-EPA, JNIHS, KEIT, WWF, BKH, BRUC, IL-EPA, JNIHS, KEIT, RTECS, WWF, BKH, EPA-SDWA, IL-EPA, JNIHS, KEIT, RTECS, WWF, ATSDR, BRUC, IL-EPA, JNIHS, KEIT, RTECS, WWF, BKH, IL-EPA, JNIHS, WWF, EPA-SDWA, IL-EPA, JNIHS, WWF, EPA-SDWA, JNIHS, WWF |
| Endometriosis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion, stillbirth) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion, stillbirth) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS, ZIMM, EPA-HEN, RTECS, ATSDR, RTECS, ATSDR, MALA, RTECS, ATSDR, EPA-HEN, RTECS, ATSDR, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS |
| Genito-urinary malformations (includes male and female) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Group B2: Probable human carcinogen - sufficient data in animals (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Group C: Possible human carcinogen (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Group D: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Hazardous air pollutant under Clean Air Act | EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants |
| Hepatocellular cancer (Liver cancer) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hepatoma - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hyperkeratosis/ Hyperpigmentation - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| IARC 3: mixed or limited evidence on human cancer potential (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens) | Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens |
| IARC Group 2B: possible human carcinogen (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens) | Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens |
| Immune suppression * - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Immunotoxicity hazards: suspected | IPCS, ATSDR, EPA-HEN, RTECS, OEHHA-CREL |
| Kidney toxicity hazards: suspected | KLAA, MERCK, OEHHA-CREL, EPA-HEN, MERCK, EPA-HEN, OEHHA-CREL, MERCK, RTECS |
| Known to be neurotoxic to humans, suspected developmental neurotoxin | Chemicals known to be neurotoxic to humans |
| Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Harmful; Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity (European Union classification); Possible risk of impaired fertility; May cause harm to breastfed babies; Harmful; Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Very toxic; Very toxic by inhalation; Toxic; Toxic in contact with skin and ingestion; Irritant; Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| May cause cancer (European Union classification); May cause cancer; Toxic; Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Menstrual disorders (abnormal bleeding, short cycles, long cycles, irregular cycles, painful periods) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Moderate evidence in humans: gastrointestinal system toxicity; Condition: acute hepatocellular injury (hepatitis); Organs/tissues affected: liver | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Parkinson's disease/Movement disorders - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - European Chemicals Bureau PBT working group | EU (2006). PRIO database - a tool for risk reduction of chemicals. Secondary PRIO database - a tool for risk reduction of chemicals. Secondary Kemi. Place Published, Kemi-Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Great Lakes Binational Strategy, Tier 1 concern (highest), targeted for phase-out | Great Lakes BTS (Binational Toxics Strategy). 1997. Canada-United States Strategy for the Virtual Elimination of Persistent Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes. Appendix I - Level 1 and Level 2 substances. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Great Lakes Binational Strategy, Tier 2 concern (moderate), targeting for monitoring/testing | Great Lakes BTS (Binational Toxics Strategy). 1997. Canada-United States Strategy for the Virtual Elimination of Persistent Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes. Appendix I - Level 1 and Level 2 substances. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Oslo-Paris (OSPAR) Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, chemical of concern | OSPAR (2002). OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR. Place Published, OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environement of North-East Atlanic. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Oslo-Paris (OSPAR) Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, priority chemical | OSPAR (2002). OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR. Place Published, OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environement of North-East Atlanic. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, priority chemical for voluntary waste/emission reductions | EPA Waste Minimization Program (RCRA) (1998) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - targeted for ban under international treaty (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs Convention) | United Nations Environment Programme/POPs Treaty (2001) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - targeted for emission reductions and process controls under international treaty (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs Convention) | United Nations Environment Programme/POPs Treaty (2001) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - targeted for restrictions under international treaty (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs Convention) | United Nations Environment Programme/POPs Treaty (2001) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant under Canada's Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics program - targeted for elimination or reduction | EC (Environment Canada). 1994. Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics (ARET). ARET substance list of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic from EU PBT Working Group | EU (2006). PRIO database - a tool for risk reduction of chemicals. Secondary PRIO database - a tool for risk reduction of chemicals. Secondary Kemi. Place Published, Kemi-Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic under the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Porphyria (toxic) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Potential occupational carcinogen according to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) | NIOSH Carcinogens List |
| Priority substance in EU water policy | European Union - Water Framework Directive |
| Priority water pollutant under the Clean Water Act | EPA Water Quality Standards Database |
| Prohibited from use in Canadian cosmetics | Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist |
| Prohibited in EU cosmetics: must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products | European Union - Banned or Restricted in Cosmetics |
| Psychiatric disturbances (disorientation, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, paranoias, anxiety/depression, emotional laibility, mood changes, euphoria). - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen (National Toxicology Program classification) | NTP Report on Carcinogens, 11th Edition |
| Recognized by Stockholm Convention as a PBT, awaiting risk assessment | United Nations Environment Programme/POPs Treaty (2001) |
| Reduced Fertility - Female (infertility and subfertility) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reduced Fertility - Male (infertility and subfertility) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reproductive effects - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed | Damgaard, I. N., N. E. Skakkebaek, et al. (2006). Persistent pesticides in human breast milk and cryptorchidism. Environ Health Perspect 114(7): 1133-8. |
| Reproductive toxicity hazards: recognized | P65 |
| Reproductive toxicity hazards: suspected | ATSDR, EPA-SARA, FRAZIER, EPA-SARA, FRAZIER, JANK, OEHHA-CREL, ATSDR, EPA-HEN, EPA-SARA, JANK |
| Respiratory toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, RTECS |
| Skin or sense organ toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, HARV, RTECS, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, RTECS, LU |
| Suspected persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Environment Canada, July 2006 chemical inventory review | EC (Environment Canada). 1994. Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics (ARET). ARET substance list of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals. |
| Testicular cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Thrombocytopenia - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Thyroid disorders - Hypothyroidism - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Toxic, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory programs | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Toxic; Toxic if swallowed; Harmful; Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin; May cause harm to breastfed babies; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Toxic; Toxic if swallowed; Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Danger of cumulative effects; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Toxic; Toxic if swallowed; Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Toxic; Toxic in contact with skin and ingestion; Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Danger of cumulative effects; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Toxic; Toxic in contact with skin and ingestion; Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Uterine cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Very persistent and bioaccumulative toxicant - targeted for waste reporting under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory programs | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Very persistent, very bioaccumulative, toxic under the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Very toxic; Very toxic if swallowed; Toxic; Toxic in contact with skin; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Very toxic; Very toxic in contact with skin; Toxic; Toxic if swallowed; Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (European Union classification); Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
