Chlordane is an organochlorine compound used as a pesticide. Chlordane is one so-called cyclodiene pesticide, meaning that it is derived from hexachlorocyclopentadiene. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene forms an adduct with cyclopentadiene, and chlorination of this adduct gives two isomers, α and β. The beta-isomer is popularly known as gamma. The mixture is called chlordane. The β isomer is more bioactive. Pathways of exposure to chlordane include ingestion of crops grown in chlordane-contaminated soil, inhalation of air near chlordane-treated homes and landfills, and ingestion of high-fat foods such as meat, fish, and dairy, as Chlordane builds up in fatty tissue. Chlordane is excreted slowly through feces and urine elimination, as well as through breast milk in nursing mothers, and is able to cross the placenta and become absorbed by developing fetuses in pregnant women.
-O396.gif)