WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE ORGANISATION POUR L'ALIMENTATION
ET L'AGRICULTURE
VBC/DS/75.1
ORIGINAL : ENGLISH
DATA SHEETS ON PESTICIDES No. 1
January 1975
ENDRIN
It must be noted that the issue of a Data Sheet for a
particular pesticide does not imply endorsement of the pesticide by
WHO or FAO for any particular use, or exclude its use for other
purposes not stated. While the information provided is believed to
be accurate according to data available at the time when the sheet
was compiled, neither WHO nor FAO are responsible for any errors or
omissions, or any consequences therefrom.
The issue of this document does Ce document ne constitue pas une
not constitute formal publication. Il ne doit faire
publication. It should not be l'objet d'aucun compte rendu ou
reviewed, abstracted or quoted résumé ni d'aucune citation sans
without the agreement of the l'autorisation de l'Organisation
Food and Agriculture des Nations Unies pour
Organization of the United l'Alimentation et l'Agriculture
Nations or of the World Health ou de l'Organisation Mondiale de
Organization. la Santé.
ENDRIN
Part 1 - General information
CLASSIFICATION:
Primary use: Insecticide
Secondary uses: Acaricide, rodenticide
Chemical group: Organochlorine compound
Data sheet No. 1
Date issued: January 1975
1.1 COMMON NAME: endrin (ISO)
1.1.1 Identity: 1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-
octahydro-1,4-exo-exo-5, 8-dimethanonaphthalene. In the convention of
the American Chemical Society the configuration is endo-endo.
1.1.2 Synonyms: OMS 197 Local Synonyms
1.2 SYNOPSIS: a highly toxic organochlorine pesticide which does not
accumulate in the tissues of man or animals, and which is not
persistent in the environment.
1.3 SELECTED PROPERTIES
1.3.1 Physical characteristics: when pure, a white crystalline solid
m.p.> 200°C (with decomposition); the technical product is a light tan
powder, with a characteristic odour.
1.3.2 Solubility: water at 20°C, practically insoluble (<0.1 ppm),
alcohol, slightly soluble 74%); benzene and acetone, moderately soluble
(37 and 28%).
1.3.3 Stability: stable in alkali and acids, but rearranges to less
insecticidally active substances in the presence of strong acids, on
exposure to sunlight, or on heating above 200°C. Compatible with most
biocides in present use.
1.3.4 Vapour pressure very low (2 x 10-7 mm Hg at 25°C).
1.4 AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
1.4.1 Common formulations
Emulsifiable concentrate 20%, wettable powder 25 to 50%, dusts and
granules 1 to 2%. FAO specifications for technical endrin,
emulsifiable concentrates, dispersible powders and dusts have been
published. A specification for granules is in course of preparation.
1.4.2 Pests mainly controlled
Effective against a very wide range of insect species. Main uses are
against cotton boll worms, corn borers, cut worms and leaf hoppers.
1.4.3 Use pattern
Main use is to control pests of cotton; from one to ten applications in
a given crop season. Also used for rice, small cereal grains, and
sugar cane. Has limited use usually under local government authority
for control of mice in orchards and plantations.
1.4.4 Unintended effects
Use, or possibly misapplication, in orchards and forest plantations to
control mice has resulted in casualties amongst farm and wild animals.
Contamination of water, e.g. in association with use on rice, has
resulted in kills of fish. Not generally phytotoxic at insecticidal
concentrations.
1.5 PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMMES
No recommended use.
1.6 HOUSEHOLD USE
No recommended use (due to toxicity).
ENDRIN
Part 2 - Toxicology and risks
Common name: endrin
Data sheet No. 1
Date issued: January 1975
2.1 TOXICOLOGY - MAMMALS
2.1.1 Absorption route: absorbed by the intact skin as well as by
inhalation and from the gastrointestinal tract.
2.1.2 Mode of action: central nervous system stimulant producing
convulsions.
2.1.3 Excretion: rapidly metabolized and excreted in the faeces largely
as the 9-hydroxy derivative.
2.1.4 Toxicity, single dose
Oral: LD50 rat (M) 18 mg/kg
rat (F) 7.5 mg/kg
Dermal: LD50 rat (M) 18 mg/kg
rat (F) 15 mg/kg
Dermal: LD50 rabbit 60-120 mg/kg
2.1.5 Toxicity, repeated doses
Oral: daily administration of 5 mg/kg for 50 days led to 3 deaths out
of 3 rats; there were no deaths when the dose was reduced to 2 mg/kg.
Inhalation: 2 out of 4 deaths when rabbits were exposed for 826
hours, 7 hours a day, 5 days a week to an atmospheric concentration of
5.44 mg/m3 of endrin mist.
Cumulation of compound: does not accumulate in mammalian tissues to
any significant extent; may be measured in blood and other tissues
during acute poisoning.
2.1.6 Dietary studies
Short-term: significant increase in mortality when rats were fed 5
ppm (0.25 mg/kg/day) for 16 weeks but not when fed 1 ppm
(0.05 mg/kg/day).
Long-term: in a 2 year study there was increased liver to body-weight
ratios in males and increased kidney to body-weight ratios in females
fed 5 ppm (0.25 mg/kg/day); the no-effect level was 1 ppm (0.05
mg/kg/day).
2.1.7 Supplementary studies of toxicity
Carcinogenicity
Mouse: no increase in neoplasms from dietary levels up to 3 ppm
(0.15 mg/kg/day) of endrin (the highest level fed).
Rat: no increase in malignant tumours at dietary levels up to 12 ppm
(0.6 mg/kg/day) (the highest level fed).
Teratogenicity
Rat: no terata reported to have been observed in a three-generation
reproduction study with dietary levels up to a maximum level of 2 ppm
(0.1 mg/kg/day).
2.1.8 Modifications of toxicity
The acute toxicity of endrin was increased by a factor of 2.5 when rats
were fed a low protein diet.
2.2 TOXICOLOGY - MAN
2.2.1 Absorption: see 2.1.1
Ingestion has proved to be an important cause of poisoning with this
compound.
2.2.2 Dangerous doses
Single: it has been estimated that a single convulsion may result
from ingestion of 0.2-0.25 mg/kg of endrin and repeated fits from 1
mg/kg. A level of about 150 ppm eaten in bread is reported to have
produced convulsions in man.
Repeated: no information.
2.2.3 Observations of occupationally exposed workers
Extensive observations of plant workers have been conducted.
Measureable levels of endrin in blood (0.05-0.1 µg/ml) were only found
in cases of intoxication and clinical recovery was complete within a
few hours.
2.2.4 Observations on exposure of the general population
Not detected in the body fat of the general population in at least
three countries.
2.2.5 Observations of volunteers
No information.
2.2.6 Reported mishaps
In two countries in Asia, four successive outbreaks of poisoning
occurred resulting in 874 people being hospitalized, of whom 26 died.
In two separate shipments when flour and endrin were transported
together, the flour became contaminated. Bread made from the flour
contained 48-1500 ppm of endrin. In a European country 59 cases of
poisoning with no deaths are believed to have been caused from eating
bread containing 150 ppm of endrin.
Spilled endrin had contaminated flour during shipment in a railway car.
In an African country three cases of poisoning with no deaths are
believed to have been caused from eating bread containing 126-172 ppm
of endrin. The manner in which the contamination occurred is not known
- assumed to be during transport or storage.
2.3 TOXICITY TO NON-MAMMALIAN SPECIES
(The entries in these sections are intended to draw attention to
special risks and to give warnings of any needs for special
precautions).
2.3.1 Fish
Is very toxic to fish. Has caused fish kills following use on rice.
2.3.2 Birds
High toxicity. Uses in orchards and similar sites have resulted in
bird kills. The risks are from acute poisoning by ingestion of water
or seeds, not from long-term build-up of residues.
2.3.3 Other species
Toxicity to bees is fairly high. Described as moderately hazardous in
USDA classification. Toxic to wildlife in general.
ENDRIN
Part 3 - For regulatory authorities
Common name: endrin
Data sheet No. 1
Date issued: January 1975
RECOMMENDATIONS ON REGULATION OF COMPOUND
3.1 RECOMMENDED RESTRICTIONS ON AVAILABILITY
(For definition of categories see introduction). Liquid and solid
formulations above 10%: category 2. All other formulations:
category 3.
3.2 TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
All formulations
UN classification 6.1. Should be transported or stored in clearly
labelled rigid and leakproof containers. No food or drink should be
transported or stored in the same compartment. Storage should be under
lock and key, and secure from access by unauthorized persons and
children.
3.3 HANDLING
All formulations
Full protective clothing (see Part 4) should be used for all handling
of the compound. Adequate washing facilities should be available at
all times during handling and should be close to the site of handling.
Eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited during handling and
before washing after handling.
3.4 DISPOSAL AND/OR DECONTAMINATION OF CONTAINERS
All formulations
Container must either be burned or crushed and buried below topsoil.
Care must be taken to avoid subsequent contamination of water sources.
Decontamination of containers in order to use them for other purposes
should not be permitted.
3.5 SELECTION, TRAINING AND MEDICAL SUPERVISION OF WORKERS
All formulations
Pre-employment, and routine medical examination of workers desirable.
Special account should be taken of the workers' mental ability to
comprehend and follow instructions. Training of workers in techniques
to avoid contact essential.
3.6 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS RECOMMENDED IF DISTRIBUTED BY AIRCRAFT
All formulations
Pilots and loaders should have special training in application methods
and recognition of early symptoms of poisoning. Use of flagmen not
recommended. Flagmen, if used, should wear overalls, a respirator, hat
and gloves, and be located well away from the dropping zone.
3.7 LABELLING
Formulations
All formulations
Minimum cautionary statement
"POISON"
(Skull and cross bones insignia)
"Endrin is a highly toxic organochlorine compound which may be
very hazardous to man and animals if use is not strictly
controlled. Contact with the skin, inhalation of dust or spray
or swallowing may cause convulsions and may be fatal. Avoid skin
contact; wear protective gloves, clean protective clothing and a
respirator when handling this material.. Wash hands and exposed
skin immediately after work."
"Ensure that containers are stored under lock and key. Empty
containers must be disposed of in such a way as to prevent all
accidental contact with them. Keep the material out of reach of
children and well away from foodstuffs, animal feed and their
containers."
"In case of contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and
wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water; for eyes, flush
with water for 15 minutes."
"If poisoning occurs, obtain medical attention."
3.8 RESIDUES IN FOOD
Apart from accidental gross contamination of foods, e.g. from
spillages, residues in foods have not resulted in major problems.
3.8.1 Maximum residue levels
The Joint FAO/WHO meeting on Pesticide Residues (1972) has recommended
the following limits:
Cottonseed, cottonseed oil (crude) 0.1 ppm
Cottonseed oil (finished), maize (sweet), wheat,
barley, sorghum, rice (brown or polished), apples 0.02 ppm
Milk and milk products (fat basis) 0.02 ppm
Eggs (shell free) 0.2 ppm
Fat of poultry 1.0 ppm
ENDRIN
Part 4 - Prevention of poisoning in man emergency aid
Common name: endrin and
Data sheet No. 1
Date issued: January 1975
4.1 PRECAUTIONS IN USE
4.1.1 General
Endrin is a highly toxic organochlorine pesticide which penetrates the
intact skin and is also absorbed by inhalation as dusts and by the
gastrointestinal tract. Formulations should be handled by trained
personnel wearing protective clothing.
4.1.2 Manufacture and formulation
T.L.V.
(A.C.G.I.H.) 0.1 mg/m3; (U.S.S.R.) - formulation should not be
attempted without advice from the manufacturer.
4.1.3 Mixers and applicators
When opening the container and when mixing, protective impermeable
boots, clean overalls, gloves and dust mask should be worn. Mixing, if
not mechanical, should always be carried out with a paddle of
appropriate length. When spraying tall crops or during aerial applica-
tion, a face mask should be worn as well as an impermeable hood,
clothing, boots and gloves. The applicator should avoid working in
spray mist and avoid contact with the mouth, skin and eyes. Particular
care is needed when equipment is being washed after use. All
protective clothing should be washed immediately after use, including
the insides of gloves. Splashes must be washed immediately from the
skin, hair and eyes with large quantities of water. Before eating,
drinking or smoking, hands and other exposed skin should be washed.
4.1.4 Other associated workers (including flagmen in aerial operations)
Persons exposed to endrin and associated with its application should
wear protective clothing and observe the precautions described above in
4.1.3 under "mixers and applicators".
4.1.5 Other populations likely to be affected
With good agricultural practice subject to 4.2 below, other populations
should not be exposed to hazardous amounts of endrin.
4.2 ENTRY OF PERSON INTO TREATED AREAS
Unprotected persons should be kept out of treated areas for at least
one day.
4.3 SAFE DISPOSAL OF CONTAINERS AND SPILLAGE
Containers should be emptied in a diluted form into a deep pit taking
care to avoid contamination of ground waters. Containers should be
destroyed (see 3.4). Decontamination of containers in order to use them
for other purposes should not be permitted. Spillage should be washed
into a deep dry pit and the remainder washed away with large quantities
of water, taking care not to contaminate surface or ground waters.
4.4 EMERGENCY AID
4.4.1 Early symptoms of poisoning
Early symptoms of poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
weakness of the legs, loss of appetite and possibly insomnia and
temporary deafness. Generalized convulsions may occur, and in some
cases are the first symptom.
4.4.2 Treatment before person is seen by a physician, if these symptoms
appear following exposure
The person should stop work immediately, remove contaminated clothing
and wash the affected skin with water and soap, if available, and flush
the area with large quantities of water. If swallowed, vomiting should
be induced, if the person is conscious.
ENDRIN
Part 5 - For medical and laboratory personnel
Common name: endrin
Data sheet No. 1
Date issued: January 1975
5.1 MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CASES OF POISONING
5.1.1 General information
An organochlorine pesticide of high acute toxicity which may be
absorbed through the intact skin as well as by inhalation and via the
gastrointestinal tract. Its mode of action is as a central nervous
system stimulant producing convulsions. It is rapidly metabolized and
excreted in the faeces and does not persist in the tissues.
5.1.2 Symptoms and signs
Mild symptoms of poisoning involve headache, dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, weakness of the legs, loss of appetite, and possibly insomnia
and temporary deafness. More serious symptoms are convulsions of
several minutes duration followed by semi-consciousness for 15-30
minutes. Terminal symptoms prior to death may be continuous
convulsions, causing anoxia and high fever.
5.1.3 Laboratory
Blood levels of endrin associated with poisoning are 0.05-0.1 µg/ml.
The electroencephalogram may show bilateral synchronous spikes, spike
and wave complexes and slow theta waves. It returns to normal
gradually and usually has become normal three months after the incident
of poisoning.
5.1.4 Treatment
If the pesticide has been ingested, gastric lavage should be performed
with 2-4 litres of tap water followed by saline purgatives (30 g sodium
sulfate in 250 ml of water). Barbiturates (preferably phenobarbitone
or pentobarbitone) or diazepam should be given I.M. or I.V. in
sufficient dosage to control restlessness or convulsions. Mechanical
respiratory assistance with oxygen may be required. In addition,
calcium gluconate, 10% in 10 ml, may be injected four hourly.
Contraindications are oily purgatives, epinephrine and other adrenergic
drugs and central stimulants of all types.
5.1.5 Prognosis
If the convulsions are survived the chances of complete recovery are
good. However, in very severe cases there is a possibility of
permanent brain damage secondary to continued hypoxia if the
convulsions are not promptly controlled.
5.1.6 References of previously reported cases
The following references give methods of treatment and diagnosis used
in cases of poisoning:
1. Davies, G. M. L Lewis, I. (1956) Brit. med. J., 2, 393-398.
2. Weeks, D. E. (1967) Bull. Wld Hlth Org., 37, 499-512.
5.2 SURVEILLANCE METHODS
There are no readily available techniques to determine the degree of
absorption prior to the appearance of symptoms. Endrin can only be
detected in the blood in situations of acute gross overexposure. The
threshold level below which no signs-or symptoms of intoxication occur
appears to be in the range of 0.05-0.1 µg/ml of endrin in the blood
(limit of detection).
5.3 LABORATORY METHODS
5.3.1 Detection and analysis
Endrin residues in foodstuffs can be determined by the multi-residue
methods of the AOAC (United States Food and Drug Administration,
Pesticides Analytical Manual, 1971) and of de Faubert Maunder et
al. (1964), Wood (1969) and Abbott et al. (1969). All these are gas
chromatographic methods, but involve various clean-up procedures.
Identity can be confirmed by derivative formation. Several references
to gas chromatographic methods for determination of organochlorine
pesticides-in blood are cited by Jager (1970), in particular the method
described by Richardson et al. (1967) for the determination of
dieldrin. For the examination of grossly contaminated materials or of
samples of formulated products, an infrared spectro-scopic method can
be used (AOAC method, see CIPAC Handbook, Vol. 1, pp. 378-390).
5.3.2 Other tests in cases of poisoning
Electroencephalographic changes after endrin poisoning are described
in Hoogendam, I., Versteeg, J. P. J. & de Vlieger, M. (1962), Arch.
environm. Hlth., 4, 86-94
REFERENCES
Abbott, D. C., Holmes, D. C. & Tatton, J. O'G. (1969) Pesticide
residues in the total diet in England and Wales, 1966-1967. II.
Organochlorine pesticide residues in the total diet, J. Sci. Food
Agric., 20, 245
Faubert Maunder, M. J. de et al. (1964) Clean-up of animal fats and
dairy products for the analysis of chlorinated pesticide
residues, Analyst., 89, 168
Jager, K. W. (1970) Aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and telodrin, Elsevier,
Amsterdam, p. 34
Richardson, A. et al. (1967) Determination of dieldrin (HEOD) in blood,
Arch. environm. Hlth, 14, 703
United States Food and Drug Administration (1971) Pesticide Analytical
Manual, Vol. I, Sections 211, 212
Wood, N. F. (1969) Extraction and clean-up of organochlorine pesticide
residues by column chromatography, Analyst, 94, 399