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Chlordane is a potent neurotoxin and animal carcinogen, yet the frequency and severity of injury due to exposure from inhalation or contact in the home has not been widely documented. Neuropsychological dysfunction and emotional distress were observed in 10 individuals exposed to chlordane pesticide after their homes were treated for termites. Cognitive deficits ranged from mild to moderate on tasks requiring speeded processing, problem solving, and delayed memory. Somatization, hysterical features, and depression dominated the clinical picture. Current results implicate the hazards associated with chlordane treatment of residential homes and the continued need for further studies.

A 30 year old female was exposed to chlordane through careless and excessive domestic use over a 1 to 4 week period. Early symptoms included circumoral numbness, anorexia, nausea, and fatigue. Myoclonic jerks occurred after a delay of one month. Malaise and anorexia became the dominant symptoms leading to referral at six months. Dysfunctional bleeding was attributed to hepatic enzyme induction by the chlordane and increased metabolism of contraceptive medication. Cholestyramine increased the stool elimination of chlordane.

Chlordane was, prior to regulatory action by EPA in 1976, an extensively used insecticide for both household and agricultural pest control purposes. It was readily available to the general public for many years; thus, human exposure, including poisonings, has been documented. A case reporting fatal chlordane ingestion with residue levels in various body tissues is presented. Analyses were performed by gas-liquid chromatography. The highest residue levels were reported in stomach contents, liver, brain, and adipose tissue.

This report describes two human fatalities from chlordane poisoning. One of these was caused by absorption of accidentally spilled chlordane; in the second case the patient swallowed chlordane deliberately, with suicidal intent. These are the first examples of fatal chlordane poisoning in human beings that have been reported in detail. Since chlordane is used so widely as a domestic and agricultural insecticide, it seems desirable to report the findings in these cases as a general warning. REPORT OF CASES Case1.—A 23-year-old woman, who had worked with insecticides for perhaps two years and whose hands had been in contact with this material, on Oct. 21, 1949, spilled an unknown amount of a suspension consisting of 25 lb. of chlordane, 26 lb. of chlorophenothane (DDT), 39 lb. of velsicol AR 50, and 10 lb. of triton X-100 on the front of her clothing. About 40 minutes later she became confused and