Wildlife Toxicity Assessment for Chlordane

This chapter presents the wildlife toxicity assessment (WTA) for chlordane, an organochlorine pesticide that was widely used in the U.S. from 1947 to 1978. Its use was curtailed following an increased concern about its cancer-causing effects, and it was entirely banned for use in 1988. It is highly persistent in the environment, causing a concern for wildlife toxicity. This WTA addresses chlordane’s toxicity to mammals, birds, and reptiles as there were no sufficient data on amphibian toxicity. The studies utilized indicate a moderate toxicity of chlordane, with effects on reproduction in mammals, birds, and reptiles. Based upon the available data in the mammalian studies, a chronic no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and low observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) were determined to be 2.1 and 21 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/day), respectively.