What are heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide?
(Pronounced hep'tah-klor, hep'tah-klor e-pok' side)
Heptachlor is a manufactured chemical and doesn't occur naturally. Pure heptachlor
is a white powder that smells like camphor (mothballs). The less pure grade is
tan. Trade names include Heptagran, Basaklor, Drinox, Soleptax, Termide, and Velsicol
104.
Heptachlor was used extensively in the past for killing insects in homes, buildings,
and on food crops, especially corn. Use slowed in the 1970s and stopped in 1988.
Heptachlor epoxide is also a white powder and is a breakdown product of heptachlor.
The epoxide is more likely to be found in the environment than heptachlor.
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