Home > Heptachlor

Summary

Exposure to heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide happens mostly from eating contaminated foods and milk, or skin contact with contaminated soil. At high levels, they can cause damage to your nervous system. Heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide have been found in at least 129 and 87 sites, respectively, of 1,300 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

FAQs

-What are heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide?

-What happens to heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide when they enter the environment?

-How might I be exposed to heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide?

-How can heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide affect my health?

-How likely are heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide to cause cancer?

-Is there a medical test to show if I've been exposed to heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide?

-Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?

-Where can I get more information?

Glossary

Carcinogenicity: Ability to cause cancer.
Milligram (mg): One thousandth of a gram.
PPT: Parts per trillion.
PPB: Parts per billion.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1993. Toxicological profile for heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.