Monograph: |
DDT( Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane )
Adverse Effects and Treatment
As for Chlorinated Insecticides, like endosulfan, endrin.
Carcinogenicity. Some small epidemiological studies have
suggested that certain organochlorines, namely l.l-dichloro-
2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), a metabolite of
dicophane, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), might in-
crease the risk of breast cancer in women. However, re-
analysis' of the available data indicated that an association
with breast cancer was unlikely for dicophane; there was no
evidence for an association with the polychlorinated biphe-
nyls. Any link between exposure to dicophane and the devel-
opment of testicular cancer in men was also refuted
following long-term monitoring of populations in Scandina-
via.
Effects on fertility. A metabolite of dicophane l,l-dichlo-
ro-2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), was reported to
have anti-androgenic properties in rats and exposure to
dicophane might account for a previously reported decline in
male fertility and an increase in male reproductive abnormal-
ities.
Pharmacokinetics
Dicophane may be absorbed after ingestion or inhalation or
through the skin. Dicophane is stored in the body, particularly
in body fat, and is very slowly eliminated. It crosses the pla-
centa and appears in breast milk. It is metabolised in the body
to the ethylene derivative. I,I-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophe-
nyl)ethylene (DDE): the acetic acid derivative (DDA) also ap-
pears in the urine.
Uses
Dicophane is a chlorinated insecticide. It is a stom-
ach and contact poison and retains its activity for long periods
under a variety of conditions. It is effective against disease
vectois such as fleas, lice and mosquitoes and has been ap-
plied topically for pediculosis and scabies ,
although more suitable alternatives exist.
Because of the extreme persistence of dicophane, concern in
respect of its effect in the environment, and the problem of
resistance, the widespread use of dicophane is now generally
discouraged. It is no longer used in some countries while in
others its use is limited,
Despite reservations regarding the use of dicophane for vector
control, many endemic countries have relied on it for the con-
trol of both malaria and visceral leishmaniasis. A WHO study
group' reviewed the current situation and concluded that
dicophane might be used provided that all the following con-
ditions were met. Namely that: it was used only for indoor
spraying; it was known to be effective; it was manufactured lo
WHO'S specifications: and the necessary safety precautions
were taken in its use and disposal. However, they recom-
mended further investigation of the effects of dicophane in
breast milk and of suspected carcinogenicity, as well as clar-
ification of the significance of the reduced density of mus-
carinic receptors caused by dicophane.
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