Endosulfan

Endosulfan is an insecticide that has been used on an array of agricultural products including food and fiber crops, ornamental plants and tobacco. Due to it toxic nature, some countries have banned its use. The production and use of endosulfan results in its release into the environment where it may persistently contaminate air, soil and water.

Endosulfan is toxic to the central nervous system and also damages cell membranes, disrupting cells\' ability to function normally.

Eating food products treated with endosulfan or grown in endosulfan-contaminated soil is thought to be the primary way in which we are exposed to this chemical. In numerous studies conducted on domestic and imported foods by the Food and Drug Administration between the 1970s and 1990s, endosulfan has been detected in various fruits and vegetables, both fresh and processed, intended for consumption by infants, children and adults. Because endosulfan accumulates in aquatic life, fish and seafood from contaminated waters may be a source of exposure. Additionally, drinking water from polluted sources can expose an individual to this toxin as can the use of tobacco products that were treated with endosulfan or grown in endosulfan-contaminated soil.

Rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, endosulfan has been found to be a central nervous system (CNS) toxin in animals, capable of upsetting the balance of CNS nerve activities by disrupting the normal activity of enzymes and neurotransmitters (brain messenger chemicals), including GABA, serotonin and norepinephrine. Endosulfan is known to cause convulsions in humans who have had acute exposure, as well as dizziness, tremors, headaches and malaise. Endosulfan is also capable of causing lipid peroxidation (free radical damage of fats). Since cellular membranes are made largely of lipids, endosulfan can damage them, thus causing damage to cells\' structure and ability to function normally.

In experimental animals, endosulfan has also been found to be toxic to various organs and systems in the body including the kidneys, liver, respiratory and reproductive system.

A polychlorinated compound used for controlling a variety of insects, endosulfan is practically water-insoluble, but readily adheres to clay particles and persists in soil and water for several years. Its mode of action involves repetitive nerve-discharges positively correlated to increase in temperature. This compound is extremely toxic to most fish. (From Comp Biochem Physiol (C) 1993 Jul;105(3):347-61)

Ingestion of food products treated with endosulfan or grown in endosulfan-contaminated soil is thought to be the primary source of exposure to this chemical. In numerous studies conducted on domestic and imported foods by the Food and Drug Administration between the 1970s and 1990s, endosulfan has been detected in various fruits and vegetables, both fresh and processed, intended for consumption by infants, children and adults. As endosulfan bioaccumulates in aquatic life, fish and seafood from contaminated waters may be a source of exposure. Additionally, drinking water from polluted sources can expose an individual to this toxin as can the use of tobacco products that were treated with endosulfan or grown in endosulfan-contaminated soil.

Rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, endosulfan has been found to be a central nervous system (CNS) toxin in animals, capable of upsetting the balance of CNS nerve activities through dysregulation of enzymes and neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin and norepinephrine. It is known to cause convulsions with humans who have had acute exposure experiencing this CNS manifestation as well as dizziness, tremors, headaches and malaise. Endosulfan is also capable of causing lipid peroxidation, which can damage cellular membranes, compromising the structure and function of cells, the basic building block of tissues. In experimental animals, endosulfan has also been found to be toxic to various organs and systems in the body including the kidneys, liver, respiratory and reproductive system.