Question: What is endosulfan and what is the primary toxicity of this compound?
Answer: The cited reference notes: “Endosulfan is a restricted-use pesticide (EPA class I) (a chlorinated hydrocarbon) that is particularly effective against aphids, fruit worms, beetles, leafhoppers, moth larvae, and white flies on a wide variety of crops. It is not approved for residential use. It is sold as a mixture of two different forms of the same chemical (referred to as α- and β-endosulfan). It is a cream-to-brown-colored solid that may appear crystalline or in flakes. It has a distinct odor similar to turpentine. The use of endosulfan is being restricted to certain crops and is scheduled to be canceled for all uses by 2016.” The primary toxicity is neurological with seizures being a prominent effect. Poor coordination, imbalance, difficulty breathing, gagging, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, and loss of consciousness have also been reported. (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp.asp?id=609&tid=113; accessed April 2017)