Heptachlor is a manufactured chemical which in its pure form is a white powder that smells like mothballs. Until 1988 it was used extensively as an insecticide in homes, buildings, as well as in agriculture.

Heptachlor epoxide is also a white powder and is a product of the breakdown of heptachlor. This form is more likely to be found in the environment than heptachlor itself. 

How You Are Exposed

These chemicals stick strongly to soil particles and can stay in the soil and water for many years. Since plants can take up heptachlor from the soil, exposure can occur if you eat crops that have been grown in contaminated soil. Animals change heptachlor to the epoxide and levels build up in their tissues. Exposure can occur by ingesting fish, dairy products, and fatty meats from animals exposed to heptachlor in their food. The chemicals can also be passed via breast milk to infants from mothers who had high exposures. Breathing air, drinking water, or skin contact with soil near waste sites or landfills can also result in exposure to heptachlor.

How Can Heptachlor/ Heptachlor Epoxide Affect Your Health?

Both heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide are toxic to humans and can damage the nervous system. Reports of people who accidentally ingested pesticides containing heptachlor or who spilled pesticides on their clothes have indicated symptoms such as dizziness, confusion and even convulsions. 

Animal studies have shown that very high levels of exposure for short periods result in serious liver problems, tremors, and difficulty walking. Exposure to these chemicals before and/or during pregnancy may also result in an in ability to reproduce as well as birth defects.