Toxaphene is an insecticide usually found as a solid or gas. In its original form it is a yellow to amber waxy solid that has an odor similar to that of turpentine. It consists of more than 670 chemicals, is not flammable and evaporates when in solid form or when mixed with liquids.

Toxaphene is an insecticide usually found as a solid or gas. In its original form it is a yellow to amber waxy solid that has an odor similar to that of turpentine. It consists of more than 670 chemicals, is not flammable and evaporates when in solid form or when mixed with liquids.

How You Are Exposed

Toxaphene may enter the environment from hazardous waste sites. As it does not dissolve well in water, it is most likely to be found in the air or soil. It is possible to breathe in contaminated air near hazardous waste facilities where the insecticide had been disposed. It is also possible for small children to ingest toxaphene by eating contaminated soil. Because the chemical accumulates in fish and mammals, it is possible to be exposed to the chemical if you consume large quantities of fish and shellfish from contaminated water. Exposure is also possible if you drink water from wells containing toxaphene

How Can Toxaphene Affect Your Health?

Exposure to high levels of toxaphene by inhaling, eating, or drinking it, can cause damage to the lungs, nervous system, and kidneys, and can even cause death. However, since toxaphene is no longer used in the U.S., exposure to high levels of the chemical are very unlikely. 

Animal studies have shown that ingesting low levels of toxaphene may effect the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, immune system, as well as fetal development.