A Preliminary Study of Potential Human Health Effects in Private Residences Following Chlordane Applications for Termite Control

Abstract

A cross-sectional epidemiological investigation of the health status of 261 people from 85 private households previously treated with chlordane for termite control was conducted to assess potential human health effects. When sinusitis, bronchitis, and migraine responses were compared to measured indoor air levels of chlordane in categories designated as low (< 1 μg/m³), medium (1–5 μg/m³), and high (> 5 μg/m³), a dose-response relationship was found after controlling individually and simultaneously for age, sex, and smoking. Homes studied in this investigation having a proper chlordane application were observed to have chlordane air levels exceeding acceptable exposure limits.