This research project was initiated with the overall objective of determining (1) the chemical structures of toxic components of toxaphene, (2) to study anaerobic metabolism to degrade toxaphene and other pesticides, and (3) to understand toxic action mechanism of chlordimeform. As a result of intensive efforts the molecular structures of three of the most toxic principles of toxaphene were identified. Together these components comprise at least 70% of toxaphene's toxicity toward mice. This is the first time that the structure of toxic components of toxaphene became apparent despite the widespread use (over 1 billion pounds, which is comparable to DDT) of toxaphene in the last 3 decades. Toxaphene on the other hand degrades relatively faster than other chlorinated pesticides such as DDT and dieldrin. The reason for it is that toxaphene is susceptible to reductive degradative forces. Chlordimeform was found to affect amine regulatory mechanisms in animals. Such actions explain some of the subtle effects of this pesticide on animals. Inasmuch as that biogenic amines are known to play many important biological roles such as controlling emotion, behavior and circulatory functions of the body.

EPA Project Officer: Robert F. Moseman, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Toxicology Division, Health Effects Research Laboratory. Prepared by the Dept. of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, under Grant No. R-801060. "November 1978." Includes bibliographical references (pages 24-25).