Dicofol

Dicofol is an organochlorine miticide and pesticide used on a wide variety of crops, including cotton, citrus, tree nuts, beans, apples, stonefruit, cucurbits, wine grapes, strawberries, mint, and peppers[1]. It is moderately persistent in the environment and can pose health risks to workers involved in its manufacture and application, as well as to those living near agricultural application sites[1].

Dicofol is a white or brown, waxy solid with a negligible vapor pressure at room temperature[2][3]. It is slightly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents[3]. The chemical has been banned internationally under the Stockholm Convention due to its persistence and potential harm to aquatic animals and birds[3][4].

Exposure to dicofol can cause a range of health problems, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite[2]. It may also damage the nervous system, causing numbness, muscle twitching, seizures, and unconsciousness[2]. Repeated exposure can lead to personality changes, depression, anxiety, or irritability, and may affect the liver and kidneys[2].

The use of dicofol has been restricted due to its potential to contaminate the environment and harm human health[3][4]. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a restricted entry interval (REI) for dicofol products based on dermal toxicity studies and has required registrants to submit product-specific data and revised labeling[5]. The EPA has also calculated a chronic dietary reference dose (RfD) for dicofol, which is the amount of pesticide believed not to cause adverse effects if consumed daily over a 70-year lifetime[5].

Alternatives to dicofol are available, including chemical pesticides, biological controls, botanical preparations, and agroecological practices[4]. These alternatives are considered technically feasible and accessible in various geographical regions, reflecting the different pest-crop combinations for which dicofol is or has been applied[4].

Citations:

[1] https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/crnr/dicofol.pdf

[2] https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0675.pdf

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicofol

[4] https://chm.pops.int/Implementation/Alternatives/AlternativestoPOPs/ChemicalslistedinAnnexA/Dicofol/tabid/8291/Default.aspx

[5] https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-010501_1-Nov-98.pdf