The New Straits Times, August 12, 1996
Q: I intend to use organochlorines as an insecticide in my vegetable garden. What are their toxic effects on our health, and what safety measures can I take?
A: Organochlorine is one of the pesticides used to control insects in vegetable farming. There are many types of chemicals classified under organochlorine. These include aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, heptachlor, lindane, and methoxychlor. The intensity of the toxic effect varies between these compounds with aldrin being the most toxic followed by methoxychlor, in that order, being the least toxic. Many of these compounds disrupt the central system resulting in brain excitation and seizures. In facts, this is the usual manifestation seen in poisoning cases. In some cases, respiratory depression may occur concurrently with seizures.
The best method of ensuring safety during application is to wear full protective clothing so that any absorption of the pesticide is prevented. Unless this is done, organochlorines once absorbed into the body are known to be easily deposited in the fatty tissues and tend to accumulate until the toxic effects are achieved.
