What Are Organochlorine Pesticides?

Pesticides are a group of chemicals made for the purpose of killing or otherwise deterring “pest” species. The word pesticide may refer to insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or other pest control formulations. Pesticides are inherently toxic and often associated with adverse health effects in non-target organisms.1 Organochlorine pesticides are a large class of multipurpose chlorinated hydrocarbon chemicals. Organochlorine pesticides break down slowly in the environment and accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. Thus, they stay in the environment and food web long after the being applied.2 DDT, now banned in the United States because of its harm to the health of wildlife and people, is a notable example of an organochlorine pesticide. Many organochlorine pesticides are endocrine disrupting chemicals, meaning they have subtle toxic effects on the body’s hormonal systems.3 Endocrine disrupting chemicals often mimic the body’s natural hormones, disrupting normal functions and contributing to adverse health effects.