Chlordane Exposure Leads to Diabetes & Parkinson's Disease

Chlordane Exposures and Diabetes

Chlordane, a family of compounds used as insecticides from 1950 to their ban in 1975, was used both to treat crops such as corn, soybeans and vegetables and to treat termite infestations in homes.

Chlordane levels persist even today in animal fats, grains and vegetables and have been measured in the air of homes at up to 40 times the U.S. EPA guideline levels. Why be concerned?

Exposure to chlordane compounds has been linked to a variety of symptoms from headaches, lethargy, and upper respiratory infections to breast, and testicular cancers, leukemia, allergies, depression and Parkinson's disease.

Persons who have been diagnosed with diabetes and/or insulin resistance and would like to reduce their exposures to chlordane compounds should take the following actions in this order:

•If you live in a house built before 1988 that is located in the southern three-quarters of the United States, test the air in your home for chlordane compounds.
•Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy fat.
•Peel vegetables like potatoes and carrots that were grown in soils of unknown chlordane history.
•If chlordane is found in your home air, install a heat-exchange ventilation system as they have been shown to markedly reduce chlordane levels.
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My dad used to own, his own exterminating and pest control business. He sold the business and his client list in the late 1970's for health reasons. Dad had developed some respiratory issues which were resolved within 6 months of his not working with chlordane anymore. In 1983 chlordane was taken completely off the market in the United States. It was widely used as an insecticide for agricultural applications. Unfortunately, I expect there will be many farmers that end up with Parkinson's and a host of other unpleasant ailments and diseases.

Chlordane used to be the gold standard for eradicating termites, crab grass, and various lawn insects.

In later years he has developed: diabetes, an enlarged prostate, and Parkinson's Disease.