Methoxychlor, also known as 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane, is a synthetic pesticide used in a variety of ways. A synthetic substance does not naturally occur in the environment and causes methoxychlor to be known as a toxicant instead of a toxin. Toxicants are synthetic substances and toxins are natural substances (Pittman, 2015). A non-exhaustive list of trade names for methoxychlor is methoxo, chemform, methoxcide, metox, and moxie (EXTOXNET, 1996). Methoxychlor is used to protect crops, pets, and livestock from insects. It is especially useful against mosquitoes and to remove fleas from pets. Methoxychlor has also been shown to be effective against flies, cockroaches, and chiggers (Methoxychlor, 2000). It was intended …show more content…
In an acute and large dose exposure, neurotoxic effects have been shown. Methoxychlor will also show some of the endocrine disruption activity that it is capable of (Miller et al., 2002). The neurological effects are seizures, tremors, and convulsions in a high dose exposure (Methoxychlor). Although, since methoxychlor is broken down quickly by the body, these symptoms are very uncommon (Methoxychlor). These effects are only seen in extreme high dose situations. The more common form of toxicity is effects to the reproductive system. This is seen when a chronic and low dose exposure occurs. A major target of methoxychlor is the female reproductive components such as the ovaries and uterus (Methoxychlor, 2000). The female reproductive cycle can also be affected. Although, this does not mean that males are immune from the dangers of methoxychlor. The testes, prostate, and the overall level of fertility can be affected in males (Miller et al., 2002). It is also dangerous because of the bioaccumulation that happens with the compound in the food chain. As such, the EPA has classified methoxychlor as a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemical (Toxics, 2015). The bioaccumulation makes the toxic effects greater in humans (Timbrell, 2002). First, crops are exposed directly to methoxychlor when it is used as a pesticide. Then, animals will eat the exposed plants. Eventually, humans will eat these animals and receive all of the toxicity that has accumulated over all of the lower order plants and animals. This biomagnification of methoxychlor is when it is most dangerous to higher animals, such as humans (Timbrell, 2002). These effects are a product of the lipid soluble characteristic of methoxychlor (Timbrell, 2002). Bioaccumulation and biomagnification is not as common an effect in water soluble compounds (Timbrell, 2002). Water soluble compounds tend to be lost to