Chlordane as a neurotoxin in humans

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neurotoxicology
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Chlordane is a persistent organochlorine pesticide with known neurotoxic potential.
• Chronic exposure to environmental toxins can lead to subtle yet significant neurobehavioral impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize chronic neurobehavioral impairment in patients with symptomatic chlordane exposure.
• To establish a neurobehavioral profile associated with chlordane toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized sensitive neurophysiologic and neuropsychologic tests to assess various neurobehavioral functions.
• Evaluated visual fields, balance, reaction time, blink reflex, color discrimination, grip strength, cognitive function, memory, and perceptual motor speed.
• Assessed mood states and symptom frequencies, comparing group means to reference values and analyzing prevalence of abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Abnormalities observed included impaired balance (eyes closed) in 7 patients, abnormal color discrimination in 6, and verbal recall deficits in 5.
• Prolonged blink reflex latency, prolonged choice reaction time, and decreased Culture Fair scores were noted in 4 patients each.
• Elevated Profile of Mood States scores were reported in 5 patients, indicating potential mood disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Chlordane exposure is associated with protracted neurotoxicity, manifesting as a range of chronic neurobehavioral deficits.
• The findings underscore the importance of sensitive neurobehavioral testing in diagnosing and managing chronic toxicity from environmental agents like chlordane.