Dicofol
Definition of =Dicofol:
Dicofol belongs to the group of organochlorine pesticides. It's produced from DDT; its chemical structure is therefore related to DDT and it has similar properties.[1]
This is the common definition for =Dicofol, other definitions can be discussed in the article
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Notes
| dicofol |
|---|
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| Formula |
| C14H9Cl5O |
The main source of dicofol in the environment is its use as a pesticide used on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and field crops. A total amount of over 2700 tonnes of dicofol is used around the world each year, of which 290 tonnes is used in Western Europe. The only European countries which do allow its use are Belgium, Spain, Portugal and France. There are indications that through atmospheric transport the dicophol used in other continents might also affect the North Sea. [1]
The degradation of dicofol in soil is moderately slow, it takes 30 to 60 days to half the concentration. In water systems and soils with a high organic matter content, halving its concentration may take up to 84 days. Like DDT, it also has a high affinity to lipids, which causes it to adsob to organic particles rather than dissolve in water. It's also highly bioaccumulative, and biomagnifying, therefore it poses a greater threat to high trophic level species such as birds and mammals.
Dicofol has been shown to be highly toxic for marine species. Fish and show effects die by chronic exposure to concentrations above 0,0045 mg/l. Concentrations above 0,012 mg/l cause acute toxicity. In birds dicofol can cause eggshell thinning at exposure 20 mg/kg food intake. It has also been shown to be a endocrine disrupting compound: male juvenile birds which were exposed through there food to 5 mg/kg food showed effects of feminisation, which affected their mating behavior and reproduction success.[1]
Environmental standards and legislation
Included in the OSPAR list of substances of priority action
Included in the water framework list of priority substances
See also
Dicofol on the ED North Database
OSPAR background document on Dicofol
