Signs and mechanisms of chlordane intoxication.

Chlordane is a cyclopentadiene-derived insecticide that exerts its toxic action on the nervous system. In experimental animals the characteristic signs of acute toxicity are hypothermia, hyperexcitability, tremors and convulsions. In human, signs of acute chlordane toxicity are tremors and convulsions. There have been many different signs of acute toxicity attributed to chlordane, however, there is no substantiation within the primary literature for them. The literature indicates a convulsive chlordane serum level of 3 ppm and fatal serum level exceeding 5 ppm in human. Chlordane toxic action is rapid, appearing within two hours of an acute dose with improvement and recovery after 24 hours. Chlordane intoxication does not result in delayed neurotoxic effects. There is discussion of the mechanism of action of chlordane's toxicity in the central nervous system.