P,P'-dde

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Carcinogens

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Pesticides -> Organochlorine Pesticides

Organochlorine pesticide

Pesticide degradation product

log Kow = 6.51

5.89

less than 0.1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in fat and most organic solvents

In water, 0.065 mg/L at 24 °C

In water, 0.04 mg/L at 25 °C

190 to 194 °F (NTP, 1992)

89 °C

89 °C

0.000006 [mmHg]

6.0X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.1% (1 of 48) of reports.

Danger

H301 (60.4%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 48 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Danger

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Developmental Toxicity; Endocrine Toxicity; Neurotoxicity; Reproductive Toxicity

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

Benzene, 1,1'-(dichloroethenylidene)bis[4-chloro-: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include liver and kidney damage. Based on data for a similar compound, symptoms may also include vomiting, headache, fatigue, malaise, numbness and partial paralysis of the extremities, moderate ataxia, exaggeration of part of the reflexes, mild convulsions, loss of porprioception and vibratory sensation of the extremities, hyperactive knee-jerk reflexes, excitement, confusion and increased respiration. It may also cause nausea and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include tremors of the head and neck muscles, cardiac and respiratory failure and even death. It may also cause paresthesias of the tongue, lips and face, irritability and dizziness. It may cause tonic and clonic convulsions. Other symptoms include apprehension and hyperesthesia of the mouth and face. It may also cause "yellow vision".

1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) is a breakdown product of DDT, which was used in the past as an insecticide. No information is available on the acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) effects of DDE. Acute, oral exposure to high doses of DDT in humans results in central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as headaches, nausea, and convulsions. The only effect noted in epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to DDT and other pesticides was an increase in activity of liver enzymes. Animal studies have reported effects on the liver, immune system, and CNS from chronic oral exposure to DDT. Human studies are inconclusive regarding DDE and cancer. Animal studies have reported an increased incidence of liver tumors in mice and hamsters, and thyroid tumors in female rats from oral exposure to DDE. EPA has classified DDE as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.

Toxic by ingestion; May cause liver and kidney damage, tremors, and convulsions; [CAMEO] May cause irritation; [MSDSonline] See DDT.

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of DDE stem from its toxicologic properties as an organochlorine pesticide. DDE may cause liver and kidney damage, and, by analogy to DDT, it may also prove fatal by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Precautions against these potential effects include the wearing of protective clothing and gloves, and the use of dust or gas masks, or combined respirators. Protect from exposure, persons with liver disease. DDE will not ignite easily, but it will burn with the potential to emit irritating or poisonous gases. For small fires involving DDE, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam, and for large fires, use water spray, fog, or foam. Runoff from fire control water may give off poisonous gases or cause water pollution and should, therefore, be diked for later disposal. Small spills of DDE should be carefully shovelled into a clean, dry container for later disposal, (liquid DDE is first absorbed by a non-combustible material, eg, sand) for later disposal. Before permanent land disposal of DDE, consult with environmental regulatory agencies.

USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: DDT (1980) EPA 440/5-80-038

WHO; Environ Health Criteria: DDT and its Derivatives (1979). EHC publications are monographs designed for scientists and administrators responsible for the establishment of safety standards and regulations and provide basic scientific risk evaluations of a wide range of chemicals and groups of chemicals.

DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for DDT, DDE, and DDD (PB/2002/100137) (September 2002). The ATSDR toxicological profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicologic properties. Other pertinent literature is also presented, but is described in less detail than the key studies.

DHEW/NCI; Bioassay of DDT, TDE, and p,p'-DDE for Possible Carcinogenicity (1980) Technical Rpt Series No. 131 DHEW Pub No. (NIH) 78-1386

For more Special Reports (Complete) data for DDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a POTW is acceptable only after review by the governing authority. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must meet Hazardous Material Criteria for disposal.

The applicability of carbon to remove toxicants on EPA's published list and fish kill due to influent and effluent from five industrial plants currently using adsorption as a treatment method are examined. In the laboratory, activated carbon can achieve levels of less than 1 mg/l of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethene, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, toxaphene, and Aroclor 1254. In operating plants, the toxicity of wastes to fish due to unknown constituents is significantly reduced or totally removed by activated carbon treatment.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms. ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal. ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately. ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly. ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated. ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with 60-70% ethanol and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 60-70% ethanol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Small quantities of ... some carcinogens can be destroyed using chem reactions ... but no general rules can be given. ... As a general technique ... treatment with sodium dichromate in strong sulfuric acid can be used. The time necessary for destruction ... is seldom known ... but 1-2 days is generally considered sufficient when freshly prepd reagent is used. ... Carcinogens that are easily oxidizable can be destroyed with milder oxidative agents, such as saturated soln of potassium permanganate in acetone, which appears to be a suitable agent for destruction of hydrazines or of compounds containing isolated carbon-carbon double bonds. Concn or 50% aqueous sodium hypochlorite can also be used as an oxidizing agent. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Carcinogens that are alkylating, arylating or acylating agents per se can be destroyed by reaction with appropriate nucleophiles, such as water, hydroxyl ions, ammonia, thiols & thiosulfate. The reactivity of various alkylating agents varies greatly ... & is also influenced by sol of agent in the reaction medium. To facilitate the complete reaction, it is suggested that the agents be dissolved in ethanol or similar solvents. ... No method should be applied ... until it has been thoroughly tested for its effectiveness & safety on material to be inactivated. For example, in case of destruction of alkylating agents, it is possible to detect residual compounds by reaction with 4(4-nitrobenzyl)-pyridine. /Chemical Carcinogens/

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Operations connected with synth & purification ... should be carried out under well-ventilated hood. Analytical procedures ... should be carried out with care & vapors evolved during ... procedures should be removed. ... Expert advice should be obtained before existing fume cupboards are used ... & when new fume cupboards are installed. It is desirable that there be means for decreasing the rate of air extraction, so that carcinogenic powders can be handled without ... powder being blown around the hood. Glove boxes should be kept under negative air pressure. Air changes should be adequate, so that concn of vapors of volatile carcinogens will not occur. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for DDE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

0.80 [mg/m3]

83 [mg/m3]

500 [mg/m3]

MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to your gloves.

It is particularly important to protect the skin from contamination through the proper use of protective clothing and gloves. Where indicated respiratory protective equipment or suitable ... /NIOSH approved breathing apparatus/ or combined respirators, should be used. /Pesticides, halogenated/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they are not to be worn outside the laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they are not to be worn outside the laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

DDE was detected in 59 out of 59 samples of human milk in Alberta, Canada from 1966-1970 at concns of 0.173-8.12 ppm(1). It was also detected in 33 out of 33 samples obtained during 1977-1978 at concns ranging from 0.258-5.18 ppm(1). DDE was detected in human milk from the following countries: Belgium, 0.9 ppm; China, 4.4 ppm; Fed Rep Germany, 1.2 ppm; India, 4.8 ppm; Israel, 2.2 ppm; Japan, 1.5 ppm; Mexico, 3.7 ppm; Sweden, 0.8 ppm; US, 1.6 ppm; Yugoslavia, 1.9 ppm(2). DDE was detected in human milk samples (lipid basis) from Mexico at concns of 1.5-10.35 ug/g(3). DDE was detected in breast milk from Mohawk women near the Great Lakes with an estimated lifetime exposure to local fish of high, low, and no fish consumption, at mean concns of 260, 191 and 213 ppb (fat basis), respectively; the mean concn for women from NY used as controls was 159 ppb(4). Geometric mean of breast milk DDE concn (ppb, fat basis) for Mohawk and control women, respectively: in 1986-1989, 420 and 198; in 1990, 198 and 113; and in 1991-1992, 183 and 190 ppb(4). In Tunisia, from September 2002 to February 2003, human milk samples were collected from 87 lactating mothers; p,p'-DDE was detected in 100% of samples, at a mean concn of 2.421 (median of 1.389, range of 0.001-24.975) mg/kg fat weight; o,p'-DDE was detected in 31% of samples, with a mean concn of 0.097 (median of 0.060, range of 0.006-2.541) mg/kg(5). DDE was detected in 100% of human breast milk samples from mothers of 62 boys with cryptorchidism and mothers of 68 healthy boys in Finland and Denmark from 1997-2001, with median concns (ranges) of 97.32 (21.77-427.55) and 83.76 (18.95-377.49) ng/g lipid, respectively(6).

DDE was detected in human adipose tissue from Comarca Lagunera, Morelia and Mexico City, Mexico at concns of 2.65-18.36 ug/g(1). DDE was detected in the blood of 3 month old babies in Yaqui Valley, Mexico at an avg concn of 0.0111 ug/L(1). The average concn of DDE in human adipose tissue for Mexican citizens was reported as: 9.97 ug/g (1988); 10 ug/g (1991); 18.91 ug/g (1992); 4.47 ug/g (1994)(1). The mean concn of DDE in human adipose tissue in the U.S. was 1,840 ng/g (1982), 1,150 ng/g (1984), and 2,340 ng/g (1986)(2). The mean concn of o,p'-DDE in adipose tissue samples from Texas was 8 ng/g and the mean conc for p,p'-DDE was 679 ng/g(2). Out of 55 human fat samples taken in Punjab, India, o,p'-DDE was detected in 43 samples at a mean (range) concn of 3.57 (< detected limit to 14.4) mg/kg and p,p'-DDE were detected in 8 samples at a mean (range) concn of 1.54 (< detection limit to 31.6) mg/kg(3). DDE was detected in Belgian human tissue samples in adipose, liver, brain and lung at mean (range) concentrations of 484.3 (84-1782.1), 468.9 (100.4-1196.7), 116.9 (55.3-213.4) and 1041.8 (not detected-7807-3) ng/g lipid weight, respectively(4). DDE was detected in 100% of maternal serum, umbilical cord, and umbilical cord serum samples from 32 pregnant women living near Tokyo, Japan, at mean, median and concn ranges of, respectively, 89700, 93000, 19000-150000 (maternal serum); 33000, 28000, 14000-75000 (umbilical cord serum); 79600, 78000, 29000-140000 (umbilical cord), all in pg/g lipid(5).

Various concn of DDE were detected in human milk of women in 3 towns in Guatemala: La Bomba 0.12-6.36 ppm, El Rosario 0.28-3.10 ppm, and Cerro Colorado 0.60-6.13 ppm. /From table/

Residues in Canadian human milk: 103 ng/g whole milk (1967), avg 56 ng/g whole milk (1970), avg 35 ng/g whole milk (1975). ... in breast milk of Inuit woman from Northern Quebec (Canada): 185 ng/g of lipid wt

For more Body Burden (Complete) data for DDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

.... The effects of the perinatal, combined exposure to 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) and p,p'-DDE on the female reproductive system have been investigated in mature rat female offspring of dams ingesting 25 ppm. DCB (approximately 2 mg/kg) and 125 ppm. p,p'-DDE (approximately 10 mg/kg) during the gestational and lactational period. Sexual maturation was fully developed in the rat female offspring perinatally exposed to DCB and/or p,p'-DDE through maternal exposure. The combined effect of DCB and p,p'-DDE was observed, and the ovarian weight was seen to decrease to approximately 80% of the control rat in matured female offspring following perinatal exposure to DCB and p,p'-DDE. This alteration might lead to reproductive dysfunction in matured female offspring...

As little as 10 ug of DDT (combined DDT and DDE) per g of fat is associated with enhanced metabolism of pentobarbital in the rat.

Bovine liver is susceptible to induction /of microsomal enzymes/, and treatment of cattle with barbiturates has been shown to accelerate the metabolic clearance of DDE.

In quail, chronic dosage with ... DDE ... effectively inhibited pentobarbitone metabolism.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for DDE (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Exposure to DDT causes loss of weight and anorexia. DDT poisoning affects CNS function in humans, but pathologic changes are observed in the liver and reproductive organs. Hypertrophy of hepatocytes and subcellular organelles such as mitochondria, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, centrolobular necrosis after exposure to high concentrations, and an increase in the incidence of hepatic tumors have been noted. (T10)

LC50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Bobwhite quail, 23 days old) oral 825 ppm for 5 days (95% confidence limit: 697-976 ppm)

LC50; Species: Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail, 7 days old) oral 1355 ppm for 5 days (95% confidence limit: 1111-1648 ppm)

LC50; Species: Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail) oral ad libitum 859 ppm for 5 days (95% confidence limit: 996-1,060 ppm) /Technical material, 99.9% AI/

LC50; Species: Phasianus colchicus (Ring-necked pheasant, 10 days old) oral 829 ppm for 5 days (95% confidence limit: 746-922 ppm)

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for DDE (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values of 26,300(2) and 75,860(3), indicate that DDE is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of DDE from moist soil surfaces may be expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 4.16X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). DDE is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 6X10-6 mm Hg(5). DDE was less than 1% mineralized in flooded soils during a 42 day incubation period(6), suggesting that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values of 26,300(2) and 75,860(3), indicate that DDE is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may be expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 4.16X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.8 and 18 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 5 years if adsorption is considered(6). According to a classification scheme(7), BCF values of 27,500 to 81,000 measured in fish(8-10) suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). Hydrolysis of DDE is expected to occur very slowly under environmental conditions; a half-life of 120 years at 27 °C and pH 3-5 was reported under acidic conditions(11). No degradation of DDE exposed to ocean sediments in seawater under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were observed after 12 months(12) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), DDE, which has a vapor pressure of 6X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase DDE is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 7.4X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase DDE may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). DDE is expected to undergo direct photolysis since this compound absorbs light greater than 290 nm(SRC); DDE adsorbed on silica gel and irradiated with wavelengths >290 nm for 7 days was 20% photomineralized(4).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: A photolysis half-life of 0.9 days in summer and 6.1 days in winter by direct sunlight at 40 deg latitude was observed.

From 1964-1969, DDE was detected in 2,692 out of 6,231 domestic dairy products (mean 0.06 ppm), 598 out of 1,981 imported dairy products (mean 0.05 ppm), 1,136 of 6,763 domestic large fruits (mean <0.005 ppm), 197 out of 2,495 imported large fruits (mean 0.01 ppm), 534 of 2,695 domestic small fruits (mean <0.005 ppm), in and in 77 out of 496 imported small fruits (mean 0.01 ppm), 696 of 8,005 domestic grains and cereals (mean <0.005 ppm), 2 out of 104 imported grains and cereals (mean <0.005 ppm), 3,327 out of 13,864 domestic leaf and stem vegetables (mean 0.01 ppm), 21 out of 153 imported leaf and stem vegetables (mean 0.01 ppm), 744 out of 8,002 domestic vine and ear vegetables (mean <0.005 ppm), 591 out of 1,791 imported vine and ear vegetables(mean 0.01 ppm)(1). In the FDA Total Diet Study for 1993-1994, p,p'-DDE was identified, not quantified, in 115 out of 783 food items analyzed(2). DDE levels of 0.03-1.38 ug/g were reported for cheese from 4 cities in Mexico(3). DDE was detected in tea from Belgium in 1991-1993 at a mean concn of 0.011 ppm(4). DDE was detected in 65 milk, and 46 butter samples from India, at mean (range) concns of 0.055 (0.036-0.083) mg/L, and 0.057 (0.040-0.078) mg/kg, respectively(5).

In meat, fish, and poultry concn of total DDT (DDT + DDE + TDE) has decreased from max value of 3.2 ppm in 1967 ... to max ... of 0.9 ppm in 1972. In beef and pork samples ... (1971), /investigator/ detected greater than 7 ppm DDT and DDE, but in none of liver or meat samples did content exceed 1 ppm. /Total DDT/

Many analyses have been made of DDT residues in fruits and vegetables. In vegetables, max value of DDT + DDE + TDE ranged from about 0.05 ppm to 0.2 ppm, highest amt being found in leafy vegetables ... and in legumes ... and lowest amt in potatoes (0.01 ppm DDT) and root vegetables ... (0.01 ppm DDE).

There have been continual decreases in the overall levels of residues of DDE in all classes of food from 1965 to 1975. Between 1970-1973 DDE residues decreased only 27% compared to a decrease of 86% and 89% for DDT and DDD respectively.

... The amount of insecticide in restaurant meals in Wenatchee, Washington, USA indicated an average intake of ... 0.102 mg/man per day of DDE (1954). Most of the DDT was in food of animal origin, and persons who abstained from eating meat but obtained the food they ate from regular, commercial sources received an average of only ... 0.027 mg/man per day of DDE.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Average /p,p'-DDE/ residues in Canadian human milk: 103 ng/g whole milk (1967), 56 ng/g whole milk (1970), 35 ng/g whole milk (1975)... Residues /of o,p'-DDE/ in breast milk of Inuit woman from Northern Quebec, Canada: 185 ng/g of lipid weight

ENVIRONMENTAL: Various concn of DDE were detected in human milk of women in 3 towns in Guatemala: La Bomba 0.12-6.36 ppm, El Rosario 0.28-3.10 ppm, and Cerro Colorado 0.60-6.13 ppm. /From table/

ENVIRONMENTAL: DDE was detected in 59 out of 59 samples of human milk in Alberta, Canada from 1966-1970 at concns (on extractable lipid basis) of 0.173-8.12 ppm, and in 33 of 33 samples from 1977-1978 at 0.258-5.18 ppm(1). DDE was detected in human milk from the following countries: Belgium, 0.9 ppm; China, 4.4 ppm; Fed Rep Germany, 1.2 ppm; India, 4.8 ppm; Israel, 2.2 ppm; Japan, 1.5 ppm; Mexico, 3.7 ppm; Sweden, 0.8 ppm; US, 1.6 ppm; Yugoslavia, 1.9 ppm(2). DDE was detected in human milk samples (lipid basis) from Mexico at concns of 1.5-10.35 ug/g(3). DDE was detected in breast milk from Mohawk women near the Great Lakes with estimated lifetime exposure to local fish of high, low, and no fish consumption at mean concentrations of 260, 191 and 213 ppb (fat basis), respectively; mean concn for women from NY used as controls was 159 ppb(4). Geometric mean of breast milk DDE concn (ppb, fat basis) for Mohawk and control women in 1986-1989: 420 and 198; in 1990: 198 and 113; and in 1991-1992: 183 and 190 ppb, respectively(4). In Tunisia, from September 2002 to February 2003, human milk samples were collected from 87 lactating mothers; p,p'-DDE was detected in 100% of samples, at a mean concn of 2.421 (median of 1.389, range of 0.001-24.975) mg/kg fat weight; o,p'-DDE was detected in 31% of samples, with a mean concn of 0.097 (median of 0.060, range of 0.006-2.541) mg/kg(5). DDE was detected in 100% of human breast milk samples from mothers of 62 boys with cryptorchidism and mothers of 68 healthy boys in Finland and Denmark from 1997-2001, with median concns (and ranges) of 97.32 (21.77-427.55) and 83.76 (18.95-377.49) ng/g lipid, respectively(6).

ENVIRONMENTAL: DDE was detected in 65 dairy milk samples from India at a mean concn of 0.055 mg/L and a range of 0.036-0.083 mg/L(1).

For more Milk Concentrations (Complete) data for DDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

DDE toxicity occurs via at least four mechanisms, possibly all functioning simultaneously. DDE reduces potassium transport across the membrane. DDE inhibits the inactivation of voltaged-gated sodium channels. The channels activate (open) normally but are inactivated (closed) slowly, thus interfering with the active transport of sodium out of the nerve axon during repolarization and resulting in a state of hyperexcitability. DDE inhibits neuronal adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), particularly Na+K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase which play vital roles in neuronal repolarization. DDE also inhibits the ability of calmodulin, a calcium mediator in nerves, to transport calcium ions that are essential for the release of neurotransmitters. All these inhibited functions reduce the rate of depolarization and increase the sensitivity of neurons to small stimuli that would not elicit a response in a fully depolarized neuron. DDE is also believed to adversely affect the reproductive system by mimicking endogenous hormones and binding to the estrogen and adrogen receptors. (T10, L85)

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

(FL) FLORIDA 0.1 ug/L

(MN) MINNESOTA 1 ug/L

Eight chlorinated hydrocarbons were tested for their ability to compete with (3)H-estradiol-17beta for specific binding proteins in uterine cytoplasm from immature rats. o,p'-DDE (0.14 mmol) competed with (3)H-estradiol-17beta for binding to '8s receptor' in uterine cytoplasm but p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT did not compete. o,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDE act as estrogens at high concentrations as measured by their ability to compete with estradiol-17beta for binding to uterine cytoplasmic receptor in the transfer and binding of estradiol in nuclei of uterine cells.

In a strain of ducks sensitive to eggshell-thinning effects of DDE, admin of 40 mg/kg in food for 45 days reduced eggshell index (EI) by 13% & content of calcium in the fluid of the shell gland forming an eggshell by 36%, & raised the calcium content of the shell gland mucosa by 19%, compared with control values. DDE inhibited the translocation (secretion) of calcium between the gland mucosa & the uterine cavity. ATP-dependent binding of calcium to microsomal subfraction (FI) rich in fragments of the plasma membrane was reduced by 16%, whereas that to a subfraction FIII which bound calcium at a very high rate was decreased to 36%. DDE may interfere with the stimulus-secretion mechanism of the eggshell gland in ducks through its effect on calcium binding.

In vitro DDE at 2 to 16 ng/L of an homogenate of the eggshell gland of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) inhibited the Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-activated ATPase in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas Mg(2+)-activated ATPase was not affected by these concentrations. Since calcium is transported against a concentration gradient between blood plasma & lumen of the eggshell gland, it is suggested that DDE, by inhibiting the Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-activated ATPase, decreased the calcium translocation over the eggshell gland mucosa.

As for the mechanism of this eggshell thinning phenomenon, no adequate, or generally accepted, explanation exists. There are many reports that claim inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, generally acknowledged to play an important role in forming eggshells, by DDT, /DDE/ & some other derivatives, but there are just as many that deny this. ... Thus one is left with two alternatives to explain the phenomenon: 1) the carbonic anhydrase in the shell gland of avian species is unusually sensitive to chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, or 2) the in vivo inhibition observed is a result of some other effect, such as reduced enzyme production or the production of substances that suppress the activity of the enzyme.

For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for DDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

DDE is eliminated /from human body/ ... slowly, with a biologic half-life of about 8 yr.

A comparison of DDT & methoxychlor accumulation & depletion in sheep at dosages of 250 ppm in the diet revealed that residues of latter are at least one hundredth those of DDT. The half-life of elimination of methoxychlor in sheep was calculated to be 10 days; /while the values for/ DDT, DDD, & DDE ... were 90, 26, & 223 days, /respectively/.

... Rats dosed with p,p'-DDE (about 800 mg/kg) excreted 3 phenols ... in one ... the phenolic hydroxy-group is sited at the position of original p-chloro-substituent, and the Cl atom has migrated to adjacent position. Detection of this metabolite provides strong support for formation from p,p'-DDE of arene oxides ... .

DDT is metabolized in variety of mammalian species primarily by series of alternate reductive dechlorinations and/or dehydrochlorinations ... to yield in 1st step TDE ... or DDE... In rats, further conversion of DDE in liver proceeds slowly via DDMU (1-chloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene) to DDNU (2,2-bis(bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene) ... Further metabolism of 2,2-bis(bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene seems to occur primarily in kidney ... to yield DDCHO (2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)acetaldehyde) ... or DDA (2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)acetic acid) ... .

DDE is converted /by dehydrochlorination/ to 2,2-bis(bis(p-chlorophynyl)ethylene, also by successive oxidation-reduction of respective ethylene analogues; thereafter it follows the DDOH to DDA pathway. This metabolism proceeds slowly which accounts for persistence of DDE residues in mammalian adipose tissues.

... DDT ... degradative changes ... /such as/ dehydrochlorination to form DDE ... DDT ... reductively chlorinated in biologic systems to form DDD. DDD is less stable than DDT or DDE. DDD is dehydrochlorinated to 1-chloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, or 2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1-chloroethylene; reduced to DDMS ... 2,2-bis- (p-chlorophenyl)-1-chloroethane ... DDMS ... is dehydrochlorinated to 2,2-bis(bis(p-chlorophynyl)ethylene ... 2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene; reduced to 1,1-bis-(p-chlorophenyl) ethane ... Eventually oxidized to bis(p-chlorophenyl)-acetic acid ... Bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-acetic acid.

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for DDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

DDE is absorbed in the stomach and intestine, after which it enters the lymphatic system and is carried throughout the body and incorporated into fatty tissues. Metabolism of DDE occurs mainly via cytochrome P-450 enzymes in the liver and kidney. Its metabolites, mainly DDA (bis(p-chlorophenyl) acetic acid), are excreted in the urine. (L85)

DDT and ... DDE have high fat:water partition coefficient and therefore tend to accumulate in adipose tissue.

... There is a close correspondence between lipid content of organs and concentration of DDE, DDT, and dieldrin in blood, kidney, liver, and adipose tissue. ... Does not apply to brain, an organ that include almost no neutral fat, although its lipid content is relatively high.

DDE concentrations from various tissues from 44 autopsies of people in general population: concentration (ppm) spleen 0.0305; lung 0.0585; gonad 0.0688; brain 0.0831; liver 0.200; kidney 0.209; adrenal 0.875; lymph node 1.38; bone marrow 2.08; panniculus fat 4.48; mesenteric fat 4.40; perirenal fat 4.64. /From table/

... /It has been found/ that excretory products of a wide range of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides are detectable in urine of people in the general population. ... /frequently/ 2 isomers of DDT, one each of DDE and DDD /were found/ ... .

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for DDE (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

DDT was extensively used in the past for the control of malaria, typhus, and other insect-transmitted diseases. It was banned for use in the United States in 1972, except in the case of a public health emergency.

A degradation product and impurity (4%) of DDT; [HSDB] Used as a pesticide; [CHEMINFO]

Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]

DDE is found in DDT, which is used as a pesticide and in disease vector control. (L84)

(1978) Not produced commercially in USA

(1982) Not produced commercially in USA

DDT impurity

Product of degradation of DDT. Loss of one molecule of hydrochloric acid (dehydrohalogenation) results in DDE; further degrades to bis(p-chlorophenyl)-acetic acid by loss of 2 more molecules of hydrogen chloride.