Dieldrin was first used by cotton growers in the 1950s; it has
subsequently been used on other crops for the control of
vectorborne diseases and for mothproofing woolen goods.
Dieldrin, as well as other cyclodiene insecticides, is uniquely
suited for the control of termites. In 1974, the U.S. registration
of products containing aldrin and dieldrin was canceled.
As a result of worldwide concerns regarding the potential
human health and environmental impacts of dieldrin, its
manufacture ceased by the early 1990s.
Occupational exposures have occurred among all groups
that have been involved in the manufacture or handling of the
compound, and in the spraying of dieldrin suspensions and
emulsions. Overexposure, resulting in acute intoxication,
occurred primarily in the early days of dieldrin, aldrin,
and endrin manufacture and in spraying operations with
these compounds in Kenya, India, Iran, and other malariainfested
countries.
