by Wayne Sinclair, M.D.
Richard Pressinger, M.Ed.
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,
Vero Beach, Florida
Tel. (561) 770-1944
by Wayne Sinclair, M.D.
Richard Pressinger, M.Ed.
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,
Vero Beach, Florida
Tel. (561) 770-1944
Neuroblastoma Research Index
Click any neuroblastoma topic below for information
The Chlordane Problem -
Evidence linking neuroblastoma with homes containing the pesticide
chlordane
What is Neuroblastoma? - Defines specifics of this cancer
Neuroblastoma Cases - Doctors believe these neuroblastoma cases resulted from chlordane exposure
Defective Immune Systems - Weak immune systems
can't eliminate cancer cells in neuroblastoma patients
Neuroblastoma and Chlordane
The following report provides evidence linking the common child cancer called
neuroblastoma with exposure to the termite pesticide chlordane. Although chlordane use was
stopped in April of 1988, U.S. Air Force and Department of New Jersey Environmental
Regulation research shows it is being found in approximately 75% of homes built before
1988 and at dangerously high levels in approximately 7% of pre-1988 homes. Evidence below
discusses how neuroblastoma cancers are appearing in homes treated with the pesticide
chlordane.
Defining Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer affecting children today. It is a disease in which
cancer cells are found in certain nerve cells within the body. Neuroblastoma typically
begins in the abdominal area either in the adrenal gland (located just above the kidney)
or around the spinal cord in the neck, chest, or pelvis. As the prognosis for
neuroblastoma patients is not encouraging, it is important to identify environmental
circumstances that can contribute to the disease, once these are identified, they can be
removed, thereby improving the likelihood for spontaneous remission.
Neuroblastoma Linked to the Termite Pesticide Chlordane
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work & Environmental Health,
4:137-150, 1978
Children with neuroblastoma were diagnosed at a single pediatric hospital between December 1974 and February 1976. During this period, a total of 14 cases of neuroblastoma were admitted. A history of exposure to toxic agents indicates that five cases had prior exposure to chlordane formulations. These cases are outlined below:
Case #1 – 2 year old girl dies from neuroblastoma
A two year and eight month-old girl was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in December 1974. A
biopsy confirmed neuroblastoma of the right adrenal glad involving the kidney. Both organs
were removed. The child was given radiation treatment and chemotherapy. She died in
September 1976. During the first trimester of gestation, the 28 year old mother’s
home was treated for termite infestation with over 100 gallons of a 1% chlordane
formulation. On the outside of the house, the entire perimeter was treated with subsurface
injection, and the ground surface also was sprayed in an area extending up to about two
feet out from the house. On the inside of the house, holes were drilled into the cement
blocks in the basement, chlordane was injected into the holes and the holes were
re-cemented. The mother states that the odor from the pesticide was offensive inside the
house, and, since she was concerned about the possible effects on the developing fetus,
she slept at a neighbor’s home on the evening of the first day of application. The
mother returned home on the second home but stated the odor was very strong for 3-4 days,
but was noticeable for two weeks after the initial treatment.
Case #2 – Neuroblastoma affects 4 year old boy
A four year old boy entered the hospital in July of 1975 with a two week history of
lethargy, decreased appetite, and right leg pain. Abdominal palpation and subsequent
diagnostic x-rays showed a mass in the right paravertebral area. Exploratory surgery
revealed a tumor in what is called as the right paravertebral area, with metastases
to regional lymph nodes. A biopsy of the bone marrow showed malignant cells. This was
categorized as a stage IV neuroblastoma. A history of exposure to toxic substances
revealed that the mother had been exposed to chlordane during her entire pregnancy. One
year prior to conception, the house was treated with chlordane for roach infestation. The
pest control operator returned every six months to spray under the sink and baseboards.
Case #3 – 4 year old girl develops neuroblastoma
A four year old girl was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in November 1975. Two weeks before
admission to the hospital, the child experienced abdominal pain. At the time of
hospitalization, a mass was detected in her upper right quadrant. An abnormal left kidney
was also detected although no abnormalities were seen with the bone marrow. When the child
was 23 months old, the parents moved into a recently purchased house. Just prior to their
moving, the newly acquired house was treated for termites by the spraying of chlordane
around the baseboards and on the inside of the kitchen cupboards. Holes were drilled into
the basement walls, and procedure chlordane was pressure sprayed into the ground. Holes
were then sealed with cement. A history of prior illness revealed that the child had a
urinary infection at ages 18 and 24 months, at which time diagnostic x-rays were made. The
child was also x-rayed because of trauma to the head in May 1974.
Case #4 – Limping is first evidence of neuroblastoma in 3 year old
The first evidence of neuroblastoma in a 3 year old boy included limping and general
changes in gait five weeks prior to admission to the hospital. X-rays and bone scans
showed involvement of several areas of the skeleton, particularly the skull and long
bones. Bone marrow tests found and almost complete replacement of the marrow cells by
clumps of tumor cells which were consistent with neuroblastoma (stage IV). Two years prior
to the child’s birth and also when he was two years old, the house was treated for
termite infestation with chlordane, with the usual procedures for application.
Case #5 – Leg pains first evidence of neuroblastoma in 6 year old girl
A six year old girl was diagnosed in February 1976 as having neuroblastoma, stage IV. The
child developed leg and hip pains two months prior to admission. Subsequent bone marrow
analysis indicated tumor cells which were identified as neuroblastoma. Because of an ant
infestation, the father purchased a container of chlordane dust which he applied several
times around the outside foundation of the house in the autumn of 1973, which the child
was three years and eight months of age. The process was repeated in the spring of 1974.
Of the nine additional cases of neuroblastoma, history of exposure to chlordane is not known, because no formal study has yet been conducted.
Because of the strong links of neuroblastoma and chlordane, it is very important that patient’s with neuroblastoma who are living in a home built before 1988 have their home tested for chlordane.
For more information on cancer and illnesses linked to chlordane and methods for testing chlordane the air – please visit our website our chlordane information website
For more information on health problems from chlordane please click Chlordane Website