DIELDRIN Meaning and
Definition
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Dieldrin is a highly toxic chemical compound that belongs to the category of organochlorine insecticides. It is a white crystalline solid with a distinct odor and was once widely used as a pesticide for controlling a range of agricultural pests.
The chemical structure of dieldrin consists of six chlorine atoms attached to a six-membered ring containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is a persistent organic pollutant, meaning that it resists degradation in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain.
Dieldrin acts as a powerful neurotoxin by interfering with the normal functioning of the nervous system in insects and other animals. It disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which are critical for the regulation of inhibitory neurotransmitters. This disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, ultimately leading to paralysis and death in insects and other target organisms.
Due to its extreme toxicity and persistence, dieldrin has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries since the 1960s. Its usage has been linked to various adverse effects on human health, including increased cancer risk, as well as harmful effects on wildlife and the environment.
While the production and use of dieldrin have significantly declined, residues of this compound can still be found in the environment and living organisms years after its cessation. Proper disposal measures and monitoring are necessary to prevent the continued contamination and potential harm associated with dieldrin exposure.
Etymology of DIELDRIN
The word "dieldrin" is derived from the chemical compound's systematic name, which is 1,2,3,4,10,10-Hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-exo-1,4-endo-5,8-dimethanonaphthalene. The compound was first synthesized in the 1940s by the J. Hyman & Co., a U.S. chemical company. The name "dieldrin" was given to this insecticide chemical compound by combining parts of the names of its two inventors, Otto Muller and John Hyman. Specifically, "dield" represents the first syllable of Muller's surname, and "rin" refers to the last three letters of Hyman's first name.
Similar spelling words for DIELDRIN
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