HEXACHLORANE Meaning and
Definition
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Hexachlorane is a chemical compound that refers to a group of organochlorine pesticides characterized by the presence of six chlorine atoms. It is a crystalline substance with a white to yellowish color and a distinctive musty odor. Hexachlorane is highly persistent in the environment and exhibits low water solubility, making it resistant to degradation and bioaccumulative in living organisms.
Considered to be a highly toxic compound, hexachlorane has been widely used as an insecticide to control various pests, particularly in agricultural practices. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to interfere with the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and subsequent death. However, due to the environmental and health concerns associated with its usage, many countries have imposed strict regulations and restrictions on the production, distribution, and use of hexachlorane, ultimately leading to its prohibition in several regions.
Exposure to hexachlorane can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. The compound has been linked to several detrimental effects on human health, including carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Chronic exposure to hexachlorane has been associated with liver damage, reproductive disorders, and neurotoxicity. Moreover, due to its persistence, hexachlorane can accumulate in the food chain, posing a risk not only to human health but also to wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems.
Overall, hexachlorane is a persistent and toxic organochlorine compound that has been widely used as an insecticide but is now heavily regulated or banned globally due to its adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
Common Misspellings for HEXACHLORANE
- gexachlorane
- bexachlorane
- nexachlorane
- jexachlorane
- uexachlorane
- yexachlorane
- hwxachlorane
- hsxachlorane
- hdxachlorane
- hrxachlorane
- h4xachlorane
- h3xachlorane
- hezachlorane
- hecachlorane
- hedachlorane
- hesachlorane
- hexzchlorane
- hexschlorane
- hexwchlorane
- hexqchlorane
Etymology of HEXACHLORANE
The word "Hexachlorane" is derived from two components: "hexa-" and "chlorane".
The prefix "hexa-" is derived from the Greek word "hex", meaning "six". In chemistry, "hexa-" is commonly used to indicate the presence of six atoms or groups of atoms.
The term "chlorane" is a combination of "chlor" and "-ane". "Chlor" is derived from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "greenish-yellow". It is used in chemistry to refer to chlorine. The suffix "-ane" is often used in chemistry to denote a saturated hydrocarbon compound.
Thus, the term "hexachlorane" refers to a compound containing six chlorine atoms.
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