exposed to chlordane. In another immune system test conducted by the same scien-
tists, eleven of twelve chlordane-exposed persons were found to have a condition
known as autoimmunity. This is where the individual’s own immune system mistak-
enly attacks his or her own body, which can result in a variety of other illnesses.^33
Another unexpected symptom of chlordane exposure is an increase in body weight. In
fact, in an experiment of more than twenty test animals receiving chlordane exposure
equal to that sometimes found among the U.S. population, there was an average 8 per-
cent increase in body weight. The body weights of animals who received 500 nanograms
of chlordane increased by an average of 11 percent. Chlordane exposure has been shown
to reduce by half the levels of some hormones in female test animals; however, scientists
are unsure if this is the actual reason for the weight gain being observed or if it is due to
another reason, such as changes in the areas of the brain which control body weight. This
raises the question of whether the same symptom may be occurring among residents liv-
ing in chlordane homes built before March 1988.^34
Illegal Application of Pesticides
Individuals should always hire only pest control operators licensed or certified for
commercial and/or residential structure application to treat homes for pest control.
People should always ask to see licenses, certifications, and picture identification
cards, and make sure they are current. These individuals should be insured and
should provide written proof of insurance. The company’s employees must always be
bonded, which means that the company is responsible for reimbursing homeowners
for any loss or damage caused by its workers. A licensed pest control operator also
must always provide the label and labeling information of any pesticide products that
will be applied in or around a home. Homeowners should always read the entire label
to ensure that it contains EPA establishment and registration numbers, and make sure
it is used and applied strictly according to the label or labeling. Additionally, home-
owners should never purchase pesticide products from other than established retail
businesses. Pesticide products should only be sold in unopened, original pesticide
containers that are fully labeled and contain an EPA registration number. Another
very important reminder to homeowners is to always store pesticide products in
locked cabinets out of the reach of children and pets. Pesticide products should also
be disposed of according to label instructions.^35
Incomplete Label Data
Label information addresses acute or immediate effects only. Information about
chronic or long-term hazards of chemical products, such as cancer or birth defects, is
not provided to purchasers. For example, some inert ingredients are toxic, but only
the percentages of inert ingredients are required on the label, not their identities.
Another frustration for homeowners is the fact that many chemicals have numerous
and/or scientific names that make it difficult to compare products. Antidotes listed
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