Organochlorines

Organochlorines (OC) are a group of chlorinated compounds that belong to the class of persistent organic pollutants with high persistence to the environment. They are blamed for the ‘mystery disease’ in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh that caused seizures, nausea, dizziness and headaches for 450 patients. These compounds can cause adverse effects in the central and peripheral nervous system. OC insecticides were earlier used to combat malaria and typhus. However, they were later banned in majority of countries.