Endosulfan

/ˌɛndoʊˈsʌlfən/ noun

Definition

A highly toxic insecticide once widely used in agriculture that is now banned or restricted in many countries due to environmental and health concerns.

Etymology

From endo- (Greek 'within') + sulfan (derived from the chemical structure containing sulfur atoms). Developed in 1956 by Hoechst AG.

Kelly Says

Endosulfan is a cautionary tale of chemistry: it was considered a breakthrough pesticide, but it persists in soil and water for decades, accumulates in animal fat, and was finally banned globally in 2011.

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