There is also potential for exposure to the applicators and nearby residents if improper procedures are used. Occupationally, aldrin and dieldrin may enter the body by penetrating the skin. However, since these compounds are no longer available to any extent, this route of exposure is no longer likely except as a potential threat to cleanup workers at hazardous waste sites. Health Effects Aldrin and dieldrin are clearly toxic. How they affect your health would depend on the concentration to which one is exposed and the length of time of the exposure.
All symptoms disappear with time after removal from a nonlethal exposure.
The use of protective clothing and respirators is necessary under conditions when high exposures may occur. Studies with animals fed dieldrin have shown that the liver can be damaged and the ability of the immune system to protect against infections can be suppressed. Oral doses of aldrin and dieldrin have caused liver cancer in mice but not in rats. In 1974, EPA suspended nearly all uses of aldrin and dieldrin on the basis of cancer risks for both compounds. Ultimately, all uses on food crops were banned.