Fertility is decreased in both male and female animals. It is expected that these effects could occur following inhalation or skin contact. Reproductive effects have not been reported in people, but effects seen in animals could possibly happen in humans, too. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that methoxychlor is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. Animal and human studies do not provide conclusive evidence about the possible carcinogenicity of methoxychlor.
Laboratory tests can detect methoxychlor in blood, fat, semen, and breast milk.
These tests can only detect exposure within 24 hours because methoxychlor leaves your body quickly. These tests do not tell how much methoxychlor you have been exposed to or if it will harm your health. The tests are not routinely available at doctors' offices. EPA advises that children should not drink water containing more than 0.05 ppm for more than one day. EPA restricts the amount of methoxychlor that may be released to the environment during burning or by disposal in landfills.