US homes used chlordane to kill termites until banned in 1988; a 2025 study found it still at toxic brain levels in 8 of 17 sick skunks caught around Detroit
Homes built before 1988 may harbor toxic chlordane in their soil, a pesticide banned in 1988 but persisting for decades. Recent studies reveal skunks in Detroit are dying from chlordane-induced neurotoxicosis, acting as an early warning for human health risks including cancer and neurological damage. Homeowners are urged to inquire about past termite treatments and consider soil testing to mitigate potential exposure.
Homes built before 1988 may harbor toxic chlordane in their soil, a pesticide banned in 1988 but persisting for decades. Recent studies reveal skunks in Detroit are dying from chlordane-induced neurotoxicosis, acting as an early warning for human health risks including cancer and neurological damage. Homeowners are urged to inquire about past termite treatments and consider soil testing to mitigate potential exposure.
