Aksonil

Aksonil, also known as hexachlorodiphenyl, is an organochlorine compound used as an insecticide. It was created in the early 20th century by the chemical company Geigy. The primary use of aksonil is as a systemic insecticide, specifically targeting insects that have absorbed it through their skin or eaten food containing it.

Aksonil was popular for its ability to be taken up by plant roots, allowing it to kill insects that feed on the treated plants. It was particularly used to control pest insects on a wide range of crops, including potatoes, citrus fruits, and vegetables. The chemical's broad-spectrum efficacy made it a valuable tool for farmers, and its long-lasting residue helped prevent re-infestation.

Despite its utility, use of aksonil posed environmental and health concerns. As a persistent pollutant, the chemical accumulated in the food chain, contaminating the tissues of animals that consumed treated crops. Exposure to high levels of aksonil was linked to liver and kidney damage in humans.

Following concerns over its potential risks, the use of aksonil as an insecticide was largely discontinued in the mid-20th century. In the United States, its registration as a pesticide was cancelled in 1986. Aksonil still appears on lists of banned chemicals due to its potential to contaminate the environment and pose health risks to living organisms.