Researchers in India discovered endosulphan responsible for DNA damage

Indian researchers, for the first time, have found that endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, causes DNA damages in animals. 
•    The results were published on 4 August 2016 in the journal, Carcinogenesis.
•    Mice and rats exposed to endosulfan generated reactive oxygen species, a potent DNA damaging agent.
•    The reactive oxygen species, in turn, caused DNA damage in the form of breaks in DNA strands.
•    Five animals per group were studied and the experiment was repeated many times.
•    Three different concentrations of endosulfan were tested on animals and four doses of each concentration were given at 24 hours interval.
•    Lungs and testes of the animals were used for the study. These two organs show very proficient DNA repair mechanism.
•    Endosulfan is an off-patent organ chlorine insecticide.
•    Endosulfan sulfate is a product of oxidation containing one extra O atom attached to the S atom.
•    The ban took effect in mid-2012, with certain uses exempted for five additional years.
•    It is still used extensively in India, China, and a few other countries.
•    It is produced by Makhteshim Agan and several manufacturers in India and China.