Toxaphene is a banned pesticide that can contaminate water through agricultural runoff. It's highly toxic, damaging the liver and kidneys, and may cause cancer.

Toxaphene, a complex mixture of over 670 chemicals, was once widely used as an insecticide on cotton and other crops. Banned in the US since 1990, it persists in the environment due to its long-lasting nature. It enters water sources through agricultural runoff and soil erosion, accumulating in aquatic organisms. The EPA sets a maximum contaminant level of 3 parts per billion in drinking water. Despite its ban, toxaphene remains a concern due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks.