Methoxychlor has powerful low level effects on prostate development in mice.

Methoxychlor, according to the US EPA, is used as an insecticide ("effective against biting flies, houseflies, and mosquito larvae") and is considered to be "an excellent replacement for DDT." In veterinary practices, methoxychlor is used as an ectoparasiticide (a medicine used to kill parasites that live on the exterior of their host). The EPA reports that the Reference Dose (RfD) for methoxychlor is 0.005 mg/kg/d. EPA estimates that consumption of this dose or less, over a lifetime, would not likely result in the occurrence of chronic, noncancer effects. The EPA has set the "Maximum Contaminant Level Goals" for methoxychlor in drinking water at 40 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below.

A university website providing information about toxicity of pesticides says:

Despite these reassurances, evidence is emerging that methoxychlor is a potent endocrine disruptor.

Working in collaboration with vom Saal's laboratory, Wade Welshons et al. reported in 1999 that extremely low-level methoxychlor exposure causes dramatic changes in prostate and liver weights. Pregnant mice were fed 20 parts per billion methoxychlor per day. Prostate weight due to the resulting prenatal exposure to methoxychlor was approximately 60% greater than controls (right). This level of contamination is one half EPA's "Maximum Contaminant Level Goal" (i.e., what EPA recommends as the maximum allowable level in water) and was the lowest dose tested. It is virtually certain that lower levels have effects also.

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