A carcinogenicity study of pesticide dieldrin in hamsters.

Syrian golden hamsters were fed for their lifespan a diet containing 0, 20, 60 and 180 parts per million (ppm) Dieldrin. Tumour-bearing animals totaled 13% among control females and ranged between 3-15% in treated females. Eight per cent of male controls had tumours and between 16-23% of treated males. Incidences of endocrine organ tumours were comparable in all groups. A hepatoma was found in 1 female and 1 male led 180 ppm Dieldrin. The present results show that hamsters tolerate higher doses of Dieldrin than do mice and rats. No significant tumour incidence was observed in treated versus control Syrian golden hamsters.