Chemical name: Benzene, hexachloro- Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action: All formulations and uses were prohibited. Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed: None The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes Summary of the final regulatory action: Banned for import, export, production, having in possession and use as agricultural pesticide. The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: There is evidence that hexachlorobenzene is carcinogenic in mice and hamsters, and may represent a carcinogenic risk to humans. Non-mutagenic in vitro and in vivo studies, but is foetotoxic and produces some teratogenic effects. Has caused a serious outbreak of porphyria in humans. Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health: Prevent introduction of carcinogenic, foetotoxic and teratogenic chemical into the country. Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment: Hexachlorobenzene is very persistent. It is hightly bound to soil and sediments. The half-life in soil has been estimated at 3 to 6 years. Due to its binding to soil and its very low solubitlity in water, it does not readily leach into water. It is also a bioaccumulative substance (BCF Values from 375 10 > 35.000). Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment: Prevent contamination of hexachlorobenzene in the environment. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/12/2001 |