Chemical name: 1,3,4-Metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene, 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachlorooctahydro- 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 are prohibited. Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed: None The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No Summary of the final regulatory action: It is prohibited to production, use and place on the market all plant protection products containing Mirex according to annual adopted list of active ingredients banned for use in plant protection products under the Plant Protection Act, as well as in compliance with art.3, par.1 (a) of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants. Mirex is designated as a PIC chemical. (Annex I of the Regulation on the import and export of certain dangerous chemicals on the Bulgarian territory). The chemical is listed in Annex II of this Regulation as prohibited for export from and import into the country. The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: Mirex is toxic by mouth, by skin contact (especially liquid formulations), and by inhalation of dust from powder concentrates. It acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system. Following accidental ingestion or over-exposure, symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness in the legs, and convulsions. Organochlorines can cause respiratory depression. They also sensitize the heart to endogenous catecholamines leading to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest in severe cases. Respiratory depression may lead to metabolic acidosis and, if necessary, blood gases should be checked. The use of an ECG monitor is recommended if the symptoms are severe. Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health: Decrease of hazards and risks to human health. Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment: Mirex is one of the most stable of the organochlorine insecticides. Although general environmental levels are low, it is widespread in the biotic and abiotic environment. Mirex is both accumulated and biomagnified. It is strongly adsorbed on sediments and has low water solubility. Delayed onset of toxic effects and mortality is typical of mirex poisoning. The long-term toxicity of mirex is uniformly high. Mirex is toxic for a range of aquatic organisms, crustacea being particularly sensitive. Although no field data are available, the adverse effects of long-term exposure to low levels of mirex, combined with its persistence, suggest that the use of mirex presents a long-term environmental risk. Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment: To avoid and reduce exposure, hazards and risks of the chemical to the environment. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2004 |