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 uses and formulations are banned

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

Certain quantities of active ingredient to be used in laboratory-scale research or as a standard reference.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Hexachlorobenzene formulations are included in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants because their highly toxicity, persistency and bioaccumulation, and may produce severe negative effects on the environment and human health. The use of these products is already banned in Uruguay and in several countries, not introducing this measure an impact on trade and domestic production. There are less harmful substitutive products for pest control, which in turn allows ensuring the implementation of the principles of the national environmental policy to protect the environment. (Article 6 of Law No. 17,283, Nov. 28, 2002).

Considering the above, introduction, production and use, in any form or under any regime in the country, of hexachlorobenzene based products is banned.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Was performed on the basis of hexachlorobenzene formulations inherent dangers. This substance is included in the Prior Informed Consent procedure (FAO / UNEP) and Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Its high toxicity, persistency and bioaccumulation represent a high risk to human health in general.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Prohibit the import, production and use of products based on hexachlorobenzene will reduce all possible routes of human exposure, with the consequent reduction of health risks associated

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Was performed on the basis of hexachlorobenzene formulations inherent dangers. This substance is included in the Prior Informed Consent procedure (FAO / UNEP) and Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Its high toxicity, persistency and bioaccumulation represent a high risk to human health in general.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Banning introduction, production and use of hexachlorobenzene formulated products in the country will reduce the risks to wildlife, flora and the ecosystem in general

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 03/10/2005