Chemical name: 2,7:3,6-Dimethanonaphth[2,3-b]oxirene, 3,4,5,6,9,9-hexachloro-1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-, (1a.alpha.,2.beta.,2a.alpha.,3.beta.,6.beta.,6a.alpha.,7

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:

The acquisition disposal, sale or use of an agricultural remedy or stock remedy which contains Dieldrin as an active ingredient.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

No uses as an agricultural or stock remedy are allowed.

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The acquisition, disposal, sale or use of an agricultural remedy or stock remedy which contains Dieldrin was prohibited as from the 25 February 1983.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

The Decision Guidance Document on Dieldrin notes the following in the section on summary of control actions:

Dieldrin and Aldrin rapidly convert to Dieldrin in the environment and in the human body, which have high toxicity to man and many animals, to their persistence in the environment, especially in temperate areas, and to their bioaccumulation in the food chain and in human tissues.

Dieldrin is highly toxic to human beings, with short-term, high levels of exposure causing headache, dizziness, and tremors followed by convulsions, loss of consciousness and possibly death.

The summary of further information indicates that Dieldrin can be absorbed into the body both through skin contact and inhalation at the manufacturing, formulating and application stages.

Various Epidemiological studies were undertaken over several years which are referenced in the Decision Guidance Document on Dieldrin.

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

The elimination of adverse effects on the population of South Africa resulting from the use of Dieldrin.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

The Decision Guidance Document on Dieldrin prepared by the UNEP/FAO for the Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade indicates that in temperate soils the half-life of Dieldrin is estimated to be about five years. Biomagnifications is high, estimated at 5,957 in fish and 11,149 in snails.

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

Reduction of Dieldrin in the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 25/02/1983