Chemical name: 1,4:5,8-Dimethanonaphthalene, 1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-, (1.alpha.,4.alpha.,4a.beta.,5.alpha.,8.alpha.,8a.beta.)-

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 and use of an agricultural remedy or stock remedy which contains Aldrin has been prohibited.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

Use of Aldrin underneath buildings for the control of wood destructing termites is still permitted.

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The acquisition, disposal, sale and use of an agricultural remedy or stock remedy which contains Aldrin, with an exception of Aldrin for use underneath buildings for the control of wood destructing termites, 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 Aldrin notes the following in the section on summary of control actions:

Aldrin and Dieldrin to which the compound is readily converted in the environment, have high toxicity, are persistence in the environment and bioaccumulates in the food chain and in human tissues.

The Decision Guidance Document on Aldrin further notes the following in the section on summary of further information:

Epidemiological studies indicates that a long-term study of 800 workers in an Aldrin/Dieldrin manufacturing plant starting in the 1950's established a non-effect level at a Dieldrin blood concentration of 200 µg/l, corresponding to a total daily intake of 2300 µg/person per day: this figure was lowered to 105 µg/l, equivalent to 1220 µg/person per day for a group of 10 workers showing no excessive liver enzyme induction (the first reversible effect of Dieldrin found in experimental animals). Follow-up studies indicated no specific carcinogenic activity, with similar results reported in mortality study of 1155 workers in a manufacturing plant between 1946 and 1976.

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 Aldrin as agricultural and stock remedies.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

The Decision Guidance Document on Aldrin notes the following:

Aldrin is variably toxic to microorganisms and highly toxic to fish, crustaceans, and many bird and animal species.

Biomagnification is high, estimated at 3140 in fish and 44600 in snails.

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

Reduction of Aldrin in the environment.

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