Chemical name: 4,7-Methano-1H-indene, 1,4,5,6,7,8,8-heptachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-

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:

Prohibited for use as a pesticide. Reasons for the control action: highly toxic, carcinogenic, persistent

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

The use is banned as an agricultural chemical-insecticide

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Banned by decree of the former USSR Ministry of Health

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Dermal and inhalation routes are likely routes of exposure from occupational uses. 0.5 mg/m3 is the recommended threshold-limit-value-time weighted average (TLV-TVA) for an 8hr work shift. The estimated dermal dose which is expected to produce symptoms is 1,2g/day and an occupational intake of about 0.007mg/kg/day has been estimated to be without measurable toxic effect.

The concentration of heptachlor epoxide in the plasma and milk of pregnant or lactating women was found to be 0.003 and 0.0007 ppm, respectively. The organs of stillborn infants contained 0.8ppm heptachlor epoxide and the blood of newborn infants contained 0.001ppm. Th e possible health hazards of their levels was not demonstrated. MAC=0.01mg/m3 (vapour).

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

Reduction of hazards and harmful impact on human health.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Heptachlor is potentially very highly toxic to both warm water and cold-water fish species as well as to birds.

Heptachlor is less persistent in the soil than chlordane, although it may be detected in the soil for as long as 10 years after application. Heptachlor may vaporise slowly from the soil, it may be oxidized to form hepatchlor epoxide. Heptachlor incorporated into a silty loam soil dissipated from the surface with a half-life of 336-551 days. Heptachlor is not expected to leach since it is insoluble in water and should absorb to the soil surface . The majority of residues are found in the top few inches of the soil.

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

Reduction hazards and risks to environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/1986