Chemical name: Benzenemethanol, 4-chloro-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)-.alpha.-(trichloromethyl)-

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 applications.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

None

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

It is prohibited to sell, stock, store or use dicofol as pesticide

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Dicofol is a persistent and in laboratory experiments found to be highly bioaccumulating (BCF of about 10,000) compound that may lead to effects via the food chain (secondary poisoning). In addition, in laboratory experiments effects were found on the reproduction (a.o. egg shell thinning) of owl and pigeon. Model estimations in which it is assumed that all diet of the predatory birds consists of contaminated feed, indicated that application (according to good agricultural pracice) of dicofol will lead to exposure of fish-eating birds (e.g. cormorants) at similar or even higher levels at which significant adverse effects were reported in leterature. In such cases manufacturers always have the opportunity to show in a field study whether or not these effects will occur. In case of dicofol manufactures decided not to carry out an additional field experiment. The substance was withdrawn from futher use.

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

Complete risk reduction.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/11/1997