Chemical name: Mercury compounds

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

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Directive No 02 of 6 January 1975 - Ministry of Agriculture - Prohibit the use of the pesticides containing methylmercury, ethylmercury and others alkylmercury compounds.

Directive No 06 of 29 April 1980 - Ministry of Agriculture, SDSV - Prohibit the register of the mercury fungicide.

Law No. 7.802 of 11 July 1989 and Decree No. 4.074 of 4 January 2002 - Pesticides and its compounds need to be registered by the Federal Authority prior to produce, export, import, trade or use.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: The four major forms of mercury to which humans are exposed are mercury vapor, methylmercury, inorganic (divalent) mercury and phenylmercury. Mercury vapor is absorbed through the lung, retained in the body and primarily damages the central nervous system. Acute exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapor may lead to metal fume fever and pneumonitis. Methylmercury is retained in the body tissue and mainly damages the nervous system.

Depending upon the form of mercury and level of intake, effects on the adult nervous system can range from reversible paresthesis and malaise to irreversible destruction of neurons in the brain, leading to permanent signs of ataxia and constriction of vision.

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

To avoid exposure of the chemical and the associated risks to human health.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Mercury in many forms and degrees of volatility can circulate in the environment: water, soil and atmosphere.

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

To avoid exposure of the chemical and the associated risks to environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 04/01/2002