Chemical name: 1,3,4-Metheno-2H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-one, 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-

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 are prohibited.

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The manufacture, supply, import and use of substances as well as products that contain substances listed under Annex 3.1 Number 3 of the Ordinance relating to Environmentally Hazardous Substances (Ordinance on Substances, Osubst). Articles (textiles and leather goods) which contain substances listed under Number 3, may not be imported as commercial goods.

Annex 3.1 Number 3 includes Chlordecone (kepone).

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Chlordecone presents a major hazard for aquatic ecosystems because of its stability and persistence in sediments, its bioaccumulation in food chains, and its acute and chronic toxicity.

One of the largest reserves of chlordecone in food is found in the edible portion of contaminated fish. Although chlordecone is only slightly soluble in water, levels of between 0.35 and 1 µg/litre are sufficient to reduce algal growth and invertebrate populations, thereby affecting productivity at other trophic levels. Chlordecone is acutely and chronically toxic for aquatic invertebrates and cause loss of equilibrium, reduction in reproductive success, and decreased shell growth at sublethal concentrations.

Reduction in mysid populations due to low-level chlordecone contamination has important consequences for fish productivity. Symptoms of exposure range from diminished activity and emaciation to abnormal development and death.

The few data available indicate that chlordecone is not acutely toxic for terrestrial invertebrates.

The few data available on terrestrial ecosystems indicate low acute toxicity but some long-term effects on vertebrate reproduction.

Subacute doses of chlordecone induce significant toxic effects in birds including tremors, liver damage, and reproductive failure.

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

It is the objective of the North Sea Conferences: "To aim for a substantial reduction in the quantities of pesticides reaching the North Sea and to this end, by 31 December 1992, to control strictly the use and application of pesticides and to reduce, where necessary, emissions to the environment. Special attention will be paid to:

i) the phasing out of those pesticides which are the most persistent, toxic and liable to bioaccumulate (see part (c) of Annex 1B);

ii) the establishment of approval systems specifying permitted pesticides and permitted uses".

The ban of Chlordecone in Switzerland is intended to reach this objective.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 29/11/1995