Chemical name: Benzene, hexachloro-

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 formulations and uses were prohibited.

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:

Banned for import, export, production, having in possession and use as agricultural pesticide.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

There is evidence that hexachlorobenzene is carcinogenic in mice and hamsters, and may represent a carcinogenic risk to humans. Non-mutagenic in vitro and in vivo studies, but is foetotoxic and produces some teratogenic effects. Has caused a serious outbreak of porphyria in humans.

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

Prevent introduction of carcinogenic, foetotoxic and teratogenic chemical into the country.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Hexachlorobenzene is very persistent. It is hightly bound to soil and sediments. The half-life in soil has been estimated at 3 to 6 years. Due to its binding to soil and its very low solubitlity in water, it does not readily leach into water. It is also a bioaccumulative substance (BCF Values from 375 10 35.000).

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

Prevent contamination of hexachlorobenzene in the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/12/2001