Mirex

CAS number:
2385-85-5

Date circular:
12/06/2006

Chemical name: 1,3,4-Metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene, 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachlorooctahydro-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide, Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

The manufacture, the placing into the market or the import in a private capacity of mirex and preparations with a non-negligible mirex content are forbidden. It is forbidden to import textiles or leather goods containing mirex for professional or commercial purposes (Annex 1.1, ORRChem)

Use or uses that remain allowed:

The ban doesn't apply to the use of mirex for research purposes.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

The ban doesn't apply to the use of mirex for research purposes.

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Based on Annex 1.1 of the Ordinance on the Reduction of Risks linked to Chemical Products (ORRChem), the manufacture, the placing on the market, the import in a private capacity and the use of mirex are prohibited.

Mirex is covered by the scope of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutant (POPs) and the UN ECE POP Protocol. According to these conventions, production and use of mirex must be banned by the contracting Parties. Switzerland has ratified the POP Convention.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

No data on human health effects are available in connection with occupational exposure to mirex. However, on the basis of findings in mice and rats, this chemical should be considered, for practical purposes, as being potentially carcinogenic for human beings.

For the same reasons, reservations must remain about the safety of this chemical in food, despite the relatively low residues so far reported.

IARC (1979) evaluated the carcinogenic hazard resulting from exposure to mirex and concluded that "there is sufficient evidence for its carcinogenicity to mice and rats. In the absence of adequate data in humans, it is reasonable, for practical purposes, to regard mirex as if it presented a carcinogenic risk to humans."

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Effects on the organisms studied, as well as its persistence, suggest that mirex presents a long-term hazard for the environment. Taking into account these considerations, it is felt that the use of this chemical for both agricultural and non-agricultural applications should be discouraged, except where there is no adequate alternative.

Mirex is one of the most stable of the organochlorine insecticides. Although general environmental levels are low, it is widespread inthe biotic and abiotic environment. Mirex is both accumulated and biomagnified. It is stongly adsorbed on sediments and has a low water solubility.

Delayed onset of toxic effects and mortality is typical of mirex poisoning. The long-term toxicity of mirex is uniformly high. Mirex is toxic for a range of aquatic organisms, crustacea being particularly sensitive.

Although no field data are available, the adverse effects of long-term exposure to low levels of mirex, combined with its persistence, suggest that the use of mirex presents a long term environmental risk.

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

As a result of the restrictive use of plant sprays and intensive checks by the authorities, the contamination of plant foods with current pesticides has diminished substantially. The fact that manufacturers are themselves responsible is leading to more responsible use of sprays.

Experience from the last twenty years shows that persistent organochlorine pesticides (DDT, lindane, hexachlorobenzene etc.) previously used to contaminate foodstuffs heavily, Nowadays, they are scarcely detectable, with more modern, degradable pesticides (eg pyrethroid insecticides, triazole fungicides) being used instead.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/08/2005