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Kyrgyzstan - Final Regulatory Action
HCH (mixed isomers) CAS number:
608-73-1
Date circular:
12/06/2004

Chemical name: Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-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 uses are banned

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

All uses are banned

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The substance is banned by an order of the Ministry of Health of the ex-USSR and by the Ordinance of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of 27 June 2001 No. 376.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Hexachlorocyclohexane is rapidly absorbed from the gastroenteric path. Rabbit blood remains toxic for insects during 10-11 days after an introduction. From the blood, hexachlorocyclohexane disperses rapidly and remains for a long time in body organs and tissues, especially in fatty tissues. Is evacuated through kidneys, gastroenteric path, moves to the mothers' milk and the milk of mammals. Poisoning of people can be due to different ways of exposure to hexachlorocyclohexane. Sensitivity is individual, children and old people are particularly sensitive. The toxic dose for an adult if proceeds into the stomach is 14 g. Short-term intoxication was observed in workers at sugar beet-root fields which were dusted with hexachlorocyclohexane 5 days before and which experienced heavy rain the day before. Intoxication, followed by development of an encephalomielonevritis in people working during 10 days with seeds dusted with hexachlorocyclohexane without observing safety measures, was detected. Vegetative distonia with initial polyneuritis was noticed in workers, producing the paste. Cases of human poisoning, some lethal, happened as a result of deposits of liquid preparations of hexachlorocyclohexane on clothes. In this case exposure to hexachlorocyclohexane occurred through skin and breathing, as conditions for evaporation of the preparation from a large surface were met. Hexachlorocyclohexane showed oncogenic effects in animal studies. Due to its persistence and bioaccumulation, the risk of producing cancer when absorbed with food, was considered to be unacceptably high.

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

Risk and danger reduction for humans.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Important water pollution of some surface water sources was noticed when using hexachlorocyclohexane preparations. Every third test out 500 contained the pesticide. After a two-times use of hexachlorocyclohexane at 12% calculated at 40 kg/ha of the water mirror for delarvation of reservoirs, the preparation was found at the concentration of 0,68-42 mg/l.
Hexachlorocyclohexane sharply changes the organoleptic properties of water and food. Threshold concentration in water (using the organoleptic parameters - 0.02 mg/l).Use of the preparation (12-25% dust) in soil even after 3-4 years before planting makes potatoes, carrots, beets unusable for consumption. Use on fruits and vegetables gives them an unpleasant smell and taste. Hexachlorocyclohexane is detectable after 2-4 years of use. In case of 10 mg hexachlorocyclohexane content in 1 kg of soil, 8,1 mg/kg is passed into the plants; in case of 4,1 - 2,8 mg/kg; in case of 1,0 - 044 mg/kg.
Hexachlorocyclohexane is toxic for fish: LC50 (48 h) - 0,16 mg/l. LD50 oral (quail) - 120-130 mg/kg.

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

Risk and danger reduction for the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 27/07/2001