Mirex (C10Cl12)

1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachloroacta- hydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene

CAS Number

2385-85-5

Properties

  • white, odourless solid
  • insoluble in water
  • creates the stronger toxin photomirex when exposed to sunlight
  • is a persistent organic pollutant

Main sources

  • agriculture: insecticide used against fire ants, leafcutter ants and termites
  • industry: flame retardant in plastic and rubber parts, paint, electrical equipment.

Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO

(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)

  • Air               1 kg/year
  • Water          1 kg/year
  • Soil              1 kg/year

Impacts

  • suspected carcinogenic effect
  • liver damage
  • harmful to immune and hormone systems
  • very toxic to crustaceans
  • decomposes very slowly (soil half-life of up to ten years)

Measures

  • banned since the Stockholm Convention came into force in 2004

Further information

Contact
Last modification 16.12.2016

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