1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachloroacta- hydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene
Mirex (C10Cl12)
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
Last modification 16.12.2016