Mirex
Brief Background and Use
Why is it a problem? [3]
Potential Human Health Effects [3]
How are Humans Exposed? [2]
Sources of Exposure Today [2]

Insecticide used to combat fire ants, termites, and mealybugs [2]

Breaks down to photomirex, which is very harmful

Insecticide used to kill fire ants in Southern US from 1962-1978 [3]

1959-1972 Used as flame retardant additive in plastics, rubber, paper, and electrical goods under the tradename Dechlorane [3]

 

Most stable persistent pesticides

Resists biodegradation

Does not dissolve readily in water

Adheres to soil and sediment particles

Bioaccumulant in fish and other organisms living in contaminated water or that eat other contaminated animals

In presence of sunlight, breaks down into more potent toxin photomires

Stored in body's fatty tissues, passed from mother to childe through milk

Endocrine Disruptor

 

Current Status in US [2]

Under FIFRA:

no registrations, all uses cancelled in 1977

no production, import, or export

 

Mirex[1]

Probable cause of cancer

Harmful effects on stomach and intestines

Damages liver and kidneys

Harms eyes and thyroid gland

Causes damage nervous system and reproductive system

Increase miscarriages

 

Can be transfered through breast milk

Eating contaminated fish and shellfish

Drinking contamined water

Inhalation of contaminated air

Found on bottom sediments in waterways

Surface water contamination via sediments

Clean-up and removal of contaminated soil

[1] UNEP - Persistent Organic Pollutants: Chemical Information. - www.chem.unep.ch/pops/alts02.html

[2] EPA - Persistent Organic Pollutants: A Global Issue, A Global Response. EPA 160-F-02-001. - www.epa.gov/international/toxics/pop.htm

[3] EPA Priority PBT Profiles - www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbt/cheminfo.htm

[4] ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Aldrin and Dieldrin. September 2002. - www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tpw.html