Mirex (Ref: GC 1283)-Pesticide database

Insecticides Herbicides Fungicides Other related substances Industry news Contact us

Mirex (Ref: GC 1283)

(Also known as: perchlordecone; perchlorodihomocubane; dodecaclor; ENT 25719; dechlorane)

Mirex is an obsolete organochlorine insecticide. Toxic to humans and know to be a carcinogen. Mirex is also a reproduction and CNS toxin. It is practically insoluble and takes several years to degrade in soil. It is not expected to leach into groundwater but will accumulate in sediements. Environmentally persistent and will bioaccumulate. Moderately toxic to wildlife.

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.

Environmental fate	Ecotoxicity	Human health
Environmental fate High alert: Potential for particle bound transport: High Warning: Significant data are missing	Ecotoxicity Moderate alert: Fish chronic ecotoxicity: Moderate; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: Moderate; Bees acute unknown ecotoxicity: Moderate	Human health High alert: Carcinogen; Endocrine distrupter

GENERAL INFORMATION

Now banned, Mirex was used to control ants and had several other non pesticide uses

Example pests controlled

Fire ants; Harvester ants

Example applications

Agricultural fields; Non-cropped areas

Efficacy & activity

Availability status

Considered obsolete but may be available in some countries; Banned in many countries

Introduction & key dates

1946, first reported

UK regulatory status

UK COPR regulatory status

Date COPR inclusion expires

UK LERAP status

No UK approval for use

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece

ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg

LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway

Additional information

Chemical structure

Chemical formula

C₁₀Cl₁₂

Canonical SMILES

C12(C3(C4(C5(C3(C(C1(C5(C2(C4(Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)(Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl

Isomeric SMILES

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

GVYLCNUFSHDAAW-UHFFFAOYSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C10Cl12/c11-1-2(12)7(17)4(14)3(13,5(1,15)9(7,19)20)6(1,16)10(21,22)8(2,4)18

2D structure diagram/image available?

Substance groups

Organochloride insecticide; Cyclodiene insecticide

Minimum active substance purity

Known relevant impurities

Substance origin

Central nervous system stimulant with contact activity, ingested toxin.

US EPA chemical code

CLP index number

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachloro-1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b-octahydro-1H-1,3,4-(epimethanetriyl)cyclobuta[cd]pentalene

dodecachloropentacyclodecane

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

Other status information

POP; LRTAP Annex I; OSPAR soc; Marine Pollutant; Banned 1978

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Herbicide Resistance Classification (HRAC)

Herbicide Resistance Classification (WSSA)

Insecticide Resistance Classification (IRAC)

Fungicide Resistance Classification (FRAC)

Examples of recorded resistance

White crystalline solid

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Allied Chemical Corp.
Seppic

Example products using this active

Dechlorane
Mirex

Formulation and application details

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Source; quality score; and other information

Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

Q2 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source

Q2 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source

Melting point (°C)

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Boiling point (°C)

Degradation point (°C)

Flashpoint (°C)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

1.91 X 10⁰⁵

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Fat solubility of residues

Likely to be soluble

Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Based on chemical group

Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Density (g ml⁻¹)

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

Source; quality score; and other information

General biodegradability

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Environmentally stable, DT₅₀ circa 3000+ days, some reports say up to 10 years (R3)

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ on plant matrix

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ on and in plant matrix

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Soil adsorption and mobility

Source; quality score; and other information

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Notes and range

Log10 K_oc 3.763

Notes and range

Source; quality score; and other information

GUS leaching potential index

Low leachability

SCI-GROW groundwater index (μg l⁻¹) for a 1 kg ha⁻¹ or 1 l ha⁻¹ application rate

Potential for particle bound transport index

Potential for loss via drain flow

Bio-concentration factor

BCF (l kg⁻¹)

F3 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
3 = Unverified data of known source

CT₅₀ (days)

Known soil metabolites

Major/Minor fraction

Estimated maximum occurrence fraction

chlordecone (Ref: ENT 16391)

Known groundwater metabolites

None

Other known metabolites

None

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Source; quality score; and other information

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL

Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Anas platyrhynchos

Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)

Soil micro-organisms

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

Non-target plants

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps)

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites)

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Source; quality score; and other information

Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

P3 P = Other non-EU, UK or US Governments and Regulators
3 = Unverified data of known source

Oncorhynchus mykiss 5 day

Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data

Daphnia magna

Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic plants - Acute 7 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute 72 hour EC₅₀, growth (mg l⁻¹)

F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data

Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Algae - Chronic 96 hour NOEC, growth (mg l⁻¹)

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

Source; quality score; and other information

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

High (class III)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Main concerns were from food residues but substance is now obsolete and banned in most countries so risk now minimal

EU MRL pesticide database

GB MRL Register

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Specific human health issues

Endocrine disruptor

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database)
0 = No data

B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database)
0 = No data

C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database)
0 = No data

D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database)
0 = No data

E0 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source)
0 = No data

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

?Possibly, status not identified

XNo, known not to cause a problem

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin sensitiser

XNo, known not to cause a problem

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

XNo, known not to cause a problem

General human health issues

Moderately toxic
Liver, thyroid and kidney toxicant
Endocrine issues - Weak estrogen effect

Handling issues

Value and interpretation

No information available

CLP classification 2013

WHO Classification

Not classified: Obsolete

Waste disposal & packaging

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved