Mirex properties

Results of volatilization and leaching estimations are reported for six pesticides that span a wide range of the physical/chemical properties that affect fate at the soil/air interface. The pesticides are Mirex, toxaphene, methoxychlor, lindane, malathion, and dibromochloropropane (DBCP). These particular pesticides were chosen for discussion here because they illustrate the methods for assessing the fate of organics at the... 

Eversole 1980). It is probable that bioavailable concentrations from the water in each test did not exceed 1.0 pg/L. However, delayed mortality frequently occurs for extended periods after exposure, and the potential for adverse effects at the population level remains high (NAS 1978). Latent biocidal properties of mirex were documented for hsh (Van Valin et al. 1968 Koenig 1977) and crustaceans (Ludke et al. 1971 Hyde 1972 Cripe and Livingston 1977). Crustaceans were the most sensitive group examined. For example, the crayfish (Procambarus blandingi) immersed in nominal concentrations of 0.1 to 5.0 pg mirex/L for periods of 6 to 144 h died 5 to 10 days after initial exposure (Ludke et al. 1971). Immature crayfish were more sensitive than adults, and mortality patterns were similar when mirex was administered in the water or in baits (Ludke et al. 1971). 

Mirex replacements should not manifest the properties that led to the discontinuance of mirex for all uses, namely ... 

These experts collectively have knowledge of mirex and chlordecone s physical and chemical properties, toxicokinetics, key health and points, mechanisms of action, human and animal exposure, and quantification of risk to humans. All reviewers were selected in conformity with the conditions for peer review specified in Section 104(i) (13) of the Comprehensive Encironmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended. 

Chapter 3 has more information on the physical and chemical properties of mirex and chlordecone. Chapter 4 has more information on the production and use of mirex and chlordecone. 

Because they are not likely to move through the soil, very little will get into underground water. Mirex and chlordecone can stay in soil, water, and sediment for years. Both compounds are slowly broken down in soil, water, and sediment. Mirex is broken down more quickly than chlordecone. Mirex is broken down to photomirex, which can also cause harmful health effects. Photomirex is even more poisonous than mirex. It is produced when sunlight reacts with mirex in water or in the air. Fish or animals that live in waters that contain mirex or chlordecone, or that eat other animals contaminated with mirex or chlordecone, can build up these substances in their bodies. The amounts of mirex and chlordecone in their bodies may be several times greater than the amount in their prey or in the surrounding water. See Chapter 3 for more information on the chemical and physical properties of mirex and chlordecone. See Chapter 5 for more information on their occurrence and what happens to them in the environment. 

Information regarding the physical and chemical properties of mirex and chlordecone is located in... 

The total sales of mirex by Hooker Chemicals and Plastics Corporation, in the United States between 1959 and 1975, were around 1,528,000 kg (Kaiser, 1978). Among the total sales of mirex, 26% was for insecticidal use and 76% was for other uses, such as the incorporation of mirex into plastics to improve flame- and fire-retardant properties (Kaiser, 1978). Between 1961 and 1975, 400,000kg of mirex were used as pesticides, of which approximately 250,000 kg were sold in the south eastern United States for the control of native and imported fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) and most of the remainder was exported to Brazil for use in fire ant control (Eisler, 1985). 

In response to the continuing discovery of the persistence, bioaccumulative properties, and toxicity of POPs, regional, national and international policies ban the intentional production of compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), several organochlo-rine pesticides, such as mirex and dieldrin, and the brominated flame retardants poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (penta-BDE and octa-BDE, and most recently, deca-BDE). Policies and programs have also targeted the unintentional production and release of POPs such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs). Evidence of the success of these policies has been seen in immediate reductions of air concentrations, followed by declining concentrations in water bodies, soils, biota and our food supplies... 

In the following sections, the physico-chemical properties and the bioconcentration of selected super-hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD),octachlorodibenzo-p-dio-xin (OCDD), Mirex, and Toxaphene in fish and other animals will be discussed. 

Table 11. Physico-chemical properties, bioconcentration factors on a wet weight basis (BCFw) and on a lipid basis (BCFl), and estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects of Mirex and Chlordecone (Kepone)... 

Endocrine disruption has recently become a significant concern for organochlorine insecticides in both human and environmental health. Many organochlorine chemicals, including cyclodiene insecticides, mirex, and toxaphene as well as PCBs and PCDDs have been shown to have endocrine disrupting properties. 

Highly toxic by oral, dermal, and possibly other routes of exposure toxic properties similar to those of Mirex however, more toxic than the latter symptoms include tremors, ataxia, hyperactivity, muscle spasms, and skin changes highly injurious to liver, kidney, and central nervous system a teratogenic substance caused testicular atrophy, sterility, low sperm count, and breast enlargement in experimental animals sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animal also, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (lARC... 

Biocidal properties of mirex to aquatic organisms, birds, and mammals are listed below. 

Mirex replacements should not manifest the properties that led to the discontinuance of mirex for all uses namely, delayed mortality in aquatic and terrestrial fauna numerous birth defects tumor formation histopathology adverse effects on reproduction, early growth, and development high biomagnification and persistence dis-mpted energy metabolism degradation into... 

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