mirex

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

H361fd: Suspected of damaging fertility; Suspected of damaging the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P263, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P317, P318, P321, P330, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H301 (14.6%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H302 (85.4%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (14.6%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H312 (85.4%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H351 (100%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

H361 (91.7%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H362 (87.5%): May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]

H400 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (100%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P262, P263, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P317, P302+P352, P316, P317, P318, P321, P330, P361+P364, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 48 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

Liquid products containing organic solvents may be flammable. Extinguish fires with alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, or powder. With sufficient burning or external heat, mirex will decompose, emitting toxic fumes. Fire-fighters should wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, eye protection, and full protective clothing.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Before dealing with any spillage, precautions should be taken as required and appropriate personal protection should be used. Prevent liquid from spreading or contaminating other cargo and vegetation, and avoid pollution of surface waters and ground water by using the most suitable available material, e.g., earth or sand. Absorb spilled liquid with sawdust, sand, or earth, sweep up and place it in a closeable container for later transfer to a safe place for disposal. As soon as possible after the spillage and before re-use, cover all contaminated areas with damp sawdust, sand, or earth. Sweep up and place in a closeable container for later transfer to a safe place for disposal. Care should be taken to avoid run-off into surface waters or drains.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for MIREX (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... operations connected with synth & purification ... should be carried out under well-ventilated hood. Analytical procedures ... should be carried out with care & vapors evolved during ... procedures should be removed. ... Expert advice should be obtained before existing fume cupboards are used ... & when new fume cupboards are installed. It is desirable that there be means for decreasing the rate of air extraction, so that carcinogenic powders can be handled without ... powder being blown around the hood. Glove boxes should be kept under negative air pressure. Air changes should be adequate, so that concn of vapors of volatile carcinogens will not occur. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Vertical laminar-flow biological safety cabinets may be used for containment of in vitro procedures ... provided that the exhaust air flow is sufficient to provide an inward air flow at the face opening of the cabinet, & contaminated air plenums that are under positive pressure are leak-tight. Horizontal laminar-flow hoods or safety cabinets, where filtered air is blown across the working area towards the operator, should never be used ... Each cabinet or fume cupboard to be used ... should be tested before work is begun (eg, with fume bomb) & label fixed to it, giving date of test & avg air-flow measured. This test should be repeated periodically & after any structural changes. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for MIREX (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If a spill of this chemical occurs, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with acetone and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with acetone to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should protect this material from exposure to light, and store it under ambient temperatures. Keep it away from oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)

Products should be stored in locked buildings, preferably dedicated to insecticides. Keep products out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel. Do not store near foodstuffs or animal feed.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

7.8 [mg/m3]

86 [mg/m3]

520 [mg/m3]

Chronic Oral: 0.0008 mg/kg/day (L134)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter). (NTP, 1992)

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... Gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they are not to be worn outside the laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Mirex is an odorless white crystalline solid. (USCG, 1999)

Snow-white odorless solid; [Merck Index]

Snow-white crystals from benzene

Odorless

905 °F at 1 mmHg (Sublimes with decomposition) (NTP, 1992)

905 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)

485 °C (decomposes)

less than 1 mg/mL at 75 °F (NTP, 1992)

15.3% in dioxane at room temp; 14.3% in xylene at room temp; 12.2% in benzene at room temp; 7.2% in carbon tetrachloride at room temp; 5.6% in methyl ethyl ketone at room temp

In water, 0.085 mg/L at 25 °C

18.8 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

3e-07 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.0000008 [mmHg]

8X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C

log Kow = 6.89

Henry's Law constant = 8.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mol at 25 °C

Very stable at normal temperatures.

Decomposes above 500 °C to give hexachlorobenzene; hexachloropentadiene was found in small amounts in the thermal residue; the products identified from vapor phase were carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, carbon tetrachloride, & phosgene.

Practically non-corrosive to metals

Odor low 5.0667 mg/cu m; Odor high 5.0667 mg/cu m.

132.83 Ų [M-C5Cl6]+ [CCS Type: TW; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: GC-APCI+; Note: in source fragment]

Vapor specific gravity: 18.8 (calculated)

Highly lipophilic

Carcinogens

Potential endocrine disrupting compound

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Agrochemicals -> Pesticide active substances

Active substance -> EU Pesticides database: Not approved

Pesticides -> Organochlorine Pesticides

Pesticide (Mirex) -> USDA PDB

Pesticide

Insoluble in water.

Halogenated Organic Compounds

MIREX is sensitive to exposure to sunlight. This compound may react with strong oxidizers. It reacts with lithium and tertiary butyl alcohol. (NTP, 1992)

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

Mirex inhibits sodium/potassium-transporting ATPases, producing neurotoxic effects and impairing energy-dependent cellular processes. (A216)

Endocrine

2 x 10 ^-4 mg/kg-day

Pesticide

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: no data; 2) evidence in animals: sufficient. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic risk to humans is Group 2B: The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans. /From table/

Mirex: reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans

Volume 20: (1979) Some Halogenated Hydrocarbons

Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)

TR-313: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Mirex (1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene) (CASRN 2385-85-5) in F344/N Rats (Feed Studies) (1990 )

03/04/87

Clear Evidence

Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex

Under the conditions of these 2-year feed studies of mirex, there is clear evidence of carcinogenic activity for male and female F344/N rats, as primarily indicated by marked increased incidences of benign neoplastic nodules of the liver, as well as by increased incidences of pheochromocytomas of the adrenal gland and transitional cell papillomas of the kidney in males and by increased incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia in females.

Nonneoplastic effects induced by mirex include cytomegaly, fatty metamorphosis, angiectasis (males only), and cellular necrosis in the liver.

2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (L135)

Animal studies have shown that ingesting high levels of mirex can harm the stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, eyes, thyroid, and nervous and reproductive systems. (L601)

Oral (L601) ; inhalation (L601) ; dermal (L601)

Cancer, Dermal (Skin), Endocrine (Glands and Hormones), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Ocular (Eyes), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Chemical: MIREX

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Other Poison - Organochlorine

IARC Carcinogen - Class 3: Chemicals are not classifiable by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

NTP Carcinogen - Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

IRIS Current

HEAST Current

LD50: 306 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T98)

LD50: 800 mg/kg (Subcutaneous, Rabbit) (T98)

LD50: 2000 mg/kg (Dermal, Rabbit) (T99)

LD50: 365 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Rat) (T99)

LD50 Rat male oral 306 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit subcutaneous 800 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit dermal 800 mg/kg body wt /From table/

LD50 Rat dermal 2000 mg/kg body wt /From table/

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for MIREX (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... The current study examines the effects of subchronic oral exposure to a complex mixture of ubiquitous persistent environmental contaminants that have been quantified in human reproductive tissues. The dosing solution used in this study contained organochlorines (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs],p,p'-dichlorodiphenoxydichloroethylene [p,p'-DDE],p,p-dichlorodiphenoxytrichloroethane [p,p'-DDT], dieldrin, endosulfan, methoxychlor, hexachlorobenzene, and other chlorinated benzenes, hexachlorocyclohexane, mirex and heptachlor) as well as metals (lead and cadmium). Each chemical was included in the mixture at the minimum risk level (MRL) or tolerable daily intake (TDI) as determined by the U.S. EPA or ATSDR or, for TCDD, at the no observable effect level (NOEL) used to calculate the TDI. Sexually mature male rats were exposed to this complex mixture at 1, 10, 100, and 1000 times the estimated safe levels daily for 70 days. On day 71, all animals were sacrificed and a variety of physiological systems assessed for toxic effects. Evidence of hepatotoxicity was seen in the significant enlargement of the liver in the 1000x group, reduced serum LDH activity (100x), and increased serum cholesterol and protein levels (both 1000x). Hepatic EROD activities were elevated in animals exposed to10x and above. The mixture caused decreased proliferation of splenic T cells at the highest dose and had a biphasic effect on natural killer cell lytic activity with an initial increase in activity at 1x followed by a decrease to below control levels in response to 1000x. No treatment-related effects were seen on bone marrow micronuclei, daily sperm production, serum LH, FSH, or prolactin levels or weights of most organs of the reproductive tract. The weights of the whole epididymis and of the caput epididymis were significantly decreased at 10x and higher doses, although no effect was seen on cauda epididymal weight. The sperm content of the cauda epididymis was increased at the 1x level but not significantly different from control at higher dose levels. A slight, but significant, increase in the relative numbers of spermatids was seen in the animals from the 1000x group with a trend towards reduced proportion of diploid cells at the same dose.

Reduced biliary excretion rates were observed for exogenous taurocholic acid (3 or 10 umol/kg) after 15 day dietary pretreatment of cannulated rats with 100 ppm mirex in feed. Hepatobiliary dysfunction was dose-dependent. Maximal redn in excretory rate on a per g of liver basis (50%) followed treatment with 100 ppm. Bile-to-plasma concn ratios for sucrose incr in parallel with mirex-impaired biliary excretion. Bile flow (on a per g of liver basis) & biliary clearance of erythritol were reduced by 100 ppm. These effects occurred in absence of substantial hepatocellular necrosis, whereas liver enlargement incr in a dose-dependent manner. Hepatobiliary dysfunction induced by mirex is at least partially due to increased permeability of the biliary tree.

The excretion of mirex was reduced when fed to captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) at 8 ppm in combination with 33 ppm Aroclor 1254, & the combination diet reduced the relative concn of Aroclor in the testes. Testicular mass of the PCBs plus mirex group was increased. Apparently, migratory flesh-eating birds feeding on a PCB- or mirex-contaminated food chain could consume enough toxicant to alter their semen quality in that breeding season, which, when coupled with altered courtship, could reduce fertility of eggs & reproductive fitness.

Ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) with breeding experience were fed a control diet or 1 of 2 dosages of a mixture of DDE, PCBs, mirex, & photomirex throughout an isolated period of 90 days & 1 reproductive cycle. The mixture altered the nature & duration of courtship behavior, incubation & brooding behavior, & androgen levels of males, & estrogen & progesterone levels of females in a dose-related fashion. Thyroxine levels were incr in both sexes in dose-related fashion & there was an alteration of prolactin levels. Correlations were obtained between behavior & some hormones. There was marked dose-related decr of 15 & 50% in the number of squabs fledged/nesting attempt. Squabs of pairs receiving high dosage were of lower wt.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for MIREX (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Lindane and related compounds/

LC50 Colinus virginianus (bobwhite quail) oral 2511 ppm in 5 day diet (95% confidence limit 2160-2908 ppm) /purity, 98%/

LC50 Japanese quail oral greater than 5000 ppm in 5 day diet (20% mortality at 5000 ppm) /purity, 98%/

LC50 Phasianus colchicus, (ring-necked pheasants) oral 1540 ppm in 5 day diet (95% confidence limit 1320-1789 ppm) /purity, 98%/

LC50 Anas platyrhynchos, (mallard ducks) oral greater than 5000 ppm in 5 day diet (no mortality to 5000 ppm) /purity 98%/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for MIREX (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ ... Dietary levels of 5 - 80 mg/kg, fed to quail ... for 12 weeks, did not affect liver weight, aniline hydroxylase and aminopyrine- N-demethylase activities of hepatic microsomes, or cytochrome P450 concentrations in hepatic microsomes.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ Mirex is not very toxic for birds. It is of low short-term toxicity for wild birds; dietary doses of 2250, 750, and 250 mg/kg diet killed 50% of juvenile male grackles in 5, 14, and 38 days, respectively. Death occurred sooner in colder weather, presumably because food consumption increased.

/BIRDS AND MAMMALS/ Exposure of third-generation progeny of wild mallards to a diet treated with mirex at 100 mg/kg for 25 weeks caused a significant reduction in duckling survival. The percentage of ducklings surviving up to 2 weeks after hatching was 72.6 in the 100 mg/kg group compared with 93.8 and 95.7 in the 1 mg/kg and control groups, respectively. There appeared to be a deleterious association between residue concentration in the egg and subsequent duckling survival.

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ No perceptible reproductive effects were observed in bobwhite quail fed 40 mg/kg diet mirex or in mallard ducks fed 1 or 10 mg/kg diet.

For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for MIREX (21 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

3.60e-02

1.70e-01

5.50e-04

2.40e-03

8.80e-04

5.00e+00

6.30e-04

1.80e+01

5.10e-03

2.00e-04

Volatile

3.60e+00

1.70e+01

5.50e-02

2.40e-01

8.80e-02

Mirex's former production and use as an insecticide to control fire ants in the southeastern US resulted in its direct release to the environment. Its former use as a flame-retardant additive in thermoplastic, thermosetting and elastomeric resins, paper, paint rubber, electrical adhesive and textile products resulted in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Mirex may still be detected in the environment despite the 1978 ban on its use in the US. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 8X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates mirex will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Mirex does not contain functional groups that are susceptible to degradation through reaction with common atmospheric oxidants such as hydroxyl radicals and ozone. It may degrade slowly however, through direct photolysis reactions, producing kepone and isomers of monohydromirex as photodegradation products. Particulate-phase mirex will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. If released to soil, mirex is expected to be immobile based on a Koc value of 5800 measured in soil and an average Koc value of 2.4X10+7 obtained from 4 sediment samples. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected based on a Henry's Law constant of 8.1X10-4 atm cu m/mol; however, adsorption to soil may attenuate this process. Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected based on the vapor pressure. Mirex is very slow to biodegrade in the environment and is expected to have biodegradation half-lives of one year or more in most soils. If released into water, mirex is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant; however, adsorption may attenuate this process. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 10 days, respectively if adsorption is ignored. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 3.6 years if adsorption is considered. Log BCF values of 2.3-5.5 measured in fish, suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high. Mirex at a concn of 33 ng/mL did not hydrolyze after 1 month at 100 °C and pH 7 in a purified water 1% acetonitrile solution. A freshwater solution containing 1% acetonitrile with 33 ng/mL mirex, placed outdoors for 6 months, photolyzed slowly with a half-life of about 330 days. Since mirex is no longer produced or used in the United States, current occupational exposure should be low or non-existent. Monitoring data suggests the general population is exposed to mirex primarily through the ingestion of contaminated food, although ingestion of drinking water and inhalation of ambient air may represent minor exposure pathways. (SRC)

Mirex's former production and use as an insecticide to control fire ants in the southeastern US(1) resulted in its direct release to the environment. Its former use as a flame-retardant additive in thermoplastic, thermosetting and elastomeric resins, paper, paint rubber, electrical adhesive and textile products(1,2) resulted in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 5800 measured in soil(2), indicates that mirex is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of mirex from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 8.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(3); however, adsorption may attenuate this process(SRC). Mirex is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 8X10-7 mm Hg(4). Mirex did not degrade (rate constant essentially zero) at a concn of 0.5 g/100g dry weight in nine soils maintained under aerobic conditions for six months(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an average Koc value of 2.4X10+7 obtained from 4 sediment samples(2), indicates that mirex is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 8.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 10 days, respectively(SRC). This estimation neglects the potentially important effect of adsorption on volatilization. The volatilization half-life from an environmental pond, which considers the effect of adsorption, can be estimated to be about 3.6 years if parameters are introduced into the pond model to include adsorption effects(5). According to a classification scheme(6), log BCF values of 2.3-5.5 measured in fish(7-10), suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high(SRC). Mirex was resistant to biodegradation at a concn of 0.5 g/100 g dry weight in four anaerobic lake sediments after a 6 month incubation(11). Mirex at a concn of 33 ng/mL did not hydrolyze after 1 month at 100 °C in a purified water soln containing 1% acetonitrile and a pH of 7(2). A freshwater solution containing 1% acetonitrile with 33 ng/mL mirex, placed outdoors for 6 months, showed loss of mirex with a first order rate constant of 4.2X10-3 day-1 which corresponds to a half-life of about 330 days assuming 12 hours a day sunlight(2). Kepone and several isomers of monohydromirex were identified as the phototransformation products.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), mirex, which has a vapor pressure of 8X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Mirex does not contain functional groups that are susceptible to atmospheric degradation with photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals or ozone(3); however, direct photolysis in the atmosphere is expected to occur slowly(4,5). Particulate-phase mirex may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). The total atmospheric deposition flux rate (wet + dry) of mirex in Galveston Bay, TX was 0.04 ug/sq m-year(6).

AEROBIC: Following the application of 0.5 grams mirex to 100 grams of soil (nine different soils), followed by addition of distilled water to bring the soil moisture to the field capacity, 88-99% of the initially applied amount of mirex was recovered following a 3 month incubation period, and 93-99% was recovered in the soils 6 months post application(1). Generally mirex is resistant to attack by bacteria and fungi, and can inhibit the growth of actinomyctes(1). Although mirex is taken up by micro-organisms(1), plants(2,4) and higher animals including fish(5) and rats(2), it is not metabolized(2). Analysis of soils from spill sites 5 and 12 years after the accidents, suggests that dechlorination takes place very slowly and kepone is a biotransformation product of mirex(3). Twelve years after the application of mirex to soil at one pound per acre, 50% of the mirex and mirex-related organochlorine compounds remained in the soil; 65-73% of the residues consisted of mirex and 3-6% consisted of chlordecone(3). Although concentrations were slightly higher, similar ratios of mirex (76-81%) and chlordecone (l-6%) residues were seen five years after an accidental spill of mirex bait on soil. Kepone was also identified as a transformation product of mirex in estuaries(4). Neither C(14) labeled mirex or kepone degraded in aerobic hydrosoils from the Little Dixie Reservoir and James River tributary, Richmond VA(5).

When mirex was incubated with sewage sludge, 1% of the mirex was metabolized in 2.5 months.

ANAEROBIC: Neither C(14) labeled mirex or kepone degraded in anaerobic hydrosoils from the Little Dixie Reservoir and James River tributary, Richmond VA(1). In addition mirex did not degrade at a concn of 0.5 g/100 g dry weight in four anaerobic lake sediments after 6 mo incubation(2). However a loss of mirex was attributed to sludge worms under anaerobic conditions(3).

MIREX WAS EXPOSED ON SILICA GEL THIN-LAYER CHROMATOPLATES TO SUNLIGHT OR UV LIGHT. SLOW DEGRADATION OCCURRED. MAJOR PHOTO-PRODUCT WAS IDENTIFIED AS MONOHYDRO DERIVATIVE ... ANOTHER COMPOUND ... WAS ... KEPONE HYDRATE. A COMPOUND APPEARING IN SMALL AMOUNTS WAS IDENTIFIED AS MONOHYDROKEPONE HYDRATE.

Exposure to sunlight and UV light have indicated slow degradation; resulting cmpd incl ... undecachloropentacyclodecane, and nonachloropentacyclodecan-5-one hydrate.

Mirex does not contain functional groups that are susceptible to atmospheric degradation with photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals or ozone(1); however it may slowly undergo direct photolysis in sunlight conditions(2,3). Approximately 90% of the initial amount of mirex applied to silica gel plates and exposed to natural summer sunlight for 28 days was recovered undegraded(2). The 10% loss did not account for volatility and it was concluded that mirex is photostable for long periods of time. Minor amounts of kepone hydrate and small amounts of monohydrokepone were observed as photoproducts(2). A distilled water solution containing 1% acetonitrile with 33 ng/mL mirex, placed outdoors for 6 mo, showed loss of mirex with a first order rate constant of 3.7X10-3 day-1 which corresponds to a half-life of about 1 year assuming 12 hours a day sunlight(3). Kepone and several isomers of monohydromirex were identified as the phototransformation products(3). Mirex dissolved in water from Coyote Creek + 1% acetonitrile had a photolysis rate constant of 4.2X10-3 day-1 when exposed to sunlight, corresponding to a half-life of about 330 days assuming 12 hours a day sunlight(3). An initial mirex concn of 62 ng/L was exposed to summer sunlight for six weeks in Syracuse, NY (42 deg N). At the end of the study period the ratio of monohydromirex (photomirex) to mirex was 3.70(4). The ratio for an identical solution with an added 2 mg DOC/L of humic acid was 5.43(4).

Mirex at a concentration of 33 ng/mL did not hydrolyze after 1 months at 100 °C in a pure water solution of 1% acetonitrile with a pH of 7. Hydrolysis of halides by hydroxyl substitution is not important below a pH of 10(2). A first ordered rate constant of 1X10-10/sec at 25 °C was calculated based on the assumption that the experimental error was indeed a loss of mirex, which corresponds to a half-life of over 250 years(1).

THERE IS EVIDENCE FOR DEGRADATION OF MIREX TO CHLORDECONE (KEPONE) IN THE ENVIRONMENT. BOTH MIREX & KEPONE ARE HIGHLY PERSISTENT & HAVE HIGH LIPID:WATER PARTITION COEFFICIENTS & HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BIOCONCENTRATE SEVERAL THOUSANDFOLD IN FOOD CHAINS.

Data obtained from the terrestrial aquatic laboratory model ecosystem show that mirex predominated in all the organisms (alga, snail, mosquito & fish), with 98.6% of radiolabel in fish & 99.4% of radiolabel in snails attributable to mirex. Despite high light & temp levels, no mirex metabolites, other than small amounts of radioactivity in polar fraction, were seen. The ecological magnification (EM) values were 219 in fish & 1597 in snails (EM= concn of parent cmpd in organism/concn of parent cmpd in water).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for MIREX (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Procurement ... of unduly large amt ... should be avoided. To avoid spilling, carcinogens should be transported in securely sealed glass bottles or ampoules, which should themselves be placed inside strong screw-cap or snap-top container that will not open when dropped & will resist attack from the carcinogen. Both bottle & the outside container should be appropriately labelled. ... National post offices, railway companies, road haulage companies & airlines have regulations governing transport of hazardous materials. These authorities should be consulted before ... material is shipped. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": When no regulations exist, the following procedure must be adopted. The carcinogen should be enclosed in a securely sealed, watertight container (primary container), which should be enclosed in a second, unbreakable, leakproof container that will withstand chem attack from the carcinogen (secondary container). The space between primary & secondary container should be filled with absorbent material, which would withstand chem attack from the carcinogen & is sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary container in the event of breakage or leakage. Each secondary container should then be enclosed in a strong outer box. The space between the secondary container & the outer box should be filled with an appropriate quantity of shock-absorbent material. Sender should use fastest & most secure form of transport & notify recipient of its departure. If parcel is not received when expected, carrier should be informed so that immediate effort can be made to find it. Traffic schedules should be consulted to avoid ... arrival on weekend or holiday ... /Chemical Carcinogens/