Mirex
Agent Name
Mirex
CAS Number
2385-85-5
Formula
C10-Cl12
Major Category
Pesticides
Synonyms
1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene; 1,2,3,4,5,5-Hexachloro-1,3-cyclopentadiene dimer; 1,3,4-Metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene, dodecachlorooctahydro-; 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,3,4,5,5-hexachloro-, dimer; 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,3,4,5,5-hexachloro-, dimer (VAN); Bichlorendo; CG-1283; Cyclopentadiene, hexachloro-, dimer; Dechlorane; Dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta(cd)pentalene; Dodecachloropentacyclo(3.2.2.0(sup 2,6),0(sup 3,9),0(sup 5,10))decane; Dodecachloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8))decane; Dodecachloropentacyclodecane; Dodecaclor; ENT 25,719; Ferriamicide; Fire Ant Bait; GC 1283; HRS 1276; HRS l276; Hexachlorocyclopentadiene dimer; Paramex; Pentacyclodecane, dodecachloro-; Perchlordecone; Perchlorodihomocubane; Perchloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(5,8))decane; Perchloropentacyclo(5.2.1.0(sup 2,6).0(sup 3,9).0(sup 5,8))decane; Perchloropentacyclo(5.3.0.0(2,6).0(3,9).0(4,8))decane; Perchloropentacyclodecane; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organochlorine Pesticides
Description
Snow-white odorless solid; [Merck Index]
Sources/Uses
Used formerly as fire retardant for plastics, rubber, paint, paper, and electrical products and as insecticide for fire ants; [Merck Index] All US production and uses ceased in the late 1970’s; [HSDB]
Comments
High-dose animal studies show that organochlorine insecticides can cause liver injury. [LaDou, p. 593] Causes moderate skin irritation, CNS stimulation, and liver injury; [HSDB]
Restricted
All U.S. registrations cancelled; [EPA Pesticides, p. 56]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Bioaccumulates
Yes
Vapor Pressure
8E-07 mm Hg
Reference Link #2
Adverse Effects
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
NTP Carcinogen
Anticipated human carcinogen
Other Poison
Organochlorine
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: