Mirex

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A white, stable, odorless, synthetic, crystalline solid chlorinated hydrocarbon. Mirex was used as an insecticide against ants and as a fire-retardant for plastics, paint, rubber, paper and electrical appliances, but it is no longer produced or used in the US. Exposure to Mirex irritates the skin and eyes and causes a headache as well as dizziness, nausea and vomiting and affects the central nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. Mirex is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-Dodecachloro-octahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclbuta[cd]pentalene - CG-1283 - Dechlorane - ENT-025719 - Hexachloropentadiene Dimer - MIREX - Perchloropentacyclodecane