An organic compound that was manufactured for use as an insecticide against imported fire ants and, secondarily, as a fire retardant for plastics, rubber, paint, paper, and electrical products. It has a molecular weight of 545.59 and consists of twelve chlorine atoms attached to a ten carbon cage. Its full name is dodecachloro-octahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H -cyclobuta[c,d]pentalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified it as a carcinogen. Mirex can be degraded to the toxic pesticide Kepone in the environment. Due to discharges from manufacturing facilities in the state of New York, it is found in the water, sediments, and biota of Lake Ontario at levels of concern.

See Also

Cancer; Great Lakes; Toxic Substance