Description
Aramite is a synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon with molecular
weight of 334.87 and density of 1.143 at 20°C. It is a clear,
light-colored oil with melting point of 37.3 C and boiling
point of 175 °C at 0.1 mm Hg. The technical grade aramite is
a dark amber liquid. Aramite is soluble at 0.000 1% (practically
insoluble) in water but is miscible in many organic solvents. It
was sold as mixture in organic solvents at different strengths for
further dilution and use. Aramite was used as a pesticide
(acaricide) to control mites in plants and animals. Aramite was
initially introduced to market around 1950. It was mostly used
between 1950 and 1954 in greenhouses in the United States. Its
manufacture and use were voluntarily discontinued due to its
carcinogenic potential according to a US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) notice dated 12 April 1977. However,
there are reports of bans of aramite use in a few European
countries, in 1987 (Lithuania), 1996 (Poland), and 1999
(Estonia). There is no information on the production, import,
registration, marketing, stockpiling, and use of aramite in Russia. Occupational exposure through dermal contact and
inhalation was possible during its use.
Chemical Properties
Aramite is a heavy, dark-amber liquid.
Uses
Aramite was formerly used in control of mites (miticide) in
citrus fruits, vegetables, and animals. Active mite stage was
most sensitive to aramite toxicity. The death in mites was due to
paralysis and disorganized movements of appendages, leading
to detachment from the plant. Insects and mites other than
Tetracychidae are not as sensitive to aramite. Mites exposed in
the field to up to 21 applications were not found to develop
resistance in mites, unlike other organochlorines where insects
develop resistance rapidly. Aramite is rendered inactive when
mixed with lime and other alkaline materials. Aramite was used
in combination of other pesticides to control a wide range of
mite species.
Definition
ChEBI: Aramite is an alkylbenzene.
General Description
Aramite is a carcinogenic acaricide, widely used against six spotted mite, European red mite and others affecting crops.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, and tumorigenic data. Experimental poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic to humans by ingestion. Moderately toxic experimentally by ingestion. Experimental reproductive effects. A pesticide. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cland SOx. See also ESTERS and SULFUROUS ACID.
Potential Exposure
Aramite is an organochlorine miticide
and antimicrobial agent. Aramite is regulated by EPA
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The
significant regulatory action was a voluntary cancellation
of the active ingredient registration by the sole producer in
1975.
Shipping
UN2902 Pesticides, liquid, toxic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical
Name Required.
Toxicity evaluation
Aramite can be released directly into the environment through
its use as an acaricide (miticide); however, this use has been
discontinued. If released to soil, aramite is expected to have no
mobility. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected
to be an important fate process based on an estimated Henry’s
Law constant of 1.9×10
-7 atm m3 mol
-1. Biodegradation
data for aramite are not available, and if released into water,
aramite is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediments based upon the estimated Koc of 2.0×10
+4. Volatilization
from water surfaces is not expected to be an important
fate process based on this compound’s estimated Henry’s Law
constant. Aramite’s potential for bioconcentration in aquatic
organisms is very high. Functional groups of aramite are
susceptible to hydrolysis; however, insufficient data are available
to predict the relative importance or occurrence of chemical
or biological degradation processes in water or soil.
Aramite is hydrolyzed by alkalies and may contribute to
degradation in soil or water. If released into air, aramite is expected
to be physically removed by wet and dry deposition
processes.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with alkaline material,
such as lime or Bordeaux mixture (slaked lime and copper
sulfate solution).
Waste Disposal
Acid or alkaline hydrolysis
followed by flushing to sewer.
