ARAMITE

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.