Mirex and chlordecone are two separate, but chemically similar, manufactured insecticides that do not occur naturally in the environment. Mirex is a white crystalline solid, and chlordecone is a tan-white crystalline solid. Both chemicals are odourless. Mirex and chlordecone have not been manufactured or used in the United States since 1978. Mirex was used to control fire ants and as a flame retardant in plastics, rubber, paint, paper, and electrical goods from 1959 to 1972. Chlordecone was used as an insecticide on tobacco, ornamental shrubs, bananas, and citrus trees and in ant and roach traps. Mirex was sold as a flame retardant under the trade name Dechlorane, and chlordecone was also known as Kepone. Mirex and chlordecone break down slowly in the environment, and they may stay for years in soil and water. Mirex is not readily decomposed chemically or biologically and is relatively persistent.
