Mirex facts for kids
Mirex is a man-made chemical that was once sold to kill insects. It was later stopped from being used because it was harmful to the environment. This chemical is a white powder with no smell.
Mirex was used a lot to control fire ants. However, it was very strong and didn't break down easily. It could also build up in living things, making it a harmful pollutant.
Contents
What is Mirex?
Mirex is a type of chemical called a chlorinated hydrocarbon. It was created in laboratories and used as an insecticide, which means it was designed to kill insects. It looks like a white powder and doesn't have any smell.
Why Mirex Was Used
Mirex became popular because it was very effective at controlling fire ants. These ants can be a big problem, especially in the southern United States, because they can sting people and animals. Farmers and homeowners used Mirex to try and get rid of them.
How Mirex Harmed Nature
Even though Mirex was good at killing fire ants, it caused many problems for the environment.
A Pollutant That Stays Around
Mirex was very strong and didn't break down easily in nature. This meant it stayed in the environment for a long time. It could also build up in the bodies of animals, moving up the food chain. For example, small insects might eat Mirex, then birds might eat those insects, and the Mirex would build up in the birds' bodies. This made it a persistent organic pollutant.
The Problem with Fire Ants
Surprisingly, using Mirex actually helped the red imported fire ant spread even more! This happened because Mirex also killed other types of native ants. These native ants usually competed with the fire ants for food and space. When the native ants were gone, the fire ants had less competition and could spread more easily.
When Mirex Was Banned
Because of its harmful effects on the environment and its ability to build up in living things, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stopped the use of Mirex in 1976. The EPA is a government agency in the U.S. that works to protect human health and the environment.
See also
In Spanish: Mirex para niños
