Chlordecone

Alternatives to chlordecone exist and can be implemented inexpensively. Many countries have already banned its sale and use. The main objective to phase out chlordecone would be to identify and manage obsolete stockpiles and wastes.

Note that following information is extracted from the risk management evaluation document (UNEP-POPS-POPRC.3-20-Add.2).

Information on alternative pesticides has been reported from Canada and USA. France has provided information related to the use of Chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique. It should be noted that the chemical alternatives mentioned below are not concluded as safe or recommended by the POP Review Committee.

Available alternatives 

According to Environment Canada, several alternatives to the pesticide uses of Chlordecone are currently registered and in use in Canada:

  • Banana root borer: ethoprop, oxamyl.
  • Tobacco wireworms: cyfluthrin, imidacloprid.
  • Ants and/or cockroaches: azadirachtin, bifenthrin, boric acid, carbaryl, capsaicin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, diazinon, ichlorvos,esfenvalerate, imidacloprid, lamda-cyhalothrin, malathion, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins, pyriproxyfen, resmethrin, s-bioallerthrin,tetramethrin.

An assessment of these alternatives has not been provided by the USEPA.

According to a French study on the use of Chlordecone in the French Antilles (Beaugrande et al., 2005), the farmers used the following substances as substitutes after the use of Chlordecone had been stopped:

  • Aldicarb 
  • Isophenphos
  • Phenamiphos
  • Cadusaphos
  • Terbuphos
For further information, please refer to 
  • UNEP/POPS/POPRC.5/10/Add.1 – General guidance on considerations related to alternatives and substitutes for listed persistent organic pollutants and candidate chemicals
  • Risk profile ArChEnFrRuSp (PDF)
  • Risk management evaluation ArChEnFrRuSp (PDF)