1. A persistent synthetic insecticide and flame retardant chemical that was widely used in agriculture and industry but is now banned in many countries due to environmental and health concerns.
Usage: technical; chemistry; environmental science

Examples

• Mirex was commonly used as a pesticide for fire ants before its ban in the United States.
• The chemical mirex persists in the environment for decades after application.
• Scientists have detected mirex residues in wildlife and human tissue samples.
• Mirex was also used as a flame retardant in electrical equipment and plastics.
• The EPA restricted mirex use due to its bioaccumulation in food chains.