Table of Content - SPREP

Effects to Samoa’s Environment:
POPs Assessment for Samoa
Chlordane is no longer imported in Samoa as ICON and COOPEX (both synthetic pyrethroids) are
now used for termite and ant control for houses
• There are no current stockpiles of chlordane found in the Samoa.
• Soil sampling show chlordane in only two locations,
o The Island Pest Control site in Vaivase has elevated contamination in relation to
USEPA guidelines for residential areas
o The ASC storage facility in Vaitele show extremely high contamination at the
docking and loading area
• One marine sample found chlordane detection that exceeds marine organism guidelines
Since chlordane is not manufactured in Samoa, its source of contamination to Samoa’s environment
is primarily from the imported chemical use. Tests results confirmed contamination sites as
primarily dealers and pest control business in the country. These contaminations were from poor
management and the lack of training for the employees involved with handling of the chemical.
The scope of chlordane contamination in Samoa is very limited and very manageable if assistance
is obtained for the cleanup of two highly contaminated sites.
The presence of chlordane in one marine sample from the Vaiusu Bay area is expected since the
area is the main outlet for all the western Apia watersheds and Apia Township. Since chlordane is
no longer imported it is expected that the bioaccumulation value will decrease over the years.
Nevertheless, more sampling should be done in this area because of the high fishing and shellfish
value.
Recommended Actions:
1. To continue the ban on importation of chlordane into the country
2. Fence or cementing the contaminated sites at ASC Vaitele and Island Pest Control in
Vaivase from further human and animal access, while actions are undertaken to dispose of
the contamination
3. Further sampling to be undertaken on marine organisms from the Vaiusu Bay.
7.3 DDT
DDT chemical properties
CAS Chemical Name: 1,1’-(2,2,2-Trichloroethylidene)bis(4-chlorobenzene)
Synonyms and Trade Names (partial list): Agritan, Anofex, Arkotine, Azotox, Bosan Supra,
Bovidermol, Chlorophenothan, Chloropenothane, Clorophenotoxum, Citox, Clofenotane, Dedelo,
Deoval, Detox, Detoxan, Dibovan, Dicophane, Didigam, Didimac, Dodat, Dykol, Estonate,
Genitox, Gesafid, Gesapon, Gesarex, Gesarol, Guesapon, Gyron, Havero-extra, Ivotan, Ixodex,
Kopsol, Mutoxin, Neocid, Parachlorocidum, Pentachlorin, Pentech, PPzeidan, Rudseam,
Santobane, Zeidane, Zerdane.
CAS No.: 50-29-3; molecular formula: C14H9Cl5; formula weight: 354.49.
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Prepared by PECL on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
April 2004