Table of Content - SPREP

POPs Assessment for Samoa
It is believed to have been used in Samoa for termite control in the past. Heptachlor epoxide is not
produced commercially, but rather is formed by the chemical and biological transformation of
heptachlor in the environment.
The world's last producer of heptachlor, the U.S.-based Velsicol chemical corporation, announced
in 1997 that it would permanently cease production. Limited amounts were imported into the
country for pest control mainly for termites in buildings. Importers of heptachlor in the past had
ceased importation of this chemical as Lambda-cyhalothrin also known as ICON (registered here;
or Karate) is being used as an alternative.
Sources and Sectors
Known and suspected sources include:
• Contaminated soils from historical applications;
• Atmospheric transport;
• Contaminated building materials from termiticide application; and
• Hazardous waste sites associated with storage, distribution, transfer, or use.
Exposure and Health Effects
Human exposure to heptachlor is mainly through ingestion of food with residues of the compound
and through inhalation in homes sprayed with heptachlor as an insecticide. Heptachlor and its
epoxide (heptachlor epoxide) cause the following health effects when people are exposed to it at
levels above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for relatively short periods of time: liver and
central nervous system damage. Long term effects include extensive liver damage and cancer.
Effects to Samoa’s Environment:
Since heptachlor is not manufactured in Samoa, and its limited use in the past, there is no real threat
of Heptachlor contamination in Samoa’s environment and to the population. Heptachlor is no
longer imported into the country. Contamination sites were confirmed from soil analysis in New
Zealand. Two sites with major contamination were confirmed as possible spills from loading,
unloading and handling of the chemical. The contamination sites are localized and therefore very
manageable for cleanup. No stockpiles of heptachlor exist in Samoa
• three of the sampled sites which are storage and handling sites of the importers and pest
controllers had traces of heptachlor, albeit two are above safety guidelines for commercial
areas
Recommended Actions:
1. Continue the ban on heptachlor importation, by using the existing alternatives for ant and
termite controls of Permakil, ICON and COOPEX
2. Advise contaminated sites for actions on clean up or sealing of areas from further access by
humans and animals
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Prepared by PECL on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
April 2004