Climbazole (CZ) could be effectively degraded under UV-254 irradiation.
CZ underwent direct and self-sensitized photolysis involving ROS.
The main photodegradation by-products of CZ were identified and semi-quantitated.
Pathway includes hydroxylative dechlorination, dechlorination, and de-pinacolone.
The toxicity of the photodegradation system reduced after UV-254 irradiation.