Agent Name |
Lindane |
Alternative Name |
gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane |
CAS Number |
58-89-9 |
Formula |
C6-H6-Cl6 |
Major Category |
Pesticides |
Synonyms |
BHC; HCH; gamma isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane; Agrocide; Ambrocide; Aparasin; Aphitiria; Benesan; Benexane; Benhexachlor; Benzenehexachloride; BoreKil; Borer-Tox; Exagama; Gallogama; Gamaphex; gamma-BHC; Gamma-Col; gamma-HCH; Gammex; Gammexane; Gamasan; Gexane; Isotox; Jacutin; Kwell; Lindafor; Lindagronox; Lindaterra; Lindatox; Lintox; Lorexane; NewKotol; Noviagam; Quellada; Steward; Streunex; Tri-6; gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane |
Category |
Organochlorine Pesticides |
Description |
White to yellow, crystalline powder with a slight, musty odor. [pesticide]; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a scabicide/pesticide in humans and animals. [ACGIH] Was used as an insecticide on fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and forest crops; still used to treat head and body lice and scabies; [ATSDRToxFAQs] |
Comments |
Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis have been reported in patients chronically poisoned by lindane vapor from electrical vaporizers. [ACGIH] High-dose animal studies show that organochlorine insecticides can cause liver injury. [LaDou, p. 553] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in farmers; [Kanerva, p. 1158] Can cause immunologic contact urticaria; [Kanerva 2004, p. 102] |
Restricted |
Use as indoor smoke fumigant canceled in 1986; Use on agricultural crops and in dairy industry cancelled by EPA. [ACGIH] Not produced in the US since 1977; [ATSDR ToxFAQs] |
Reference Link |
EXTOXNET PIP - LINDANE |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
PEL (OSHA) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
MAK |
0.1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
50 mg/m3 |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: An oral dose of 150 mg/kg has been associated with grandmal seizures [Starr and Clifford 1972]. [Note: An oral dose of 150 mg/kg is equivalent to a 70�kg worker being exposed to 7,000 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.] It has also been stated that 7 to 15 grams is the dangerous acute dose [CDC 1956]. [Note: An oral dose of 7 to 15 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to 4,667 to 10,000 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.] |
Vapor Pressure |
1 x 10 -05 mm Hg |
Half Life |
Gamma-HCH (Lindane) is rapidly metabolized; beta-HCH has been detected in serum 10-15 years after exposure; [TDR, p. 753] |
Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Hexachlorocyclohexane |
Adverse Effects |
Anemia |
Anemia, Aplastic |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Other Poison |
Organochlorine Pesticide |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: LINDANE
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