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Lindane Facts “...Lindane can no longer be purchased to treat pests on animals, yet it can still be purchased to be used on our children.” (1) “Based on federal safety benchmarks for clean drinking water, a single use of lindane shampoo contaminates an estimated six million gallons of water.” (2) Used To Control: Insects Use and ExposureLindane is an organochlorine pesticide, one of a group of chemicals called hexachlorocyclohexanes. It is used agriculturally to protect seeds against pests, and to kill insects in soil, and pharmaceutically in lice and scabies shampoos. Lindane is persistent in the environment and does not break down easily, so even though its use has decreased, it is still found in the environment worldwide. Lindane contaminates surface and ground water. It is not manufactured in the U.S., but is imported and used in products. It is banned or restricted in 40 countries. People can be exposed to lindane through the skin when using lindane shampoo, breathing air near places where lindane products are made, eating contaminated foods and drinking contaminated water (3). Approximately 233,000 pounds of active ingredient of lindane are used annually in the U.S. for seed treatment. (4) In California, 4,738 pounds of lindane were used in 2000. The main crops and areas treated were sugarbeets, broccoli, dried beans and landscaping (5). Information on the pharmaceutical use is difficult to obtain, but in 1992 (the most recent year for which we have information), an estimated 2.3 million prescriptions were filled in the U.S. for lice shampoos containing lindane (1). Health EffectsLindane is acutely toxic, particularly to the nervous system. High exposure causes tremors, convulsions, touch hypersensitivity and other effects (6). Exposure to lindane damages the kidneys and liver as well as the nervous system. It is a probable carcinogen and a suspected endocrine disruptor, interfering with the natural function of estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormones. It is unclear whether it is a reproductive toxicant. Companies That Manufacture Products Containing LindaneInquinosa Internacional SA, AGSCO Inc, Prentiss Inc, Wilbur-Ellis Co, Gustafason, Platt Chemical, Trace Chemicals, Inc, Wilfarm LLC, ORCAL Inc, Drexel Company, ZENECA Corp (6) References(1) County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2000. AB2318 (Lowenthal):
Prohibition on Use of Lindane to Treat Head Lice and Scabies (Fact Sheet).
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