LINDANE (Hexachlorocyclohexane)

What is Lindane?

Alpha- and Delta- Hexachlorocyclohexane are chemicals found in lindane which is commonly known as benzene hexachloride and HCH or BHC. Lindane is a white solid that may evaporate into air and has a slight musty odor. Although lindane is no longer produced in the United States, it continues to be imported and formulated in the United States for use there and in other countries. Lindane is a bioaccumulative chemical of concern (BCC) targeted by the Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative (GLI).

Why Are We Concerned About Lindane?

Because lindane is bioaccumulative, it does not break down easily in our environment and becomes more concentrated as it moves up the food chain to humans and other animals.

What Can You Do to Help?

You can help make the Great Lakes safe again by supporting speedy state adoption of the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI). Whether the chemical is banned or currently used, the GLI will tell us how much we have to clean up, work for pollution prevention, change policy, or work internationally to make our Great Lakes healthy. For more information on how you can become part of the solution, contact Campus Ecology for your Great Lakes Initiative Activist Kit at 313-769-9970 or Midwest@nwf.org or 506 E. Liberty, second floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2210.

What harmful effects can Lindane have on us?

• May cause cancer
• Reduces reproductive success
• Affects the central nervous system
• Alters sexual maturation in children
• Causes an increase in stillbirths
• Damages the liver

How are we exposed to Lindane?

• In workplace air

• Breathing air surrounding plants where products using lindane are made

• By eating plants, meat, milk, or water that contain forms of lindane

• If used as a skin lotion to treat lice and/or scabies

Where can Lindane be found?

Past uses:

• Insecticide on fruit, vegetable, and forest crops
• Household fumigant
• Insecticide on ornamentals and tobacco plants
• Used in feed storage areas
• Used for domestic outdoor and indoor uses by homeowners
• Used in commercial warehouses

Potential Sources to our Environment:

• Lindane in the air falls into our water via rain, snow, etc.
• Restricted use as a pesticide
• Restrictions on use for structural treatment
• Use on homeowner ornamentals
• Use on hardwood logs and lumber
• Soil and surface water near hazardous waste sites
• Runoff from soil and plants into water
• Improper use or disposal
• Dog shampoos
• Other household uses
• Seed treatment
• Moth sprays