Download Lindane: Organophasphate Chemical

Lindane:
A Toxicological Profile
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (2005): http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp43.pdf
Uses of Lindane
 Agricultural
Pesticide …
– 1940s – registered as an agricultural
insecticide and fumigant
– regulated by the Environmental
Protection Agency
 Pharmaceutical
…
– 1951 – approved for medical use
– Regulated by Food and Drug
Administration
Lindane: “Restricted Use” Insecticide
 This
means…
– It can only be applied by licensed and
certified applicators
– Amounts in drinking water restricted
– Is a hazardous waste which must meet
certain disposal requirements
 OSHA
(Occupational Safety and
Health Administration) regulates
allowable workplace levels
More about Lindane as an
Agricultural Insecticide …
– Has not been produced in US since 1976
– Has been imported for use on fruits,
vegetables and forest crops
– Residue has been found in 189 of the
Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) National Priority List (NPL) sites
(out of a total of 1,662)
– Is a persistent organic pollutant
More about Lindane as a
Medication …
 Obtained
by prescription
 Available as lotion, cream or
shampoo
 Used to treat scabies (mites) and lice
in humans
Sources of Exposure to Lindane
 The
public
– Ingestion: contaminated food and water
– Inhalation: contaminated air
– Absorption: contaminated soil and
medical uses (creams, lotions or
shampoos)
 Workers
– May be involved in the formulation of
products using this chemical
Potential Adverse Effects of
Lindane Exposures

Gastrointestinal:
– Nausea and vomiting following ingestion, and
occasionally dermal exposures

Neurological effects:
– hyperexcitability, headaches, seizures,
convulsions
– can lead to death
Skin rashes from topical exposures
 Other possible effects include (data limited):

– hepatic toxicity
– immune problems
– Cancer
Some other Facts about Lindane
In 2006, EPA called for voluntary
cancellation of agricultural uses of Lindane
 In 2002, State of California banned
pharmaceutical use – other states
considering a ban or restriction
 As of 2006, is banned in 52 countries,
restricted in 33, not registered in 10,
registered in 17 (including the US)

Preventing Adverse Effects of
Lindane Medical Products
 Never
use on infants or on anyone
weighing less than 50 kg (110 lbs)
 Do not use on persons with seizure
disorders
 Use alternative treatments first
 Keep out of the reach of children
Examples of Alternative Treatments
for Lice and Scabies
Scabies:
- permethrin cream 5% (Acticine,
Elimite, Nix)
- crotamiton cream (Eurax)
Lice:
- malathion lotion 0.5% (Ovide,
prescription only)
- pyrethrum 0.33% with piperonyl
butoxide shampoo and cream rinse
- permethrin cream rinse 1% (Nix and
Rid)
For further information…
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US Department of Health and Human Services
(USDHHS), Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry Report (ATSDR) (2005):
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp43.pdf
Call ATSDR at 1-800-42ATSDR (1-800-422-8737)
Email at [email protected]
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Lindane Assessment Memorandum (posted in
2003)
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/lindane/li
ndanememoassessment.pdf