Prepared by: Alejandro Dy Kristin Labasan III-BSCT

α-hexachlorocyclohexane

β-hexachlorocyclohexane

γ-hexachlorocyclohexane

Introduction Isomers: α, β, γ Formula: C 6 H 6 Cl 6 Mol. Mass: g/mol Half-Life: 18 hours

Isomers Lindane is the gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane ("γ-HCH") In addition to the issue of lindane pollution are concerns related to the other isomers of HCH, namely α-HCH and β-HCH, which are notably more toxic than lindane, lack its insecticidal properties, and are by products of lindane production

Lindane Lindane is an organochlorine chemical variant of hexachlorocyclohexane that has been used both as an agricultural insecticide and as a pharmaceutical treatment for lice and scabies. The chemical was originally synthesised in 1825 by Faraday, but its pesticidal action was discovered only in 1942, after which lindane production, by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd (ICI), and use started up in the United Kingdom.

Lindane It has been used to treat food crops and to forestry products, as a seed treatment, a soil treatment, and to treat livestock and pets. It has also been used as pharmaceutical treatment for lice and scabies, formulated as a shampoo or lotion By November 2006, the use of lindane had been banned in 52 countries and restricted in 33 others. Seventeen countries, including the US and Canada, allowed either limited agricultural or pharmaceutical use

Lindane Toxicity Lindane is a neurotoxin that interferes with GABA neurotransmitter function by interacting with the GABA A receptor-chloride channel complex at the picrotoxin binding site. In humans, lindane affects the nervous system, liver and kidneys, and may be a carcinogen. It is unclear whether lindane is an endocrine disruptor Enhanced absorption and increased risk of toxicity with oils and oil-based preparations. Potentially Fatal: Increased toxicity with drugs that lower seizure threshold e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics, ciclosporin, isoniazid

Human Health Harms Lindane's body burden is a significant concern given its effects on human health — especially the nervous system. Human exposure to lindane is linked to a number of health impacts: Neurological Effects: Humans exposed accidentally to high levels of lindane have experienced seizures, convulsions, vertigo, and abnormal EEG patterns Cancer: Lindane is associated with elevated risks of non Hodgkin's lymphoma, liver, and breast cancer.

Human Health Harms Endocrine Disruption: Lindane has been reported to interfere the hormone levels of human males exposed to the insecticide In labratory studies, lindane mimicks estrogen in female rats and mice Reproductive Effects: Pregnant women who miscarried or had pre-term babies had higher levels of lindane as well as other organochlorine pesticides in their blood.

Human Health Harms Lindane is also linked to reduced sperm counts, and decreased ovulation in animal studies Immunological Effects: Lindane is thought to impact the human immune system. Workers exposed to lindane experienced increased levels of antibodies in their blood Liver Toxicity: Exposure to lindane is linked to increased levels of liver enzymes, increased liver weight and liver toxicity

Environmental Hazard In the 1940s and 1950s lindane producers stockpiled these isomers in open heaps, which led to ground and water contamination. Lindane is an organochlorine, a class of pesticides that are notorious for their toxicity, mobility, and persistence in the environment Every ton of lindane manufactured produces about 9 tons of toxic waste

Environmental Hazard Lindane is a persistent organic pollutant: it is relatively long-lived in the environment, it is transported long distances by natural processes like global distillation, and it can bioaccumulate in food chains, though it is rapidly eliminated when exposure is discontinued

Treatment Dermal decontamination is a priority. Remove clothes. Wash skin with soap and water Activated charcoal is emergency treatment in poisoning caused by drugs and chemicals