What is Lindane?
Lindane is an organic compound produced as a white solid from hexachlorocyclohexane for use as an insecticide. Also known as gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, benzene hexachloride, and Gammallin, lindane is also used in the preparation of prescription-based shampoos and creams to treat scabies and lice. Lindane is classified as a neurotoxin and is a suspected carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. Its mechanism of action is to block an important neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at receptor sites. As a pharmaceutical, lindane products are required to be labeled with a “black box warning” in the United States. This is a cautionary statement that improper use of the product may cause harm to infants, children, the elderly, those with certain skin conditions, or weighing less than 110 pounds (50 kg). The warning also advises that lindane products must not be used at all on premature infants or those with seizure disorders. Although lindane has not been manufactured in the U.S
Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane) is a synthetic chemical used to kill insects (insecticide). It kills insects on contact since it can be directly absorbed into the insects and their eggs. Lindane can also kill insects by acting as a stomach poison when eaten. What is the history of lindane’s use? Lindane was first produced for commercial use in the United States (U.S.) in 1950. It was used in agriculture as a spray for foliage, to treat soil and seed grains, and in baits for rodent pests. Lindane can kill a broad range of insects including worms that eat leaves, insects that live in the soil, and human and animal parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice. It was also used in treatments for scabies and mange. Besides its agricultural uses, lindane was used in forestry for wood and timber protection, and as a household insecticide. Lindane has been used in small amounts (1%) in shampoos and lotions to control head lice and scabies for humans, and as an insecticide in dog dips and sham
