Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) are a group of manufactured
chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. HCH has eight chemical forms (called isomers). The four most common are alpha-, beta-, gamma, and delta-HCH. The most common of these is gamma-HCH (also known as lindane). Lindane is a white solid substance that may evaporate into the air as a colorless vapor with a slightly musty odor. It is the common form of hexachlorocyclohexane.
Lindane was used as an insecticide on fruit and vegetable crops (including greenhouse vegetables and
tobacco) and forest crops (including Christmas trees). It is still used in ointments to treat head and body lice, and scabies.
Lindane has not been produced in the United States since 1977. It is still imported to and formulated in the United States.
Exposure to hexachlorocyclohexanes happens mostly from eating
contaminated foods or by
breathing contaminated air in the
workplace. Exposure to high levels of hexachlorocyclohexanes can cause
blood disorders,
headaches,
dizziness,
seizures, and changes in the levels of sex
hormones. These substances have been found in at least 144 of the 1,467 National Priorities List
sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
See a doctor if you have been harmed by this substance. In addition, it
may be important to
contact an attorney who
can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there
may be
timelimits within which you must commence suit.
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Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Balance Problems: Overview
- Blood Disorders: Overview
- Cancer
- Headaches
- Immune Disorders
- Kidney & Urinary Tract Disorders
- Liver Problems
- Reproductive System: Overview
- Seizures: Overview
- Hexachlorocyclohexanes: Frequently Asked Questions