Hexachlorocyclohexane

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practical to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.

Appropriate engineering controls: Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Acute Oral: 0.003 mg/kg/day (L134) Intermediate Oral: 0.00001 mg/kg/day (L134)

Acute Oral: 0.05 mg/kg/day (L134) Intermediate Oral: 0.0006 mg/kg/day (L134)

Chronic Oral: 0.008 mg/kg/day (L134)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) or type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... Gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they are not to be worn outside the laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Human milk samples from Porto Alegre, Brazil collected 1987 to 1988, had hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) concentrations of 0.07-5.84 ug/g fat(1). It was detected in human breast milk collected Nov 1994-Mar 1995 from Veracruz, Mexico at 0.141-1.661 mg/kg fat with a mean value of 0.579 mg/kg (urban samples, 0.387 mg/kg; suburban samples, 0.806 mg/kg)(2). HCH was detected in human breast milk samples collected Dec 2005 to Feb 2006 from 38 breast-feeding mothers from Yucatan, Mexico at a mean concentration of 753.67 ng/g lipid(3). The concentration range of HCH in 54 samples of mothers milk collected from 2001-2003 in England was 1.2-1500 ng/g lipid(4). HCH was detected in 16 of 31 human milk samples collected in Cairo, Egypt in May 1987 at a mean and range of 9.49 and 1.00-26.90 ppb, respectively(5). HCH was detected in 22 of 31 and 9 of 11 human milk from Kafr El-Zayat and Abo El Rish, Egypt at 2.60-1862 and <1-1013 ppb, respectively, samples were collected Jan-Feb 1994(6). The level of HCHs was measured in breast milk from 87 Tunisian mothers throughout their lactation period; it was detected at not detected to 1.375 mg/kg lipid(7). HCH was detected in 47 and 82 human milk samples collected from lactating women in Ludhiana and Faridkot, Punjab, India at respective mean concentrations of 0.108 and 0.220 ug/g whole milk basis(8). In 40 human breast milk samples collected April-June 1991 from Tebriz, Iran, HCH was detected at 0.093-3.430 mg/kg fat(9). Human milk samples collected 1995-1996 in two regions in Turkey had a mean HCH concentration of 0.457 mg/kg fat(10). In human breast milk samples collected Sept 2007 to April 2008 from 50 first time mothers and 50 mothers that had other children previously living in the Antalya, Turkey area for at least 5 years, HCH was reported at concentrations of not detected to 2460 and not detected to 2210 ng/g lipid basis, respectively(11). HCH was detected at a mean of 3.4 ng/g lipid in 36 human milk samples collected in 2000-2001 from women living in Taiwan(12). HCH was detected in human milk samples collected June 2005 to July 2007 from women in Shenyang and Beijing, China, at 28-2000 and 38-1100 ng/g fat, respectively(13).

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) was found in the blood of people tested in Veracruz, Mexico with a mean concentration of 1.6 ng/L(1). HCH was detected in 60 maternal blood and 60 umbilical cord serum samples collected in Veracruz, Mexico at average concentrations of 1.6 and 0.8 ng/mL, respectively(2). Whole blood samples collected in India in 1992 from 47 occupationally exposed workers and 37 general population contained HCH at a concentration range of 33.43-231.8 and 8.36-33.17 ug/L, respectively(3). HCH was detected in blood serum, breast milk and adipose tissue collected from persons living in Delhi, India during 1988 to 1989 at mean concentrations of 1.6 mg/L, 0.75 mg/L and 0.57 mg/kg, respectively(4). HCH was detected in 25 samples of maternal and cord serum at mean concentrations of 0.050 and 0.033 mg/L, respectively, samples were collected in Delhi, India(5). The mean concentration of HCHs in whole blood of occupationally exposed and the general population of India collected in Aug 1994 was 1.19 and 0.89 ug/L, respectively(6). In maternal and cord blood samples collected Jan 2006-Sept 2007 from Delhi, India, HCH was detected at 0.98-25.39 and 0.91-22.03 ng/mL, respectively(7). Human blood samples collected 2009 from 30 males and females from Bangalore City, Kamataka, India contained HCH at 9.81-86.5 ug/L(8).

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) was detected in human adipose tissue in the general population of the US at 0.02 ppm in 1970(1). HCH was detected in fat tissue of 183 healthy children, age 0 to 15.6 years, from Germany from Feb 1985 to Mar 1988 at a mean and median concentration of 0.092 and 0.058 mg/kg fat tissue, respectively(2). HCH was detected in adipose tissue samples collected in Ankara, Turkey in 1991 and 1992 at a mean concentration of 1.539 mg/kg extracted fat basis, range of 0.271-5.276 mg/kg extracted fat basis(3). It was detected in adipose tissue samples collected from Tebriz, Iran in 1991 and 1992 at a mean concentration of 0.767 mg/kg extracted fat basis, range of 0.104-2.371 mg/kg extracted fat basis(4). HCH was detected in 55 human adipose tissue samples from Punjab, India at less than detection limit to 33.91 mg/kg(5). HCH was detected in adipose samples collected in the early 1980's from 53 people in Poznan district of Poland at 0.099-0.711 ppm(6). HCH was detected in human adipose tissue in the general population of Skierniewice, Poland at 250-740 ng/g in 1979 and at 110-340 ng/g in 1990 from the general population of Gdansk, Poland(7). HCH was found in adipose tissue of people living in Veracruz, Mexico in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1997 with mean concentrations of 0.77, 0.38, 0.67, 0.39, 0.82 and 0.18 mg/kg fat, respectively(8).

Hexachlorocyclohexane was detected in human adipose tissue samples collected April 2008 to June 2009 from three regions of Southeast China at the following concentrations(1):[Table#3326]

Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) were found in the hair from people in Greece, Romania and Belgium with mean concentrations of 40.8, 31.8 and 14.7 ng/g hair, respectively(1). Hair samples collected 2002 to 2003 from adolescents (20 girls, 22 boys) from Iassy County, Romania contained HCH at 12.8-463 ng/g(2). HCH was detected in adipose, liver and bile samples collected from 22 residence of Japan at 47-3200, 260-2300 and 370-1300 ng/g lipid weight, respectively(3).

Hexachlorocyclohexane poisoning is treated symptomatically. Gastric lavage, followed by the administration of activated charcoal, may be performed upon ingestion. (L148)

Hexachlorocyclohexane poisoning is treated symptomatically. Gastric lavage, followed by the administration of activated charcoal, may be performed upon ingestion. (L148)

Hexachlorocyclohexane poisoning is treated symptomatically. Gastric lavage, followed by the administration of activated charcoal, may be performed upon ingestion. (L148)

Hexachlorocyclohexane poisoning is treated symptomatically. Gastric lavage, followed by the administration of activated charcoal, may be performed upon ingestion. (L148)

Hexachlorocyclohexane poisoning is treated symptomatically. Gastric lavage, followed by the administration of activated charcoal, may be performed upon ingestion. (L148)

Pentylenetetrazol-antagonistic action was a property of 4 isomers tested orally for their ability to reduce the sensitivity of rats to the convulsant action of pentylenetetrazol. Minimally effective concn of HCH in rat brain was on order of beta-HCH greater than gamma-HCH greater than delta-HCH which was greater than alpha-HCH.

... Xylene, used as solvent in commercial sheep-dip concentrate, enhances the toxicity of HCH.

The action of hexachlorocyclohexane and chlorpropham alone and in combination was observed in male albino rats. The animals were given daily oral doses of hexachlorocyclohexane at 60 mg/kg/day, chlorpropham at 50 mg/kg/day, or hexachlorocyclohexane at 60 mg/kg/day plus chlorpropham at 50 mg/kg/day for 30 days. No significant clinical symptoms of toxicity or death were noted in animals exposed to either of the chemicals alone or together for the 30 day period at these dose levels. The liver showed a significant weight increase after the combined treatment and after treatment with hexachlorocyclohexane. Treatment with chlorpropham alone caused a decrease in liver weight. HCH alone caused a decrease in aspartate-aminotransferase activity of the liver, but no such changes were noted with other treatments. The activity of liver alanine-aminotransferase was lowered significantly after chlorpropham treatment, while the enzyme activity increased substantially after hexachlorocyclohexane plus chlorpropham treatments. The activity of alkaline-phosphatase in liver and serum revealed a consistently significant rise after all treatments. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase recorded a marked decrease after chlorpropham and hexachlorocyclohexane alone, but not with their combination. No significant morphological changes were noted in the vital organs following any of the treatments, nor was there any change in the level of hemoglobin or red and white blood cell counts in the different treatment groups.

Repeated dermal application of hexachlorocyclohexane (100 mg/kg/day) or methyl parathion (2 mg/kg/day) individually or in combination for 7, 15 and 30 days produced pathomorphological changes in skin, liver, kidney and brain of female rats along with significant enzymatic alterations in the activity of transaminase, alkaline phosphatase lactic dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase. The two insecticides in combination though produced severe toxicity on day 30 than at other periods, the changes were not suggestive of any additive or potentiation effect at the test doses.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Exposure to large amounts of hexachlorocyclohexane can harm the nervous system, producing a range of symptoms from headache and dizziness to seizures, convulsions and more rarely death. Hexachlorocyclohexane is known to damage the liver, kidneys, and immune system, as well as cause blood disorders and reproductive and developmental defects. Hexachlorocyclohexane is also potentially carcinogenic. (L108, L109)

Exposure to large amounts of hexachlorocyclohexane can harm the nervous system, producing a range of symptoms from headache and dizziness to seizures, convulsions and more rarely death. Hexachlorocyclohexane is known to damage the liver, kidneys, and immune system, as well as cause blood disorders and reproductive and developmental defects. Hexachlorocyclohexane is also potentially carcinogenic. (L108, L109)

Exposure to large amounts of hexachlorocyclohexane can harm the nervous system, producing a range of symptoms from headache and dizziness to seizures, convulsions and more rarely death. Hexachlorocyclohexane is known to damage the liver, kidneys, and immune system, as well as cause blood disorders and reproductive and developmental defects. Hexachlorocyclohexane is also potentially carcinogenic. (L108, L109)

Exposure to large amounts of hexachlorocyclohexane can harm the nervous system, producing a range of symptoms from headache and dizziness to seizures, convulsions and more rarely death. Hexachlorocyclohexane is known to damage the liver, kidneys, and immune system, as well as cause blood disorders and reproductive and developmental defects. Hexachlorocyclohexane is also potentially carcinogenic. (L108, L109)

Exposure to large amounts of hexachlorocyclohexane can harm the nervous system, producing a range of symptoms from headache and dizziness to seizures, convulsions and more rarely death. Hexachlorocyclohexane is known to damage the liver, kidneys, and immune system, as well as cause blood disorders and reproductive and developmental defects. Hexachlorocyclohexane is also potentially carcinogenic. (L108, L109)

LD50; Species: /Anas platyrhynchos/ (Mallard ducks) 3 month old female; oral about 1414 mg/kg /88 to 90% pure/

LD50; Species: (Pheasants) 3-4 months old female; oral 118 mg/kg (95% confidence limit: 93.6-148 mg/kg) /88 to 90% pure/

EC50; Species: Daphnia pulex, 1st instar; Conditions: static bioassay without aeration, 16 °C, pH 7.2-7.5, water hardness 40-50 mg/L as calcium carbonate and alkalinity of 30-35 mg/L; Concentration: 680 ug/L for 48 hr /technical material, 41.5%/

LC50; Species: Gammarus lacustris (Scud) mature; Conditions: static bioassay without aeration, 21 °C, pH 7.2-7.5, water hardness 40-50 mg/L as calcium carbonate and alkalinity of 30-35 mg/L; Concentration: 78 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 54-113 ug/L) /technical material, 41.5%/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 400-3200(2-5) indicate that hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) are expected to have moderate to slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of HCH from moist soil surfaces is expected given estimated and measured Henry's Law constants of 4.3X10-7 to 4.8X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(6-8). HCH is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon vapor pressures of 3.6X10-7 to 5.0X10-4 mm Hg(6, 9-11). The degradation half-life of HCH isomers was 33.9-184 days in cropped soils and 23.4-100 days in uncropped soils(12).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: The degradation half-life of hexachlorocyclohexanes on cropped and uncropped soils were reported as follows(1):[Table#3327]

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 400-3200(2-5) indicate that hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) are expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(6) based upon estimated and reported Henry's Law constants of 4.3X10-7 to 4.8X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(7-9). HCHs are expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment, based on studies done with alpha- and gamma-isomers(SRC). Hydrolysis half-lives for alpha-HCH were reported as 1.2 years, 0.8 years and 30 days at pH values of 7, 8 and 9, respectively(10). In natural waters at pH 8 and 5 °C, the respective hydrolysis half-lives of alpha- and gamma-HCH were 26 and 42 years(10). Hydrolysis half-lives for gamma-HCH have been reported as 936, 4331 and 92 hours at pH values of 5, 7 and 9, respectively(11). According to a classification scheme(12), BCFs of 327-1043(13-14), suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high. There are limited data on the biodegradation of HCH under aerobic conditions in water; in contaminated underground water (anaerobic conditions), isomers had biodegradation rates of 0.003-0.011/day(15).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH), which have vapor pressures of 3.6X10-7 mm Hg to an estimated 5.0X10-4 mm Hg(2-5), are expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase HCH is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 28-115 days(SRC), calculated from rate constants of 5.7X10-11 to 1.9X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(5-6). Particulate-phase HCH may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC).

Levels of alpha-, beta-, and delta-hexachlorocyclohexane in food items(1). [Table#3331]

Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) were detected in composites of 4 market baskets for adult total diet analysis in the US for fiscal year 1978 at 0.001-0.002, trace, 0.002-0.007, 0.004-0.006, 0.006-0.026, not detected-0.001, trace-0.002, trace-0.002, trace, trace-0.004, not detected-0.005, not detected-0.001, trace-0.002, not detected-trace, not detected-0.002, 0.001-0.003 and not detected-0.001 ppm in ice cream, cottage cheese, processed cheese, natural cheese, butter, ice milk, roast beef, hamburger, pork chops, fish filet, fish (canned), lunchmeat, frankfurters, liver, round steak, veal and lamb, respectively(1). Total HCH was found in 17 of 612 rice samples imported into the US between 1993 and 1994 at a maximum concentration of 0.02 ppm(2). HCH was not detected in fish sausage, chicken or eggs; but was detected in sea bream (3.38 ug/kg), horse mackerel (0.51 ug/kg), salmon (1.56 ug/kg), young yellowtail (8.68 ug/kg), shrimp (0.44 ug/kg), salted salmon (0.14 ug/kg), short-necked clam (0.02 ug/kg), salted salmon (0.69 ug/kg), canned (1.36 ug/kg), seasoned (0.10 ug/kg) and fresh tuna (0.21 ug/kg), fish paste products (0.23 ug/kg), beef (1.37 ug/kg), pork (2.41 ug/kg), sausage (14.00 ug/kg), cows milk (0.60 ug/kg), processed cheese (0.59 ug/kg) and ice cream (14.00 ug/kg) in Fukuoka, Japan in 1992-1993(3). It was detected in 52 of 54 of potato samples collected Mar 1991-Jan 1992 from local Kafr El-Zayat markets in Egypt at 0.0007-1.13 ppm(4). HCH was detected at 0.094 and 0.093 mg/kg fat basis in 355 cow's milk and 448 natural butter samples purchased from supermarkets in Veracruz City, Mexico in 1996(5). Median concentrations of total HCH in food products collected June-Sept 2007 from supermarkets in Iasi, Romania were reported as 2.5, 0.5, 0.55, 1.2 and 2.2 ng/g wet weight in beef, chicken, pork, salami and pork sausage; in butter, cheese (sheep), cheese (cow), milk cream, vegetable oil and eggs median concentrations were 20.5, 10, 5.3, 13.5, 0.9 and 0.5 ng/g wet weight, respectively(6).

Three types of edible oil (mustard, groundnut, sunflower) were sampled from nine cities in India in April 2004; total hexachlorocyclohexane concentrations were reported as follows(1):[Table#3332]

Hexachlorocyclohexane was detected in food products collected Aug to Oct 2007 from 10 markets in 3 regions of Hong Kong, China at the following concentrations (ng/g wet weight)(1):[Table#3333]

Composite results of 4 market basket samples, adult total diet, October 1977 - September 1978: ice cream - 0.001-0.002 ppm, cottage cheese - trace, processed cheese - 0.002-0.007 ppm, natural cheese - 0.004-0.006 ppm, butter - 0.006-0.026 ppm, ice milk - not detected-0.001 ppm, roast beef - trace-0.002 ppm, hamburger - trace-0.002 ppm, pork chops - trace, fish filet - trace-0.004 ppm, fish (canned) - not detected-0.005 ppm, lunchmeat - not detected-0.001 ppm, frankfurters - trace-0.002 ppm, liver - not detected-trace, round steak - not detected-0.002 ppm, veal - 0.001-0.003 ppm, lamb - not detected-0.001 ppm(1).

Oral (L108) ; inhalation (L108) ; dermal (L108) Lindane is absorbed significantly through the skin. A mean peak blood concentration of 28 nanograms per mL occurred in infants and children 6 hours after total body application of lindane lotion for scabies.

Oral (L108) ; inhalation (L108) ; dermal (L108)

Oral (L108) ; inhalation (L108) ; dermal (L108)

Oral (L108) ; inhalation (L108) ; dermal (L108)

Oral(L108) ; inhalation (L108) ; dermal (L108).

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers were detected in 68.6-91.8% of bovine milk samples collected 1972-1978 in Illinois at a concentration of 0.01-0.02 ppm; samples collected in 1980-1981 contained <0.001-0.01 ppm HCH with only 28.3-31% of the samples positive(1). HCH was detected in samples of buffalo milk collected 1988-1989 in Delhi, India at a mean concentration of 0.003 mg/kg(2). It was detected in 42 of 50 crude farm milk samples at 16.9-129.3 ng/g fat and in 82 of 100 packed milk samples at 9.4-60.5 ng/g fat, milk samples collected 1988 to 1990 from Tunis, Tunisia area(3). Levels of HCHs in 13 samples of whole dairy milk and 2 samples of buffalo milk collected from Delhi, India were 0.058-0.086 and 0.166 ug/g, respectively(4). HCH was detected in cows milk from Fukuoka, Japan in 1992-1993 at 0.60 ug/kg(5). HCH was detected in buffalo milk collected Jan-Feb 1994 from Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt directly from the animal at 11.00 ppb and collected from the dairy at 4.5 ppb(6). HCH isomers were identified in milk fat in Hong Kong at concentrations of 0.004-0.18, 0.004-0.6 and 0.004-0.74 mg/kg in samples collected 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively(7). HCH was found in 95.9% of 97 pasturized milk samples collected throughout Spain with a range and mean concentration of 0.002-0.756 and 0.123 ppm, respectively(8). It was detected in 63.3% of 355 Mexican milk samples collected in 1996 at 0.018-0.104 mg/kg fat(9). HCH was found in all milk from cows in a study in Mexico in 1996 at 0.078-0.257 mg/kg fat(10). Bovine milk collected from the Bundelkhand region of India (Jhansi, Lalitpur, Banda, Gwalior, Jalaun, Rath Tikamgarh, Chhatapur, Sagar, Panna, Bhind) contained HCH at a trace to 0.9283 mg/kg whole milk in 123 of 325 samples measured(11). HCH was detected in evaporated milk collected Aug to Oct 2007 from 10 markets in 3 regions of Hong Kong, China at not detected-6.89 ng/g wet weight(12).

Human milk samples from Porto Alegre, Brazil collected 1987 to 1988, had hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) concentrations of 0.07-5.84 ug/g fat(1). It was detected in human breast milk collected Nov 1994-Mar 1995 from Veracruz, Mexico at 0.141-1.661 mg/kg fat with a mean value of 0.579 mg/kg (urban samples, 0.387 mg/kg; suburban samples, 0.806 mg/kg)(2). HCH was detected in human breast milk samples collected Dec 2005 to Feb 2006 from 38 breast-feeding mothers from Yucatan, Mexico at a mean concentration of 753.67 ng/g lipid(3). The concentration range of HCH in 54 samples of mothers milk collected from 2001-2003 in England was 1.2-1500 ng/g lipid(4). HCH was detected in 16 of 31 human milk samples collected in Cairo, Egypt in May 1987 at a mean and range of 9.49 and 1.00-26.90 ppb, respectively(5). HCH was detected in 22 of 31 and 9 of 11 human milk from Kafr El-Zayat and Abo El Rish, Egypt at 2.60-1862 and <1-1013 ppb, respectively, samples were collected Jan-Feb 1994(6). The level of HCHs was measured in breast milk from 87 Tunisian mothers throughout their lactation period; it was detected at not detected to 1.375 mg/kg lipid(7). HCH was detected in 47 and 82 human milk samples collected from lactating women in Ludhiana and Faridkot, Punjab, India at respective mean concentrations of 0.108 and 0.220 ug/g whole milk basis(8). In 40 human breast milk samples collected April-June 1991 from Tebriz, Iran, HCH was detected at 0.093-3.430 mg/kg fat(9). Human milk samples collected 1995-1996 in two regions in Turkey had a mean HCH concentration of 0.457 mg/kg fat(10). In human breast milk samples collected Sept 2007 to April 2008 from 50 first time mothers and 50 mothers that had other children previously living in the Antalya, Turkey area for at least 5 years, HCH was reported at concentrations of not detected to 2460 and not detected to 2210 ng/g lipid basis, respectively(11). HCH was detected at a mean of 3.4 ng/g lipid in 36 human milk samples collected in 2000-2001 from women living in Taiwan(12). HCH was detected in human milk samples collected June 2005 to July 2007 from women in Shenyang and Beijing, China, at 28-2000 and 38-1100 ng/g fat, respectively(13).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Technical-grade hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is produced as a mixture of isomers (primarily the alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon isomers). It is white or yellowish powder or flakes. HCH is used as a systemic insecticide. It is also found in special shampoos, lotions, and powders for the treatment of hair lice. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: After HCH ingestion there is a latent period varying from about 0.5 hr to several hours. Signs of hyperirritability and CNS excitation: vomiting, faintness, tremor, restlessness, muscle spasms, ataxia, and clonic and tonic convulsions. Infants and children may experience hyperpyrexia. There have been reports of postictal coma of variable duration, leading within 24 hr to respiratory failure and death. A second bout of convulsions may occur after consciousness is regained. Retrograde amnesia has been described. Pulmonary edema (with cyanosis and dyspnea) was observed in 2 fatally poisoned children. Dermatitis and urticaria has been found occasionally. Three cases of leukemia (paramyeloblastic and myelomonocytic) were reported in men exposed to lindane with or without co-exposure to other chemicals. Many cases of aplastic anemia have also been associated with exposure to hexachlorocyclohexane or lindane, and death from lung cancer was increased among agricultural workers who had used hexachlorocyclohexane and a variety of other pesticides and herbicides. All HCH isomers induced dose-dependent cytotoxic effects, lindane being the most toxic. This isomer was also able to induce significant increase in micronucleus frequency. The genotoxic test of beta-HCH showed a positive induction of micronucleus at 100 ug/L and a significant cytotoxicity at 50 ug/L. alpha-HCH was unable to induce any significant increase in micronucleus frequency confirming that alpha-HCH is a non-genotoxic agent. ANIMAL STUDIES: HCH is neurotoxic at acute doses and causes degenerative effects on chronic exposure. Marked induction and inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, especially in the cortex and to varying degrees in other brain regions, was seen in HCH treated rats. Oral exposure to technical-grade HCH or individual isomers caused tumors in rodents at two different tissue sites. Dietary administration of technical-grade HCH (66.5% alpha isomer, 11.4% beta isomer, 15.2% lindane, 6.4% delta isomer, and 0.5% other isomers), lindane, alpha- or beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, or mixtures of various isomers caused liver tumors in both sexes of several strains of mice. In addition, dietary exposure to technical-grade HCH caused tumors of the lymphoreticular system in mice of both sexes. In animals, ingestion of technical-grade HCH was reported to induce dominant-lethal mutations in mice. It did not induce chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells of Syrian hamsters. Dietary feeding of technical HCH at 125 and 250 ppm to rats have not shown any adverse effects on reproductive function and were comparable to control animals in a three-generation study. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Signs of intoxication in mallards or pheasants at LD50 level include polydipsia, regurgitation, hyperexcitability, ataxia, ptosis, fluffed feathers, hyporeactivity, imbalance, slowness, stumbling, phonation, tenseness, shakiness, jitteriness, sitting, ataraxia, withdrawal, tremors, masseter tenseness, spasms, aggressiveness, fear-threat displays, backing, circuling, asthenia, tongue protruding sideways from bill (mallards), and immobility.

Based on USA market basket surveys, adult average daily hexachlorocyclohexane intakes were(1-5):[Table#3322]

Based on USA market basket surveys, infant and toddler average daily hexachlorocyclohexane intakes were(1-4):[Table#3323]

Based on total diet samples collected in Osaka, Japan, the average daily intake of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) was 2.0, 2.04, 3.64, 3.06, 2.14, 0.39 and 0.47 ug for the fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1985, respectively(1). The average daily intake of HCHs in women living in Beijing and Shenyang, China was 13.4 and 12.6 ng/kg/day, respectively, based on dietary study done June 2005 to July 2007(2). Based on food concentrations of HCHs in a Romanian study done in 2007, median adult and toddler daily intake was calculated as 1512 and 907 ng/day, respectively(3).

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Signs of intoxication /to benzene hexachloride in mallards or pheasants at LD50 level include/ polydipsia, regurgitation, hyperexcitability, ataxia, ptosis, fluffed feathers, hyporeactivity, imbalance, slowness, stumbling, phonation, tenseness, shakiness, jitteriness, sitting, ataraxia, withdrawal, tremors, masseter tenseness, spasms, aggressiveness, fear-threat displays, backing, circuling, asthenia, tongue protruding sideways from bill (mallards), and immobility. Prolonged signs incl falling, sitting, using wings for pedestrian locomotion, ataraxia, and withdrawal. Signs appeared as soon as 30 min in mallards and 2 hr in pheasants, and mortalities usually occurred between 2 and 5 days in mallards and between 4 and 9 days after treatment in pheasants. Remission took up to 20 days. Emaciation, enlarged livers, and small spleens were observed on necropsy of mortalities and sacrificed survivors.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Histopathological changes in the immature ovary of Rasbora daniconius /fish/ exposed to a sublethal concentration (0.14 ppm) of benzene hexachloride for different time intervals, eg 96 hr, 7 days, 10 days and 15 days have been studied. Effects induced by benzene hexachloride are quite apparent soon after 96 hr exposure. The first symptoms reveal cytoplasmic and nuclear deformities in the oocytes. After 10 and 15 days exposure the toxic effect is severe and results in loss of most of the Stage I oocytes, degeneration of ovigerous lamellae and abnormal vacuolation in the Stage II oocytes. Vitellogenesis is arrested.

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ BHC isomers (10-300 ppm) affected the growth and N-fixation enzyme activity of Spirillum lipoferum, Azotobacter vinelandii, Rhizobium astragali and R. japoncium grown on culture media. In S. lipoferum, effects on the enzyme activity were delta > alpha > gamma > beta and the effects on growth were delta > gamma > alpha > beta. In A. vinelandii, the enzyme activity was decreased by 27% and the microbial count decreased by 61% when treated with 150 ppm technical BHC. In R. astragali, a 40% decr in the microbial count was observed when treated with 250 ppm technical BHC. In R. japoncium, the enzyme activity was decreased by only 4% when treated with 300 ppm technical BHC. At 250 ppm, technical BHC slightly increased the growth /of the organism/.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Lindane (all isomers) is included on this list.

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Hexachlorocyclohexane/

Revised Human Health Water Quality Criteria. Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane-technical. Human health water quality criteria for the consumption of: water + organism 0.0066 ug/L; organism only 0.010 ug/L.

For hexachlorocyclohexane (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 008901) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

Agrocide 6 g, lindoc 6 g control of leafhoppers, stem borers, etc, in lowland rice. Kotol liq seed treatment for reduction of wireworm damage in winter and spring sown cereals. Lindocol for control of pests of cereals, sugar beets and oilseed rape. /Former use/

The crude benzene hexachloride has been used extensively as a soil poison, as a toxicant for grasshopper control and against cotton insects. /Former use/

Special shampoos, lotions, and powders for the treatment of hair lice ... .

For more Uses (Complete) data for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Hexachlorocyclohexane is used as an insecticide on fruit, vegetables, and forest crops and is also available as a prescription (lotion, cream, or shampoo) to treat head and body lice, and scabies. (L108) Hexachlorocyclohexane is also used or the treatment of patients infested with Sarcoptes scabiei or pediculosis capitis who have either failed to respond to adequate doses, or are intolerant of other approved therapies.

Chlorination of benzene in actinic light.

Prepared by the chlorination of benzene in the presence of sunlight.

Lindane can be prepared from benzene and chlorine by photochlorination. The resulting benzene hexachloride consists of isomers of which only the gamma-isomer (lindane) is desired, and is obtained by treatment of the reaction mixture with methanol or acetic acid, in which only the alpha and beta isomers dissolve readily.

Technical benzene hexachloride is produced by either batch or continuous methods at 15-25 °C in glass reactors.

Technical grade HCH was banned for production and use in the United States in 1976, but may still be used in other countries.

As produced initially by photochlorination of benzene, HCH /contained/ only 14-77% of gamma-isomer. Technical grade HCH available commercially in USA is 'fortified' HCH (FHCH) containing varying mixture of at least 5 isomers, with a minimum of 40% gamma-isomer. Typical isomer distribution /was/ ... (% by wt): gamma 40-45%; delta 20-22; alpha 18-22; beta 4; epsilon and inerts 1; and heptachlorocyclohexane 10. HCH ... /was/ avail in USA as dusts, wettable powders, oil solutions and emulsifiable concentrates.

BHC occurs as eight isomers; four of these are found in sufficient quantity to be considered of insecticidal importance. A crude pesticidal mixture of six isomers is available under the common name benzene hexachloride (BHC). The most effective isomer is the gamma, and this, purified to 99%, is available under the common name lindane.

Grades: Technical (mixture of isomers), 25% gamma isomer, and 99% gamma isomer (lindane).

/Crude product/ ... consists of 10-18% of the active gamma-isomer ... with at least four other nearly inactive stereoisomers: alpha isomer ... 55-70%; beta isomer 5-14%; delta isomer ... 6-8%; epsilon isomer ... 3-4%; and a trace of eta isomer.

Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1.alpha.,2.alpha.,3.alpha.,4.beta.,5.beta.,6.beta.)-: INACTIVE

BHC no longer produced or sold for domestic /USA/ use per EPA regulations.

Method of purification: Fractional crystallization. The technical grade may run 10-15% gamma isomer but can be brought up to 99% (lindane).

Registration Notes: USA: No longer produced or sold for domestic use.

The WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard identifies HCH (technical grade) as Class II: moderately hazardous; Main Use: insecticide. /According to the Rotterdam Convention, export of a chemical can only take place with the prior informed consent of the importing Party. The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure is a means for formally obtaining and disseminating the decisions of importing countries as to whether they wish to receive future shipments of a certain chemical and for ensuring compliance to these decisions by exporting countries. The aim is to promote a shared responsibility between exporting and importing countries in protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of such chemicals. ... The Rotterdam Convention (which entered into force on 24 February 2004) built on the voluntary PIC procedure which was initiated by UNEP and FAO in 1989.... The use and production of ... HCH is prohibited or severely restricted by the Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants, which entered into force on 17 May, 2004./

For more General Manufacturing Information (Complete) data for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.