Lindane

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** The gamma-isomer of benzene hexachloride, a colorless to white colored, synthetic, crystalline solid with a slight musty odor that emits toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid and other chlorinated compounds when heated to decomposition. Lindane is used as an insecticide for hardwood logs, lumber, and crops. Lindane also has topical pediculicide and scabicide activities probably due to its neurotoxic effects. Inhalation exposure to this substance causes severe irritation of the nose and throat, causes anemia, and affects the liver, nervous, cardiovascular, and immune system. Lindane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

**Synonyms:** - (1alpha,2alpha,3beta,4alpha,5alpha,6beta)1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane - LINDANE - g-Benzene Hexachloride - gamma-HCH - gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane