Exposure to large amounts of lindane can harm the nervous system, producing a range of symptoms from headache and dizziness to seizures, convulsions and more rarely death. Lindane has not been shown to affect the immune system in humans and, it is not considered to be genotoxic. Prenatal exposure to β-HCH, an isomer of lindane and production byproduct, has been associated with altered thyroid hormone levels and could affect brain development.
Cancer risk
Based primarily on evidence from animal studies, most evaluations of lindane have concluded that it may possibly cause cancer. In 1987, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified lindane as a group 2B "possible" human carcinogen, and in 2001 the EPA concluded there was “suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to assess human carcinogenic potential.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determined that all isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, including lindane, "may reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer in humans," and in 1999, the EPA characterized the evidence carcinogenicity for lindane as "suggestive ... of carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to assess human carcinogenic potential."The World Health Organization concluded in 2004 that “lindane is not likely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans.”Adverse reactions to lindane pharmaceuticals
A variety of adverse reactions to lindane pharmaceuticals have been reported, ranging from skin irritation to seizures, and, in rare instances, death. The most common side effects are burning sensations, itching, dryness and rash. While serious effects are rare and have most often resulted from misuse, adverse reactions have occurred when used properly. The FDA therefore requires a so-called black box warning on lindane products, which explains the risks of lindane products and its proper use.The black box warning emphasizes that lindane should not be used on premature infants and individuals with known uncontrolled seizure disorders, and should be used with caution in infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with other skin conditions (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis) and people who weigh less than 110 lbs (50& kg) as they may be at risk of serious neurotoxicity.
Adapted from the Wikipedia article Lindane, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
