Lindane

Lindane, chemically gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), is an organochlorine insecticide that was once widely used in agriculture for seed treatments and on crops, as well as in veterinary formulations and household products. It also had medical applications as a topical treatment for scabies and pediculosis (lice), but such uses have become highly restricted or phased out in many countries due to safety concerns.

Lindane is highly lipophilic and persistent in the environment. It acts on the nervous system by inhibiting GABA-gated chloride channels, producing neurotoxic effects in insects and, at higher exposures, in mammals. It bioaccumulates in adipose tissue and can remain in soil, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems for years, creating potential risks to wildlife and humans through food and water.

Regulatory status: Lindane is listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which aims to eliminate or restrict its production and use with certain exemptions. Many countries have banned or severely restricted its use; some limited medical and seed-treatment exemptions persist under strict controls. Health authorities emphasize avoiding exposure, particularly for young children, and recommend safer alternatives when possible.

Alternatives and current practice: Where possible, non-persistent pesticides and integrated pest management are preferred in agriculture. For medical conditions, other treatments such as permethrin, ivermectin, or non-chemical methods are used, with lindane retained only in tightly regulated contexts and under professional supervision.