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1: Executive summary

2: Babies are vulnerable to chemical harm

3: Human health problems on the rise

4: Recommendations



 

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News Release: CDC Petition (21 July)

EWG Ltr to Chemical Companies (21 July)

EWG Letter to Chemical Lobby (PDF)

Chemical Lobby Response #1 (PDF)

Follow-Up Letter to Chemical Lobby (21 July)

Stmt from US Rep. Slaughter (PDF)

Stmt from Minority Leader Pelosi (PDF)




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  gamma-BHC (Lindane)

gamma-BHC (Lindane) was found in 10 of 10 umbilical cord blood samples from babies born in U.S. hospitals in 2004, at concentrations ranging from 127.5 to 560.8 pg/g (lipid weight, in whole blood). It was also found in 3 of 3 adult blood samples, at concentrations ranging from 206.9 to 994.7 pg/g (lipid weight, in whole blood).

Organochlorine chemical, a class largely banned in the U.S. that builds up in the body over time, linked to cancer and reproductive harm.


About gamma-BHC (Lindane)
CAS RN58-89-9
Chemical ClassOrganochlorine Pesticide (OC)
Manufacturing/ Use Statususe/production has been voluntarily discontinued in the U.S.
Trade and product namesAgrocide, Ambrocide, Aparasin, Aphitiria, Benesan, Benexane, benhexachlor, BoreKil, Borer-Tox, Exagama, gallogama, gamaphex, gamasan, gamma-BHC, Gamma-Col, gamma-HCH, Gammex, Gammexane, Gexane, hexachlorocyclohe, Lindane, Lintox
Chemical functionsinsecticide
May be found in the following types of productsagricultural industry , food (pollutant), insecticide, pesticides
Usesinsecticide for head lice, scabies, sugarbeets, broccoli, dried beans, landscape uses, and commodity fumigation
ManufacturersAgsco Inc., Aimco Pesticides, Amvac Chemical Corp., Arvesta Corp., Crompton Manufacturing Co. Inc., Drexel Chemical Co., Gustafson Inc., Inquinosa International SA, Trace Chemicals LLC



Priority Health Concerns for gamma-BHC (Lindane)
Health Concern or Target OrganWeight of Evidence
CancerProbable Effects
Reproductive SystemProbable Effects

References for Health Effects



Suspected Health Concerns for gamma-BHC (Lindane)
Birth Defects / Developmental Delays, Hormone System, Stomach Or Intestines, Kidney, Brain, Nervous System, Lungs/breathing, Skin, Cardiovascular System Or Blood, Immune System

References for Health Effects



Related EWG Materials
Body Burden: The Pollution in Peoplegamma-BHC (Lindane) was found in 1 of the nine test subjects.



Regulatory Status
EPA Office of Pesticide Programsbanned in the United States for non-seed treatment use