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Chemical Name: 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane
Common Names: Lindane, HCH
Chemical Formula: C6H6Cl6
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly musty
Usage: Pesticide, insecticide, sometimes studied in environmental pollution research
CAS Number: 58-89-9
Synonyms: Gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane
Health Hazards: Neurotoxin reported to cause seizures, convulsions, headache, and skin irritation. Chronic exposure risks include liver and kidney damage.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption
Acute Toxicity: Can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, convulsions
Chronic Effects: Linked to cancer risks in animal studies, endocrine disruption
Environmental Impact: Persistent organic pollutant, bioaccumulates in food chains, toxic to aquatic life
GHS Label Elements: Skull and crossbones indicating acute toxicity, exclamation mark for irritant properties
Combustibility: Non-flammable but may emit toxic vapors if heated
Main Component: 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane, purity often above 99% in technical grades
Isomeric Forms: Gamma-lindane is the biologically active isomer, often present amidst alpha, beta, delta, epsilon forms
Impurities: Minor isomers or trace solvent residues from production processes
Concentration: Varies by application, typically near 100% for laboratory use, lower for formulated products
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention for ongoing symptoms
Skin Contact: Strip contaminated clothing, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, seek attention for rashes or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with large quantities of water for up to fifteen minutes, keep eyelids open, consult an eye specialist for persistent symptoms
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek immediate medical advice due to risk of systemic toxicity
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam for fires in surroundings, not water streams
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and other toxics may evolve during fire
Firefighting Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, evacuate downwind personnel
Special Hazards: Container rupture may occur with heat, toxic fumes travel far, runoff can contaminate waterways
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust generation, ventilate area, wear protective gloves, goggles, and mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from reaching drains, surface waters, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Shovel solid spills into containers for disposal, use damp cloth to minimize dust, dispose in accordance with regulations
Emergency Procedures: Restrict access until full cleanup achieved, wash area with soap and water afterward, decontaminate all equipment
Handling Practices: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid skin and eye contact, prevent formation of dust clouds
Storage Conditions: Store in impermeable containers, keep away from food and feedstuffs, secure from unauthorized access
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents due to risk of exothermic reactions
Precautionary Measures: Strict labeling and segregation from non-hazardous substances, enforce limited access to storage areas
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment for bulk transfers, dust collection systems recommended
Respiratory Protection: Air-purifying respirator with proper filter for dust or organic vapors in case of inadequate ventilation
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, rubber boots
Eye Protection: Tight-fitting goggles, face shield
Hygienic Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before breaks and after handling, prohibit eating or drinking near work area
Occupational Exposure Limits: Regulatory and advisory organizations propose time-weighted average exposure limits—check local regulations for currently enforced values
Physical State: Solid, crystalline
Color: White
Odor: Slightly musty
Solubility: Low in water, higher in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone
Melting Point: Typically between 112–113°C for gamma isomer
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Very low at ambient temperature
Density: Approximately 1.89 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: High log Kow, signals strong tendency to bioaccumulate
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions, degrades over time under sunlight or with certain catalysts
Reactivity: May react with alkalis or heat to release hazardous fumes
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, possible dioxin formation if combusted
Polymerization: Does not self-polymerize
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flames, sunlight exposure, strong acids and bases
Acute Toxicity: High for mammals, LD50 in rats below 100 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Oral, dermal, inhalation
Symptoms: Convulsions, muscle tremors, headache, skin rash, nausea, vomiting
Chronic Effects: Documented impacts on liver, kidneys, nervous and immune systems over prolonged periods
Carcinogenicity: Some agencies classify as possibly carcinogenic to humans, with links to cancer in animal studies
Sensitization: Possible skin sensitization with repeated handling
Other Effects: Suspected endocrine disruptor, developmental risks for children exposed through environment
Persistence: Highly stable in soils and sediments, persists for decades in absence of remediation
Bioaccumulation: Strong potential, found in fatty tissues of animals, builds up up food chains
Aquatic Toxicity: Extremely harmful to fish and invertebrates, even at low concentrations
Mobility: Limited movement in soils, but can travel far through waterbodies and enter wider ecosystems
Ecological Damage: Linked to declines in wildlife populations near contaminated sites, residues measured in remote areas due to atmospheric transport
Waste Handling: As a persistent pollutant, treat as hazardous waste; never incinerate in open fires
Disposal Methods: Secure landfill disposal under controlled conditions, possible high-temperature incineration in approved facilities with gas scrubbing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains, surface water, soil or natural environment
Regulatory Oversight: Subject to global treaties restricting or banning disposal, strict compliance required
Transport Classification: Considered hazardous for land, air, and sea; transport under strict conditions
Packaging Requirements: Use sealed, chemical-resistant containers with clear hazard markings
Handling During Shipment: Avoid punctures, leaks, or accidental releases, track shipments to destination with proper manifest
Spillage Protocol: Emergency procedures in place en route for accidents, driver and handlers must have protective gear
International Regulation: Listed under the Stockholm Convention as a persistent organic pollutant targeted for elimination or controlled use
Restrictions: Many governments ban or severely restrict production, use, and distribution
Occupational Rules: Exposure monitoring, strict workplace guidelines, periodic health checks for workers
Environment Protection Laws: Clean-up and remediation required for contaminated sites, mandatory reporting for known releases
Labeling: Strong warning labels on all containers, hazard statements required within supply chains
