A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive ...

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18b Lindane
� Lindane is the gamma isomer of
Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH).
� Lindane is a broad-spectrum insecticide. It
has been used since 1949. Approximately 80%
of the total production is used in agriculture.
� Lindane was used in Norway until 1992.
� There is a need for further monitoring of
Lindane, both in Hardangerfjorden in
Hordaland County and in Nordre Åklangen in
Eidskog in Hedmark County.
Production and use
Internationally, Lindane has been used for seed
and soil treatment and for timber and wood
treatment. It was banned in Japan from 1971
and in EU from 2000. Globally, it's still in use.
The substance was used in forestry and agriculture
in Norway until 1992, when it was banned.
It was also used in houses against old house
borer (Hylotrupes bajulus) and as scabies treatment
on humans. 50 000 kg Cyclodiene
organochlorines were sold between 1974 and
1978 (probably less than 50 % was Lindane).
47 000 kg Lindane were sold between 1979 and
1992. There are no entries of Lindane in the
Norwegian Product Register since 1995.
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
Lindane emission has mainly been from agricultural
use and from forestry. As Lindane has
been used on humans and in private homes,
summer houses etc. it is reasonable to expect
that Lindane is still being stored privately.
Lindane may also leak from landfills, and it is a
transboundary air pollutant.
Monitoring
Monitoring of Lindane has been studied in several
investigations. It is also a part of RID,
where time trends exist, but these are highly
inaccurate.
Marine sediments
In marine sediments Lindane has been investigated
at 25 localities along the coast. The levels
are relatively low except in Tyssedal in
Sørfjorden and in the inner parts of
Sandefjordsfjorden.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
FACTS
Cas no.: 58-89-9
Synonyms: Lindan, BHC, Agrocide, Ambrocide,
Aparasin, Aphitiria, Benesan, Benexane, benhexachlor,
benzene hexachloride, BoreKil, Borer-Tox,
Exagama, Gallogama, Gamaphex, gamma-BHC,
Gamma-Col, gamma-HCH, Gammex, Gammexane,
Gamasan, Gexane, Isotox, Jacutin, Kwell, Lindafor,
Lindagronox, Lindaterra, Lindatox, Lintox, Lorexane,
New Kotol, Noviagam, Quellada, Steward, Streunex,
gamma HCH.
Properties: White to yellow crystalline powder
Toxic effects: Lindane is toxic. Oral LD50 88 - 190
mg/kg in rats. Lindane is an irritant, possibly carcinogen
and on the EU list of endocrine disruptors. The
substance is highly to very highly toxic to fish and
aquatic invertebrate species. Reported 96-hour LC50
values range from 1,7 to 90 µg/l in trout (Salmo
trutta). It is also highly toxic to bees.
Log Kow: 3,9
Persistence: Half-life is 15 months in soil with 75% - 100
% disappearance 3-10 years (HSDB). Lindane is persistent
in salt and fresh water (EXTOXNET), half-life in
water is 42 - 400 days (evaporation and bacterial
degradation). (HSDB)
DT50 water = 12 days - > 30 days (20°C)
DT50 sediment = 135 days - 162 days (20°C)
DT50 whole system = 91 d - 697 d (CIRCA)
Water solubility: 7,8 - 8,5 mg/l
Molecular formula: C 6 -H 6 -Cl 6
Metabolites: 2,4,6-, 2,3,5- and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol
(human). Gamma-2,3,4,5,6-pentachloro-1-cyclohexene,
gamma-3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene,
beta-3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene, pentachlorobenzene,
1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene, and
1,2,3,5-tetrachlorobenzene (bacteria).
Fresh water
Ten large rivers have been investigated for
Lindane since 1990. In addition more than one
hundred small rivers have been investigated
once a year since 1990. The levels are relatively
low. Several streams are also investigated, and in
Timebekken in Rogaland County elevated levels
were found.