Mexico, DF, June 29, 2005 Secretariat for the Stockholm Convention ...

UNEP/POPS/POPRC.1/INF/8
Lindane
(γ-HCH)
Melting Point (°C) 112.5 - 113.5
Boiling Point (°C) 323.4
Density (g cm -3 @ 20 °C) 1.87
C s (mg L -1 @ 20 °C) 7.3
VP (Pa @ 20 °C) 0.00383
H c (Pa ⋅ m 3 mol -1 @ 20 °C) 0.149
log K ow 3.5
log K oc 2.38 - 3.52
air (t ½ )
water (t ½ )
2.3 - 13 d
30 - 300 d
sediment (t ½ ) 50 d 1
soil (t ½ )
2 yr
log BAF 4.1
log BCF 2.26 - 3.85
Quoted by Mackay et al. (1997)
Model prediction for Arctic atmosphere [Wania and Mackay 1999]
Model prediction for Arctic Ocean [Wania and Mackay 1999]
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Willet, 1998.
2.3 Bioaccumulation
Although Lindane has the potential to bio-accumulate easily in the food chain due to its high lipid solubility,
bio-transformation and elimination are also relatively rapid (WHO, 1991). Lindane has a bioaccumulation
factor exceeding the level of concern (≥ 3.7) determined by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Substance Selection Task Force although it does not reach the level of concern stated in Annex D for
bioaccumulation or log Kow.
Nevertheless, lindane concentration in marine mammals can reach equivalent or even higher levels than
some of the more hydrophobic contaminants (such as PCBs and DDT) (Mössner et al, 1994). Lindane is not
toxic to bacteria, algae and protozoa, but it is highly toxic for some fish and other acuatic organisms
(AMAP, 1998)
Lindane, gamma-HCH isomer, has been shown to transform to other HCH isomers in laboratory studies.
Although there is still no clear evidence that this isomerization can take place in the environment, it is
important to consider this possibility as these other isomers may have a bigger tendency to bioaccumulate.
For example, beta-HCH is the predominant isomer accumulating in human tissues. (Walker, 1999).
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