Chemical name: Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1.alpha.,2.alpha.,3.beta.,4.alpha.,5.alpha.,6.beta.)-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

The acquisition, disposal, sale or use of a stock remedy which contains gamma-BHC (Lindane)

The use of an agricultural remedy containing Lindane (gamma-BHC) as an active ingredient has been prohibited.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

None.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The acquisition, disposal, sale or use of a stock remedy which contains gamma-BHC (Lindane) was prohibited as from the 30th June 1987. The use of an agricultural remedy containing Lindane as an active ingredient is prohibited.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Workers who are professionally exposed to Lindane come into contact with the other HCH isomers present in Lindane as impurities. A Japanese study reported levels of beta HCH in human blood plasma in 6 occupational groups who worked with Lindane. The lowest mean levels were found in female farm workers (38 µg/l); the highest mean levels were found in male workers in pesticide factories (94 µg/l). More than 90% of human intake of Lindane originates from food. Monitoring studies have shown that residues of Lindane have been found in mother's milk. In several countries Lindane has also been identified in blood serum, fat and adipose tissue (IARC, 1987; WHO, 1991).

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

The elimination of adverse effects on the population of South Africa resulting from the use of gamma-BHC as agricultural and stock remedies.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Decision Guidance Document on Gamma-BHC prepared by the UNEP/FAO for the Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in ·International Trade indicates that the chemical is toxic to fish, bees, other aquatic organisms e.g. crustaceans and terrestrial species.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Reduction of Lindane in the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 29/05/2009

30 June 1987 (stock remedy);

29 May 2009 (agricultural remedy)