alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane

Synonyms

1a,2a,3b,4a,5b,6b-Hexachlorocyclohexane; Benzene hexachloride-alpha-isomer; Benzenehexachloride-alpha-isomer; Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, alpha-; Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, alpha-isomer; Hexachlorcyclohexan [German]; alpha-1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane; alpha-BHC; alpha-Benzene hexachloride; alpha-Benzenehexachloride; alpha-HCH; alpha-Hexachloran; alpha-Hexachlorane; alpha-Lindane; (1alpha,2alpha,3beta,4alpha,5beta,6beta)-1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane; Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1alpha,2alpha,3beta,4alpha,5beta,6beta)-; [ChemIDplus] UN2811

Category

Organochlorine Pesticides

Description

White solid; [CAMEO] White crystalline solid; [MSDSonline] Brown to white crystals with a phosgene-like odor; [HSDB]

Sources/Uses

Used as a component of the insecticide benzene hexachloride (BHC); “Technical grade HCH contains 60-70% alpha-, 5-12% beta-, 10-15% gamma, 6-10% delta-, and 3-4% epsilon-hexachlorocyclohexane." [HSDB] A by-product of Lindane production; [eChemPortal: INCHEM]

Comments

May cause CNS effects and liver damage; [ICSC] An irritant; [MSDSonline] Danger of skin absorption; [MAK]

Production in the US was banned in 1976. [HSDB]

Biomedical References

0.5 mg/m3, inhalable fraction

4.5E-05 mm Hg

0.088 ppm

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from HSDB; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s."

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Other Poison

Organochlorine

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Organochlorine insecticides, acute poisoning

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)