The Honorable Martin Gallegos
State Capitol
Room 6005
Sacramento, California 95814

SUBJECT:     AB 2318 (LOWENTHAL) (AS AMENDED APRIL 10, 2000) – SUPPORT

Dear Chairman Martin Gallegos:

              On behalf of <AGENCY>, I am writing in support of AB 2318 by Assemblymember Alan Lowenthal, which would ban the use of products containing the pesticide lindane for the treatment of lice or scabies on human beings.   <PLEASE ADD A ONE SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF YOUR AGENCY HERE.>

            Lindane is a pesticide that has been categorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutant, meaning that it lingers for a long period in the environment, moves up the food chain, and is toxic to humans and wildlife.  Additionally, lindane is highly toxic.  It is a carcinogen and can cause seizures or even death when absorbed through the skin. In the past 2 years, over 500 cases of adverse impacts from lindane-containing products have been reported.   Safer substitutes for the treatment of head lice and scabies are readily available and widely used.  Despite these adverse impacts and the availability of alternatives, the use of lindane-containing shampoos and creams continues to be permitted by prescription.

            Lindane is particularly toxic in the environment.  After use, lindane shampoos and creams are rinsed off in the sink or shower, and  the residue makes its way through the sewer to a wastewater treatment plant.  Since lindane is not removed well in wastewater treatment plants, it passes through to downstream rivers, lakes or the ocean.  The allowable limit for lindane in waterbodies designated as drinking water supplies will be 19 parts per trillion when new standards are enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this spring.  Current levels of lindane use must be reduced in order for wastewater agencies, to be able to meet these extremely low standards. <IF YOUR AGENCY WILL BE AFFECTED, PLEASE MENTION IT HERE.>

            Therefore, for the reasons stated above, we ask that you vote “yes” when AB 2318 is heard by the Health Committee.  Thank you for your consideration of our comments.

Yours very truly,

<NAME>

<TITLE>

cc:        Assemblymember Lowenthal
State Capitol #4139
Sacramento, CA 95814

Review Information on Lindane Bill

To review this bill click here and enter Bill # 2318