Petitions to Ban Lindane-Based Shampoos in U.S.
The Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC) and Public Citizen, both U.S. NGOs, have separately petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban lindane-based shampoos, which are commonly prescribed in the U.S. as a treatment for head lice in children. Since 1992, the World Health Organization has recommended that lindane not be used for scabies or lice. According to CPC, 2.3 million retail prescriptions for lindane were filled in the U.S. in 1992 alone. Lindane is absorbed through the skin, and its chief toxic action, like that of DDT and other organochlorines, is on the nervous system. Lindane, one of PAN International's Dirty Dozen pesticides, persists in the environment, is bioaccumu-lative, and has been reported to have reproductive and endocrine-disrupting effects.
A total of 162 adverse reactions due to use of lindane-based shampoos were reported to FDA between 1972 and 1994; half of these were reported in those aged 19 or younger, and six of the reactions were fatal. Neurotoxicity was the primary adverse effect reported. According to Public Citizen, because of the limitations of the FDA's spontaneous reporting system database, under-reporting of adverse experiences is substantial, and the actual number of serious adverse events and deaths associated with lindane use could be many times higher.
Earlier this year, CPC petitioned FDA to ban the use of lindane as a treatment for lice and scabies because of animal evidence of the carcinogenicity of lindane and a recent study suggesting increased rates of brain cancer in children treated with lindane shampoos. CPC states that these findings are especially significant in light of studies that show a dramatic 38% increase in childhood brain and nervous system cancer from 1973 to 1991.
Because of lindane's potential to cause acute toxicity and concerns about its oncongenicity, teratogenicity, reproductive effects and other chronic effects, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has canceled lindane products for use as vaporizers and for direct application to aquatic environments. In the U.S., lindane is a restricted use pesticide; applicators are required to wear protective clothing, including aprons, water-proof gloves and water- resistant hats.
Source: NCAMP Technical Report, October 1995;
Public Citizen Petition to FDA, June 15, 1995;
CPC Press Release, January 17, 1995.
Contact: Public Citizen, 2000 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036;
phone (202) 833-3000;
Cancer Prevention Coalition, 520
North Michigan Avenue, #410,
Chicago, IL 60611
phone (312) 467-0600, fax (312) 467-0599.