Lindane (Gamma-HCH) Health and Safety Guide - Health and Safety Guide 54

Lindane is a white, crystalline solid, with a weak, or no, odour (the characteristic smell of technical HCH is attributed to the impurities, particularly heptachlorocyclohexane). Lindane is stable to light, air, heat, carbon dioxide, and strong acids. Dehydrochiorination of the compound may occur in the presence of alkali, or on prolonged exposure to heat, forming trichlorobenzenes and hydro-chloric acid. Lindane is incompatible with strong bases and powdered metals, such as iron, zinc, and aluminium. It is also incompatible with oxidizing agents and can undergo oxidation, when in contact with ozone.