How does lindane from head lice and scabies treatment get into the environment?
Lindane shampoos and creams are rinsed off after use in the sink or shower. When lindane goes down the drain, it 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 creeks, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Lindane is so toxic that the allowable limit for lindane in drinking water sources is 19 parts per trillion. To put this number in perspective, a single treatment of lindane to kill head lice or scabies pollutes 6 million gallons of water. Where in California are environmental problems being caused by lindane? Sewerage agencies that serve the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Sonoma County, the Inland Empire, and the Cities of Woodland, Lodi, Merced, and Vacaville all have excessive amounts of lindane entering their systems. Together these agencies serve 11 million people, representing over 30% of Californias population. More sewerage agencies are expe
