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In a lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane = gamma-benzenehexachloride)-producing factor 57 workers were studied with regard to their blood levels of the three hexachlorocyclohexane isomers: alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HCH. The TLV-TWA (MAK value 1979) for gamma-HCH of 0.5 mg/m3 was not exceeded at any of the workplaces where HCH is synthesized and purified to lindane. Additionally, in some of the workers samples of s.c. adipose tissue were taken for determination of HCH-isomer content. An external group of 20 clerks was examined in the same way for control purposes. In contrast to the control persons, none of whom had HCH-concentrations in serum above the respective detection limits, the values determined in serum of the exposed workers were in the following ranges: alpha-HCH: 10-273 microgram/1, beta-HCH: 17-760 microgram/l, and gamma-HCH: 5-188 microgram/1. Of special interest is the observation of a significant increase of beta-HCH-concentration in serum with the time of employment in lindane production, indicating a pronounced accumulation of this substance in the human organism. Concentrations of this isomer in s.c. adipose tissues were about 300-fold higher than in serum. A significant correlation between both parameters could be established. The results of this study show that adherence to the TLV-TWA of gamma-HCH is not sufficient for control of HCH-exposure. Furthermore, biological monitoring of exposed workers is necessary taking into account the three more important isomers alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HCH.

Metabolism of gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) was studied examining 21 workers producing this insecticide. Using gas chromatography in combination with ECD and mass spectrometry 14 mono-, di-, tri- and tetrachlorophenols were identified in the urine samples of the workers. Seven dihydroxychlorobenzenes of still unknown configuration were detected by mass spectrometry. Ten of the more abundant metabolites, di-, tri- and tetrachlorophenols were determined quantitatively in all urine samples. 2,4,6-; 2,3,5- and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol turned out to be the main metabolites of gamma-HCH. They were excreted in nearly equal quantities. On account of their potential liver toxicity, the determination of chlorophenols in urine should be part of a biological monitoring program of HCH-exposed persons.

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