Impact of Lindane Ban in California
Author Information
Author(s): Brown Valerie J.
Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco
Hypothesis
Did the ban on lindane in California lead to reduced environmental and health impacts?
Conclusion
The ban on lindane resulted in significant decreases in its concentrations in wastewater and a reduction in poison control calls related to its exposure.
Supporting Evidence
- Lindane concentrations in wastewater dropped from 36 ppt in 1999 to almost undetectable levels by 2006.
- Calls to the Poison Control System regarding lindane decreased from 135 per 100,000 in 1998 to 2 per 100,000 in 2006.
- Lindane prescriptions fell from 114,000 in 1997 to 34 in 2002.
Takeaway
When California stopped using a harmful chemical called lindane, the amount of it in water went down a lot, and fewer people called for help because of it.
Methodology
The study examined historical lindane concentrations in water and analyzed poison control calls before and after the ban.
Limitations
Lindane is still used in other countries, and the study may not account for all potential exposures.
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