§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has received linking lindane, or gamma benzene hexachloride, to leukaemia and kidney damage; and if he will consider taking action to prevent them being used in head lice treatment.
§ Mr. DorrellLindane, also known as gamma benzene hexachloride, is an insecticide which has been available for a number of years in low concentrations in licensed medicinal products for external use. The Committee on Safety of Medicines has received no reports of leukaemia or kidney damage associated with lindane treatment.
Lindane is an effective treatment for scabies. As a consequence of the emergence of resistance it is no longer commonly used for the sole treatment of head lice. Low concentrations of lindane when used topically and as recommended have a good safety record over many years of extensive use.