Lindane (Persistant Organic Pollutant) in the EU, Best Practices of De-Contamination Exchanged

This study was commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI). Lindane and technical-HCH were extensively produced in the EU until the 1990s and used as a broad spectrum insecticide until 2008. The use and production of lindane is now banned in most countries around the world. However, it unfortunately continues to make itself known. Its persistence, bioacumulative and toxic properties, spillages from former production sites and the illegal dumping of HCH-waste, have given rise to serious concerns as understanding grows about the ability of HCH-polluted-spots to widely disperse HCH pollution into surface and groundwater. This report presents an updated mapping of the lindane production plants and HCH-waste dumping sites in the EU. Potential remediation techniques, including laboratory and field experiences, are also provided with a selection of best practices regarding the restoration of contaminated sites and the participation of stakeholders. The information on lindane from official websites is also analysed.