Elimination of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane in occupationally exposed persons.

The elimination of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) in humans was investigated in a group of 40 former workers of a lindane-producing plant by analyzing at least 2 blood specimens (3 specimens in 3 workers) from different time points. Assuming a first-order kinetic model for excretion, the median half-life of beta-HCH is 7.2 yr calculated by concentrations in whole blood and 7.6 yr calculated by concentrations in extractable lipids. In univariate analyses an influence of age, percent body fat, and liver disease (additionally in whole blood an influence of contents of extractable lipids) on clearance was observed. All factors show a positive correlation with half-life. According to a mu…