Morton Grove Bullies Its Opponents
WARNING Seizures and deaths have been reported following Lindane Shampoo use with repeat or prolonged application, but also in rare cases following a single application according to directions. Lindane Shampoo should be used with caution in infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with other skin conditions...and those who weigh [less than] 110 lbs as they may be at risk of serious neurotoxicity.
©2006 Alliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals has initiated yet another lawsuit to silence its critics. This time, the target is a small, 25-year-old nonprofit dedicated to protecting children’s health. Morton Grove (which is the only U.S. company still formulating products containing the pesticide lindane) is suing the National Pediculosis Association (NPA) for posting information on their website (www.headlice.org) to inform parents and the public about the health effects of lindane.
Despite lindane’s dangers, it is being used as an ingredient in children’s shampoos and skin lotions marketed to control lice and scabies. Alliant Phramaceuticals is a major distributor of lindane shampoo for children.
A neurotoxic organochlorine pesticide, lindane has been banned in 52 countries. Lindane has been linked to seizures, developmental disabilities and hormone disruption. It is known to be particularly hazardous to children. The persistent chemical shows up more often than any other pesticide in the Arctic environment.
In August 2006, EPA withdrew lindane from all agricultural uses in the United States. Veterinary uses of lindane were canceled in the late 1990s. Lindane is currently in line to be included on the list of chemicals targeted for a global ban under the Stockholm Convention.
Michigan’s Ecology Center is already battling Morton Grove over a similar suit that the Illinois company filed against the Ann Arbor nonprofit last July. Undeterred by Morton Grove’s lawsuits, Michigan activists are moving forward with demands for a statewide legislative ban of lindane-laced shampoos and lotions. A California ban on the pharmaceutical uses of lindane went into effect in 2001.
NPA is planning to fight their harassment suit and has vowed: “This is the lawsuit that will be heard around the world…because parents care about the health of their children.”