1. Human liver microsomes convert lindane (gamma isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane) to four major primary metabolites; gamma-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohex-1-ene (3,6/4,5-HCCH), gamma-1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohex-1-ene (3,6/4,5-PCCH), beta-1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohex-1-ene (3,4,6/5-PCCH), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP); and two major secondary metabolites; 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol (2,3,4,6-TTCP) and pentachlorobenzene (PCB). 2. Under the same conditions, rat liver microsomes produce 3,6/4,5-HCCH, 2,4,6-TCP and 2,3,4,6-TCCP at rates similar to human liver microsomes. 3,4,6/5-PCCH is produced at much lower rates and 3,6/4,5-PCCH and PCB are not detected when lindane is incubated with rat liver microsomes for up to 30 min. 3. The identity of 3,4,6/5-PCCH, previously not identified as a mammalian metabolite of lindane, is confirmed by column chromatography and g.l.c.-mass spectrometry by comparison with authentic material. 4. It is concluded that there is potentially substantial hepatic metabolism by humans of lindane, a topically used scabicide and pediculicide.