Diethyl sulphide

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

No reliable studies for skin, eye, or respiratory tract irritation were identified for diethyl sulphide. Key studies were identified for methyl ethyl sulphide, a structural analogue of diethyl sulphide. Methyl ethyl sulphide was found to be slightly irritating to the skin and irritating to the eyes in rabbits. Read across data from dimethyl sulphide and methyl ethyl sulphide indicates that diethyl sulphide is unlikely to be a respiratory irritant. 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Additional information

No key irritation data are available for diethyl sulphide. Several criteria justify the use of the read across approach to fill data gaps for diethyl sulphide using methyl ethyl sulphide as an analogue. Diethyl sulphide, like methyl ethyl sulphide, is an odorant and has similar physiochemical properties. Hence, the toxicological properties of these substances are also expected to be similar. Key read across data from methyl ethyl sulphide was therefore used to evaluate the skin and ocular irritation potential.

 

Skin irritation:

 

The potential irritant and/or corrosive effects of methyl ethyl sulphide were evaluated in a key read across study (Douds, 1994; Klimisch score = 1) using New Zealand White rabbits. Each of six rabbits received a 0.5 mL dose of the test article, methyl ethyl sulphide, as a single dermal application. The dose was held in contact with the skin under semi-occlusive covering for an exposure period of 4 hours. Following the exposure period, the binder was removed and the remaining test article was wiped from the skin using gauze moistened with distilled water. Test sites were subsequently examined and scored for dermal irritation for up to 14 days following patch removal. The mean scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 1.5 for erythema and 1.85 for edema, respectively. The effects were completely reversible 7 to 14 days following exposure. Additional dermal findings noted during the period included irritation observed in the taped area outside the test site and desquamation, which were noted on 6/6 and 5/6 test sites. Methyl ethyl sulphide is considered to be a slight irritant to the skin of the rabbit.

 

Eye irritation:

 

The potential eye irritant and/or corrosive effects of methyl ethyl sulphide were evaluated in a key read across study (Douds, 1994; Klimisch score = 1) using New Zealand White rabbits. Each of six rabbits received a 0.1 mL dose of the test article in the conjunctival sac of the right eye. The contralateral eye of each animal remained untreated and served as a control. Test and control eyes were examined for signs of irritation for up to 14 days following dosing. The mean scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours were 0.9 for cornea, 0.3 for iris, 2.0 for conjonctivae (redness) and 1.4 for chemosis, respectively. All effects were observed to be completely reversible at the end of the 14 day observation period. Methyl ethyl sulphide is considered to be irritating to the eyes of the rabbit.

Respiratory Irritation:

Available read across acute inhalation toxicity data from structural analogues appears to indicate that diethyl sulphide is unlikely to be a respiratory irritant.

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: slightly irritating

Effects on eye irritation: irritating

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on read across data from structural analogue methyl ethyl sulphide, diethyl sulphide is considered to be slightly irritating to the skin but does not meet the meet the criteria for classification as a skin irritant under EU Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC or CLP EU Regulation 1272/2008.

Based on read across data from structural analogue methyl ethyl sulphide, diethyl sulphide is considered to be irritating to the rabbit eye (score of 2 for conjunctival redness) and is classified Category 2 (Warning; H319 - Causes serious eye irritation) under EU CLP Regulation 1272/2008. Diethyl sulphide is not classified under EU Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC.

Based on read across acute inhalation toxicity data from structural analogues, diethyl sulphide does not meet the meet the criteria for classification as a respiratory irritant under EU Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC or CLP EU Regulation 1272/2008.