Phthalaldehyde

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

The potential of ortho-phthalaldehyde (target substance) to induce skin irritation/corrosion was evaluated in a suitable in vivo test method (OECD 404). Based on the results, the target substance is considered to cause severe skin burns and eye damage and classification as Skin Corr 1, H314 is warranted. Thus, no further testing to assess the eye irritating potential was needed and the substance will also be classified as Eye Dam 1, H318.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

skin irritation: in vivo

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

2000-05-01 to 2000-09-26

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion)

Version / remarks:

adopted: 17th July 1992

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes

Specific details on test material used for the study:

- Name in the study report: "o-PHTHALALDEHYDE"
- Chemical name: 1,2-Benzenedicarboxaldehyde
- Trade name: OPA
- CAS No.: 643-79-8
- Batch No.: FKGP908
- Appearance: Slight yellow solid with scaly appearance
- Conditions of storage: Room temperature, in the dark
- Date of expiry: December 2000

Species:

rabbit

Strain:

New Zealand White

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Wiga, D-97633
- Weight at study initiation: Animal No. 1: 2.2 kg, Animal No. 2: 2.3 kg and Animal No.3: 2.3 kg
- Housing: Individual caging in metal wire cages
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum, Altromin 2023 diet for rabbits
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum, tap water
- Acclimation period: 5 days

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 21
- Humidity (%): 58
- Air changes (per hr): 12
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12

Type of coverage:

semiocclusive

Preparation of test site:

clipped

Vehicle:

water

Controls:

no

Amount / concentration applied:

TEST MATERIAL
- Amount(s) applied (volume or weight with unit): 0.5 g

VEHICLE
- Amount(s) applied (volume or weight with unit): 1.0 mL

Duration of treatment / exposure:

4 hours

Observation period:

14 days

Number of animals:

3 female rabbits

Details on study design:

TEST SITE
- Area of exposure: Dorsal area
- coverage: 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm

REMOVAL OF TEST SUBSTANCE
- Washing (if done): At the end of the exposure period the dressings, the tapes with the patches and the collars were removed, residual test substance was wiped off with wet Kleenex-tissues, if necessary
- Time after start of exposure: 4 h

OBSERVATION TIME POINTS
The treated areas and the surrounding untreated skin (control area) of the animals were examined for erythema/eschar and oedema as well as for other local alterations approximately 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours after patch removal. Additional examinations were performed 6, 8, 10 and 14 days after the patch removal.

SCORING SYSTEM:
- Method of calculation: Dermal alterations were scored and recorded using the scores given in Table 1 in box “Any other information on materials and methods incl. tables”

Irritation parameter:

erythema score

Basis:

animal #1

Time point:

24/48/72 h

Score:

1.3

Max. score:

4

Reversibility:

not fully reversible within: 14 days

Remarks on result:

positive indication of irritation

Irritation parameter:

erythema score

Basis:

animal #2

Time point:

24/48/72 h

Score:

2

Max. score:

4

Reversibility:

not fully reversible within: 14 days

Remarks on result:

positive indication of irritation

Irritation parameter:

erythema score

Basis:

animal #3

Time point:

24/48/72 h

Score:

2

Max. score:

4

Reversibility:

not fully reversible within: 14 days

Remarks on result:

positive indication of irritation

Irritation parameter:

edema score

Basis:

animal #1

Time point:

24/48/72 h

Score:

3.3

Max. score:

4

Reversibility:

not fully reversible within: 14 days

Remarks on result:

positive indication of irritation

Irritation parameter:

edema score

Basis:

animal #2

Time point:

24/48/72 h

Score:

2.3

Max. score:

4

Reversibility:

not fully reversible within: 14 days

Remarks on result:

positive indication of irritation

Irritation parameter:

edema score

Basis:

animal #3

Time point:

24/48/72 h

Score:

3

Max. score:

4

Reversibility:

not fully reversible within: 14 days

Remarks on result:

positive indication of irritation

Irritant / corrosive response data:

A dark green or partly green staining of the skin at the application site was seen in all animals from 1 h onwards until 10 d p.a., but did not impede the examination of the skin for erythema.
Erythema/eschar: In all animals changes were seen already 1 h p.a. until the end of the observation period. Eschar formation was noted from 6 d p.a. onwards. Wounds and scars were notable under the eschar 10 d and 14 d p.a.
Edema: In all animals severe edema were noted already 1 h after the patch removal. Lesions were still present 14 d after the exposure.

Table 2: Scores of the application sites

Time after the end of the exposure	Erythema/Eschar Animal No.			Oedema
	1	2	3	1	2	3
1 h(c)	3	3	3	4	4	4
24 h(c)	2	2	2	4	3	3
48 h(c)	1	2	2	3	2	3
72 h(c)	1	2	2	3	2	3
Mean (24 – 72h)	1.3	2.0	2.0	3.3	2.3	3.0
14 days	4(a)(b)	4 (a)(b)	4 (a)(b)	4	3	3

(a) Eschar formation

(b) Wounds/scars

(c) Dark green staining

Interpretation of results:

Category 1 (corrosive) based on GHS criteria

Conclusions:

In conclusion, in an acute dermal irritation/corrosion study according to OECD 404, the test item is considered to be skin corrosive.

Executive summary:

In a primary dermal irritation study conducted according to guideline OECD 404, 3 female New Zealand White rabbits were dermally exposed to 0.5 g of ortho-Phthalaldehyde, moistened with 1.0 mL deionised water to the closely-clipped dorsal site (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm). Test sites were covered with a semi-occlusive dressing for 4 hours. Animals were then observed for 14 days. A dark green or partly green staining of the skin at the application site was seen in all animals from 1 h onwards until 10 d p.a., but did not impede the examination of the skin for erythema. In all animals, erythema changes were seen already 1 h p.a. until the end of the observation period. Eschar formation was noted from 6 d p.a. onwards. Wounds and scars were notable under the eschar 10 d and 14 d p.a. Severe oedema were noted already 1 h after the patch removal. Lesions were still present 14 d after the exposure.

Based on these results, the test item has to be classified as Category 1 for skin corrosion/irritation.

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (corrosive)

Eye irritation

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

eye irritation: in vitro / ex vivo

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

the study does not need to be conducted because the substance is classified as skin corrosion, leading to classification as serious eye damage (Category 1)

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

The potential of ortho-phthalaldehyde (target substance) to induce skin irritation/corrosion was evaluated in a suitable in vivo test method (OECD 404). Based on the results, the target substance is considered to cause severe skin burns and eye damage and classification as Skin Corr 1, H314 is warranted. Thus, no further testing to assess the eye irritating potential was needed and the substance will also be classified as Eye Dam 1, H318.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the results from the in vitro skin irritation/corrosion tests the target substance is considered to cause severe skin burns and eye damage and classification as Skin Corr 1, H314 is warranted.

Moreover, no further testing to assess the eye irritating potential was needed and the substance will also be classified as Eye Dam 1, H318.