1,1,1-trichloroethane

Short-term toxicity to fish

Description of key information

The results of the number of studies have been included in this section. However from a risk assessment standpoint (De Rooij et al 2004) the most useful document is a review conducted by EURO CHLOR for the European Union Commission conducted to assist in the formulation of policy on chlorinated industrial chemicals. The results of this review showed that although the bulk of the trichloroethane released into the environment would find its way into the atmosphere sufficient would be present in surface waters (marine and freshwater) to justify a full-scale risk assessment.  The studies available in this review  were sufficient to conclude that the risk to the aquatic environment based on figures obtained before the effects of the Montreal protocol came into effect were sufficient to indicate that for fish there was no cause for concern. 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Fresh water fish

Fresh water fish

Effect concentration:

42.3 mg/L

Marine water fish

Marine water fish

Effect concentration:

33 mg/L

Additional information

The results of a risk assessment (De Rooij et al 2004) on a review conducted by EURO CHLOR indicate that there appeared to be no difference between toxicity to fresh water and marine fish and, as trichloroethane is considered to be a basic rather than a specific toxin, the results from both of freshwater and marine species can be used together. Results of the review are as follows.

Acute studies on freshwater fish.

Species	Duration	Study type	Endpoint	Conc. (mg/L)	SF 1000 (ug/L)	Validity	Comments	Reference
Pimephales promelas	96h	FT,A	EC50 LC50	11.1 52.8	11.1 52.8	1	Loss of equilibrium	Alexander et al 1978
	96h	FT,A	EC50 LC50	28.8 42.3	28.8 42.3	1	Respiration, loss of equilibrium	Brooke et al 1985
	96h	FT,A	LC50	52.9	52.9	1
	96h	S,N	LC50	105	105	2		Alexander et al 1978
Lepomis macrochirus	96h	S,N	LC50	72	72	2		Buccafusco et al 1981
	96h	S	LC50	69.7	69.7	4		US EPA 1980
Oryzias Latipes	48h	FT	LC50	73	73	2		CITI 1992
Leuciscus idus melanotus	48h	S,N	LC50	123	123	2		Juhnke & Ludeman 1978
Poecilia reticulata	7 day	SS,N,C	LC50	133	133	2		Konemann 1981
	96h	S	LC50	148	148	2

Acute studies on marine fish.

Species	Duration	Study type	Endpoint	Conc. (mg/L)	SF 1000 (ug/L)	Validity	Comments	Reference
Limanda limanda	96h	FT,A,C	LC50	33	33	2	No isomer confirmation	Pearson & McConnel 1975
Cyprinodon variegatus	96h	S,N	LC50	71	71	2		Heitmuller et al 1981

Key:            

Analysis A = Yes, N = nominal concentration

Study type S = static, SS = semi-static, FT = flow through. C = closed system.

Rating for validity 1 = valid without restriction, 2 = valid with restrictions, 3 = invalid, 4 = not assignable (inadequate data).

In addition to the studies listed above other studies are included in the dossier but they do not materially change the results obtained in the published risk assessment (quality criteria for all additional studies are below the reviewers criteria of category 1 - valid without restriction).

The results from acute studies which the authors considered to be valid without restriction (category 1) show that the 96h LC50 and EC50 NOEC) values for fish are 42.3 and 11.1mg/L. Based on that these results and the monitored results of concentrations of 1,1,1-trichloroethane in river and estuarine situations in northern Europe the authors conclude that the PEC/PNEC ratios incorporating standard safety factors are comfortably below (35x) levels that would cause concern

• = LOEC