Potassium O-pentyl dithiocarbonate

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

- Acute oral toxicity:The LD50 value of  1000 mg/kg in rats were determined for Potassium Amyl Xanthate. This show that Potassium Amyl Xanthate is of a moderately to slightly order of acute oral toxicity . 
-Acute Dermal Toxicity: An LD50 value of < 1000 mg/kg was obtained. Application of 1 gm/kg of sodium ethyl xanthate in the form of a paste resulted in the death of ten out of twelve animals within 24 hrs. The surviving animals developed irritant effects including oedema and pigmentation of the skin. The sulphide odour noted during the study suggests that decomposition of sodium ethyl xanthate occurred.  The dermal LD50 was < 1000 mg/kg . This show  that Potassium Amyl  Xanthate (the result was read across from sodium ethyl xanthate)  is of a moderately order of acute Dermal toxicity .
- Acute  inhalation toxicity :Based on the results of thе study (Arkema Inc. 2010), the LC50 for Acute  inhalation toxicity  of carbon disulfide obtained was 32.19 mg/m³ air or 10.35 mg/L air (chemically determined mean atmosphere concentration). There was no indication of relevant sex-related differences in toxicity of the test item.
Carbon disulphide is both a reagent in the manufacture, as well as a decomposition product of xanthates. Potassium Amyl xanthate readily decomposes to carbon disulphide, especially in the presence of moisture/water. Therefore, the health effects of carbon disulphide (CS2) need to be considered in the assessment of potassiuma amyl  xanthate.
It is concluded that the substance Potassium amyl xanthate meet the criteria to be classified for human health hazards for acute oral and dermal effects.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: oral

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

study well documented, meets generally accepted scientific principles, acceptable for assessment

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 401 (Acute Oral Toxicity)

GLP compliance:

no

Test type:

acute toxic class method

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Sex:

male

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS

- Weight at study initiation: 200-265g

- Fasting period before study: Over night

- Water: ad libitum

Route of administration:

oral: gavage

Vehicle:

unchanged (no vehicle)

Doses:

500,1000, 1290, 1700, 2000 mg

No. of animals per sex per dose:

10male

Control animals:

no

Details on study design:

- Duration of observation period following administration: 14 days

- Frequency of observations and weighing: Regular intervals on the day of dosing and daily thereafter for 14 days.

- Necropsy of survivors performed: yes

- Other examinations performed: clinical signs, body weight,organ weights, histopathology, other: Gross necropsies were performed on all survivors and any animals which died during the observation period. Body weights of survivors were recorded prior to sacrifice.

Sex:

male

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Effect level:

>= 1 000 - <= 2 000 mg/kg bw

Based on:

test mat.

Remarks on result:

other: oral administration of potassium amyl xanthate to rats produced increased motor activity, cyanosis, irritability, increased respiration and convulsions with death occurring 1 to 2 hours after administration.

Mortality:

All death occurring 1 to 2 hours after administration.

Clinical signs:

other: Oral administration of potassium amyl xanthate to rats produced increased motor activity, cyanosis, irritability, increased respiration and convulsions with death occurring 1 to 2 hours after administration.

Gross pathology:

Autopsy showed perivascular and pericellular oedema, multiple haemorrhages in the lungs, perivascular subarachnoid haemorrhages and acute
swelling of the cells of the cortex, subcortical ganglia and the brain stem. Fatty dystrophy of the liver and protein dystrophy of the twisted canaliculi of the kidneys were observed.

Other findings:

The findings of these studies indicate that potassium amyl xanthate produces adverse effects on the central nervous system, liver and kidneys.

Table 3:	Oral toxicity of xanthates (from: Kirk-Othmer, 1984)16
Xanthate	Species		LD0	(mg/kg)	LD50	(mg/kg)	References
Sodium ethyl		rat	500		—		17
Potassium ethyl		Rat  mouse	500		1700 583		17, 18
Sodium isopropyl		rat	250		—		17
Potassium isopropyl		rat mouse	— —		1700  583		18 —
Potassium n-butyl		mouse	—		411  465		19,20
Sodium isobutyl		rat			500		17
Potassium isobutyl		rat mouse	— —		1290  480		18 18
Sodium sec-butyl		rat	—		>2000		17
Potassium amyl (mixed)		rat	1000		1000–2000		17, 21
Potassium iso amyl		rat mouse	— —		765 470		18 18
C5-C6 mixture		rat	—		1500		22

 

 

The LD50 value of between 1000 -2000 mg/kg in rats were determined for Potassium Amyl Xanthate. This show that Potassium Amyl Xanthate is of a moderately to slightly order of acute oral toxicity .

 

The LD50 of the various xanthates are similar, ranging from 411 to 583 mg/kg in mice and from 1000 to >2000 mg/kg in rats.

The acute oral toxic effects of one xanthate, potassium butyl xanthate, are providedin two summaries in Chemical Abstracts.

 Similar symptoms and pathology findings were seen in these studies carried out by Babayan.

 

References :

16.Kirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology,Vol 24, 2nd ed, pp 645-661,John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

17.Dow Chemical Company, 1964, unpublished toxicological data to C.B. Shaffer,American Cyanamid; data from P. Avotin, American Cyanamid, privatecommunication, 1982 as cited in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical

18.Babayan, E.A., 1963, “Toxicology of Potassium Butyl Xanthate” Material 2-oi[Vtoroi] Itog. Nauchn. Konf. Inst. Gigieny Truda I Prof. Zabolevan Posvyashch.Vopr. Gigieny Truda I Prof. Patol. Erevan, pp 75-77 (Pub 1964)(Russ)Chem Abstract,64, 8836e (1966).

19.Babayan, E.A., “Toxicological Characteristics of the Flotation Agent PotassiumButyl Xanthate”, Mater. Itogovoi Nauch. Konf. Vop. Gig Tr Profpatol. Khim.Gornorud. Prom., 3rd 1966 (Pub 1968) 97-102 (Russ) inChemical Abstracts,Vol 73,1970.

20.Fronk, N.G., The Dow Chemical Company, private communication, 1982, as cited inKirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology,Vol 24, 2nd Ed, pp 645-661,John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

21.Buzina, A.Z., Burkhanov, A.I. and Abeuev, Kh.B., 1977 Zdravookhr. Kaz., 88 ascited inKirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology,Vol 24, 2nd Ed, pp645-661, John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

22.Chemical Abstracts,Vol 64, 1966.

 

Interpretation of results:

sligthly toxic

Remarks:

Migrated information Criteria used for interpretation of results: EU

Conclusions:

The LD50 value between 1000 -2000 mg/kg was determined in a reliable study. This show that Potassium Amyl Xanthate is of a Slightly order of acute oral toxicity .
Based on the data provided in this review, Potassium Amyl Xanthate shall be classified for acute oral toxicity.

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

1 000 mg/kg bw

Acute toxicity: via inhalation route

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: inhalation

Type of information:

other: published data

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

study well documented, meets generally accepted scientific principles, acceptable for assessment

Justification for type of information:

Carbon disulphide is both a reagent in the manufacture, as well as a decomposition product of xanthates. Potassium amyl xanthate readily decomposes to carbon disulphide, especially in the presence of moisture/water. Therefore, the health effects of carbon disulphide (CS2) need to be considered in the assessment of Potassium amyl xanthate. In addition, xanthates decompose on aging to form a number of byproducts, depending on the pH, temperature, etc. Risks associated with xanthate are, therefore, a function of the breakdown of the product or un-reacted raw materials remaining in the product.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 403 (Acute Inhalation Toxicity)

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EU Method B.2 (Acute Toxicity (Inhalation))

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EPA OPPTS 870.1300 (Acute inhalation toxicity)

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

not specified

Test type:

standard acute method

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Harlan Laboratories B.V., Kreuzelweg 53, 5961 NM Horst, Netherlands
- Age at study initiation: 9 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: males: 254.6 to 274.2 g, females: 169.9 to 183.7 g
- Fasting period before study: none
- Housing: Animals were housed in groups of 5 of the same sex in Makrolon® type-IV cages with wire mesh tops and standard softwood bedding ("Lignocel" J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH & Co KG, 73494 Rosenberg / Germany, imported by Provimi Kliba AG, 4303 Kaiseraugst / Switzerland) including paper enrichment (Enviro-dri from Lillico, Biotechnology, Surrey, UK)
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Animals were housed in groups of 5 of the same sex in Makrolon® type-IV cages with wire mesh tops and standard softwood bedding ("Lignocel" J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH & Co KG, 73494 Rosenberg / Germany, imported by Provimi Kliba AG, 4303 Kaiseraugst / Switzerland) including paper enrichment (Enviro-dri from Lillico, Biotechnology, Surrey, UK)
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): Community tap water from Füllinsdorf ad libitum in water bottles, except during the period when they were restrained in exposure tubes
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C):
- Humidity (%): 30-70 %
- Air changes (per hr): 10-15
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12

This study was performed in an AAALAC-accredited laboratory in accordance with the Swiss Animal Protection Law under license no. 49.

Route of administration:

inhalation: gas

Type of inhalation exposure:

nose only

Vehicle:

clean air

Details on inhalation exposure:

GENERATION OF TEST ATMOSPHERE / CHAMBER DESCRIPTION
- Exposure apparatus: The test atmosphere was generated using a Hudson nebulizer connected to a step dose pump. The entire polyethylene injector inside the nebulizer was replaced by a stainless steel injector. The concentration of the test item in the inhalation chamber was controlled by regulating the flow of the test item to the inhalation tower and by the addition of dilution air
- Exposure chamber volume: not applicable
- Method of holding animals in test chamber: The animals were confined separately in restraint tubes which were positioned radially around the exposure chamber
- Source and rate of air: compressed air was supplied by means of an oil free compressor and passed respiratory quality filters before it was introduced to the exposure system
- Method of conditioning air: respiratory quality filters
- System of generating particulates/aerosols: The test atmosphere was generated using a Hudson nebulizer connected to a step dose pump. The entire polyethylene injector inside the nebulizer was replaced by a stainless steel injector. The concentration of the test item in the inhalation chamber was controlled by regulating the flow of the test item to the inhalation tower and by the addition of dilution air
- Method of particle size determination: not applicable as test item was generated as gas
- Treatment of exhaust air: filtered
- Temperature, humidity, pressure in air chamber: 23.5 °C, 2.4 % relative humididty, 20.0 % oxygen
TEST ATMOSPHERE
- Brief description of analytical method used: The concentration was measured at least 4 times per hour of exposure per on-line gas chromatography. The analyses were performed according to the conditions listed below.

Column: DB-624 (30m x 0.320mm x 1.80µm)
Injector: 225°C
Oven: 100 °C for 0.1min; then 50°C/min to 250°C for 0 min.
Detector: µECD, 260°C

Calibration:
A calibration curve ranging between concentrations of approximately 2.5 mg/L to approximately 14 mg/L was constructed from the test item in gas bags as part of the technical trials. The calibration gas bags were prepared at each concentration.

Acceptance Criteria:
The coefficient of variation was < 10% for all calibration gas bag samples at each concentration. The correlation coefficient of the used regression was 0.995 and therefore within the acceptance criteria.

Standards constructed from the test item in gas bags were sampled prior to initiation of each exposure at the chamber-line and used to check the integrity of the sampling line and check the GC calibration. Plots of the peak area used for the calibration were used to assess trends regarding system stability. The acceptance criterion for standard samples was an accuracy of 90 - 110% of the theoretical value.
- Samples taken from breathing zone: yes

VEHICLE
- Composition of vehicle (if applicable): none
- Concentration of test material in vehicle (if applicable):
- Justification of choice of vehicle:
- Lot/batch no. (if required):
- Purity:

TEST ATMOSPHERE (if not tabulated)
- Particle size distribution: none
- MMAD (Mass median aerodynamic diameter) / GSD (Geometric st. dev.):

CLASS METHOD (if applicable)
- Rationale for the selection of the starting concentration:

Analytical verification of test atmosphere concentrations:

yes

Duration of exposure:

4 h

Concentrations:

Nominal: 2.23 mg/L air
chemical: 10.35 mg/L air

No. of animals per sex per dose:

5

Control animals:

no

Details on study design:

- Duration of observation period following administration: 14 days
- Frequency of observations and weighing: Observations for viability were recorded once before exposure on the day of exposure (test day 1), three times during exposure, immediately and 1 h after exposure on test day 1 and twice daily during the observation period. Each animal was examined three times during exposure, immediately and 1 h after exposure on test day 1 and once daily during the observation period. Observations were detailed and carefully recorded using explicitly defined scales as appropriate. Only grossly abnormal signs were detectable during exposure as the animals were restrained in the exposure tubes. The body weight of each animal was recorded on test days 1 (before exposure), 2, 4, 8 and 15 (before necropsy).

- Necropsy of survivors performed: yes
- Other examinations performed: clinical signs, body weight,

Statistics:

no

Sex:

male/female

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect level:

10.35 mg/L air (analytical)

Based on:

test mat.

Exp. duration:

4 h

Sex:

male/female

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect level:

32.19 mg/m³ air (analytical)

Based on:

test mat.

Exp. duration:

4 h

Remarks on result:

other: Conversion factors :1 mg/l(ppm)=3.11 mg/m3

Mortality:

three males and two females

Clinical signs:

other: Tachypnea was recorded in all animals during and immediately after exposure. Tachypnea persisted in all surviving animals until test day 2. Hunched or prostrate posture and/or decreased activity were observed in most of the animals one hour after end of e

Body weight:

From test day 1 to test day 2, slight to moderate body weight loss was noted in all surviving animals. Thereafter normal body weight development was recorded in these animals.

Gross pathology:

There were no macroscopic findings that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item. Red discoloration of the lung was recorded in animals that died spontaneously. This finding was considered to be due to delayed necropsy.

Other findings:

none

Test Atmosphere Conditions

Temperature, relative humidity and oxygen concentration during exposure were considered to be satisfactory for this type of study. Relative humidity values were quite low as dry air was used for atmosphere generation.

 

Data on temperature, relative humidity and oxygen concentration are presented in the following table.

 

Recording Time [hours:min]	O2Concentration [Vol %]	Temperature [°C]	Relative Humidity [% RH]
08:00	20.2	23.9	3.6
08:30	20.1	23.4	2.5
09:00	20.1	23.6	2.4
09:30	20.0	23.9	2.3
10:00	19.9	23.4	2.3
10:30	19.9	23.4	2.3
11:00	19.8	23.3	2.2
11:30	19.8	23.3	2.2
12:00	19.8	23.4	2.2
Mean	20.0	23.5	2.4
St. Dev.	0.2	0.2	0.5
N	9	9	9

 

  Determination of Nominal Atmosphere Concentration

The nominal atmosphere concentration was 12.23 mg/L air.

 

  Chemical Determination of Atmosphere Concentrations

The mean chemical atmosphere concentration determined was 10.35 mg/L air as targeted. Details on chemically determined atmosphere concentrations are presented in the following tables:

 

Measurement	Chemical Atmosphere Concentration mg/L air
1	14.01
2	12.03
3	14.13
4	13.88
5	11.52
6	12.42
7	11.54
8	6.36
9	10.51
10	9.65
11	10.67
12	10.57
13	9.39
14	12.08
15	11.41
16	12.30
17	6.86
18	11.24
19	9.98
20	10.74
21	11.16
22	9.17
23	10.26
24	12.22
25	6.98
26	11.22
27	6.10
28	12.67
29	11.22
30	5.34
31	11.29
32	10.97
33	6.62
34	10.47
35	5.13
36	10.96
37	8.40
38	8.50
39	12.75
40	13.41
41	8.79
42	9.42
43	12.02
44	11.14
45	8.10
46	9.38
47	13.00
48	7.92
Mean	10.35
SD	2.3
n	48

 

Interpretation of results:

moderately toxic

Remarks:

Migrated information Criteria used for interpretation of results: EU

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this study, the LC50 of carbon disulfide obtained in this study was 32.19 mg/m³ air or 10.35 mg/L air (chemically determined mean atmosphere concentration). There was no indication of relevant sex-related differences in toxicity of the test item.
Carbon disulphide is both a reagent in the manufacture, as well as a decomposition product of xanthates. Potassium amyl xanthate readily decomposes to carbon disulphide, especially in the presence of moisture/water. Therefore, the health effects of carbon disulphide (CS2) need to be considered in the assessment of Potassium amyl xanthate.

Executive summary:

Carbon disulphide is both a reagent in the manufacture, as well as a decomposition product of xanthates. Potassium ethyl xanthate readily decomposes to carbon disulphide, especially in the presence of moisture/water. Therefore, the health effects of carbon disulphide (CS2) need to be considered in the assessment of Potassium ethyl xanthate.

In addition, xanthates decompose on aging to form a number of byproducts, depending on the pH, temperature, etc. Risks associated with xanthate are, therefore, a function of the breakdown of the product or un-reacted raw materials remaining in the product.

A group of five male and five female albino rats was exposed by nose-only, flow-past inhalation for four hours to the test item at a chemically determined mean concentration of 10.35 mg/L air. All animals were observed for clinical signs and mortality during the inhalation exposure and the subsequent 14-day observation period. Body weights were recorded prior to exposure on test day 1, and during the observation period on test days 2, 4, 8 and 15 before necropsy. On test day 15 all animals were sacrificed and necropsied. The ranges of aerosol concentration, temperature, relative humidity, oxygen content and airflow rate measured during the exposure were considered to be satisfactory for a study of this type. In addition, the test item was considered to be respirable to rats. Five animals died during the first 24 hours after exposure. All other animals survived the scheduled observation period. Tachypnea was recorded in all animals during exposure and persisted until test day 2 in the surviving ones. Hunched or prostrate posture and / or decreased activity were recorded in most of the animals after exposure up to day 2. A transient effect on body weight was observed. There were no macroscopic findings that were considered to be related to treatment with the test item.

 

Based on the results of this study, the LC50 of Carbon Disulfide obtained in this study was 32.19 mg/m³ air or10.35 mg/L air (chemically determined mean atmosphere concentration).There was no indication of relevant sex-related differences in toxicity of the test item.

 

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Value:

32.19 mg/m³ air

Acute toxicity: via dermal route

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: dermal

Type of information:

other: published data

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

study well documented, meets generally accepted scientific principles, acceptable for assessment

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

This study was conducted in 1951 and was repeated later in the same year. Exposure in both studies was for 18 hrs and was not according to the OECD Guidelines for acute dermal irritation (4 hrs) or for dermal toxicity (24 hrs). The initial study was performed to assess dermal irritation but deaths during the study led to further studies. Sodium ethyl xanthate was administered by occlusive application to the shaved abdomen of the rabbits either as 1.0 ml/kg of a 10% aqueous solution or as 1 gm/kg of the 100% dry material in a paste formed with water. The animals were observed for 12 days.

GLP compliance:

no

Test type:

other: LD50

Limit test:

no

Species:

rabbit

Strain:

not specified

Sex:

male

Type of coverage:

occlusive

Vehicle:

water

Details on dermal exposure:

Sodium ethyl xanthate was administered by occlusive application to the shaved abdomen of the rabbits either as 1.0 ml/kg of a 10% aqueous solution or as 1 gm/kg of the 100% dry material in a paste formed with water. The animals were observed for 12 days.

Duration of exposure:

The animals were observed for 12 days.

Doses:

1.0 ml/kg of a 10% aqueous solution or as 1 gm/kg

No. of animals per sex per dose:

12

Control animals:

yes

Details on study design:

This study was conducted in 1951 and was repeated later in the same year. Exposure in both studies was for 18 hrs and was not according to the OECD Guidelines for acute dermal irritation (4 hrs)or for dermal toxicity (24 hrs).The initial study was performed to assess dermal irritation but deaths during the study led to further studies. Sodium ethyl xanthate was administered by occlusive application to the shaved abdomen of the rabbits either as 1.0 ml/kg of a 10% aqueous solution or as 1 gm/kg of the 100% dry material in a paste formed with water. The animals were observed for 12 days.

Sex:

male

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Effect level:

< 1 000 mg/kg bw

Based on:

test mat.

Remarks on result:

other: The dermal irritation/toxicity study in rabbits indicates that sodium ethyl xanthate powder has an LD50 of <1000 mg/kg and is a moderate irritant while the 10% solution is non irritating to the skin.

Mortality:

Application of 1 gm/kg of sodium ethyl xanthate in the form of a paste resulted in the death of ten out of twelve animals within 24 hrs. The surviving animals developed irritant effects including oedema and pigmentation of the skin.

Clinical signs:

other: Clinical Observations :surviving animal had moderate irritation with oedema and pigmentation of the skin.

Gross pathology:

Moderate amount of peritoneal fluid, visceral organs were normal.
Haemorrhagic lungs and peritoneal and pleural fluid. Other changes were markedly cyanotic ears (2/5), haemorrhagic conditions (2/5) and evidence of diarrhoea (3/5).
The liver appeared darkand mottled and the kidneys showed spotty haemorrhages

The dermal irritation/toxicity study in rabbits indicates that sodium ethyl xanthate powder has an LD50 of <1000 mg/kg and is a moderate irritant while the10% solution is non irritating to the skin.

Table 4:	Effects of sodium ethyl xanthate following dermal application
Animals	Dose	Clinical Observations	Gross pathology
3 rabbits	1 ml/kg, as 10% solution	No skin irritation.	No substance related changes.
3 rabbits	1 gm/kg, as a paste	2/3 died; surviving animalhad moderate irritationwith oedema andpigmentation of the skin.	Moderate amount of peritoneal fluid, visceral organs were normal.
5 male rabbits	1 gm/kg, as a paste	5/5 died following overnight exposure; oedemaof the skin with pigmentation.	Haemorrhagic lungs andperitoneal and pleural fluid. Other changes were markedly cyanotic ears (2/5), haemorrhagic conditions (2/5) and evidence of diarrhoea (3/5).
1 male rabbit	1 gm/kg, as a more liquid paste than above	Moderate oedema and pigmentation of the skin.	No substance related changes.
3 rabbits	1 gm/kg as a paste	All 3 animals died within24 hrs; retropulsion,salivation, loss of rightingreflex and haemorrhagicand oedematous areas of the skin were noted.	The liver appeared dark and mottled and the kidneysshowed spotty haemorrhages.

Interpretation of results:

moderately toxic

Remarks:

Migrated information Criteria used for interpretation of results: EU

Conclusions:

Acute Dermal Toxicity: An LD50 value of < 1000 mg/kg was obtained. Application of 1 gm/kg of sodium ethyl xanthate in the form of a paste resulted in the death of ten out of twelve animals within 24 hrs. The surviving animals developed irritant effects including oedema and pigmentation of the skin. The sulphide odour noted during the study suggests that decomposition of sodium ethyl xanthate occurred. The dermal LD50 was < 1000 mg/kg . This show that Potassium Amyl Xanthate (the result was read across from sodium ethyl xanthate) is of a moderately order of acute Dermal toxicity .

Executive summary:

Under the conditions of the study of Hazleton Laboratories, application of 10% solution of sodium ethyl xanthate (pH 10.5 to 11) for 18 hrs did not cause skin irritation in rabbits.

Similar application of 1 gm/kg of sodium ethyl xanthate in the form of a paste resulted in the death of ten out of twelve animals within 24 hrs. The surviving animals developed irritant effects including oedema and pigmentation of the skin. The sulphide odour noted during the study suggests that decomposition of sodium ethyl xanthate occurred. The dermal LD50 was < 1000 mg/kg.

This show that Potassium Amyl Xanthate (the result was read across from sodium ethyl xanthate) is of a moderately order of acute Dermal toxicity .

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

1 000 mg/kg bw

Additional information

    

Oral toxicity

Table 3:	Oral toxicity of xanthates (from: Kirk-Othmer, 1984)16
Xanthate	Species		LD0	(mg/kg)	LD50	(mg/kg)	References
Sodium ethyl		rat	500		—		17
Potassium ethyl		Rat  mouse	500		1700 583		17, 18
Sodium isopropyl		rat	250		—		17
Potassium isopropyl		rat mouse	— —		1700  583		18 —
Potassium n-butyl		mouse	—		411  465		19,20
Sodium isobutyl		rat			500		17
Potassium isobutyl		rat mouse	— —		1290  480		18 18
Sodium sec-butyl		rat	—		>2000		17
Potassium amyl (mixed)		rat	1000		1000–2000		17, 21
Potassium iso amyl		rat mouse	— —		765 470		18 18
C5-C6 mixture		rat	—		1500		22

The LD50 value of 1000 mg/kg in rats were determined for Potassium Amyl Xanthate. This show that Potassium Amyl Xanthate is of a moderately to slightly order of acute oral toxicity .

The LD50 of the various xanthates are similar, ranging from 411 to 583 mg/kg in mice and from 1000 to >2000 mg/kg in rats.

The acute oral toxic effects of one xanthate, potassium butyl xanthate, are provided in two summaries in Chemical Abstracts.

Similar symptoms and pathology findings were seen in these studies carried out by Babayan.

 

References :

16.Kirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology,Vol 24, 2nd ed, pp 645-661,John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

17.Dow Chemical Company, 1964, unpublished toxicological data to C.B. Shaffer,American Cyanamid; data from P. Avotin, American Cyanamid, privatecommunication, 1982 as cited in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical

18.Babayan, E.A., 1963, “Toxicology of Potassium Butyl Xanthate” Material 2-oi[Vtoroi] Itog. Nauchn. Konf. Inst. Gigieny Truda I Prof. Zabolevan Posvyashch.Vopr. Gigieny Truda I Prof. Patol. Erevan, pp 75-77 (Pub 1964)(Russ)Chem Abstract,64, 8836e (1966).

19.Babayan, E.A., “Toxicological Characteristics of the Flotation Agent PotassiumButyl Xanthate”, Mater. Itogovoi Nauch. Konf. Vop. Gig Tr Profpatol. Khim.Gornorud. Prom., 3rd 1966 (Pub 1968) 97-102 (Russ) inChemical Abstracts,Vol 73,1970.

20.Fronk, N.G., The Dow Chemical Company, private communication, 1982, as cited inKirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology,Vol 24, 2nd Ed, pp 645-661,John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

21.Buzina, A.Z., Burkhanov, A.I. and Abeuev, Kh.B., 1977 Zdravookhr. Kaz., 88 ascited inKirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology,Vol 24, 2nd Ed, pp645-661, John Wiley & Sons, 1984.

22.Chemical Abstracts,Vol 64, 1966.

 

 Dermal toxicity

Table 4:	Effects of sodium ethyl xanthate following dermal application
Animals	Dose	Clinical Observations	Gross pathology
3 rabbits	1 ml/kg, as 10% solution	No skin irritation.	No substance related changes.
3 rabbits	1 gm/kg, as a paste	2/3 died; surviving animalhad moderate irritationwith oedema andpigmentation of the skin.	Moderate amount of peritoneal fluid, visceral organs were normal.
5 male rabbits	1 gm/kg, as a paste	5/5 died following overnight exposure; oedemaof the skin with pigmentation.	Haemorrhagic lungs andperitoneal and pleural fluid. Other changes were markedly cyanotic ears (2/5), haemorrhagic conditions (2/5) and evidence of diarrhoea (3/5).
1 male rabbit	1 gm/kg, as a more liquid paste than above	Moderate oedema and pigmentation of the skin.	No substance related changes.
3 rabbits	1 gm/kg as a paste	All 3 animals died within24 hrs; retropulsion,salivation, loss of rightingreflex and haemorrhagicand oedematous areas of the skin were noted.	The liver appeared dark and mottled and the kidneysshowed spotty haemorrhages.

Based on the results of thе study (Arkema Inc. 2010), the LC50 for Acute inhalation toxicity of carbon disulfide obtained was 32.19 mg/m³ air or 10.35 mg/L air (chemically determined mean atmosphere concentration). There was no indication of relevant sex-related differences in toxicity of the test item.

Carbon disulphide is both a reagent in the manufacture, as well as a decomposition product of xanthates. Potassium amyl xanthate readily decomposes to carbon disulphide, especially in the presence of moisture/water. Therefore, the health effects of carbon disulphide (CS2) need to be considered in the assessment of potassium amyl xanthate.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the hazard assessment of Potassium amyl xanthate, in section 2.1 and 2.2. in IUCLID 5.4., available data for the substance and following the “Guidance on Information Requirement and Chemical Safety Assessment R.8. Characterisation of dose [concentration]- response for human health”, according to the EU’s list of dangerous substances (OJEC No L200/130.7.99)and according to the criteria described in Directive 67/548 and in the CLP Regulation:

Directive 67/548

Very Toxic (T+) R28: Very toxic if swallowed R27: Very toxic in contact with skin R26: Very toxic by inhalation R39/26 R39/27 R39/28: Dangerous of very serious irreversible effects Toxic (T):  R25: Toxic if swallowed R24: Toxic in contact with skin R23: Toxic by inhalation R39/23 R39/24 R39/25: Danger of very serious irreversible effects Harmful (Xn): R22: Harmful if swallowed R21: Harmful in contact with skin R20: Harmful by inhalation R65: Harmful may cause lung damage if swallowed R21/22 Harmful; Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed. R68/20 R68/21 R68/22: Possible risk of irreversible effects Other toxicological properties R67: Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness

CLP

H300 Acute Tox. 2 Fatal if swallowed H310 Acute Tox. 1 Fatal in contact with skin H330 Acute Tox. 2 Fatal if inhaled H370 STOT SE 1 H301 Acute Tox. 3 Toxic if swallowed H311 Acute Tox. 3 Toxic in contact with skin H331 Acute Tox. 3 Toxic if inhaled H370 STOT SE 1 H302 Acute Tox. 4 Harmful if swallowed H312 Acute Tox. 4 Harmful in contact with skin H332 Acute Tox. 4 Harmful if inhaled H304 Asp. Tox. 1 H371 STOT SE 2 (May cause damage to organs (or state all organsaffected if known) (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proventhat no other routes of exposure cause the hazard) Other toxicological properties H336 STOT SE 3 May cause drowsiness or dizziness

It is concluded that the substance Potassium amyl xanthate, meet the criteria to be classified for human health hazards for acute oral and dermal effects:

R22: Harmful if swallowed

R21: Harmful in contact with skin

H302 Acute Tox. 4 Harmful if swallowed

H312 Acute Tox. 4 Harmful in contact with skin