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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

Description of key information

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed (sensitising)
Additional information:

Animal data

The sensitizing potential of 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate was evaluated in three independent studies performed by intradermal injection and topical applications on guinea pigs according to a modified Magnusson and Kligman method.

In the's study (1981), the induction phase has been realized both by intradermal route on day 1 (5 % in paraffin) and by cutaneous route on day 6 -7 (undiluted) in 2 groups of guinea pigs: 5 females for control group and 10 females for treated group. The challenge phase was realized on day 21 by cutaneous application of 3 % on petrolatum on the flank; the cutaneous reactions were scored 48 and 72 hours after the challenge phase. Either mild or well-defined erythema was observed in three of 10 animals 48 hours following challenge applications. This effect was accompanied by slight oedema in two animals at 72 hours. This represents a 30% sensitization rate; therefore, the product is considered to be a Moderate Contact Allergen according to the Maximization grading system.

In another guideline GPMT study where 2-EHMA (Allen, 1999) was tested at an intradermal induction concentration of 1 % in water (w/v) and an epicutaneus induction concentration of 100 %, 0/20 animals reacted when challenged with 75 % or undiluted 2 -EHMA after 24 or 48 h after the challenge application. 2 -EHMA was non-sensitising in this test.

In the Clemmensen study (1984), the induction phase has been realized both by intradermal route on day 1 (5 or 25 %) and by cutaneous route on day 7 -8 (undiluted) in 2 groups of 20 or 12 female guinea pigs, respectively. The challenge phase was realized on day 21 by cutaneous application of 3 or 25% solution; the cutaneous reactions were scored 48 and 72 hours after the challenge phase. No positive skin reaction was observed in the 20 animals challenged with 3% and positive skin reaction was observed in two of 12 animals challenged with 25%. This represents a 16% sensitization rate; therefore, the product is considered to be a Mild Contact Allergen according to the Maximization grading system.

In a fully valid LLNA according to OECD 429, treatment with 2-EHMA caused Stimulation Indices (S.I.) of 1.53, 2.66, and 2.85 at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100% in acetone:olive oil (4+1). A clear dose response was observed, however the treshold of 3 was not reached indicating no skin sensitizing potential of the test item in this test system relevant for classification.

Human data

There are very limited patch test data on 2-EHMA which do not allow drawing a conclusion regarding prevalence or potency. By analogy to the other lower alkyl methacrylates it is expected that 2 -EHMA is a skin sensitiser of low potency in humans.


Short description of key information:
2-ethylhexyl methacrylate was a mild to moderate skin sensitizer in guinea pig maximization tests.

2-ethylhexyl methacrylate is not considered as skin sensitizer in a fully valid LLNA.

Respiratory sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Additional information:

Inhalation exposure is not considered as a relevant pathway of exposure for 2-EHMA. Therefore, respiratory sensitisation has not to be addressed.


Short description of key information:
Inhalation exposure is not considered as a relevant pathway of exposure for 2-EHMA. Therefore, respiratory sensitisation has not to be addressed.

Justification for classification or non-classification

According to the available data and CLP criteria, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate is considered as a skin sensitiser of low potency and has therefore to be classified with R43/ skin sensitiser under 67/548/EEC and as a Cat. 1 skin sensitiser according to CLP (1272/2008/EC) and as Cat 1B, skin sensitiser according to UN GHS (2009) requirements.