Sulfuric acid, mono-C12-14 (even numbered)-alkyl esters, compds. with triethanolamine

Endpoint summary

Additional information

Two studies on genetic toxicity are available for C12-14AS TEA (CAS 90583-18-9). To assess the mutagenic potential on mammalian cells in vitro a read across to structurally related alkyl sulfate (AS), i.e. C12AS Na (CAS 151-21-3) was performed. The possibility of a read-across to other alkyl sulfates in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Annex XI 1.5. Grouping of substances and read-across approach was assessed. In Annex XI 1.5 it is given that a read-across approach is possible for substances, whose physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties are likely to be similar or follow a regular pattern as a result of structural similarity. The AS reported within the AS category show structural similarity. The most important common structural feature of the category members is the presence of a predominantly linear aliphatic hydrocarbon chain with a polar sulfate group, neutralized with a counter ion.This structural feature confers the surfactant properties of the alkyl sulfates. The surfactant property of the members of the AS category in turn represent the predominant attribute in mediating effects on mammalian health.The AS of the AS category also have similar physico-chemical, environmental and toxicological properties, validating the read across approach within the category. The approach of grouping different AS for the evaluation of their effects on human health and the environment was also made by the OECD in the SIDS initial assessment profile [1] and by a voluntary industry programme carrying out Human and Environmental Risk Assessments (HERA [2]), further supporting the read across approach between structurally related AS.

There is a substantial data base on triethanolamine (TEA) online available. TEA is not listed in Annex VI of directive 1272/2008. In addition the effects of TEA on human health were assessed by the OECD in the SIDS initial assessment Report [3]. Despite of some local signs of irritation TEA gives no rise to concern of adverse effects on human health. Therefore a contribution of TEA to the effects on human health is considered to be negligible when assessing human health effects of C12-14AS TEA (CAS 90583-18-9). Thus, read across to alkyl sulfates with other counter ions is considered to be valid and reliable. This approach was also followed by the OECD in the SIDS initial assessment profile [1] and by the voluntary industry programme carrying out Human and Environmental Risk Assessments (HERA [2]).

There are two studies available addressing genetic toxicity for C12-14AS TEA (CAS 90583-18-9).

In the first study, performed according to OECD Guideline 471, Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98, TA 1538 and TA 100 were treated with TEA C12-14 ASO4 (CAS 90583-18-9, analytical purity 40.9 to 42%) in presence and absence of metabolic activation. The tester strains TA 102 or E.coli were not used in the study (Banduhn, 1987). The dose range was 4, 20, 100, 500 and 2500 µg/plate in the first experiment and 8, 40, 200, 1000 and 5000 µg/plate in a second experiment. Results achieved with negative control (untreated), vehicle (bidistilled water) and positive controls were valid. Cytotoxicity was observed in presence and absence of metabolic activation at and above 500 µg/plate. No genotoxicity was observed.

The mutagenicity of C12AS Na (CAS 151-21-3) in a mammalian cell line was investigated similar to OECD guideline 476 using the mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells with and without metabolic activation (McGregor, 1988). The test concentrations were 3.125, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80 and 100 µg/mL without and 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 and 95 µg/mL with metabolic activation. Results achieved with the negative (untreated), vehicle (DMSO) and positive controls were valid. Cytotoxicity but no genotoxicity was observed in presence and absence of metabolic activation.

The potential of C12-14AS TEA (CAS 90583-18-9, analytical purity 41%) to induce micronucleous in vivo was assessed in a study conducted according to OECD guideline 474 with CFW-1 mouse (Banduhn, 1987). The test substance was administered via gavage at doses of 400, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg bw to 7 animals /sex /dose. Bone marrow was sampled 24 h (400 and 2000 mg/kg bw) and 24, 48 and 72 h (4000 mg/kg bw) after gavage. Results achieved with the vehicle (water) and positive controls were valid. No signs of toxicity were noted. As no increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was observed in this study the test substance was considered to be not clastogenic.

In conclusion, the substance did not show any genotoxic potential. This is supported by the conclusions of the HERA Draft report “AS are not genotoxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic…” and the conclusions of the SIDS initial assessment profile “Alkyl sulfates of different chain length and with different counter ions were not mutagenic in standard bacterial and mammalian cell systems [...]. There was also no indication for a genotoxic potential of alkyl sulfates in various in vivo studies on mice […].”

 

[1] SIDS initial assessment profile, (2007);
http://www.aciscience.org/docs/Alkyl_Sulfates_Final_SIAP.pdf

[2] (HERA Draft report, 2002);
http://www.heraproject.com/files/3-HH-04-%20HERA%20AS%20HH%20web%20wd.pdf

[3] SIDS initial assessment report, (1995);

http://webnet.oecd.org/HPV/UI/SIDS_Details.aspx?Key=5ca67317-5fcc-41ea-a429-53d1267be383&idx=0

Justification for selection of genetic toxicity endpoint
No study selected as all three studies were negative.

Short description of key information:
In vitro gene mutation:
Bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test / OECD guideline 471): negative
In vitro mammalian cell gene muatation assay (MLA / OECD guideline 476): negative
In vivo clastogenicity:
Mammalian Erythrocyte Micronucleus Test: negative (MNT / OECD guideline 474)

Endpoint Conclusion: No adverse effect observed (negative)

Justification for classification or non-classification

The available data on genetic toxicity do not meet the criteria for classification according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 or Directive 67/548/EEC, and are therefore conclusive but not sufficient for classification.