Teratogenicity chlorine

The detection of a potent dioxin impurity in a major herbicide has focused attention on the nature of chlorinated impurities in pesticides, and in a larger sense, impurities in all chlorinated industrial compounds used extensively in man s environment. The present 2,4,5-T controversy is overshadowed by the dioxin problem. Major disagreement still exists on their relative contributions to the teratogenic effects observed in chicks and the validity of interpretation of high dosage rates used to achieve these effects. We have avoided any assessment of the health-related aspects of dioxins but have dealt almost exclusively with dioxins as an environmental entity. 

Kitchin KT, Brown JE. 1989. Biochemical effects of three carcinogenic chlorinated methanes in rat liver. Teratogen Carcinogen Mutagen 9 61-69. 

In general, animal studies have demonstrated no selective reproductive or teratogenic effects of chlorine. ... 

Early studies of cyclodienes revealed reproductive effects on mice, rats, and dogs associated with changes in the estrus cycle (ref. 100, p. 154). Ottolenghi et al. (ref. 105) observed teratogenic effects on mice and hamsters at 1/2 LD q doses of aldrin, dieldrin and endrin. In addition to the anomalies observed (cleft palate, webbed feet and open eyes), growth retardation and fetal deaths occurred. Effects on the dams were not reported, but none of the expected overt toxic symptoms associated with chlorinated cycloalkenes was in evidence (ref. 105) ... 

Recent studies have indicated that humans may be exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p- dioxin(2,3,7,8-TCDD), a toxic and teratogenic substance in laboratory animals (1). A fraction of beef fat samples from cattle known to have grazed on pasture treated with herbicide 2,4,5-T (which contains trace quantities of 2,3,7,8-TCDD) have been reported to contain low part per trillion (ppt) levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (2,3) Two studies of bovine milk reported no detectable chlorodioxins however (4,5). Combustion processes have been reported to produce chlorinated dioxins which enter the air as fly ash and soot (6.7.8). Three different studies of human milk have been carried out by various workers to determine if humans contain detectable concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (9,20,22). 

Chlorine is teratogenic. One hundred ppm when given to pregnant rats caused both biochemical and metabolic effects in the newborns, while 565 mg/kg given prior to mating was embryotoxic (RTECS, 2008). Carcinogenicity can be seen with chronic exposures (Morris et al, 1992 RTECS, 2008). 

SAFETY PROFILE Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and neoplastigenic data. Poison by intravenous and subcutaneous routes. Moderately toxic by other routes. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. See also ANTIMONY COMPOUNDS. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic Sb fumes. Incompatible with chlorinated rubber and heat of 216° and with BrFs. 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD SAFETY PROFILE Suspected carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and mmorigenic data. Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Experimental teratogenic effects. Human mutation data reported. A skin and eye irritant. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. When heated to decomposition or on contact with acid or acid fumes, it emits highly toxic fumes of aniline and chlorine compounds. Reacts explosively with aniline... 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label Poison SAFETY PROFILE A poison by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes. Moderately toxic to humans by inhalation. It can affect the nervous system, liver, spleen, and lungs. An experimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. A severe eye and mild skin irritant. Flammable liquid when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical. Violent reaction with chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, sodium hydroxide. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Potentially violent reaction with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of CT and phosgene. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, 7M.IPHATIC. 

OSHA PEL TWA 0.01 ppm ACGIH TLV TWA 0.01 ppm Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label Poison SAFETY PROFILE A deadly poison by inhalation. Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Experimental teratogenic effects. Corrosive. A severe skin and eye irritant. May explode on contact with sodium. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of CL. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. 

SAFETY PROFILE Moderately toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. An experimental teratogen, A severe eye irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl". See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. 

SAFETY PROFILE A human poison by ingestion. Poison experimentally by ingestion, skin contact, and intraperitoneal routes. An experimental teratogen. Violent reaction with chlorine trifluoride. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Hg and L. See also MERCURY COMPOUNDS and IODIDES. 

SAFETY PROFILE Poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Human teratogenic effects by ingestion developmental abnormalities of the endocrine system. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Explosive reaction with charcoal + ozone, trifluoroacetyl hypofluorite, fluorine perchlorate. Violent reaction or ignition on contact with diazonium salts, diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate, bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride. Incompatible with oxidants, BrFs, FCIO, metallic salts, calomel. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of K20 and I . See also IODIDES. 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 5.1 Label Oxidi2er SAFETY PROFILE Poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic by ingestion. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Ingestion of large quantities may cause gastroenteritis. Chronic exposure can cause anemia, nephritis, and methemoglobinemia. When heated, reaction with calcium hydroxide + polychlorinated phenols forms extremely toxic chlorinated benzodioxins. 

SAFETY PROFILE An inhalation hazard. Mildly toxic by an unspecified route. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. A skin and eye irritant. Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to flame. The powdered metal may ignite on contact with air or oxidants (e.g., bromine pentafluoride, bromine, chlorine trifluoride, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, nitryl fluoride, fluorine, oxygen difluoride, iodine pentafluoride, hydrogen sulfide, sodium peroxide, lead(IV) oxide). 

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