540186047
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
Of/tee of Emergency and
Remedial Response
Washington DC 20460
Off'ce of Research and Development
Office of Health and Environmental
Assessment
Environmental Criteria and
Assessment Office
Cincinnati OH 45268
                    Superfund
&EPA
                    'HEALTH  EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
                     FOR 2,4,6-TRICHLOROPHENOL
                          Do not remove. This document
                          should be retained in the EPA
                          Region 5 Library Collection.

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                                           EPA/540/1-86-047
                                           September 1984
       HEALTH  EFFECTS  ASSESSMENT
       FOR 2,4,6-TRICHLOROPHENOL
    U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency
     Office of Research and  Development
Office  of  Health and Environmental  Assessment
Environmental Criteria  and Assessment Office
            Cincinnati, OH  45268
    U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency
  Office of  Emergency and Remedial  Response
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
            Washington, DC  20460

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                                  DISCLAIMER

    This  report  has  been  funded  wholly  or  In  part by  the  United  States
Environmental  Protection  Agency under  Contract  No.  68-03-3112  to  Syracuse
Research Corporation.  It has been  subject  to the Agency's peer and adminis-
trative review, and  1t has  been  approved  for  publication as an EPA document.
Mention of  trade  names or  commercial  products  does  not  constitute  endorse-
ment or recommendation for use.
                                      11

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                                    PREFACE


    This  report  summarizes  and evaluates Information  relevant  to a prelimi-
nary   Interim  assessment   of  adverse  health   effects   associated   with
2,4,6-trlchlorophenol.  All  estimates  of acceptable Intakes and carcinogenic
potency presented  1n  this document  should  be considered  as  preliminary and
reflect limited  resources allocated to  this  project.   Pertinent toxlcologlc
and environmental  data were  located  through on-Hne  literature  searches  of
the Chemical  Abstracts,  TOXLINE,  CANCERLINE and  the  CHEMFATE/DATALOG  data
bases.  The basic  literature  searched  supporting  this  document  1s current  up
to September,  1984.   Secondary sources of Information  have also  been relied
upon  In  the  preparation of  this  report and  represent  large-scale  health
assessment  efforts  that  entail   extensive   peer   and   Agency  review.   The
following  Office  of  Health  and  Environmental  Assessment  (OHEA)  source has
been extensively utilized:


    U.S.  EPA.   1980b.  Ambient Water  Quality Criteria  for Chlorinated
    Phenols.   Environmental  Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati,
    OH.  EPA 440/5-80-032.  NTIS PB 81-117-434.
    The Intent In these assessments  1s  to  suggest acceptable exposure levels
whenever sufficient data  were  available.   Values were not  derived  or larger
uncertainty  factors  were  employed  when the  variable data were limited  In
scope tending  to  generate conservative  (I.e.,  protective) estimates.  Never-
theless, the  Interim  values  presented reflect the  relative degree  of hazard
associated with exposure or risk to the chemlcal(s) addressed.

    Whenever possible, two categories of values  have  been estimated for sys-
temic toxicants (toxicants for  which  cancer  Is  not the endpolnt of  concern).
The  first,  the AIS  or acceptable  Intake  subchronlc, Is  an estimate  of  an
exposure  level that  would not be  expected  to  cause  adverse  effects  when
exposure occurs during a  limited  time  Interval   (I.e.,  for an  Interval that
does  not  constitute a  significant  portion of  the Hfespan).   This  type  of
exposure estimate  has not been extensively used or  rigorously  defined,  as
previous  risk  assessment  efforts  have  been  primarily  directed  towards
exposures from toxicants  In  ambient air or water where  lifetime exposure  1s
assumed.   Animal  data  used  for  AIS estimates  generally  Include  exposures
with  durations of  30-90  days.  Subchronlc  human data are  rarely available.
Reported exposures are  usually  from chronic  occupational exposure situations
or from reports of acute accidental exposure.

    The AIC,  acceptable  Intake chronic,   1s  similar   In  concept to  the  ADI
(acceptable  dally  Intake).   It  1s  an estimate of  an  exposure level  that
would not  be  expected  to cause adverse effects when exposure  occurs  for  a
significant portion of  the Hfespan  [see  U.S.   EPA (1980a)  for  a discussion
of  this concept].   The  AIC   Is   route specific  and  estimates  acceptable
exposure for  a given  route with  the  Implicit  assumption that  exposure  by
other routes Is Insignificant.
                                      111

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    Composite  scores   (CSs)  for  noncardnogens  have also  been  calculated
where data permitted.   These  values  are used for ranking  reportable  quanti-
ties; the methodology for their development 1s explained  1n U.S.  EPA (1983).

    For compounds for which there  1s  sufficient  evidence  of  carclnogenlcHy,
AIS  and  AIC values  are not derived.   For a  discussion  of risk  assessment
methodology  for  carcinogens  refer to  U.S. EPA  (1980a).   Since  cancer  1s  a
process that  Is  not characterized by  a threshold,  any exposure  contributes
an Increment of  risk.   Consequently,  derivation of  AIS and  AIC  values  would
be Inappropriate.   For  carcinogens,  q-|*s  have been  computed  based on  oral
and Inhalation data 1f available.
                                      1v

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                                   ABSTRACT
    In order  to  place the risk  assessment  1n proper context, the  reader  1s
referred to the  preface  of  this  document.  The preface  outlines  limitations
applicable  to all  documents  of  this  series  as  well  as  the  appropriate
Interpretation and use of the quantitative estimates.

    2,4,6-TMchlorophenol has been shown  to be carcinogenic  1n both  rats and
mice  following  oral  administration.   Data  are not  available which  address
the carclnogenldty of this  compound  1n human  populations.   Limited  mutagen-
IcHy  testing has  yielded  mixed  results.   Using  data  for  hepatocellular
carcinoma  and   adenoma   Incidence  1n   male  mice,   a   q-|*  of   1.98xl(T2
(mg/kg/day)"1   was  calculated.   No  data   are available  which  address  the
potential carclnogenldty of  this compound by  the  Inhalation  route.

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                               ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
    The  Initial   draft  of  this  report  was  prepared  by Syracuse  Research
Corporation  under  Contract No.  68-03-3112 for  EPA's  Environmental  Criteria
and  Assessment  Office,  Cincinnati,  OH.   Or.  Christopher  DeRosa and  Karen
Blackburn were the Technical  Project  Monitors  and Helen Ball  was'»the Project
Officer.  The final documents  In  this series  were prepared for the Office of
Emergency and Remedial Response, Washington, DC.

    Scientists from  the  following U.S. EPA offices  provided  review comments
for this document series:

         Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH
         Carcinogen Assessment Group
         Office of A1r Quality Planning and Standards
         Office of Solid Waste
         Office of Toxic Substances
         Office of Drinking Water

Editorial review for the document series was provided by:

    Judith Olsen and Erma Durden
    Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
    Cincinnati, OH

Technical support services for the document series was provided by:

    Bette Zwayer, Pat Daunt, Karen Mann and Jacky Bohanon
    Environmental Criteria and-Assessment Office
    Cincinnati, OH
                                      v1

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                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.
2.


3.








4.




5.
6.





7.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND FATE 	
ABSORPTION FACTORS IN HUMANS AND EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS . . . .
2.1. ORAL 	
2.2. INHALATION 	
TOXICITY IN HUMANS AND EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS 	
3.1. SUBCHRONIC 	
3.1.1. Oral 	
3.1.2. Inhalation 	
3.2. CHRONIC 	
3.2.1. Oral 	
3.2.2. Inhalation 	
3.3. TERATOGENICITY AND OTHER REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS 	
3.4. TOXICANT INTERACTIONS 	
CARCINOGENICITY 	
4.1. HUMAN DATA 	
4.2. BIOASSAYS 	
4.3. OTHER RELEVANT DATA 	
4.4. WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE 	
REGULATORY STANDARDS AND CRITERIA 	
RISK ASSESSMENT 	 • 	
6.1. ACCEPTABLE INTAKE SUBCHRONIC (AIS) 	
6.2. ACCEPTABLE INTAKE CHRONIC (AIC) 	
6.3. CARCINOGENIC POTENCY (q-|*) 	
6.3.1. Oral 	
6.3.2. Inhalation 	
REFERENCES 	
Page
, , 1
3
, . . 3
, ,. 3
4
. , 4
, . . 4
6
6
. . . 6
7
. . . 8
8
9
. . . 9
g
. . . 13
, . . 13
14
. . . 15
. . . 15
, . . 15
, . . 15
. . . 15
. . . 15
. . . 16
APPENDIX:  Summary Table for  2,4,6-TMchlorophenol	   19

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                             LIST OF  ABBREVIATIONS





ADI                     Acceptable dally Intake



AIC                     Acceptable Intake chronic



AIS                     Acceptable Intake subchronlc



bw                      Body weight



CAS                     Chemical Abstract Service



CS                      Composite score



MED                     Minimum effective dose



ppm                     Parts per million



RV0                     Dose-rating value



RVe                     Effect-rating value



TWA                     Time-weighted average
                                     V111

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                     1.  ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND FATE

    Relevant  physical   and  chemical  properties  and  environmental  fate  of
2,4,6-tMchlorophenol (CAS No. 88-06-2) are as follows:
    Chemical class:
    Molecular weight:
    Vapor pressure:
    (estimated)
    Water solubility:
    Log octanol/water
    partition coefficient:
    B1oconcentrat1on
    factor:

    Half-life 1n A1r:
               Water:
                Soil:
halogenated phenol
197.46
0.012 mm Hg at 25°C
800 mg/a, at 25°C
3.87

310 1n Golden orfe
(Leudsens 1dus
melanotus)
<1 day (estimated)
<1-19 days (estimated)
5 days for complete
blodegradatlon
Verschueren, 1983
Mabey et al.. 1981

Verschueren, 1983
U.S. EPA, 1980b
Freltag et al.,
1982
Verschueren, 1983
    The  half-life  for 2,4,6-tMchlorophenol  1n  the atmosphere  1s  estimated
from  Us  relative  photodecomposHlon  rate (silica gel coated material)  with
respect  to  the  photodecomposHlon  of  pentachlorophenol  as  determined  by
Freltag  et  al.  (1982)  and  the  half-life for  photodecomposHlon  of  penta-
chlorophenol  1n  aquatic  media as estimated  by  Callahan  et al.  (1979).   The
lower value for  the half-life range In  aquatic media  as  given above  Is  based
on  considerations  similar  to  those of  atmospheric photodecomposHlon.   In
aquatic  media,  however,   photodecomposHlon  may  become  less  significant  as
the water depth  Increases  because  of  light scattering and resulting attenu-
ation.  Therefore, precipitation  through adsorption onto partlculate matter
                                     -1-

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(Freitag  et  al.,  1982}  and  blodegradatlon  may  play  significant  roles  1n
determining the fate of this  chemical  1n  certain  bodies of water.   The upper
value  for  the  half-life   range   has  been   speculated  from  the  estimated
blotransformatlon  rate  constant   (3xlO~9  ml  cell"1  hr"1)   reported   by
Mabey et  al.  (1981)  and the  concentration of microorganisms at  5xlOs cells
miT1 (Burns et al., 1982).
    The  octanol/water  partition   coefficient   value   Indicates   that  this
compound  may   be  sorbed  significantly to  soils  with  high  organic  carbon
content.  In  sandy soils,  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  may have  significant  mobil-
ity.  The b1odegradab1!1ty  of this  compound  1n  soils may prevent  substantial
contamination of groundwater because of leaching.
                                     -2-

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         '  2.   ABSORPTION  FACTORS  IN  HUMANS AND  EXPERIMENTAL MAMMALS
2.1.   ORAL
    No  quantitative  studies  of  gastrointestinal  absorption  of  2,4,6-trl-
chlorophenol have been found  1n the  available  literature;  however,  Dougherty
and Plotrowska  (1976)  suggested  that chlorophenols as a chemical class  tend
to be excreted  rapidly through  the urine and,  therefore,  urinary  concentra-
tions should  reflect  exposure.   Quantitative analyses were not  performed  1n
this study.
2.2.   INHALATION
    Pertinent data  regarding  the  absorption  of  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  follow-
ing Inhalation exposure could not  be found 1n the available literature.
                                     -3-

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                3.  TOXICITY  IN  HUMANS AND  EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
3.1.   SUBCHRONIC
3.1.1.   Oral.  No reports of  toxldty  1n humans associated  with  subchronlc
oral  exposure  to  2,4,6-tMchlorophenol  could  be   found  1n  the  available
literature.   The  only  investigation  of  the  subchronic  oral  toxicity  to
animals of  2,4,6-trichlorophenol  was a  range-finding experiment by  the  NCI
(1979) preliminary to  performing  an oral  carcinogenicity  bioassay.   In this
study, groups  of  five  male and  five  female  Fischer 344  rats  were  fed  ad.
libitum diets that contained 0, 10,000,  14,700,  21,500,  31,500  or  46,000 ppm
2,4,6-trichlorophenol for 7  weeks  followed by 1 additional week of observa-
tion.  Mortality,  body  weights and  histopathological  evaluation of selected
organs were  the  parameters  of  toxicity  that were monitored.   Groups  of five
B6C3F, mice  of  each  sex were  also  fed  ad libitum  diets  containing 0, 6800,
10,000,  14,700,  21,500 or  31,500  ppm  2,4,6-trichlorophenol   for 7  weeks
followed by  an  additional 1-week  observation  period.   The same  parameters of
toxicity were monitored 1n mice as 1n rats.
    Body weight  and  survival  data  for   both  rats  and mice are  presented in
Table  3-1.   Mean  body  weights for  treated  rats and  mice of each sex were
considerably  lower  than  those of  corresponding controls.   This  trend  ap-
peared  to  be strongly  dose-related,  although statistical  analyses were not
performed.   In  rats, histopathological  lesions were  found  only  in  the high-
dose  groups  and  consisted of moderate to marked increases in splenic hemato-
poiesls 1n  rats  of each sex  and mldzonal vacuollzatlon of hepatocytes  in two
male  rats.   All  tissues  from  mice exposed  to  diets containing  21,500 ppm
2,4,6-trichlorophenol appeared  to be essentially normal.   The  evaluation of
toxldty was insufficient to  enable this  study to  be  used  in  quantitative
risk  assessment.
                                     -4-

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                                   TABLE  3-1
      2,4,6-Trlchlorophenol Subchronlc Feeding Studies 1n Rats and M1cea
Male
Dose
(ppm)

Rats
0
10,000
14,700
21,500
31,500
46,000
Mice
0
6,800
10,000
14,700
21.500
31,500
Survival*5



5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
4/5
3/5

5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
3/5
Mean Weight
at Week 7
as % of
Control

100
96
89
73
47
39

100
99
99
83
79
57
Female
Surv1valb



5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
2/5

4/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
3/5
Mean Weight
at Week 7
as % of
Control

100
92
84
73
67
42

100
no
no
101
93
68
aSource: NCI, 1979
^Number surviving/number 1n group
                                     -5-

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3.1.2.   Inhalation.   Pertinent  data   regarding   toxldty   1n  humans  or
animals related to  Inhalation exposure  to  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  could  not  be
located 1n the available literature.
3.2.   CHRONIC
3.2.1.   Oral.  No  reports  of  toxldty  1n  humans  chronically  exposed  to
2,4,6-trlchlorophenol   by  the  oral  route  could be  found  1n  the  available
literature.   Likewise,  no  Investigations of chronic oral  toxldty  of  2,4,6-
trlchlorophenol 1n  laboratory animals  suitable  for  quantitative risk assess-
ment could be found 1n the available literature.
    BRL  (1968)  administered commercial  grade  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  (Impur-
ities  unspecified)  to groups of  18 male and 18 female C57B1/6  x  C3H/Anf  FI
mice  and  18  male  and 18 female  C57B1/6 x AKR  FI  mice.   From  7-28 days  of
age,  mice  were treated by  gavage with 100 mg  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  1n 0.5%
gelatin/kg  bw.  The amount administered remained unchanged;  adjustments for
changes  1n  body weight were not  made.   At 28 days of  age,  gavage treatment
was discontinued and  all  four  groups  of mice were  exposed to  diets contain-
ing 260  ppm  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol.   Treatment  was  continued to 78  weeks  of
age.   Survival  was  the only parameter of  toxldty  evaluated.   At  the  end  of
the experiment,  survival  In  the  above  four  groups was  10/18,  16/18,  16/18
and 17/18, respectively.  Tumor data are reported 1n Section 4.2.
    The  NCI  (1979)  completed a cardnogenldty  bloassay   1n which  groups  of
50  male  and 50 female Fischer  F344 rats were exposed  to  5000  or  10,000 ppm
2,4,6-trlchlorophenol   1n  the diet for 106-107 weeks.   Matched  controls con-
sisted  of  20  untreated  rats  of  each  sex.   Groups of 50 male B6C3F,  mice
were  fed  diets containing  5000 or  10,000 ppm  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol for 105
weeks.   Groups of  50 female  B6C3F,  mice were  fed diets  containing  10,000
or  20,000  ppm  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  for 38 weeks.   Because of severe body
                                     -6-

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weight  loss  1n  the  treated female  mice,  dosages were  reduced  to  2500  and
5000  ppm,  respectively,  and  treatment was  continued for  an additional  67
weeks.  Matched  controls  consisted of  20  untreated  mice of  each  sex.   Body
weights were  recorded  monthly;  all animals  were subjected  to  necropsy  at
death  (unless  cannibalized),  when moribund  or  at  the  termination of  the
experiment.
    Treated rats of each  sex exhibited  mean  body  weights lower  than those of
matched controls.  Statistical analyses of body weight data  were  not report-
ed; however,  estimates  of  the probability  of survival  for  treated  male  and
female rats and  for matched controls were  subjected  to statistical analysis.
No  significantly  dose-related  trend In mortality  In rats of either  sex  was
found by the  Tarone  test.  Other clinical signs  of  toxldty (not  specified)
were common to both treated and control groups.
    Mean body  weights  of  treated mice  of  each sex were  lower than  those  of
corresponding  controls  and  were  dose-related  throughout  the  experiment.   By
the Tarone test, no significant  dose-related  trend  1n  mortality was  found In
mice  of either sex.   Other clinical  signs  of  toxldty  (not  specified)  were
common to both treated and control  groups.
    The Incidence  of  neoplasms associated with 2,4,6-tMchlorophenol  1n  this
bloassay Is discussed 1n Section  4.2.
3.2.2.   Inhalation.     No  reports  of   toxldty   1n   humans   or   animals
associated with  chronic  Inhalation  exposure to  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  could
be found In the available  literature.
                                     -7-

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3.3.   TERATOGENICITY AND OTHER REPRODUCTIVE  EFFECTS
    No  reports   could  be   found  In  the  available  literature  associating
teratogenlcHy,   fetotoxldty  or  reproductive toxlclty  with  oral or  Inhala-
tion exposure to 2,4,6-tMchlorophenol.
3.4.   TOXICANT INTERACTIONS
    No  studies   of   the  Interactions  of  2,4,6-tMchlorophenol  with  other
xenoblotlcs could be found 1n the available literature.
                                     -8-

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                              4.   CARCINOGENICITY
4.1.   HUMAN DATA
    No reports  of cancer  1n  humans associated specifically  with 2,4,6-tri-
chlorophenol have been found 1n the available literature.
4.2.   BIOASSAYS
    An oral  bloassay  1n  (C57B1/6  x  C3H  Anf)  FI mice  and  (C57B1/6  x  AKR)
F,  mice  has  been performed  by  BRL  (1968).   The experimental  protocol  and
survival   data  to  78  weeks of  age are  discussed  In  Section  3.2.1.   Among
C57B1/6 x  C3H Anf F,  mice  the tumor  Incidence was  9/18 for  males  and  7/18
for females  (types of tumors  not  specified).   Among C57B1/6  x  AKR  F.. mice,
tumors were  found In  3/17  males  and  2/17  females.   In  pooled  controls,
tumors were  found In  22/79,  8/87, 16/90  and  7/82  In  C57B1/6 x C3H  Anf  F]
males and  females and in  C57B1/6  x AKR F, males  and  females, respectively.
Statistically significant  Increases (p<0.05)  1n  the  Incidences  of  hepatomas
(5/36) and retlculum  cell  sarcomas  (6/36)  were  observed  in  C57B1/6  x C3H Anf.
F,  mice  when the  numbers  of  tumors  in  males  and females  were  combined  and
compared  with  pooled controls.    IARC  (1979)  noted  that  the  statistical
significance  disappears  when  the  Incidence of tumors  1n males  and  females
are considered  separately  or  when  incidences  of  tumors  in  treated  mice  are
compared with the  Incidences in matched controls.
    The NCI  (1979) has completed  an  oral  bloassay in Fischer  F344  rats  and
B6C3F,  mice.   The  details  of  the  protocol  were  discussed  in  Section
3.2.1.   Fifty rats  of each  sex  and groups  of   50  male  mice  were  fed  ad_
libitum with  diets containing  5000 or 10,000 ppm  2,4,6-trichlorophenol  for
105-107 weeks.   In addition,  50 female mice were  exposed initially  to diets
containing  10,000 or  20,000  ppm  2,4,6-trichlorophenol  for  38 weeks,  and
                                     -9-

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subsequently  to diets  containing  2500 or  5000  ppm for  an additional  67
weeks.    TWA   exposures   1n   female   mice   were   5214   and   10,428   ppm
2,4,6-trlchlorophenol, respectively.
    In  rats,  the Incidence  of  neoplasms  of  the  hematopoletlc  system,  lym-
phoma and  monocytlc  leukemia appeared  to  be  treatment-related.   These  data
are detailed  1n Table 4-1.  The elevated  Incidence  of  monocytlc leukemia In
male  rats  was  statistically  significant, with p  values  for  the  Fisher exact
test  of  0.013  and  0.002 associated  with  the   low-  and high-dose  groups,
respectively.   The  Cochran-Armltage test  for  a  positive  dose-related trend
was  also  significant (p=0.003).   The  Incidence of  monocytlc   leukemia  In
female  rats  was  not  statistically  significant  by  either  test.   The  NCI
(1979)  stated  that  the  "statistical  conclusion  1s that  the  Incidence  of
[monocytlc  leukemia]  1n  male rats  1s  associated  with  the  administration of
2,4,6-trichlorophenol."
    In  mice,  the incidence  of  hepatocellular  neoplasms appeared  to  be  high
in  all  treated  groups but especially high  in  the two groups of  treated male
mice, where  most  of the livers were  affected.   These data are summarized in
Table 4-2.   In  male mice  the elevated  incidence of  hepatocellular neoplasms
(carcinomas  or  adenomas)  in either treated group was  significant (p<0.001)
by  the   Fisher  exact  test when  compared with controls.   The result  of  the
Cochran-Armitage  test for a positive dose-related  trend  for hepatocellular
neoplasia  in  male  mice was  also highly  significant  (p<0.001).  The elevated
Incidence  of  hepatocellular  carcinoma  1n treated female mice was significant
by  the   Cochran-Armltage  test  (p=0.005) but not  by the Fisher  exact test.
When  the  incidence  of hepatocellular   carcinoma  or adenoma 1n treated female
mice  was  compared  with  the  incidence  of  these  tumors  in  control  mice  the
                                     -10-

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                                   TABLE  4-1

              Incidence of Neoplasla of the Hematopoletlc System
           In  Male  and  Female  Rats  Exposed  to  2,4,6-TMchlorophenol*
                          Males
                                               Females
             Control    Low-Dose    High-Dose   Control   Low-Dose  High-Dose
Number of   20
animals
necropsled

Malignant    1 (5%)
lymphoma

Monocytlc    3 (15%)
leukemia
Fisher
exact
NR
            50
             2 (4%)
            50
             0 (0%)
20
50
50
 0 (0%)    0 (054)    2 (4%)
            23 (46%)    29 (58%)     3 (15%)  11  (22%)   11  (22%)
(p=0.013)    (p=0.002)    NR
Cochran-    (p=0.003)
Armltage
test
            NR
            NR
NS
          NS
NR
          NS
NR
*Source: NCI, 1979

NS = Not statistically significant; NR = Not reported
                                     -11-

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                                                 TABLE 4-2
          Incidence of  Hepatic  Neoplasla  1n Male and Female Mice Exposed to 2,4,6-Trlchlorophenol*

Number of animals
with tissues examined
microscopically
Hepatocellular
adenoma
Hepatocellular
carcinoma
Fisher exact test
Cochran-Armltage
test
Total hepatocellular
tumors
Fisher exact test
Cochran-Armltage test

Control
20
3 (1554)
1 (5%)
NR
NS
4 (2054)
NR
(p<0.001)
Hales
Low Dose
49
22 (45%)
10 (20%)
NS
NR
32 (65%)
(p<0.001)
NR
•
High Dose
47
32 (68%)
7 (15%)
NS
NR
39 (83%)
(p<0.001)
NR

Control
20
1 (5%)
0 (0%)
NR
(p-0.005)
1 (5%)
NR
(p<0.001)
Females
Low Dose
50
12 (24%)
0 (0%)
NS
NR
12 (24%)
NS
NR

High Dose
48
17 (35%)
7 (15%)
NS
NR
24 (50%)
(p<0.001)
NR
*Source: NCI, 1979
NS = Not statistically significant;  NR = Not reported

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Fisher exact test  was  significant  for the high-dose group  (p<0.001)  and  the
Cochran-Armltage  test   Indicated   (p<0.01)  a  positive  dose-related  trend.
Data  regarding  the  Incidence of  hepatocellular carcinomas  and adenoma  1n
male  mice  were selected  by  the  U.S. EPA  (1980b)  for  derivation  of a  q^
(Section 6.3.1.).
4.3.   OTHER RELEVANT DATA
    Negative  results   for  mutagenldty  1n  the  Ames  Salmonella  typhlmurlum
bloassay were  obtained for  2,4,6-tMchlorophenol both  with and  without  the
addition  of  rat   hepatic   S9  activation  (Rasanen   et   a!.,  1977).   In  S.
cerevlslae  strain  MP-1,  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol   Increased  the mutation  rate
but not the rate of Intragenlc recombination (FahMg et  al., 1978).
4.4.   WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE
    No reports of  cancer 1n humans  linked  to  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  have  been
found  1n  the  available literature.   The  significant  (p<0.05)  Incidence  of
"total  tumors"  1n  C57B1/6  x C3H Anf  F]  mice compared  with  pooled  controls
In  the  study  by  BRL   (1968)  suggested  that  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  may  be
carcinogenic.   The NCI  (1979) bloassay  discussed 1n Section  4.2.  Indicated
that  monocytlc  leukemia 1n  male  rats was  associated with  dietary  Intake  of
2,4,6-trlchlorophenol.    In  both  male and  female   mice,   the   Incidence  of
hepatocellular neoplasla  (adenoma  and carcinoma) was  significantly  (p<0.001)
linked  to  dietary  exposure  to 2,4,6-trlchlorophenol.  Judging  the  degree  of
evidence  for  cardnogenldty  1n  humans  to be  Inadequate  and the  degree  of
evidence  for  cardnogenldty In  animals  to  be adequate,  2,4,6-trlchloro-
phenol  1s  most appropriately  classified  according  to the  criteria  proposed
by  the  Carcinogen  Assessment Group of the U.S.  EPA  (Federal  Register,  1984)
1n  Group B2 - Probable  Human Carcinogen.
                                     -13-

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                     5.   REGULATORY  STANDARDS AND  CRITERIA
    No  current  standards or  recommended criteria  for  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol
1n air were found 1n  the  available  literature.  The U.S.  EPA (19805)  has not
recommended  an  ambient  water  quality  criterion  for  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol
based on  chronic  toxldty  because  of the  carcinogenic  nature of  this  com-
pound.   An  acceptable   concentration of   12  yg/9,  based  on  an  Increased
carcinogenic  potency  was  recommended.    A  criterion  to  protect  against
organoleptlc  effects  of  2.0  yg/S. was also proposed,  based  on  the  data  of
DeHz and Traud  (1978).
                                     -14-

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                              6.   RISK  ASSESSMENT
6.1.   ACCEPTABLE INTAKE SUBCHRONIC (AIS)
    2,4,6-TMchlorophenol 1s  a  chemical  known to be carcinogenic  1n  animals
and for  which data  are adequate  for  derivation  of a  q *.   It  1s  Inappro-
priate, therefore, to calculate an AIS for 2,4,6-trlchlorophenol.
6.2.   ACCEPTABLE INTAKE CHRONIC (AIC)
    2,4,6-Trlchlorophenol 1s  a  chemical  known to be carcinogenic  In  animals
and for  which data  are adequate  for  derivation  of a  q,*.   It  1s  Inappro-
priate, therefore, to calculate an AIC for 2,4,6-trlchlorophenol.
6.3.   CARCINOGENIC POTENCY (q^)
6.3.1.   Oral.   Dietary  treatment of  male  mice  with  TWA concentrations  of
5000  and  10,000  ppm 2,4,6-trlchlorophenol  resulted  1n a  highly  significant
(p<0.001  by  both the Fisher  exact  and the Cochran-ArmHage  tests)  elevated
Incidence  of  hepatocellular   carcinomas  or   adenomas  when   compared   with
nontreated matched controls.  From these  data, summarized  1n  Appendix B,  the
U.S.  EPA   (1980b)   calculated   a  q^  for  humans   of   1.98xlO~2   (mg/kg/
day)'*.
6.3.2.   Inhalation.   No  reports  of   cardnogenldty  1n  humans  or  animals
related to  Inhalation exposure  to 2,4,6-trlchlorophenol were located 1n  the
available   literature;   therefore,   no  q *  or   carcinogenic  potency   for
Inhalation exposure of  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol can  be  calculated.
                                     -15-

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                                7.   REFERENCES







BRL  (B1onet1cs  Research Laboratories).   1968.   Evaluation  of the  Carcino-



genic,  Teratogenlc  and Mutagenlc  Activities  of  Selected  Pesticides  and



Industrial   Chemicals.    Vol.  1.    Carcinogenic   Study,   Publication   No.



NCIOCCP-CG-1973-1-1.  Prepared  by  BRL,  Bethesda,  MD,  under Contract  No.  PH



43-64-57  and  PH   43-67-735.   National   Cancer   Institute,  Bethesda,   MD.



p. 393.  NTIS PB-223-159.







Burns, L.H., D.M.  Cllne and R.R.  Lasslter.  1982.  Exposure Analysis  Model-



Ing  System   (EXAMS):  User   Manual  and  System Documentation.   Environmental



Research Laboratory, ORD, Athens,  GA.   EPA 600/3-82-023.







Callahan,  M.A.,   M.W.  Slimak,  N.W.   Gabel  et  al.    1979.   Water-Related



Environmental Fate  of 129  Priority Pollutants.   Vol.  II.   U.S.  EPA,  Office



of  Water Planning  and  Standards,  Office  of  Water   and  Waste  Management,



Washington,  DC.   EPA 440/4-79-029b.







Deltz, F. and  J. Traud.   1978.   Odor and  taste threshold  concentrations  of



phenol bodies.   Gwf-wasser/abwasser.  119: 318.   (Cited 1n U.S. EPA,  1980b)







Dougherty,  R.C.  and  K.  Plotrowska.   1976.   Screening by  negative  chemical



1on1zat1on  mass   spectrometry  for  environmental   contamination  with  toxic



residues: Application to human  urines.  Proc. Natl. Acad.  Scl.,  U.S.A.   73:



1777.  (Cited 1n  U.S. EPA,  1980b)
                                     -16-

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FahMg,  R.,  C.A.  NHsson  and   C.   Rappe.    1978.    Genetic   Activity  of
Chlorophenols   and   Chloro-   phenol   Impurities.    In:   Pentachlorophenol:
Chemistry,  Pharmacology  and  Environmental  Toxicology, K.R.  Rao,  Ed.   Plenum
Press, NY.  p. 325-338.  (Cited 1n U.S. EPA,  1980b)

Federal Register.   1984.   Environmental  Protection Agency.   Proposed  guide-
lines for carcinogenic risk assessment.  49 FR 462994-46299.

Freltag,  D.,  H.  Geyer,  A.  Kraus,  et al.   1982.  Ecotox1colog1cal  Profile
Analysis  VII.   Screening  chemicals   for  their  environmental  behavior  by
comparative evaluation.  Ecotox. Environ.  Safety.   6:  60-81.

IARC  (International  Agency  for  Research  on  Cancer).    1979.   2,4,5- and
2,4,6-TMchlorophenols.  Iri: Some  Halogenated  Hydrocarbons.   IARC Monographs
on  the  Evaluation  of  the Carcinogenic  Risk of  Chemicals  to  Humans.   WHO,
IARC, Lyon, France.   20:  349-370.

Mabey, W.R.,  J.H. Smith,  R.T.  Podoll, et al.   1981.  Aquatic  Fate  Process
Data  for  Organic  Priority  Pollutants.   U.S.  EPA Monitoring  and  Data  Support
Division,  Office  of Water  Regulations and  Standards,  Washington, DC.   EPA
440/4-81-014.

NCI  (National  Cancer   Institute).   1979.   Bloassay of  2,4,6-trlchlorophenol
for possible  carclnogenlcity.   NCI, Bethesda, MD.   NCI-CG-TR-155.   (CHed  In
U.S. EPA,  1980b)
                                     -17-

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Rasanen, L./M.L.  Hahula  and A.U.  Arstlla.  1977.  The  mutagenlclty  of  MCPA
and Us  soil  metabo- Utes, chlorinated  phenols,  catechols and  some  widely
used  s!1m1c1des  1n Finland.  Bull.  Environ.  Contam.  Toxlcol.   18:  565-571.
(Cited In U.S. EPA, 1980b)

U.S.  EPA.   1980a.   Guidelines  and Methodology  Used  In  the Preparation  of
Health  Effects  Assessment   Chapters  of  the  Consent  Decree  Water  Quality
Criteria.  Federal Register.  45:79347-79357.

U.S.  EPA.   1980b.  Ambient  Water  Quality Criteria for  Chlorinated  Phenols.
Environmental  Criteria  and  Assessment  Office.  EPA  440/5-80-032.   NTIS  PB
81-117-434.

U.S.  EPA.   1983.   Methodology  and  Guidelines  for  Reportable  Quantity  Deter-
minations  Based   on  Chronic Toxldty  Data.   Prepared  by  the  Environmental
Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH,  OHEA for  the Office  of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response, Washington,  DC.

Verschueren, K.   1983.  Handbook of  Environmental  Data on Organic Chemistry,
2nd ed.  Van Nostrand Relnhold Company,  NY.  p. 1310.
                                     -18-

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                                  APPENDIX A

                   Summary Table for 2,4,6-Trlchlorophenol*
Carcinogenic
  Potency
Species
Experimental
Dose/Exposure
Effect
Inhalation

Oral
mouse      5000 and
           10,000 ppm
           (650 and 1300
           mg/kg/day)
                  hepatocellular
                  carcinoma and
                  adenoma
                    ND

                 1.98xlO~2
               {mg/kg/day)"1
*Source:  NCI, 1979

ND = Not derived
                                     -19-

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                                  APPENDIX B
                    Cancer  Data  Sheet  for  Derivation of q-j*

Compound:  2,4,6-tMchlorophenol
Reference:  NCI, 1979
Species, Strain, Sex:  mice, B6C3F1, male
Body weight:  0.04 kg (measured)
Length of exposure (le) = 735 days
Length of experiment (Le) = 735 days
Llfespan of animal (L) = 735 days
Tumor site and type:  liver, hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma
Route, vehicle:  oral, diet
Experimental Doses
or Exposures
(PPm)
0
5000
10,000
Transformed Dose
(mg/kg/day)
0
650
1300
Incidence
No. Responding/No.
or Examined
4/20
32/49
39/47

Tested

Unadjusted q-j* from study = 1.61xlO~3 (mg/kg/day)  1
Human q^* = 1.98xlO~2 (mg/kg/day)'1
                                     -20-

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