United States
Environmental Protection
1=1 m m Agency
EPA/690/R-12/016F
Final
11-20-2012
Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values for
Ethylene Cyanohydrin
(CASRN 109-78-4)
Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268

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AUTHORS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND REVIEWERS
CHEMICAL MANAGER
Harlal Choudhury, DVM, PhD, DABT
National Center for Environmental Assessment, Cincinnati, OH
DRAFT DOCUMENT PREPARED BY
ICF International
9300 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
PRIMARY INTERNAL REVIEWERS
Ghazi Dannan, PhD
National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC
Q. Jay Zhao, PhD, MPH, DABT
National Center for Environmental Assessment, Cincinnati, OH
This document was externally peer reviewed under contract to
Eastern Research Group, Inc.
110 Hartwell Avenue
Lexington, MA 02421-3136
Questions regarding the contents of this document may be directed to the U.S. EPA Office of
Research and Development's National Center for Environmental Assessment, Superfund Health
Risk Technical Support Center (513-569-7300)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS	iv
BACKGROUND	1
DISCLAIMERS	1
QUESTIONS REGARDING PPRTVS	 1
INTRODUCTION	2
REVIEW OF POTENTIALLY RELEVANT DATA (CANCER AND NONCANCER)	3
HUMAN STUDIES	6
Oral Exposures	6
Inhalation Exposures	6
ANIMAL STUDIES	6
Oral Exposure	6
Inhalation Exposure	9
OTHER DATA (SHORT-TERM TESTS, OTHER EXAMINATIONS)	9
Tests Evaluating Genotoxicity	14
Short-term Studies	14
Metabolism Studies	15
DERIVATION 01 PROVISIONAL VALUES	16
DERIVATION OF ORAL REFERENCE DOSE	17
Derivation of Subchronic Provisional RfD (Subchronic p-RfD)	17
Derivation of Chronic Provisional RfD (Chronic p-RfD)	18
DERIVATION OF INHALATION REFERENCE CONCENTRATIONS	20
CANCER WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE DESCRIPTOR	20
MODE-OF-ACTION (MOA) DISCUSSION	21
MUTAGENIC MO A	21
DERIVATION OF PROVISIONAL CANCER POTENCY VALUES	21
APPENDIX A. PROVISIONAL SCREENING VALUES	22
APPENDIX B. DATA TABLES	23
APPENDIX C. BMD MODELING OUTPUTS FOR ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN	25
APPENDIX D. REFERENCES	26
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COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS
BMC
benchmark concentration
BMCL
benchmark concentration lower bound 95% confidence interval
BMD
benchmark dose
BMDL
benchmark dose lower bound 95% confidence interval
HEC
human equivalent concentration
HED
human equivalent dose
IUR
inhalation unit risk
LOAEL
lowest-observed-adverse-effect level
LOAELadj
LOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
LOAELhec
LOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
NOAEL
no-ob served-adverse-effect level
NOAELadj
NOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
NOAELrec
NOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
NOEL
no-ob served-effect level
OSF
oral slope factor
p-IUR
provisional inhalation unit risk
POD
point of departure
p-OSF
provisional oral slope factor
p-RfC
provisional reference concentration (inhalation)
p-RfD
provisional reference dose (oral)
RfC
reference concentration (inhalation)
RfD
reference dose (oral)
UF
uncertainty factor
UFa
animal-to-human uncertainty factor
UFC
composite uncertainty factor
UFd
incomplete-to-complete database uncertainty factor
UFh
interhuman uncertainty factor
UFl
LOAEL-to-NOAEL uncertainty factor
UFS
subchronic-to-chronic uncertainty factor
WOE
weight of evidence
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PROVISIONAL PEER-REVIEWED TOXICITY VALUES FOR
ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN (CASRN 109-78-4)
BACKGROUND
A Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Value (PPRTV) is defined as a toxicity value
derived for use in the Superfund Program. PPRTVs are derived after a review of the relevant
scientific literature using established Agency guidance on human health toxicity value
derivations. All PPRTV assessments receive internal review by a standing panel of National
Center for Environment Assessment (NCEA) scientists and an independent external peer review
by three scientific experts.
The purpose of this document is to provide support for the hazard and dose-response
assessment pertaining to chronic and subchronic exposures to substances of concern, to present
the major conclusions reached in the hazard identification and derivation of the PPRTVs, and to
characterize the overall confidence in these conclusions and toxicity values. It is not intended to
be a comprehensive treatise on the chemical or toxicological nature of this substance.
The PPRTV review process provides needed toxicity values in a quick turnaround
timeframe while maintaining scientific quality. PPRTV assessments are updated approximately
on a 5-year cycle for new data or methodologies that might impact the toxicity values or
characterization of potential for adverse human health effects and are revised as appropriate. It is
important to utilize the PPRTV database (http://hhpprtv.ornl.gov) to obtain the current
information available. When a final Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment is
made publicly available on the Internet (www.epa.gov/iris), the respective PPRTVs are removed
from the database.
DISCLAIMERS
The PPRTV document provides toxicity values and information about the adverse effects
of the chemical and the evidence on which the value is based, including the strengths and
limitations of the data. All users are advised to review the information provided in this
document to ensure that the PPRTV used is appropriate for the types of exposures and
circumstances at the site in question and the risk management decision that would be supported
by the risk assessment.
Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs or external parties who
may choose to use PPRTVs are advised that Superfund resources will not generally be used to
respond to challenges, if any, of PPRTVs used in a context outside of the Superfund program.
QUESTIONS REGARDING PPRTVS
Questions regarding the contents and appropriate use of this PPRTV assessment should
be directed to the EPA Office of Research and Development's National Center for
Environmental Assessment, Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (513-569-7300).
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INTRODUCTION
Ethylene cyanohydrin (CAS No. 109-78-4), also known as P-hydroxypropionitrile, is a
white/straw-colored liquid that is used as a solvent for certain cellulose esters and inorganic salts,
as an organic intermediate for acrylates, and in the synthesis of acrylonitrile. The chemical
structure of ethylene cyanohydrin is shown in Figure 1, and selected physicochemical properties
of ethylene cyanohydrin are provided in Table 1.
OH—CH2—CH2—CN
Figure 1. Ethylene Cyanohydrin Structure
Table 1. Physicochemical Properties Table for Ethylene Cyanohydrin (CASRN 109-78-4)a
Property (unit)
Value
Boiling point (°C)
221
Melting point (°C)
-46
Density (g/cm3)
1.04
Vapor pressure (mm Hg at 25°C)
0.08
pH (unitless)
NA
Solubility in water (mg/L at 20°C)
1.00 x 106
Relative vapor density (air =1)
2.45
Molecular weight (g/mol)
71.08
aACGIH (2011), ChemlDPlus (2011).
NA = not applicable.
No Reference Dose (RfD), Reference Concentration (RfC), or cancer assessment for
ethylene cyanohydrin is included in the U.S. EPA IRIS (U.S. EPA, 201 la) database, in the
Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories List (U.S. EPA, 2009), or in the HEAST
(U.S. EPA, 201 lb). U.S. EPA (2005a) developed a PPRTV assessment for ethylene
cyanohydrin, deriving a subchronic p-RfD of 1 x 10 1 mg/kg-day and a chronic p-RfD of
3 x 10 2 mg/kg-day. Subchronic and chronic p-RfC values were not determined. The Chemical
Assessments and Related Activities (CARA) list does not include a Health and Environmental
Effects Profile (HEEP) for ethylene cyanohydrin (U.S. EPA, 1994). The toxicity of ethylene
cyanohydrin has not been reviewed by the ATSDR (2011) or the World Health Organization
(WHO, 2011). CalEPA (2008, 2009a) has not derived toxicity values for exposure to ethylene
cyanohydrin. No occupational exposure limits for ethylene cyanohydrin have been derived or
recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH, 2011), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2011), or the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, 2010).
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The HEAST (U.S. EPA, 201 lb) does not report a U.S. EPA (1986) cancer
weight-of-evidence (WOE) classification or an oral slope factor (OSF) for ethylene cyanohydrin.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 2011) has not reviewed the
carcinogenic potential of ethylene cyanohydrin. Ethylene cyanohydrin is not included in the
12th Report on Carcinogens (NTP, 2011). CalEPA (2009b) has not derived a quantitative
estimate of carcinogenic potential for ethylene cyanohydrin.
Literature searches were conducted on sources published from 1900 through May 2012
for studies relevant to the derivation of provisional toxicity values for ethylene cyanohydrin
(CASRN 109-78-4). Searches were conducted using U.S. EPA's Health and Environmental
Research Online (HERO) database of scientific literature. HERO searches the following
databases: AGRICOLA; American Chemical Society; BioOne; Cochrane Library; DOE: Energy
Information Administration, Information Bridge, and Energy Citations Database; EBSCO:
Academic Search Complete; GeoRef Preview; GPO: Government Printing Office;
Informaworld; IngentaConnect; J-STAGE: Japan Science & Technology; JSTOR: Mathematics
& Statistics and Life Sciences; NSCEP/NEPIS (EPA publications available through the National
Service Center for Environmental Publications [NSCEP] and National Environmental
Publications Internet Site [NEPIS] database); PubMed: MEDLINE and CANCERLIT databases;
SAGE; Science Direct; Scirus; Scitopia; SpringerLink; TOXNET (Toxicology Data Network):
ANEUPL, CCRIS, ChemlDplus, CIS, CRISP, DART, EMIC, EPIDEM, ETICBACK, FEDRIP,
GENE-TOX, HAPAB, HEEP, HMTC, HSDB, IRIS, ITER, LactMed, Multi-Database Search,
NIOSH, NTIS, PESTAB, PPBIB, RISKLINE, TRI; and TSCATS; Virtual Health Library; Web
of Science (searches Current Content database among others); WHO; and Worldwide Science.
The following databases outside of HERO were searched for health information: ACGIH,
AT SDR, CalEPA, U.S. EPA IRIS, U.S. EPA HEAST, U.S. EPA HEEP, U.S. EPA OW,
U.S. EPA TSCATS/TSCATS2, NIOSH, NTP, OSHA, and RTECS.
REVIEW OF POTENTIALLY RELEVANT DATA
(CANCER AND NONCANCER)
Table 2 provides an overview of the relevant database for ethylene cyanohydrin and
includes all potentially relevant repeated short-term-, subchronic-, and chronic-duration studies.
The phrase "statistical significance," used throughout the document, indicates ap-walue of <0.05.
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Table 2. Summary of Potentially Relevant Data for Ethylene Cyanohydrin (CASRN 109-78-4)
Category
Number of Male/Female, Strain,
Species, Study Type, Study
Duration
Dosimetry"
Critical Effects
NOAEL'
BMDL/
BMCLa
LOAEL'
Reference
(Comments)
Notesb
Human
1. Oral (mg/kg-d)a
Subchronic
ND
Chronic
ND
Developmental
ND
Reproductive
ND
Carcinogenic
ND
2. Inhalation (mg/m3)"
Subchronic
ND
Chronic
ND
Developmental
ND
Reproductive
ND
Carcinogenic
ND
Animal
1. Oral (mg/kg-d)a
Subchronic
10/10 S-D rat, drinking water,
90 d
0,10,30,90, or
270 (Adjusted)
Questionable effects on
brain and heart
weights
270
NDr
NDr
Sauerhoff et al.
(1976a)
PS, PR
S-D rat, dietary, 52-64 d
0 or 301 (M), 343
(F) (Adjusted)
None
301/343
NDr
NDr
Bachhuber et al.
(1955)
PR
Chronic
Carcinogenic
43/0 Wistar rat, dietary, 78 wk
0, 7, 74, or 221
(Adjusted)
Decreased body weight
74
NDr
221
Hirose et al.
(1980a)
PS, PR
50/0 ICR mouse, dietary, 78 wk
0, 18, 180, or 539
(Adjusted)
Decreased body weight
180
NDr
539
Hirose et al.
(1980b)
PR
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Table 2. Summary of Potentially Relevant Data for Ethylene Cyanohydrin (CASRN 109-78-4)
Category
Number of Male/Female, Strain,
Species, Study Type, Study
Duration
Dosimetry3
Critical Effects
NOAEL3
BMDL/
BMCL3
LOAEL3
Reference
(Comments)
Notesb
Developmental
ND
Reproductive
ND
2. Inhalation (mg/m3)"
Subchronic
ND
Chronic
ND
Developmental
ND
Reproductive
ND
Carcinogenic
ND
""Dosimetry: NOAEL, BMDL/BMCL, and LOAEL values are converted to an adjusted daily dose (ADD in mg/kg-d) for oral noncancer effects. All exposure values of
long-term exposure (4 wk and longer) are converted from a discontinuous to a continuous (weekly) exposure.
HED = avg. mg test article ^ avg. kg body weight ^ Number daily dosed.
HEDn = (avg. mg test article ^ avg. kg body weight ^ Number daily dosed)14.
bNotes: IRIS = utilized by IRIS, date of last update, PS = principal study, NPR = not peer reviewed, PR = peer reviewed, ND = no data, NDr = not determined,
NR = not reported.
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HUMAN STUDIES
Oral Exposures
No oral studies on the subchronic, chronic, developmental, or reproductive toxicity or on
the carcinogenicity of ethylene cyanohydrin in humans were identified.
Inhalation Exposures
No inhalation studies on the acute, sub chronic-duration, chronic-duration, developmental,
or reproductive toxicity or on the carcinogenicity of ethylene cyanohydrin in humans were
identified.
ANIMAL STUDIES
Oral Exposure
The effects of oral exposure of animals to ethylene cyanohydrin were evaluated in two
sub chronic-duration studies (i.e., Sauerhoff et al., 1976a; Bachhuber et al., 1955) and one
combined chronic-duration toxicity and carcinogenicity study (i.e., Hirose et al., 1980a,b).
Subchronic Studies
Sauerhoff et al., 1976a
The study by Sauerhoff et al. (1976a) is selected as the principal study for derivation
of the subchronic p-RfD value. In this peer-reviewed study, ethylene cyanohydrin
(>99% purity) was administered in the drinking water to 10 S-D rats/sex/dose of 0, 10, 30, 90, or
270 mg/kg-day for 90 days. Weekly adjustments were made to the dose formulations based on
water consumption and body weight. The rats were obtained from Spartan Research Animals
Inc. (Haslett, MI) and were housed individually in wire-bottomed cages with water and
commercial laboratory animal chow available ad libitum. No further details of animal husbandry
were provided. The study authors stated that the stability and concentration of ethylene
cyanohydrin were confirmed in the drinking water. The rats were weighed and food
consumption determined weekly. All rats were observed frequently for clinical signs of toxicity
(schedule not reported). On Day 85, hematologic evaluations (i.e., packed cell volume,
erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, hemoglobin [Hb], percentage neutrophils, and percentage
lymphocytes) and urinalyses (i.e., specific gravity, pH, sugar, protein, ketones, occult blood, and
bilirubin) were conducted on five rats/sex from the control and 270-mg/kg-day groups. At
necropsy on Days 91 and 92, blood samples were collected from five rats/sex/dose for the
determination of the serum levels of urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase activity, and glutamic
pyruvic transaminase activity. A gross pathologic examination was conducted on all rats, and
the weights of brain, heart, liver, kidney, and testes were determined. Samples of the following
tissues were obtained and fixed in 10% buffered formalin: heart, liver, kidney, gonads, uterus,
thyroid, trachea, parathyroid, lung, adrenal gland, spleen, pancreas, stomach, small intestine,
large intestine, urinary bladder, accessory sex glands, skeletal muscle, peripheral nerve, spinal
cord, brain, eye, pituitary gland, thymus, and aorta. Following routine processing and staining
with hematoxylin and eosin, all of the aforementioned tissues from the control and
270-mg/kg-day groups were examined microscopically (five rats/sex). Analysis of variance and
Dunnett's test (p < 0.05) were used to determine whether ethylene cyanohydrin induced
significant alterations in body weights, food consumption, water consumption, hematological
values, clinical chemical parameters, organ weights, and organ-to-body-weight ratios. The
statistical analyses are considered adequate; parametric testing is only appropriate when the
assumptions of normality of distribution and homogeneity of variances are met. This study was
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conducted prior to the adoption of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards as described in
40 CFR Part 160.
No treatment-related effects were noted on mortality, clinical signs, body weights, food
or water consumption, clinical chemistry, hematology, or gross or microscopic pathology
(Sauerhoff et al., 1976a). The study authors concluded that the NOAEL was 270 mg/kg-day, the
highest dose tested. A LOAEL was not identified.
A PPRTV document for ethylene cyanohydrin was previously published by U.S. EPA
(2005a). The 2005 document used the study by Sauerhoff et al. (1976a) to derive a subchronic
p-RfD of 1 x 10 1 mg/kg-day, based on a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg-day. It was stated that the
decreases in absolute brain and heart weights represented a treatment-related and toxicologically
significant effect due to the mechanism of toxicity for the cyanohydrin compounds as a class.
U.S. EPA (2005a) further stated that the heart and brain are especially sensitive to alterations in
cellular energy status, and would be expected to be sensitive to compounds that interfere with
energy metabolism. In this regard, Sauerhoff et al. (1976a) stated the following:
"No significant differences occurred between the mean organ weights or organ to
body weight ratios of male rats receiving (ethylene cyanohydrin) and controls.
Brain and heart weights offemales receiving 270 and 90 mg/kg-day were slightly
but significantly (p<0.05) lower than controls. The weight differences of these
tissues were not accompanied by pathologic alteration. "
The effects on brain and heart weights in the females were statistically significant at 270
and 90 mg/kg-day. It was not indicated whether the decreases in absolute brain and heart
weights were dose-related. Furthermore, the decreases in absolute weights were not
accompanied by corresponding organ-to-body-weight differences; the magnitudes of the
"slightly but significantly lower" organ weights were not provided; the organ-weight decreases
were not associated with adverse gross or microscopic pathology; and no other additional
evidence of toxicity was observed in these animals systemically or in specific organs. The
decreases in absolute weights were observed only in females; however, in a concurrent
metabolism study (Sauerhoff et al., 1976b), no sex-related differences were observed in the
pharmacokinetics (plasma concentrations) of the compound following oral administration, and
only 0.44% of the administered radioactive dose was isolated in the expired air as [14C]-HCN.
The study authors also reported rapid elimination of the compound in the urine
(ti/2 = 6.13 hours). Additionally, there was no evidence of toxicity in the rat following treatment
for 52-64 days at a dietary dose of approximately 340 mg/kg-day (Bachhuber et al., 1955), and
there was only evidence for slight toxicity in studies of longer duration at equivalent or higher
doses. In the chronic-duration studies, discussed below, there was evidence of only minimal
toxicity (i.e., decreased terminal body weights) in rats and mice dosed orally at up to 221 and
539 mg/kg-day, respectively, for up to 78 weeks (Hirose et al., 1980a,b). In addition, the oral
LD50 is 3200 mg/kg for the rat and 1800 mg/kg for the mouse (HSDB, 2003). Taken together,
these data suggest that cyanide toxicity is a minor concern for ethylene cyanohydrin. Therefore,
the NOAEL is considered to be 270 mg/kg-day, the highest dose tested, for derivation of the
subchronic p-RfD value.
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Bachhuber et al., 1955
In a peer-reviewed study by Bachhuber et al. (1955), 5-6 S-D rats (number/sex not
specified) were fed diets containing either 0 or 0.35% (equivalent to 301/343 mg/kg-day in
males/females) ethylene cyanohydrin for 52-64 days. Body-weight gains, skeletal alterations,
clinical signs, and gross abnormalities were recorded (a detailed list of the parameters evaluated
was not provided). No adverse effects were reported. The NOAEL was 0.35% (equivalent to
301 mg/kg-day in males and 343 mg/kg-day in females); a LOAEL was not identified. This
study is considered unsuitable for use as a principal study due to the fact that the only data
presented are a single entry of weight gain/day.
Chronic-duration Studies
Hirose etal., 1980a
The study by Hirose et al. (1980a) is selected as the principal study for derivation of
the chronic p-RfD value. In this peer-reviewed study, ethylene cyanohydrin (purity not
reported) was administered in commercial Oriental M diet to 43 male Wistar rats/dose of 0
(n = 31), 100, 1000, or 3000 ppm (equivalent to 0, 7, 74, or 221 mg/kg-day based on U.S. EPA
[1988] species default values) for 78 weeks. The rats were obtained from Nihon Rat Co.
(Saitama, Japan) and were housed six/cage in a room at 24 ± 2°C with alternate 12-hour periods
of light. Diet and water were available ad libitum. The study was terminated after 78 weeks.
Necropsies were performed at termination and for animals that died while on the study. The
liver, kidneys, and spleen were weighed. Organs and tissues (detailed list not provided) were
fixed, routinely prepared, and examined microscopically. For hematological and blood
biochemical analyses, blood was collected from all rats before sacrifice, and the white blood
cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), Hb, hematocrit (Ht), serum total protein (TP), alkaline
phosphatase (SAP), glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic
transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were measured.
Statistical analyses were not reported. This study was conducted prior to the adoption of GLP
standards as described in 40 CFRPart 160.
Final body weight was decreased by 10% at 100 and 1000 ppm and by 13% at 3000 ppm
compared to the controls (Hirose et al., 1980a; see Table B.l). The effect on body weight at
1000 ppm was similar to that at 100 ppm, and no other evidence of toxicity was noted in these
dose groups. Therefore, the effects observed at 100 and 1000 ppm are considered incidental. At
3000 ppm, the study authors reported that, RBCs, Hb, and Ht were decreased by 14—16%
compared to the controls, possibly indicative of mild anemia, and that WBCs were decreased by
24% (see Table B.2). Due to the slight magnitude of change from the controls, these effects are
considered to be treatment-related, but not adverse. Although statistical significance and
standard deviations were not reported, the possibility of a dose-related trend could not be
dismissed, and the 13% decrease in body weight at the high dose is considered adverse. No
increased incidence of tumors was reported at any dose. Although not stated by the study
authors, a LOAEL of 221 mg/kg-day based on a biologically significant decrease in body weight
(>10%>) is identified, with a corresponding NOAEL of 74 mg/kg-day.
The 2005 PPRTV assessment for ethylene cyanohydrin (U.S. EPA, 2005a) cited
Hirose et al. (1980a) and stated the following regarding decreased terminal body
weights. " ...data showing growth throughout the study were not presented, statistical analysis
was not performed, and group means were reported without any measure of within group
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variability (standard deviation), making it difficult to evaluate the data and precluding
independent statistical analysis."
However, after reevaluation of the rat study by Hirose et al. (1980a), the critical effect is
decreased body weight (>10%) at 221 mg/kg-day based on a WOE approach. In addition to the
decreased body weights, findings suggestive of a treatment-related, nonadverse anemia were
noted in the 221 mg/kg-day rats. Decreased terminal body weights (decreased 10% at
539 mg/kg-day) were also present in the concurrently performed mouse study (Hirose et al.,
1980b; see below) and were observed in a dose-dependent manner. Because decreases in body
weight were noted in two species, the 13% decrease in body weights in the rat is considered
biologically significant effect.
Hirose et al., 1980b
In a concurrently performed, peer-reviewed study by Hirose et al. (1980b), ethylene
cyanohydrin (purity not reported) was administered in commercial Oriental M diet to 50 male
ICR mice/dose of 0 (n = 30), 100, 1000, or 3000 ppm (determined by the reviewers to be
equivalent to 0, 18, 180, or 539 mg/kg-day based on U.S. EPA [1988] species default values) for
78 weeks. Mice were housed 10/cage in a room at 24 ± 2°C with alternate 12-hour periods of
light. Diet and water were available ad libitum. After 78 weeks of treatment, animals were
maintained on the control diet for 7 weeks and then terminated. The same parameters were
examined in the mouse as in the previously described rat study (Hirose et al., 1980a).
Although statistical significance and standard deviations were not reported, final body
weights were decreased by 10% at 539 mg/kg-day, and a dose-related effect was observed
(Hirose et al., 1980b; see Table B. 1). No other toxicological effect was reported, and no
increased incidence of tumors was reported at any dose. Although not stated by the study
authors, the LOAEL is 539 mg/kg-day, based on a decrease in body weight that was also
observed in Hirose et al. (1980a), with a corresponding NOAEL of 180 mg/kg-day.
Developmental Studies
No developmental toxicity studies on ethylene cyanohydrin were identified.
Reproduction Studies
No reproductive toxicity studies on ethylene cyanohydrin were identified.
Carcinogenic Studies
Carcinogenic potential was evaluated in the combined chronic-duration toxicity and
carcinogenicity studies by Hirose et al. (1980a,b) as previously described. No increased
incidence of tumors was reported in any tissue at any dose.
Inhalation Exposure
No inhalation studies on the subchronic, chronic, developmental, or reproductive toxicity
or on the carcinogenicity of ethylene cyanohydrin in animals were identified.
OTHER DATA (SHORT-TERM TESTS, OTHER EXAMINATIONS)
Other studies that are not appropriate for selection of a POD for ethylene cyanohydrin
and the determination of p-RfD, p-RfC, p-OSF, or p-IUR values can, however, provide
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supportive data that supplement a WOE approach to risk assessment. These studies may include
genotoxicity (see Table 3a) and short-term, metabolic, and toxicokinetic studies (see Table 3b).
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Table 3A. Summary of Ethylene Cyanohydrin Genotoxicity Studies
Endpoint
Test System
Dose
Concentration"
Resultsb
Comments
References
Without
Activation
With
Activation
Genotoxicity studies in prokaryotic organisms
Reverse mutation
Ethylene cyanohydrin was evaluated in the Ames assay
with preincubation. The chemical was tested in the
presence and absence of Arochlor 1254-induced male
S-D rat and male Syrian hamster liver homogenate S9.
Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, and
TA97 and/or TA1537 were used.
10 mg/plate


Ethylene cyanohydrin is
not mutagenic in
Salmonella typhimurium
TA98, TA100, TA1535,
and TA97 and/or
TA1537.
Zeiger et al.
(1992)
Mutation
Ethylene cyanohydrin was evaluated in a fluctuation
test. Klebsiella pneumoniae was tested with the
chemical, and mutagenicity was determined on the basis
of the proportion of streptomycin-resistant or dependent
mutants.
0.015 M

ND
Ethylene cyanohydrin is
not mutagenic in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
under the study's test
conditions.
Voogd and
Vet (1969)
SOS repair induction
ND
Genotoxicity studies in nonmammalian eukaryotic organisms
Mutation
ND
Recombination induction
ND
Chromosomal aberration
ND
Chromosomal
malsegregation
ND
Mitotic arrest
ND
Genotoxicity studies in mammalian cells—in vitro
Forward mutation
ND
Chromosomal aberrations
ND
Sister chromatid exchange
(SCE)
ND
DNA damage
ND
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Table 3A. Summary of Ethylene Cyanohydrin Genotoxicity Studies
Endpoint
Test System
Dose
Concentration"
Resultsb
Comments
References
Without With
Activation Activation
Genotoxicity studies in mammals—in vivo
Chromosomal aberrations
ND
Sister chromatid exchange
(SCE)
ND
DNA damage
ND
DNA adducts
ND
Mouse biochemical or
visible specific locus test
ND
Dominant lethal
ND
Genotoxicity studies in subcellular systems
DNA binding
ND
aLowest effective dose for positive results, highest dose tested for negative results.
b+ = positive, ± = equivocal or weakly positive, - = negative, T = cytotoxicity, ND = no data.
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Table 3B. Other Studies
Test
Materials and Methods
Results
Conclusions
References
Carcinogenicity
other than
oral/inhalation
ND
Other toxicity
studies (exposures
other than oral or
inhalation)
ND
Short-term studies
Albino guinea pigs were treated with cheese cloth patches
containing either 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 mL ethylene cyanohydrin for
24 hr and observed for signs of toxicity until recovery was
complete.
Two Wistar albino rats and albino guinea pigs (number not stated)
received whole body exposure to ethylene cyanohydrin by passing a
known volume of air thru sintered glass immersed in the liquid for
1 hr followed by observation (duration not stated) for signs of
toxicity. No estimate of concentration was provided.
Dermal toxicity: There was an appearance
of pain upon administration and little if any
evidence of irritation at the site. There was
no quantitative evidence of systemic
toxicity via the dermal route.
Inhalation: No signs of toxicity observed,
either intermediate or delayed, in rats and
guinea pigs.
Results were not quantified.
Low toxicity to
rats or guinea pigs
by skin
penetration or
inhalation.
Sunderman and
Kincaid
(1953a)
Sunderman and
Kincaid
(1953b)
Metabolism/
toxicokinetics
S-D rats (3/sex) were used in excretion studies for the separate
collection of urine, feces, and expired air. Additional groups of
three rats of each sex were used to characterize the concentration of
14C-activity in plasma as a function of time. Rats were dosed with
approximately 3.0 mL/kg of isotopically-diluted 14C-ethylene
cyanohydrin in water via gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg and
19 |iCi/kg specific activity. Samples of blood were collected at
various intervals up to 116 hr postdose. After animal termination,
the carcasses were skinned, and muscle, fat, kidney, skin, spleen,
liver, and carcass were collected and prepared for radioanalysis by
liquid scintillation counting. Metabolites were isolated and
identified in urine samples and hydrolyzed urine samples (acid and
heat treated) using thin layer chromatography.
14C-activity was found in urine (53.2%
dose), including urinary SCN, feces
(7.39%), and expired air as HCN (0.44%)
and carbon dioxide (25.6%). Absorption
was a first-order process with a rate
constant of 1.0 hr 1 corresponding to a
half-life of 0.69 hr. The half-life values for
the a and (3 phase of plasma clearance are
4.41 and 53.3 hr, respectively. Two
components in urine were found to contain
14C activity in addition to urinary
thiocyanate.
The
pharmacokinetics
of absorption and
excretion were
determined, and
urinary
metabolites were
characterized.
Sauerhoff et al.
(1976b)
Mode of action/
mechanistic
ND
Immunotoxicity
ND
Neurotoxicity
ND
ND = no data.
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Tests Evaluating Genotoxicity
Two mutagenicity studies are presented below indicating that ethylene cyanohydrin has
limited mutagenic potential (Zeiger et al., 1992; Voogd and Vet, 1969).
Zeiger et al. (1992) evaluated the potential of ethylene cyanohydrin and other test
compounds to cause mutagenesis in the Ames assay with preincubation. The chemicals were
tested in the presence and absence of Arochlor 1254-induced male S-D rat and male Syrian
hamster liver homogenate S9. All chemicals were initially evaluated in a toxicity assay to
determine the appropriate dose range for the mutagenicity assay. Chemicals were tested to a
toxic dose (as indicated by decreased his+ colonies and/or bacterial lawn), a dose immediately
below the toxic dose, to the limit of solubility, or to a maximum of 10 mg/plate. Concurrent
solvent and positive controls were run with each trial. A chemical was designated nonmutagenic
only after it had been tested in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA97
and/or TA1537, without activation and with 10% and 30% rat and hamster S9. Ethylene
cyanohydrin was determined to be nonmutagenic at concentrations up to 10 mg/plate.
Voogd and Vet (1969) evaluated the potential of ethylene cyanohydrin and other
test compounds to cause mutagenesis in the fluctuation test, using a mutant of Klebsiella
pneumoniae that requires uracil and proline for growth. Nutrient broth containing the test
substance at 0.015 M was seeded with 100 bacteria/mL and subdivided in 105 portions of
3 mL each. After overnight incubation at 37°C, the total number of
streptomycin-resistant and streptomycin-dependent bacteria was determined in
100 subsamples by a pour-plate technique using nutrient agar supplemented with
100 |ig/mL of dihydrostreptomycin. After 3 days incubation at 37°C, the colonies in the
dihydrostreptomycin-containing agar were counted. The number of bacteria present in
the five remaining subsamples was determined using nutrient-agar without
dihydrostreptomycin. The mutation rate was calculated based on the number of
subsamples without streptomycin-resistant or dependent mutants using a Poisson
distribution. If mutants were present in all subsamples, the mutation rate was estimated
by the number of mutants in the median portion.
Ethylene cyanohydrin was determined to be nonmutagenic at 0.015 M. The negative
control produced the appropriate response, and other evaluated test compounds were found to be
mutagenic in this study.
Short-term Studies
Sunderman and Kincaid (1953a,b) conducted short-term studies of dermal and inhalation
toxicity of ethylene cyanohydrin. In the dermal study, albino guinea pigs were treated with
cheese cloth patches containing either 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 mL ethylene cyanohydrin (purity =
92.5%>) taped to shaved skin for 24 hours and observed (duration not stated) for signs of toxicity
until recovery was complete. There appeared to be some pain in the exposed animals
immediately after treatment but no other signs of toxicity. There was "little if any skin irritation"
after 24 hours of exposure. The study authors provided no indication of what observations were
conducted but concluded that ethylene cyanohydrin has a low toxicity via the dermal route of
exposure.
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In the same study, two Wistar albino rats and albino guinea pigs (number not stated)
received 1 hour of whole-body exposure to ethylene cyanohydrin by passing a known volume of
air through sintered glass immersed in the liquid for 1 hour followed by observation (duration
not stated) for signs of toxicity. No estimate of the exposure concentration was provided. No
immediate or delayed signs were observed in either rats or guinea pigs, but the study authors
provided no indication of the nature or extent of the observations. The study authors concluded
that ethylene cyanohydrin exhibited no toxicity in small experimental animals via the inhalation
route and low toxicity via dermal route of exposure.
Metabolism Studies
In a study conducted by Sauerhoff et al. (1976b) performed concurrently with the
sub chronic-duration toxicity study previously described (Sauerhoff et al., 1976a), three S-D
rats/sex were housed individually in modified glass Roth-type metabolism cages designed for the
separate collection of urine, feces, and expired air for excretion studies. Additional groups of
three rats/sex were used to characterize the concentration of 14C-activity in plasma as a function
of time. These rats were housed individually in stainless steel metabolism cages. Approximately
3.0 mL/kg of isotopically-diluted 14C-ethylene cyanohydrin ([14C]-CN) in water were
administered by gavage to provide a dose of 20 mg/kg of the test compound at a specific activity
of 19 |iCi/kg. Urine, feces, and expired air (carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide [HCN]
trapping solutions) were collected up to 120 hours postdose and prepared for radioanalysis.
Samples of blood were collected from a freshly cut section of tail at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20, 28, 36, 44,
52, 60, 68, 76, 80, 92, 104, and 116 hours postdose. Plasma samples were prepared and
radioassayed. All rats were euthanized by decapitation at 120 hours post dosing with
cyanohydrin. The carcasses were skinned, and muscle, fat, kidney, skin, spleen, liver, and
carcass were collected and prepared for radioanalysis. Liquid scintillation counting was used to
determine the concentration of radioactivity in prepared samples. Metabolites were isolated and
characterized in urine samples and hydrolyzed urine samples (acid and heat treated) using thin
layer chromatography.
The overall recovery of the ethylene cyanohydrin administered dose from urine, feces,
expired air, tissues, carcass, and cage washings of all rats was 95.6 ± 5.8% (mean ± SD;
Sauerhoff et al., 1976b). 14C-Activity was found in urine (53.2% dose), including urinary
thiocyanate (SCN), feces (7.39% dose), and expired air as HCN (0.44% dose) and carbon
dioxide (25.6% dose). The plasma concentration of the 14C-activity over time was not
sex-dependent. Absorption was a first-order process with a rate constant of 1.0 hour-1
corresponding to a half-life of 0.69 hour. Peak plasma levels of 47 |ig parent equivalents/g
plasma were observed 4 hours postdose. The clearance of 14C-activity from plasma was biphasic
with half-life values for the a and P phases of plasma clearance of 4.41 and 53.3 hours,
respectively. Tissue distribution was not reported. Two unidentified components in urine were
found to contain 14C-activity along with the thiocyanate. The major unknown component in
urine was hydrolyzable to a compound that exhibited the same retention factor (R,j as the parent.
One minor component was found in unhydrolyzed urine that exhibited the same Rf as the parent.
The study authors concluded that the low toxicity of ethylene cyanohydrin was due to the rapid
elimination in the urine and low rate of conversion to cyanide.
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DERIVATION OF PROVISIONAL VALUES
Table 4 presents a summary of noncancer reference values. Table 5 presents a summary of cancer values. No cancer values could be
derived.
Table 4. Summary of Noncancer Reference Values for Ethylene Cyanohydrin (CASRN 109-78-4)
Toxicity Type
(Units)3
Species/
Sex
Critical Effect
Reference
Value
POD Method
POD
UFC
Principal Study
Subchronic p-RfD
(mg/kg-d)
Rat/M/F
Questionable effects on
brain and heart weights
3 x 10_1
NOAEL
270
1000
Sauerhoff et al. (1976a)
Chronic RfD
(mg/kg-d)
Rat/M
Biologically significant
decrease in body weight
7 x 10~2
NOAEL
74
1000
Hirose et al. (1980a)
Subchronic p-RfC
(mg/m3)
ND
Chronic p-RfC
(mg/m3)
ND
ND = no data.
Table 5. Summary of Cancer Values for Ethylene Cyanohydrin (CASRN 109-78-4)
Toxicity Type
Species/Sex
Tumor Type
Cancer Value
Principal Study
p-OSF
ND
p-IUR
ND
ND = no data
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DERIVATION OF ORAL REFERENCE DOSE
Derivation of Subchronic Provisional RfD (Subchronic p-RfD)
Two subchronic-duration oral studies were located: Sauerhoff et al. (1976a) and
Bachhuber et al. (1955). The highest doses tested were similar in these studies; however, the
parameters examined and reported were very limited in the study by Bachhuber et al. (1955).
The point of departure (POD) is the NOAEL identified at the highest dose tested
(Sauerhoff et al., 1976a). Therefore, the study by Sauerhoff et al. (1976a) serves as the principal
study for derivation of the subchronic p-RfD. It should be emphasized that the subchronic p-RfD
is based on a free standing NOAEL with questionable effects on brain and heart weights.
Sauerhoff et al. (1976a) was conducted prior to the adoption of GLP standards.
However, this peer-reviewed study generally meets the standards of study design and
performance with regard to numbers of animals, examination of potential toxicity endpoints, and
presentation of information.
Adjusted for daily exposure:
The following dosimetric adjustments were made for each dose in the principal study for
dietary treatment.
NOAELadj =	NOAEL x [conversion to daily dose]
=	270 mg/kg-day x (days of week dosed ^ 7 days in week)
=	270 mg/kg-day x (7 7)
=	270 mg/kg-day
Subchronic p-RfD = NOAELadj ^ UFC
= 270 mg/kg-day ^ 1000
= 3 x 10-1 mg/kg-day
Table 6 summarizes the uncertainty factors (UFs) for the subchronic p-RfD for ethylene
cyanohydrin, and the confidence descriptors for the subchronic p-RfD are provided in Table 7.
Table 6. UFs for Subchronic p-RfD of Ethylene Cyanohydrin
UF
Value
Justification
UFa
10
A UFa of 10 is applied for interspecies extrapolation to account for potential
toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic differences between rats and humans.
ufd
10
A UFd of 10 is selected because there are no acceptable two-generation reproductive or
developmental toxicity studies.
UFh
10
A UFh of 10 is applied for intraspecies differences to account for potentially
susceptible individuals in the absence of information on the variability of response in
humans.
ufl
1
A UFl of 1 is applied for using a POD based on a NOAEL.
UFS
1
A UFS of 1 is applied because a subchronic-duration study was utilized as the critical
study.
UFC
1000

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Table 7. Confidence Descriptor for Subchronic p-RfD for Ethylene Cyanohydrin
Confidence Categories
Designation3
Discussion
Confidence in Study
M
The study was given a medium confidence level because the
peer-reviewed study examined a wide range of doses on
growth, food consumption, and hematological effects in male
and female rats, but only limited data were available for
independent verification of conclusions.
Confidence in Database
L
The database was given a low confidence level because only
two subchronic-duration studies were located; no reproductive
or developmental studies were located.
Confidence in
Subchronic p-RfDb
L
The overall confidence in the subchronic p-RfD is low due to a
lack of confidence in the database and the questionable effects
on brain and heart weights that were observed.
aL = low, M = medium, H = high.
bThe overall confidence cannot be greater than the lowest entry in table.
Derivation of Chronic Provisional RfD (Chronic p-RfD)
One combined chronic-duration toxicity-carcinogenicity report was located that
addressed chronic-duration toxicity of ethylene cyanohydrin and is identified as the principal
study for derivation of a chronic p-RfD (Hirose et al., 1980a,b). This single report details studies
conducted in both the male rat and the male mouse. The critical effect for both species was
decreased body weight at the high dose of 221 mg/kg-day for the rat and 539 mg/kg-day for the
mouse. The body-weight decrease in mice was about 10% (36.9 g control vs. 36.8 g high-dose
group) and is supported by decreased body weight in rats (562 g control vs. 486 g high-dose
group). The rats showed decreased terminal body-weight in the two lower dosage groups (504
and 507 g); however, in the absence of standard deviation data, the magnitude of body-weight
decrease in these two groups raises concern for the biological relevance in these two groups.
Although the importance of this effect in the rat was dismissed in a previously published PPRTV
document (U.S. EPA, 2005a) because statistical analyses and standard deviations were not
reported, upon further consideration, the 13% decrease in body weights in rats exposed to the
high dose is considered a potentially biologically significant effect as it was corroborated in
another species. Furthermore, rats showed decreased hematological parameters in exposed
groups; and in the absence of standard deviation values, the decreased Hb values in the high-dose
groups (14-16%) versus control) are considered potentially biologically relevant. The NOAEL
(74 mg/kg-day) identified in male rats based on decreased body weights and supported by
decreased hematological parameters (reduced Hb values) is selected as the POD.
Hirose et al. (1980) was conducted prior to the adoption of GLP standards. This
peer-reviewed study generally meets the standards of study design and performance with regard
to numbers of animals, examination of potential toxicity endpoints, and presentation of
information. However, test chemical purity was not reported.
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Adjusted for daily exposure:
The following dosimetric adjustments were made for each dose in the principal study for
dietary treatment.
NOAELadj =	NOAEL x [conversion to daily dose]
=	74 mg/kg-day x (days of week dosed ^ 7 days in week)
=	74 mg/kg-day x 7 ^ 7
=	74 mg/kg-day
Chronic p-RfD = NOAELadj ^ UFC
= 74 mg/kg-day ^ 1000
= 7 x 10~2 mg/kg-day
Table 8 summarizes the UFs for the chronic p-RfD for ethylene cyanohydrin, and the
confidence descriptors for the chronic p-RfD are provided in Table 9.
Table 8. UFs for Chronic p-RfD of Ethylene Cyanohydrin
UF
Value
Justification
ufa
10
A UFa of 10 is applied for interspecies extrapolation to account for potential
toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic differences between rats and humans.
ufd
10
A UFd of 10 is selected because there are no acceptable two-generation reproduction
studies or developmental studies.
UFh
10
A UFh of 10 is applied for intraspecies differences to account for potentially
susceptible individuals in the absence of information on the variability of response in
humans.
ufl
1
A UFl of 1 is applied for using a POD based on a NOAEL.
UFS
1
A UFS of 1 is applied because a chronic-duration study was utilized as the critical
study.
UFC
1000

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Table 9. Confidence Descriptor for Chronic p-RfD for Ethylene Cyanohydrin
Confidence Categories
Designation3
Discussion
Confidence in Study
M
The study was given a medium confidence level because the
peer-reviewed study examined a variety of hematological
effects and organ weight changes, but only limited data were
available for independent verification of conclusions.
Confidence in Database
L
The database was given a low confidence level because only
two subchronic-duration studies were located; no reproductive
or developmental studies were located.
Confidence in
Subchronic p-RfDb
L
The overall confidence in the subchronic p-RfD is low due to
a lack of confidence in the database and the level of response
in the endpoint that was selected for the POD.
aL = low, M = medium, H = high.
bThe overall confidence cannot be greater than the lowest entry in table.
DERIVATION OF INHALATION REFERENCE CONCENTRATIONS
No published studies investigating the effects of subchronic- or chronic-duration
inhalation toxicity of ethylene cyanohydrin in humans or animals were identified that were
acceptable for use for dose response assessment.
CANCER WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE DESCRIPTOR
IRIS (U.S. EPA, 201 la) does not provide a cancer WOE descriptor for the oral or
inhalation routes. A combined chronic-duration toxicity-carcinogenicity report detailing studies
performed both in the rat and the mouse was located that addressed the carcinogenic potential of
ethylene cyanohydrin (Hirose et al., 1980a,b). There was no evidence of carcinogenicity. The
cancer WOE descriptor (see Table 10) is considered to be "Inadequate Information to Assess
Carcinogenic Potential."
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Table 10. Cancer WOE Descriptor for Ethylene Cyanohydrin (CASRN 109-78-4)
Possible WOE
Descriptor
Designation
Route of Entry
(oral,
inhalation, or
both)
Comments
"Carcinogenic to
Humans "
NS
NA
There are no human data available.
"Likely to be
Carcinogenic to
Humans "
NS
NA
There is not enough evidence to support this
statement.
"Suggestive
Evidence of
Carcinogenic
Potential"
NS
NA
There is not enough evidence to support this
statement.
"Inadequate
Information to
Assess Carcinogenic
Potential"
Selected
Both
One study was conducted in rats and mice for
78 wk at doses resulting in decreased body
weights without any increase in the incidence of
neoplastic lesions (Hirose et al., 1980a,b). The
duration of this study is shorter than the
preferred lifetime exposure, which may have
prevented identifying carcinogenicity later in life.
There are no studies describing carcinogenicity
following an inhalation exposure.
"Not Likely to be
Carcinogenic to
Humans "
NS
NA
There is not enough evidence to support this
statement.
NS = not selected; NA = not applicable.
MODE-OF-ACTION (MOA) DISCUSSION
The Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 2005b) define MOA "... as a
sequence of key events and processes starting with interaction of an agent with a cell, proceeding
through operational and anatomical changes, and resulting in cancer formation" (p. 1-10).
Examples of possible modes of carcinogenic action for any given chemical include "...
mutagenicity, mitogenesis, programmed cell death, cytotoxicity with reparative cell proliferation,
and immune suppression" (p. 1-10). No carcinogenicity studies in human or animals
demonstrating carcinogenic potential of cyanohydrin were located (see the "Cancer Weight-of-
Evidence Descriptor" above).
MUTAGENIC MOA
Ethylene cyanohydrin was not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium TA97, TA98,
TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 (with or without activation) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (without
activation). There is no evidence of carcinogenic potential in humans or animals.
DERIVATION OF PROVISIONAL CANCER POTENCY VALUES
The lack of data on the carcinogenicity of ethylene cyanohydrin precludes the derivation
of quantitative estimates for either oral (p-OSF) or inhalation (p-IUR) exposure.
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APPENDIX A. PROVISIONAL SCREENING VALUES
There are no provisional screening values for ethylene cyanohydrin.
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APPENDIX B. DATA TABLES
Table B.l. Body Weights (g) in Male Rodents Treated with
Ethylene Cyanohydrin in the Diet for 78 Weeks3
Body weights
Dose ppm (HEDadj mg/kg-day)
Rat
0(0)
100 (7)
1000 (74)
3000 (221)
Initial
148.0
148.6
148.7
150.4
Final
562.0
504.0 (|10)
507.5 (|10)
486.3 (413)
Body weights
Mouse
0(0)
100(18)
1000 (180)
3000 (539)
Initial
36.9
37.1
36.6
36.8
Final
46.7
46.2(41%)
43.2(47%)
42.0(410)
aData were obtained from Table 1 on page 3 of the study by Hirose et al. (1980). Percent difference from controls is
included in parentheses and was calculated by the reviewers.
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Table B.2. Mean Hematological and Blood Biochemical Values of Male Rats Treated with Ethylene Cyanohydrin for 78 Weeks3
Group
Dose
(ppm)
No. of
Rats
RBC
(x 104/mm3)
WBC
(x 102/mm3)
Hb
(mg/dL)
Ht
(%)
SGOP
(K units)
SGPT
(K units)
SAP
(KA units)
Glucose
(mg/dL)
TP
(g/dL)
BUN
(mg/dL)
1
3000
19
624
78
11.8
41.0
130
30
14.5
68
6.9
20
2
1000
24
713
86
13.8
43.6
128
30
14.3
73
6.5
13
3
100
20
701
98
13.8
45.5
130
22
14.8
75
6.9
18
4
0
13
727
103
14.0
49.0
127
23
11.7
74
6.4
19
aHirose et al. (1980a).
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APPENDIX C. BMD MODELING OUTPUTS FOR ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN
No data supported BMD modeling.
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APPENDIX D. REFERENCES
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values for chemical substances and physical agents and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati,
OH. As cited in HSDB (Hazardous Substances Data Bank). Last review date: September 17,
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January 7, 2011. 783980.
ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). (2011) Toxicological profile
information sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp. Accessed on
January 7, 2011. 684152.
Bachhuber, TE; Lalich, JJ; Angevine, DM; et al. (1955) Lathyrus factor activity of
beta-aminopropionitrile and related compounds. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 89(2):294-297.
673229.
CalEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency). (2008) All OEHHA acute, 8-hour and
chronic reference exposure levels (chRELs) as of December 18, 2008. Office of Environmental
Health Hazard Assessment, Sacramento, CA. Available online at
http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/allrels.html. Accessed on January 7, 2011. 595416.
CalEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency). (2009a) OEHHA toxicity criteria
database. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Sacramento, CA. Available
online at http://www.oehha.ca.gov/tcdb/. Accessed on January 7, 2011. 595417.
CalEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency). (2009b) Hot spots unit risk and cancer
potency values. Appendix A. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Sacramento,
CA. Available online at http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/hot spots/pdf/CPFs042909.pdf. Accessed
on January 7, 2011. 684164.
ChemlDplus Advanced. (2011) United States Library of Medicine, Specialized Information
Services, Washington, DC. Available online at http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/.
Accessed on January 7, 2011. 629639.
Hirose, M; Fukushima, S; Shibata, M; et al. (1980a,b) Chronic effects of oral ethylene
cyanohydrin on male rats and mice. NagoyaMedJ25(1—2): 1—5. 673233.
HSDB (Hazardous Substances Data Bank). (2003) Ethylene cyanohydrin. TOXNET
Toxicology data network. National Library of Medicine, Washington, DC. Available online at
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen7HSDB. Accessed on January 7, 2011. 1324484.
IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). (2011) IARC Monographs on the
evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Available online at
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/PDFs/index.php. Accessed on January 7, 2011.
783869.
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NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). (2011) NIOSH pocket guide to
chemical hazards. Index of chemical abstracts service registry numbers (CAS No.). Center for
Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
Atlanta, GA. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgdcas.html. Accessed on
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