International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 47 (1989) (p. 199)

CAS No.: 110-91-8
Chem. Abstr. Name: Morpholine

5.1 Exposures

Morpholine is a synthetic organic liquid used mainly as an intermediate in the production of rubber chemicals and optical brighteners, as a corrosion inhibitor in steam condensate systems, as an ingredient in waxes and polishes and as a component of protective coatings on fresh fruits and vegetables. Occupational exposure may occur during the production of morpholine and in its various uses, but data on exposure levels are sparse. It has been detected in samples of foodstuffs and beverages.

5.2 Experimental carcinogenicity data

Morpholine was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in two strains of mice, one strain of rats and one strain of hamsters. The studies in one of the strains of mice and in hamsters were considered inadequate for evaluation. In the other strain of mice, no significant increase in the incidence of tumours was seen in treated animals. In the study in rats, a few tumours of the liver and lung occurred in treated animals. Morpholine was also tested by inhalation exposure in rats; it did not increase the incidence of tumours over that in controls.

5.3 Human carcinogenicity data

No data were available to the Working Group.

5.4 Other relevant data

Morpholine is an irritant in humans and experimental animals. It caused kidney damage in experimental animals.

Morpholine did not induce micronuclei, chromosomal aberrations or mutation in hamsters. It did not induce morphological transformation, chromosomal aberrations or DNA damage in cultured animal cells. It did not induce mutations in bacteria.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of morpholine in experimental animals.

No data were available from studies in humans on the carcinogenicity of morpholine.

Morpholine is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Subsequent evaluation: Vol. 71 (1999)

Synonyms

• BASF 238
• Diethylene imidoxide
• Diethylene oximide
• Diethylenimide oxide
• Drewamine
• 1-Oxa-4-azacyclohexane
• Tetrahydro-para-isoxazine
• Tetrahydro-1,4-isoxazine
• Tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine
• Tetrahydro-(2H)-1,4-oxazine
• Tetrahydro-(4H)-1,4-oxazine
• Tetrahydro-para-oxazine

Last updated: 13 April 1999

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Morpholine (EHC 179, 1996)
       Morpholine (HSG 92, 1995)
       Morpholine (ICSC)
       Morpholine  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)