International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
URETHANE
VOL.: 7 (1974) (p. 111)
CAS No.: 51-79-6
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Animal carcinogenicity data
Urethane has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice, rats and hamsters
following administration by the oral, inhalation, subcutaneous or
intraperitoneal routes, producing, among others, lung tumours,
lymphomas, hepatomas, melanomas and vascular tumours. It is an
initiator for skin carcinogenesis in mice both when given orally and
topically. It was also shown to enhance the leukaemogenic effect of
X-irradiation. It is carcinogenic in single dose experiments and
following prenatal exposure. Neonatal and infant mice are more
susceptible to cancer induction by urethane than are adult mice.
5.2 Human carcinogenicity data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the
Working Group.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 73: Group 2B)
For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
- Ethyl carbamate
- Ethyl ester of carbamic acid
- Ethylurethan
- Ethyl urethan
- Ethyl urethane
- Leucothane
- Pracarbamin
- Urethan
Last updated: 19 March 1998