IPCS INCHEM Home

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

PROPYLENE AND POLYPROPYLENE

VOL.: 19 (1979) (p. 213)

Propylene
CAS No.: 115-07-1
Chem. Abstr. Name: 1-Propene

Polypropylene
CAS No.: 9003-07-0
Chem. Abstr. Name: 1-Propene homopolymer

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Experimental data

No data on the carcinogenicity or mutagenicity of propylene were available to the Working Group.

Polypropylene was tested in one experiment in rats by subcutaneous implantation of discs or powder; local sarcomas were induced at the site of implantation.

5.2 Human data

The massive production of both propylene and polypropylene and the general use of the polymer over the past several decades indicate that exposure of both workers and the general population is common. No epidemiological studies or case reports relating to the carcinogenicity of these compounds were available to the Working Group.

4.3 Evaluation

No information was available to the Working Group for evaluating the possible carcinogenic effects of propylene in humans; and the available data on polypropylene do not permit an evaluation of its carcinogenicity. The results of animal implantation experiments, however, indicate a need for experimental and epidemiological studies.

Subsequent evaluations: Suppl. 7 (1987) (Polypropylene, p. 70: Group 3); Vol. 60 (1994) (Propylene)

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

Synonyms for Propylene

Synonyms for Polypropylene

Last updated: 30 March 1998 






























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations