IPCS INCHEM Home

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

FURAZOLIDONE

VOL.: 31 (1983) (p. 141)

CAS No.: 67-45-8
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Oxazolidinone, 3-([(5-nitro-2-furanyl)methylene]amino)-

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Experimental data

Data on the carcinogenicity of furazolidone were reported only in secondary sources and therefore could not be evaluated. (See 'General Remarks on the Substances Considered', in this volume.)

Furazolidone has been shown to induce DNA damage and mutations in bacteria and mutations in fungi and insects. It caused unscheduled DNA synthesis in mammalian cells in vitro and yielded conflicting results when tested for chromosomal anomalies in human cells in vitro. There is sufficient evidence that furazolidone is active in short-term tests.

Furazolidone induced abortion in mice. The data were inadequate to evaluate other prenatal effects.

5.2 Human data

Furazolidone has been produced commercially since 1955. It is used in human and veterinary medicine as an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent.

No data were available to assess the teratogenicity or chromosomal effects of this compound in humans.

No case report or epidemiological study of the carcinogenicity of furazolidone was available to the Working Group.

5.3 Evaluation

No evaluation of the carcinogenicity of furazolidone to experimental animals could be made. In the absence of epidemiological data, no evaluation of the carcinogenicity of furazolidone to humans could be made.

Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 63: Group 3)

Synonyms

Last updated: 16 April 1998 






























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Furazolidone (WHO Food Additives Series 31)
       FURAZOLIDONE (JECFA Evaluation)