International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
PENTACHLOROETHANE
VOL.: 41 (1986) (p. 99)
CAS No.: 76-01-7
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Exposure data
Pentachloroethane was produced commercially as a chemical
intermediate, and occupational exposure may have occurred. Trace
levels have been reported in ambient air and water.
5.2 Experimental data
Technical-grade pentachloroethane (containing 4.2% hexachloroethane)
was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration by gavage in one
experiment in mice and one experiment in rats. Hepatocellular
carcinomas were induced in mice of each sex and hepatocellular
adenomas in female mice; a marginally increased incidence of kidney
tubular-cell adenomas was observed in male rats but not in female
rats.
No data were available to the Working Group on the carcinogenicity of
pure pentachloroethane to experimental animals.
No data were available to evaluate the reproductive effects or
prenatal toxicity of pentachloroethane to experimental animals.
Pentachloroethane is not mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium.
5.3 Human data
No data were available to evaluate the reproductive effects or
prenatal toxicity of pentachloroethane to humans.
No case report or epidemiological study of the carcinogenicity of
pentachloroethane to humans was available to the Working Group.
5.4 Evaluation
There is limited evidence for the carcinogenicity of technical-grade
pentachloroethane (containing hexachloroethane) to experimental
animals.
No evaluation could be made of the carcinogenicity of
pentachloroethane to humans.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Vol. 71 (1999)
Synonyms
- Ethane pentachloride
- Pentalin
Last updated: 13 April 1999