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

TETRAKIS(HYDROXYMETHYL) PHOSPHONIUM SALTS
(Group 3)

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 48 (1990) (p. 95)

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate

CAS No.: 55566-30-8
Chem. Abstr. Name: Phosphonium, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-, sulfate (2:1) (salt)

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride

CAS No.: 124-64-1
Chem. Abstr. Name: Phosphonium, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-, chloride

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium acetate/phosphate

CAS No.: 55818-96-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: Phosphonium, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-, acetate (salt), mixture with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium phosphate (3:1) (salt)

Other tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphium salts

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Exposure data

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts are used to produce crease- resistant and flame-retardant finishes on textile fabrics, including children's nightwear. No data on occupational exposure levels were available.

5.2 Experimental carcinogenicity data

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in one strain of mice and in one strain of rats. No dose-related increase in the incidence of any tumour was observed, but in males receiving the low dose there was an increased incidence of malignant lymphomas in mice and of mononuclear-cell leukaemia in rats.

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in one strain of mice and in one strain of rats. No dose-related increase in the incidence of any tumour was observed; however, in male rats receiving the low dose there was an increased incidence of mononuclear-cell leukaemia. Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride did not show significant promoting activity in a two-stage skin carcinogenicity test in mice.

A mixed acetate/phosphate salt of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium base showed weak promoting activity in a two-stage skin carcinogenicity study.

5.3 Human carcinogenicity data

No data were available to the Working Group.

5.4 Other relevant data

In single studies, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate did not induce micronuclei but caused a marginal increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow in vivo and induced mutation in mouse cells in vitro. It was not mutagenic to bacteria either in the presence or absence of an exogenous metabolic system.

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride induced sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster cells in vitro and, in a single study, mutation in mouse cells in vitro. It was not mutagenic to bacteria either in the presence or absence of an exogenous metabolic system.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts in experimental animals.

No data were available from studies in humans on the carcinogenicity of tetrakis-(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts.

Overall evaluation

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Subsequent evaluation: Vol. 71 (1999)

Synonyms

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium acetate/phosphate

Last updated: 13 April 1999 































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       Toxicological Abbreviations