For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
VOL.: 50 (1990) (p. 265)
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: 9,10-Anthracedione, 1,8-dihydroxy-
Dantron occurs naturally in several species of plants and in insects. It has been produced and widely used since the beginning of the century as a laxative and, to a lesser extent, as an intermediate for dyes. No data on occupational exposure levels were available.
Dantron was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in single studies in male mice of one strain and in male rats of one strain. In mice, a small increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and a large increase in adenomatous polypoid hyperplasia of the colon were observed; there was also an increased combined incidence of adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the colon and caecum. In rats, dantron increased the incidence of adenocarcinomas of the colon.
No data were available to the Working Group.
In one study, dantron caused chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro. It gave contradictory results with respect to the induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis in rodent cells and was mutagenic to yeast in one study and to Salmonella typhimurium. Dantron did not inhibit gap-junctional intercellular communication in human cells, but conflicting results were obtained in Chinese hamster cells.
There is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of dantron in experimental animals.
No data were available from studies in humans on the carcinogenicity of dantron.
Dantron is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
See Also: Toxicological Abbreviations