For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
VOL.: 57 (1993) (p. 323)
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2,6-Dimethylbenzenamine
2,6-Dimethylaniline is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides, dyestuffs, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and other products. It is a metabolite of the xylidine group of anaesthetics, including, for example, lidocaine, and is produced by the reduction of certain azo dyes by intestinal microflora. It may also enter the environment through degradation of certain pesticides.
No data were available to the Working Group.
2,6-Dimethylaniline was tested for carcinogenicity in one study in rats by pre- and postnatal administration in the diet. It induced adenomas and carcinomas as well as several sarcomas in the nasal cavity. It also produced subcutaneous fibromas and fibrosarcomas in both males and females and increased the incidence of neoplastic nodules in the livers of female rats.
Methaemoglobinaemia has been observed in humans and animals exposed to 2,6-dimethylaniline. The metabolism of 2,6-dimethylaniline in humans and rats appears to be similar and gives rise to a characteristic haemoglobin adduct in both species.
2,6-Dimethylaniline gave conflicting results for gene mutation in bacteria. Sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberrations were induced in cultured mammalian cells. The compound bound covalently to DNA in rat tissues but did not induce micronuclei in the bone marrow of mice treated in vivo.
There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of 2,6-dimethylaniline.
There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2,6-dimethylaniline.
2,6-Dimethylaniline is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations