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

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 63 (1995) (p. 467)
CAS No.: 75-02-5
Chem. Abstr. Name: Fluoroethene

5.1 Exposure data

Vinyl fluoride has been produced commercially since the 1960s for use in the production of polyvinylfluoride and fluoropolymers. Human exposure may occur during its production and use.

5.2 Human carcinogenicity data

No data were available to the Working Group.

5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data

Vinyl fluoride was tested for carcinogenicity in one experiment in mice and one experiment in rats by inhalation. It produced haemangiosarcomas in the liver and alveolar-bronchiolar adenomas in mice of each sex, mammary tumours in females and Harderian gland adenomas in males. In rats, it produced haemangiosarcomas of the liver and Zymbal gland tumours in animals of each sex and an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas in females.

5.4 Other relevant data

Vinyl fluoride is readily absorbed after administration by inhalation. Its metabolism is saturable and dose-dependent. Vinyl fluoride has very low acute toxicity. High doses produced no measurable toxic effects after subchronic exposure. Survival was decreased after chronic exposure, but no other toxic effects were seen in surviving animals.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of vinyl fluoride.

There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of vinyl fluoride.

Overall evaluation

Vinyl fluoride is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A).

In making the overall evaluation, the Working Group took into account the following evidence: Vinyl fluoride is closely related structurally to the known human carcinogen, vinyl chloride. The two chemicals cause the same rare tumour (hepatic haemangiosarcoma) in experimental animals, which is also a tumour caused by vinyl chloride in humans.

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 73)

Synonyms

• 1-Fluoroethene
• 1-Fluoroethylene
• Monofluoroethene
• Monofluoroethylene

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Vinyl fluoride (ICSC)