VOL.: 71 (1999) (p. 337)
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: Aziridine
5.1 Exposure data
Aziridine is a highly reactive and volatile chemical. Exposure to the compound may occur during its use as an intermediate and monomer in the production of cationic polymers.
5.2 Human carcinogenicity data
No data were available to the Working Group.
5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data
Aziridine was tested for carcinogenicity in mice by oral administration, producing an increased incidence of liver-cell and pulmonary tumours. Subcutaneous injection of single doses in suckling mice produced an increased incidence of lung tumours in males. In one experiment in rats it increased the incidence of tumours at the injection site following injection in oil.
5.4 Other relevant data
Aziridine produces genetic damage in bacteria, insects and mammalian cells in culture, as well as dominant lethal effects in mice. Opening of the aziridine ring appears to be an important metabolic step in its mutagenic action.
5.5 Evaluation
No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of aziridine were available.
There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of aziridine.
Overall evaluation
Aziridine is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
In making the overall evaluation, the Working Group took into consideration that aziridine is a direct-acting alkylating agent which is mutagenic in a wide range of test systems and forms DNA adducts that are promutagenic.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.Previous evaluations: Vol. 9 (1975); Suppl. 7 (1987)
Synonyms
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations