For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
VOL.: 71 (1999) (p. 1037)
Chem. Abstr. Serv. Reg. No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: Propanedial
5.1 Exposure data
Malonaldehyde is found in many foodstuffs and can be present at high levels in rancid foods. It is present as a lipid metabolite in human and animal tissues. It is probably used only as a research chemical.
5.2 Human carcinogenicity data
No data were available to the Working Group.
5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data
Malonaldehyde sodium salt was tested for carcinogenicity in one experiment in mice and in one experiment in rats by oral administration. No increase in tumour incidence was found in mice. In rats, the incidence of follicular-cell tumours of the thyroid was increased in both sexes at the high dose and the incidence of pancreatic islet-cell adenomas was increased in low-dose males.
Malonaldehyde, its bis(dimethylacetal) and its sodium salts were tested for carcinogenicity in mice by skin application; no carcinogenic activity was observed.
5.4 Other relevant data
Background exposures to malonaldehyde occur in experimental animals and humans, as determined by the presence of specific DNA adducts in blood and other tissues. It is mutagenic to bacteria.
5.5 Evaluation
No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of malonaldehyde were available.
There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of malonaldehyde.
Overall evaluation
Malonaldehyde is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.Previous evaluations: Vol. 36 (1985); Suppl. 7 (1987)
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations