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

METHYL IODIDE

VOL.: 41 (1986) (p. 213)

CAS No.: 74-88-4
Chem. Abstr. Name: Iodomethane

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Exposure data

Methyl iodide is formed principally in the oceans. Smaller amounts are produced industrially for use as a chemical intermediate. Exposures occur from occupational use and from ubiquitous low-level exposure in ambient air and in water.

5.2 Experimental data

Methyl iodide was tested for carcinogenicity in one experiment in rats by subcutaneous administration and in a screening test for lung adenomas in strain A mice by intraperitoneal injection. It induced local sarcomas in rats after single or repeated subcutaneous injections; a marginally increased incidence of lung tumours was observed in mice.

No data were available to evaluate the reproductive effects or prenatal toxicity of methyl iodide to experimental animals.

Methyl iodide induces DNA damage and is mutagenic to bacteria in the presence or absence of an exogenous metabolic system. It induces mitotic recombination in yeast and mutations in cultured mammalian cells. It induces transformation in Syrian hamster embryo cells but not in C3H 10T1/2 cells.

5.3 Human data

No data were available to evaluate the reproductive effects or prenatal toxicity of methyl iodide to humans.

No case report or epidemiological study of the carcinogenicity of methyl iodide to humans was available to the Working Group.

4.4 Evaluation

There is limited evidence for the carcinogenicity of methyl iodide to experimental animals.

No evaluation could be made of the carcinogenicity of methyl iodide to humans.

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluation: Vol. 15 (1977)

Subsequent evaluation: Vol. 71 (1999)

Last updated: 13 April 1999 






























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Methyl iodide (ICSC)
       Methyl iodide (PIM 341F, French)
       Methyl Iodide  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 15, 1977)
       Methyl Iodide  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)