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

2-NITROPROPANE
(Group 2B)

For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.

VOL.: 71 (1999) (p. 1079)

CAS No.: 79-46-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2-Nitropropane

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Exposure data

2-Nitropropane is produced in low volume and occupational exposures occur primarily in its production and use as a solvent in inks, adhesives, paints and coatings. Exposures of the general population may occur in ambient air and water near industrial sites manufacturing or using 2-nitropropane, in cigarette smoke, and possibly from its solvent uses.

5.2 Human carcinogenicity data

No adequate epidemiological data were available to the Working Group.

5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data

2-Nitropropane was tested for carcinogenicity in one experiment in rats by oral administration and two experiments in rats by inhalation exposure. It induced benign and malignant liver tumours following oral administration and hepatocellular carcinomas in one inhalation experiment and an increased incidence of hepatocellular nodules in the other. 2-Nitropropane showed initiating activity in rat liver in two experiments.

5.4 Other relevant data

Nitropropane shows mainly hepatotoxicity in rats.

It is mutagenic in a wide variety of in-vitro and in-vivo systems by a direct action. It leads to formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in DNA in vivo.

5.5 Evaluation

There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of 2-nitropropane in humans.

There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2-nitropropane.

Overall evaluation

2-Nitropropane is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluations: Vol. 29 (1982); Suppl. 7 (1987)

Synonyms


Last updated: 13 April 1999



























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Nitropropane, 2- (EHC 138, 1992)
       Nitropropane, 2- (WHO Food Additives Series 16)
       Nitropropane, 2- (WHO Food Additives Series 19)
       Nitropropane, 2- (WHO Food Additives Series 26)