2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Two irritation/corrosion studies are available, one for skin irritation and one for eye irritation.  The studies both used male Californian albino or New Zealand White rabbits.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Additional information

Skin Irritation:

In a study conducted by Hine et al (1956), the test substance, Glycidol, was tested for its ability to cause skin irritation when applied to the hips and shoulders of male California albino or New Zealand White rabbits. The test areas were shaved 24 hours prior to exposure, with two test sites per animal abraded and two tests sites left intact. 0.5ml of the test substance was applied undiluted under 3 layers of gauze, secured with adhesive tape and the animals were then wrapped in towels, to form an occlusive dressing. The test substance was left in place for 24 hours. Following this, a reading was made at 24 hours, with a second reading made at 72 hours. The results were scored according to the Draize method. The overall mean irritation score after 24 and 72 hours was determined to be 4.5, with a maximum score of 8 recorded. Under the conditions of this test and due to the lack of information provided on the number of animals used and the individual responses, it was not possible to derive a classification according to Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 and Directive 67/548/EEC for the test substance. However, it is reported as being a moderate skin irritant.

Eye Irritation:

In a study conducted by Hine et al (1956), the test substance, Glycidol, was examined for its ability to cause irritation when applied to the eye of male Californian albino or New Zealand White rabbits. 100ul of the test substance was applied to one eye of each rabbit, with the other serving as the control. Following application, readings were made at 1, 24 and 48 hours post exposure. The mean of these three scores was used to evaluate the effects. In this eye irritation study in rabbits glycidol was severely irritating. However, no blindness or permanent defects in the cornea, lens or iris resulted. Under the conditions of this study, due to the lack of information on the number of animals tested and the individual scores for corneal, iris and conjunctival effects and the reversibility of the effects observed, it was not possible to determine a classification according to Regulation EC no. 1272/2008 or Directive 67/548/EEC.

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: irritating

Effects on eye irritation: moderately irritating

Justification for classification or non-classification

Skin Irritation:

Under the conditions of this test and due to the lack of information provided on the number of animals used and the individual responses, it was not possible to derive a classification according to Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 and Directive 67/548/EEC for the test substance. However, it is reported as being a moderate skin irritant.

Eye Irritation:

Under the conditions of this study, due to the lack of information on the number of animals tested and the individual scores for corneal, iris and conjunctival effects and the reversibility of the effects observed, it was not possible to determine a classification according to Regulation EC no. 1272/2008 or Directive 67/548/EEC.

The indications of irritaion seen inboth studies however indicate it is appropriate to allocate the classification conservatively as :

R38 Irritating to skin

R36 Irritating to eyes

The GHS Category is Cat. 2 in each case