Reaction mass of 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol and phenol

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

The reaction mass of phenol and 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA) contains phenol (ca. 40%) and BPA (ca. 33%).  The acute mammalian toxicity of this product is driven by the presence of phenol while BPA is of low acute toxicity. Therefore, phenol hazard data are applied as a reasonable worst case assumption.
For animals, dermal and oral LD50 values are reported in the literature falling within one order of magnitude: oral LD50 in rats 340 -650 mg/kg bw and dermal LD50 in rats 525 -707 mg/kg bw and in rabbits 850 mg/kg bw. Although LC50 values are not available in literature, rats are reported to have tolerated phenol concentrations as high as 236 ppm (900 mg/m³) for 8 hours, resulting in ocular and nasal irritation, loss of coordination. The odour recognition threshold (100% response) of phenol in humans is approximately 0.05 ppm, a concentration far below the levels where toxic effects have been reported; thus, the phenol has good warning properties for inhalation exposure.
Oral toxicity of phenol in humans leading to the death of the victim is reported for doses as low as 140-290 mg/kg body weight. Absorption from spilling phenolic solutions on the skin of humans may be very rapid, and death results from collapse within 30 minutes to several hours. Death has resulted from absorption of phenol through a skin area of 413 cm².

 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: oral

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

REPORTING FORMAT FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH

1. HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH
This read-across is based on the hypothesis that the properties of the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol can be predicted by studies conducted with the source substances phenol, 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), and 2-acetone, polymer with phenol, because the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol contains phenol (40-45%, typical concentration ca. 40%) and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA) (20-40%, typical concentration ca. 33%) as main constituents. Both constituents are data rich substances with distinct hazard properties, so that mainly data on the constituents have been applied to characterize the Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol. Since this is a common approach in mixture hazard assessment, is reasonable to apply it also to multi-constituent substances.
Additionally, some data from a structurally related substance (2-acetone, polymer with phenol) containing the same constituents/impurities at different concentrations are available, which are applied to characterize the environmental fate and ecotoxicity of the impurities present in the Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol.

This read-across hypothesis corresponds to scenario 2 - different compounds have qualitatively and quantitatively the same type of effects - of the read-across assessment framework i.e. properties of the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol are predicted to be similar to those of the source substances phenol, 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), and 2-acetone, polymer with phenol.

Therefore, read-across from the available studies with the source substances is considered as an appropriate adaptation to the standard information requirements of the REACH Regulation for the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol, in accordance with the provisions of Annex XI, 1.5 of the REACH Regulation.


2. SOURCE AND TARGET CHEMICAL(S) (INCLUDING INFORMATION ON PURITY AND IMPURITIES)
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

3. ANALOGUE APPROACH JUSTIFICATION
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

4. DATA MATRIX
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Key result

Sex:

male/female

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Effect level:

>= 340 - <= 650 mg/kg bw

Based on:

test mat.

Remarks:

Phenol

Sex:

male/female

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Effect level:

>= 2 000 - <= 5 000 mg/kg bw

Based on:

test mat.

Remarks:

BPA

Interpretation of results:

Category 3 based on GHS criteria

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

340 mg/kg bw

Acute toxicity: via inhalation route

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: inhalation

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

REPORTING FORMAT FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH

1. HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH
This read-across is based on the hypothesis that the properties of the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol can be predicted by studies conducted with the source substances phenol, 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), and 2-acetone, polymer with phenol, because the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol contains phenol (40-45%, typical concentration ca. 40%) and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA) (20-40%, typical concentration ca. 33%) as main constituents. Both constituents are data rich substances with distinct hazard properties, so that mainly data on the constituents have been applied to characterize the Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol. Since this is a common approach in mixture hazard assessment, is reasonable to apply it also to multi-constituent substances.
Additionally, some data from a structurally related substance (2-acetone, polymer with phenol) containing the same constituents/impurities at different concentrations are available, which are applied to characterize the environmental fate and ecotoxicity of the impurities present in the Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol.

This read-across hypothesis corresponds to scenario 2 - different compounds have qualitatively and quantitatively the same type of effects - of the read-across assessment framework i.e. properties of the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol are predicted to be similar to those of the source substances phenol, 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), and 2-acetone, polymer with phenol.

Therefore, read-across from the available studies with the source substances is considered as an appropriate adaptation to the standard information requirements of the REACH Regulation for the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol, in accordance with the provisions of Annex XI, 1.5 of the REACH Regulation.


2. SOURCE AND TARGET CHEMICAL(S) (INCLUDING INFORMATION ON PURITY AND IMPURITIES)
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

3. ANALOGUE APPROACH JUSTIFICATION
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

4. DATA MATRIX
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Sex:

female

Dose descriptor:

LC0

Effect level:

900 mg/m³ air

Based on:

test mat.

Exp. duration:

8 h

Remarks on result:

other: based on results obtained with the source substance Phenol

Interpretation of results:

Category 3 based on GHS criteria

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Value:

170 mg/m³ air

Physical form:

inhalation: aerosol

Acute toxicity: via dermal route

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: dermal

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

REPORTING FORMAT FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH

1. HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH
This read-across is based on the hypothesis that the properties of the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol can be predicted by studies conducted with the source substances phenol, 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), and 2-acetone, polymer with phenol, because the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol contains phenol (40-45%, typical concentration ca. 40%) and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA) (20-40%, typical concentration ca. 33%) as main constituents. Both constituents are data rich substances with distinct hazard properties, so that mainly data on the constituents have been applied to characterize the Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol. Since this is a common approach in mixture hazard assessment, is reasonable to apply it also to multi-constituent substances.
Additionally, some data from a structurally related substance (2-acetone, polymer with phenol) containing the same constituents/impurities at different concentrations are available, which are applied to characterize the environmental fate and ecotoxicity of the impurities present in the Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol.

This read-across hypothesis corresponds to scenario 2 - different compounds have qualitatively and quantitatively the same type of effects - of the read-across assessment framework i.e. properties of the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol are predicted to be similar to those of the source substances phenol, 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), and 2-acetone, polymer with phenol.

Therefore, read-across from the available studies with the source substances is considered as an appropriate adaptation to the standard information requirements of the REACH Regulation for the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol, in accordance with the provisions of Annex XI, 1.5 of the REACH Regulation.


2. SOURCE AND TARGET CHEMICAL(S) (INCLUDING INFORMATION ON PURITY AND IMPURITIES)
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

3. ANALOGUE APPROACH JUSTIFICATION
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

4. DATA MATRIX
please refer to justification for read-across attached to Iuclid section 13

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across: supporting information

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Sex:

male/female

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Effect level:

>= 525 - <= 707 mg/kg bw

Based on:

test mat.

Remarks on result:

other: based on results obtained with the source substance Phenol

Interpretation of results:

Category 3 based on GHS criteria

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

525 mg/kg bw

Additional information

No experimental data are available for the target substance Reaction mass of phenol and 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol. The reaction mass of phenol and 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA) contains phenol (ca. 40%) and BPA (ca. 33%). Based on the general principles of mixture toxicology, data on the main constituents of this multi-constituent substance are used as surrogate. A justification for read-across is attached to Iuclid section 13.

 

Studies with Phenol:

No studies of phenol are available which are conducted according to the current guideline. However, the acute toxic effects of phenol aerosols (vehicle water) were investigated using one dose level of nominal 900 mg/m³ and an exposure duration of 8 h (Flickinger, 1976). Data on acute toxicity of phenol is presented in the EU-RAR (2006) in Section 4.1.2.2.1 (animal studies; page 81ff) and in Section 4.1.2.2.2 (human data; page 84ff). It is stated that signs of acute toxicity in humans and experimental animals are similar regardless of the route of administration. Lethal doses in humans after oral or dermal exposure were given as well as LD50/LC50 values in experimental animals. Phenol has been classified as “toxic” and labelled with “R 23/24/25 (Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed)”.

 

ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY

In rats the following LD50 values were reported: 340-540 mg/kg bw (male & female rats combined; Deichmann and Witherup, 1944) 650 mg/kg bw (male rats; Flickinger, 1976). Systemic signs of toxicity occurred immediately after application: Twitching in muscles; fluctuating body temperature (mostly subnormal); pulse and respiration rate increased and then became slow, irregular and weak; pupils first contracted and later on dilated; salivation, marked dyspnea, tremor and convulsions before death. Rats died 3-150 minutes after oral administration. In mice similar LD50 values were reported: approximately 300 mg/kg bw (von Oettingen and Sharpless, 1946). Studies in rabbits with different concentration of phenol in water have shown that the (systemic) toxic effects are independent on the concentration used (Deichmann and Witherup, 1944). 

 

ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY

No mortality was reported but ocular and nasal irritation as well as coordination loss and tremor during the exposure period. The rats appeared normal the next day. No effects were found on body weight gain and necropsy revealed no lesions attributable to inhalation of the aerosol. The LC50 should be > 900 mg/m³. 

 

ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY

The dermal LD50 in male rabbits in an acute dermal toxicity study was 850 mg/kg bw; the rabbits received dermal administration of phenol preparations in water for max. 24 h. Animals died the first day after application. The aqueous solution of phenol produced necrosis of the skin in all of the exposed rabbits (no data on systemic clinical signs; Flickinger, 1976).

Five female Alderly Park rats per dose received dermal application of molten phenol at dose levels of 1.0, 0.5, 0.25 or 0.1 ml phenol/kg bw (1st trial, occlusive) or in the 2nd trial (uncovered) of 1.0, 0.75, 0.3 and 0.1 ml/kg bw. There was extensive superficial necrosis of the dermis, which was stained a purple colour by haematoxylin and eosin suggesting a coagulative type necrosis. In this study the dermal LD50 in female rats was 660 mg/kg bw. (Conning and Hayes, 1970).

 

DATA ON HUMANS

Liquid phenol in contact with the skin rapidly enters the bloodstream. From a variety of case reports clinical signs are known being documented for various occupationally exposed persons. These signs and symptoms can develop rapidly with serious consequences including shock, collapse, coma, convulsions, cyanosis, damage to internal organs, and death. Skin contact of humans with solutions, emulsions, or preparations containing 80-100% phenol for 5-30 minutes has been reported to result in death (NIOSH, 1976).

Phenol is reported to cause poisoning by skin absorption, vapour inhalation and ingestion (Kania, 1981). Primary route of entry is the skin. Vapours readily penetrate the skin surface with absorption efficiency equal to that of inhalation. Absorption from spilling phenolic solutions on the skin may be very rapid, and death results from collapse within 30 minutes to several hours. Death has resulted from absorption of phenol through a skin area of 64 inch². Where death is delayed, damage of the kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen, and oedema of the lungs may result. The symptoms develop rapidly, frequently within 15-20 minutes following spilling of phenol on the skin. Initial skin contact produces a white wrinkled discoloration with no experience of pain due to the local anaesthetic properties of phenol, with the affected area turning brown and subsequently becoming gangrenous. Prolonged exposure may result in deposition of dark pigment (ochronosis). Phenol vapours are also well absorbed by the lungs. Inhalation causes dyspnea, cough, cyanosis, and pulmonary oedema. Ingestion of even small amounts of phenol causes severe burns of the mouth, esophagus, and abdominal pain. Patches, first white then brown with areas of necrosis, may be noted about the face and oral cavity (Kania, 1981).

Oral toxicity of phenol in humans leading to the death of the victim is reported for doses as low as 140-290 mg/kg body weight (Bruce et al., 1987).

The odour recognition threshold (100% response) of phenol is approximately 0.05 ppm (EU-RAR, 2006).

 

Studies with BPA:

"No useful information is available on the effects of single exposure to Bisphenol A in humans. Oral LD50 values beyond 2,000 mg/kg are indicated in the rat and mouse, and dermal LD50 values above 2,000 mg/kg are indicated in the rabbit. Few details exist of the toxic signs observed or of target organs. For inhalation, a 6-hour exposure to 170 mg/m3 (the highest attainable concentration) produced no death in rats; slight and transient slight nasal tract epithelial damage was observed. These data indicate that Bisphenol A is of low acute toxicity by all routes of exposure relevant to human health. " 

There is no significant new information on the acute toxicity of Bisphenol A in the updated 2008 EU RAR or elsewhere.

 

Conclusion

The acute mammalian toxicity of the target substance is determined by the presence of phenol while BPA is of low acute toxicity.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the above reported data phenol has been classified as Acute Tox 3, H301, H311, H331.

The same classification is assigned to the reaction mass. (The secondconstituent BPA is not classified for acute toxicity)