2,2-dimethyloxirane

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

2,2-dimethyloxirane is corrosive to skin and irritating to mucous membranes.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (corrosive)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Additional information

Skin irritation

In an OECD guideline 404 study (BASF AG, 1980), three White rabbits were treated with undiluted 2,2-dimethyloxirane for 5 min (2 animals), 1 hour and 4 hours (4animals) per exposure period 4 animals) using occlusive conditions. An application site of 4 cm² was covered with the liquid test substance. The animals were observed for 8 days and skin changes were recorded for every animal after 24, 48 hours and 8 days. The application of the test substance for 5 min caused slight erythema and slight edema of the skin, erythema was not fully reversible within 8 days. The application for 1 hour caused moderate erythema and some edema of the skin after 24 hours and 48 hours. One animal developed a superficial necrosis after 8 days. Furthermore, the application for 4 hours resulted often in severe erythema and severe edema of the skin after 24 hours and 48 hours. Three out of 4 animals developed superficial, soft and papyraceous necroses, respectively at different times after exposure (4 hours to 8 days). One animal developed a full thickness necrosis after 4 hours of exposure and 8 days of observation. Based on the results, the test substance was identified as corrosive. This study is classified as acceptable.

 

Eye irritation

In this acute eye irritation/corrosion study comparable to OECD guideline 405 (BASF AG, 1980), the eyes of 3 Vienna White rabbits were exposed by application of 100 µL undiluted 2,2-dimethyloxirane into the conjunctival sac. The untreated eyes served as control. The animals were observed after 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment and up to 8 days afterwards. The eyes were not washed out after 24 hours. Overall, the treatment caused slight oedema and opacity and moderate conjunctivae of the eye mucous membranes within 24, 48 and 72 hours. The test substance was graded as irritant under the conditions of this study. This study (Draize test) is classified as acceptable.

 

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: corrosive

Effects on eye irritation: irritating

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the results obtained in the skin and eye irritation tests, 2,2 -dimethyloxirane is classified as "Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, Cat. 1C" according to Regulation 1272/2008/EC.