Dimethyl sulfoxide

Neurotoxicity

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Effect on neurotoxicity: via inhalation route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

NOAEC

2 800 mg/m³

Additional information

In a repeated inhalation toxicity study (Kenny, 2000) performed following the OECD and US EPA OPPTS Guidelines and in compliance with GLP, 4 groups of rats (10 males and 10 females) of the Crl:CD®BR strain were exposed to analysed chamber concentrations of 0, 0.310, 0.964 and 2.793 mg DMSO/l, 6 hours a day, 7 days a week for 13 weeks using a snout only exposure system. An additional 10 male and 10 female rats concurrently exposed at the Control and High dose levels were restrained following the final exposure for the further 4 weeks of withdrawal (recovery) to assess the reversibility of any adverse findings. A functional observation battery was conducted in all groups. Comprehensive observations were conducted prior to the start of exposure, during week 12 and during the recovery period. A shortened battery of observations was conducted during each of weeks 1-11 of the study. No behavioural changes that were considered indicative of neurotoxicity were observed.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the available data, no classification for repeated toxicity has to be applied for DMSO according to EU Directive 67/584/EEC and EU regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP).