3-aminopropan-1-ol

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Based on physico-chemical properties, oral absorption and distribution through-out the body is expected. These assumptions are supported by the results of single and repeated-dose toxicity studies in vivo. Dermal absorption is low but due to corrosive properties penetration might be enhanced. Absorption via the inhalation route is, due to physico-chemical properties of the test item, low. Bioaccumulation of the substance is not expected after continuous exposure. The test substance is expected to be predominantly excreted via urine since it has a low molecular weight a shows a good water solubility.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Bioaccumulation potential:

no bioaccumulation potential

Additional information

The following toxicokinetic assessment is based on the available physicochemical properties and results from other toxicological studies.

 

The test substance is a liquid with a molecular weight of 75.1 g/mol. The log Pow value is -1.1 and the substance is soluble in water.

 

Gastrointestinal absorption: Water-soluble substances may readily dissolve into the gastrointestinal fluids. However, absorption of very hydrophilic substances by passive diffusion may be limited by the rate at which the substance partitions out of the gastrointestinal fluid, but since the molecular weight is low the substance may pass through aqueous pores or be carried through the epithelial barrier by the bulk passage of water. Furthermore, log P values between -1 and 4 are favourable for absorption by passive diffusion. Although the log P value of the substance is just outside this range, passive diffusion is still to be expected. In addition, the low molecular weight of the test substance does also favour absorption. In the available repeated dose oral toxicity studies, no systemic effects were observed. However, mortality and clinical effects have been observed in acute oral toxicity studies. It is thus expected that the test substance will be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract in some degree.

 

Dermal absorption: The log Pow lower than -1 suggests that the substance may be too hydrophilic to cross the lipid rich environment of the stratum corneum, but the low molecular weight makes the substance favourable for dermal uptake. However, the substance is corrosive. Damaging the skin surface may enhance penetration and systemic uptake. In the acute dermal toxicity study in rats no systemic toxicity was observed. In the acute dermal toxicity study in rabbits mortality was observed. However, it is not clear wether the mortality was due to dermal absorption and subsequent systemic toxicity or due to an acute stress response elicited by the corrosive properties of the substance. (Rabbits are very sensitive to corrosive substances and suffer strong pain and stress.) 

Respiratory absorption: Log P values (between -1 and 4) are favourable for absorption directly across the respiratory tract epithelium by passive diffusion. Since the log Pow of the test substance lies just outside this range, absorption is possible. Only acute experimental data is available concerning the respiratory hazard of the test substance. In these studies only local effects were observed. A 28-day repeated dose toxicity study for 2 -Aminoethanol, a structural analogue of 3-aminopropan-1-ol, is available. In this study no systemic effects are observed up to the highest dose of 150 mg/m3 tested. Nonetheless, signs of systemic effects present in the oral toxicity studies indicates the potential for absorption following ingestion and it is therefore possible that the substance will also be absorbed if it is inhaled.