Phosphoryl trichloride

Acute Toxicity: inhalation

Administrative data

Endpoint:

acute toxicity: inhalation

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Published study of good quality

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Acute Vapor Toxicity of Phosphorus Oxychloride, Phosphorus Trichloride and Methyl Phosphonic Dichloride

Author:

Weeks MH, Musselman NP, Yevich, PP, Jacobson KH, Oberst FW

Year:

1964

Bibliographic source:

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 25, 470-475

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 403 (Acute Inhalation Toxicity)

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Study design comparable to OECD TG 403

GLP compliance:

no

Remarks:

: study pre-dates GLP

Test type:

standard acute method

Limit test:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Phosphoryl trichloride

EC Number:

233-046-7

EC Name:

Phosphoryl trichloride

Cas Number:

10025-87-3

Molecular formula:

Cl3OP

IUPAC Name:

phosphoroyl trichloride

Test animals

Species:

rat

Strain:

not specified

Sex:

female

Administration / exposure

Route of administration:

inhalation: aerosol

Type of inhalation exposure:

whole body

Vehicle:

other: unchanged (no vehicle)

Analytical verification of test atmosphere concentrations:

yes

Duration of exposure:

4 h

Concentrations:

Exposure concentrations are not detailed

No. of animals per sex per dose:

20 (female)

Control animals:

no

Results and discussion

Effect levels

Sex:

female

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Effect level:

0.303 mg/L air (analytical)

Exp. duration:

4 h

Any other information on results incl. tables

Total particulate concentration ranged from 0.06-0.1 mg/L, the median particle diameter was estimated to be 5.0 µm.

During exposure, animals were restless and showed signs of irritation (pawing and scratching of the nose and head). Porphyrin deposition around the eyes was observed. Gasping and convulsions preceded death. All deaths occurred within 48 hours of exposure. Necropsy of decedents revealed dark red lungs. Microscopic investigation showed epithelial desquamation in the trachea and bronchi, resulting in bronchial and bronchiolar obstruction, with oedematous and haemorrhagic changes apparent in the alveoli. No findings were observed in survivors.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Interpretation of results:

Category 2 based on GHS criteria

Conclusions:

The acute (4 hour) inhalation LC50 of phosphoryl trichloride was found to be 0.303 mg/L in female rats under the conditions of this study.

Executive summary:

Groups of 20 female rats were exposed (whole body) for 4 hours to atmospheres containing liquid aerosols of the test material at various concentrations. The mean particle size is reported to be 5.0 µm.

During exposure, animals were restless and showed signs of irritation (pawing and scratching of the nose and head). Porphyrin deposition around the eyes was observed. Gasping and convulsions preceded death. All deaths occurred within 48 hours of exposure. Necropsy of decedents revealed dark red lungs. Microscopic investigation showed epithelial desquamation in the trachea and bronchi, resulting in bronchial and bronchiolar obstruction, with oedematous and haemorrhagic changes apparent in the alveoli. No findings were observed in survivors.

The acute (4 hour) inhalation LC50 of phosphoryl trichloride was found to be 0.303 mg/L in female rats under the conditions of this study.