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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Toxicological information

Direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other

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Administrative data

Endpoint:
direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
supporting study
Study period:
circa 2001
Reliability:
2 (reliable with restrictions)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
other: human exposure related study

Data source

Reference
Reference Type:
publication
Title:
Peripheral Neuropathy in Workers Exposed to Nitromethane.
Author:
Page, E.H., Pajeau, A.K., Arnold, T.C., Fincher, A.R., Goddard, M.J.
Year:
2001
Bibliographic source:
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 40:107-113.

Materials and methods

Study type:
clinical case study
Endpoint addressed:
neurotoxicity
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Clinical study
GLP compliance:
not specified

Test material

Constituent 1
Chemical structure
Reference substance name:
Nitromethane
EC Number:
200-876-6
EC Name:
Nitromethane
Cas Number:
75-52-5
Molecular formula:
CH3NO2
IUPAC Name:
nitromethane
Details on test material:
No additional information available.

Method

Type of population:
occupational
Subjects:
Two workers from a headlight assembly plant developed severe peripheral neuropathy. The workers had extensive, brief (1-2 months) dermal and inhalation exposure to nitromethane. Environmental sampling was performed for NM and ethyl cyanoacrylate. Medical records, including electrodiagnostic studies, were reviewed. Literature on nitromethane in the workplace was reviewed.
Route of exposure:
other: dermal and inhalation
Reason of exposure:
intentional, occupational
Exposure assessment:
measured

Results and discussion

Results of examinations:
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies performed on the patients were consistent with a severe, axonal neuropathy. No etiology was discovered despite an extensive medical evaluation.

Any other information on results incl. tables

Electromyography and nerve conduction studies performed on the patients were consistent with a severe, axonal neuropathy. No etiology was discovered despite an extensive medical evaluation. Environmental sampling revealed exposure to NM at the TLV. While it could not be definitively concluded that the workers developed the neuropathy from exposures at work, occupational exposure to NM appeared to be the most likely etiology.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies performed on the patients were consistent with a severe, axonal neuropathy. No etiology was discovered despite an extensive medical evaluation. Environmental sampling revealed exposure to NM at the TLV. While it could not be definitively concluded that the workers developed the neuropathy from exposures at work, occupational exposure to NM appeared to be the most likely etiology.
Executive summary:

Two workers from a headlight subassembly plant developed severe peripheral neuropathy. These workers had extensive, but brief (1-2 months) dennal and inhalational exposure to nitromethane, a solvent. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies performed on the patients were consistent with a severe, axonal neuropathy. No etiology was discovered despite an extensive medical evaluation. Environmental sampling revealed exposure to NM at the TLV. While it could not be definitively concluded that the workers developed the neuropathy from exposures at work, occupational exposure to NM appeared to be the most likely etiology.