Prop-2-yn-1-ol

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Based on the results of the corresponding key studies, Propargyl alcohol is considered to be corrosive after application on skin (destruction of full thickness skin after >= 5 min exposure) and eye.

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:

The skin irritation of Propargyl alcohol was investigated in four studies. The BASF study from 1963 has been identified as key study. This study represents the most reliable study as a reliable source of test material was used and the test was done according to a well described BASF method which was overall in compliance with the principles of OECD Guideline 404.

In this study Vienna White Rabbits were dermally exposed to undiluted Propargyl alcohol. Test sites (at the lateral/dorsal flank of the back) were covered with an occlusive dressing for 1, 5, 15 minutes or 20 hours. In case of rabbits with an incubation time of 20 hours, test substance was applied additionally to the skin of the ear.

In the 20 h incubation group, skin irritation could not be evaluated because all rabbits died after 4 hours of application. Rabbits of the other incubation groups survived and were observed for 8 days. Incubation for 1 min resulted in superficial necrosis. Incubation for 5 or 15 min caused necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis (full thickness necrosis). As the test item was appllied occlusively and only superficial necrosis was seen after a 1 min exposure period, it is assumed that the skin would not be fully destructed (visible necrosis through the epidermis into the dermis) after a semi-occlusive application for 3 min. It is concluded, that Propargyl alcohol exhibited a corrosive potential in this study.

The result is confirmed by additional data (Biochemical Research Department, DOW, 1953; Stasenkova and Kochetkova, 1966; BASF Toxicology Department, 1967)

Eye:

The eye irritation of propargyl alcohol was investigated in four studies. The BASF study from 1963 has been identified as key study as a reliable source of test material was used and the test was done according to a well described BASF method which was overall in compliance with the principles of OECD Guideline 405.

In this study 50 µl of undiluted Propargyl alcohol was instilled into the conjunctival sac of one eye of 2 White Vienna rabbits. The eyes were not washed out after 24 hours. Animals were observed for 8 days. One hour after instillation slight erythema and severe edema as well as slight corneal opacity were observed. These changes did not subside during the first day, even after 8 days erythema and opacity remained and scarring of the upper lid was seen. In this study, undiluted Propargyl alcohol was corrosive to the rabbit eye.

The result is confirmed by additional data (Biochemical Research Department, DOW 1953; Stasenkova and Kochetkova, 1966; BASF Toxicology Department, 1967).

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: corrosive

Effects on eye irritation: corrosive

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the results for skin (destruction of full thickness skin after >= 5 min exposure) and eye irritation (corrosive), Propargyl alcohol is classified for skin irritation/corrosion according to Regulation 1272/2008/EC as Cat. 1B, H314, causes severe skin burns and eye damage.