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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.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

Administrative data

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Effects on fertility

Description of key information

No data is available for the target substance Methyl (S)-lactate itself. Thus, by way of read-across available data from source substances are used in a weight-of-evidence approach.

Pre-natal developmental toxicity studies conducted with suitable read-across partners are available. Thus, in accordance with Annex VIII, column 2 of the REACH Regulation 1907/2006, information requirement 8.7.1, it is not necessary to perform a reproductive toxicity screening study on Methyl (S)-lactate. Moreover, in repeated dose toxicity and reproductive/developmental toxicity studies conducted with methanol, calcium lactate pentahydrate, butyl (S)-lactate, ethylhexyl lactate or ethyl (S)-lactate, no adverse effects on reproductive tissues or organs were observed at doses corresponding to the limit doses of the respective OECD test guidelines. Thus, in accordance with REACH Annex IX, section 8.7.3, column 1, it is not necessary to conduct an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study with the target substance Methyl (S)-lactate.

In conclusion, based on the assessment of the available data, no classification for developmental/reproductive toxicity is warranted for Methyl (S)-lactate.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
screening for reproductive / developmental toxicity
Data waiving:
study scientifically not necessary / other information available
Justification for data waiving:
the study does not need to be conducted because a pre-natal developmental toxicity study is available
other:
Reproductive effects observed:
not specified
Endpoint:
extended one-generation reproductive toxicity - basic test design (Cohorts 1A, and 1B without extension)
Data waiving:
study scientifically not necessary / other information available
Justification for data waiving:
the extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study does not need to be conducted because there are no results from available repeated dose toxicity studies that indicate adverse effects on reproductive organs or tissues, or reveal other concerns in relation with reproductive toxicity
other:
Effect on fertility: via oral route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Effect on fertility: via inhalation route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Effect on fertility: via dermal route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available

Effects on developmental toxicity

Description of key information

No study is available elucidating the developmental toxicity potential of Methyl (S)-lactate itself. The target substance hydrolyses into lactic acid/lactate and methanol physiological conditions. Therefore, the requirement for developmental toxicity shall/can be addressed based on information for lactic acid and methanol.Thus, available data from the suitable read-across partners ethyl lactate, ethylhexyl lactate and methanol was used to assess the potential of Methyl (S)-lactate to induce developmental effects. For justification of the read-across approach please refer to IUCLID section 13. Based on assessment of the available data in a weight-of-evidence approach, no classification for developmental toxicity is warranted for the target substance Methyl (S)-lactate.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Justification for type of information:
For details and justification of read-across please refer to the report attached in section 13 of IUCLID.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Clinical signs:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
see box "Details on results"
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Endocrine findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
not examined
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Other effects:
not examined
Number of abortions:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Pre- and post-implantation loss:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Total litter losses by resorption:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Early or late resorptions:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Dead fetuses:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Changes in pregnancy duration:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Changes in number of pregnant:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Other effects:
not examined
Details on maternal toxic effects:
No deaths occurred during this study. Of 25 animals assigned to each group, pregnancy occurred in 25, 24, 23 and 25 rats in the 0 (Sham), 517, 1551 and 3619 mg/kg bw/day dosage groups, respectively.
One low dosage group rat was inadvertently sacrificed on day 18 of gestation, reducing the number of low dosage group rats with day 20 of gestation litters from 24 to 23. The high dosage of Ethyl lactate resulted in a biologically important increase (not statistically significant) in the number of rats with slight (grade 1) erythema and slight (grade 1) desquamation, as compared with the sham control group number. These minimal signs of irritation or dehydration generally did not occur until the last one or two days of the dosage period and sometimes persisted until day 20 of gestation. Hyperactivity occurred on two days for one high dosage group rat; this clinical sign may have been interrelated with the minimal erythema and desquamation that also occurred for this rat.
No other skin reactions or clinical observations and no necropsy observations were considered effects of percutaneous administration of the test substance to the dams at dosages as high as 3619 mg/kg bw/day.
There were no dosage-dependent or statistically significant differences in average maternal body weight gains during the dosage period (calculated as days 6 to 16 of gestation). Similar average maternal body weight changes also occurred for the dams in the four dosage groups during the postdosage period.
Average maternal liver weights and liver weight/terminal body weight ratios (%) were unaffected by percutaneous administration of the test substance at dosages as high as 3619 mg/kg bw/day.
There were no biologically important or statistically significant differences in the absolute (g/day) or relative (g/kg/day) maternal feed consumption values during the dosage period (the entire dosage period is calculated as days 6 to 16 of gestation). Similarly, while slightly decreased for the high dosage group rats during the postdosage period (days 16 to 20 of gestation), there were no biologically important or statistically significant differences in absolute or relative maternal feed consumption average values for the four groups.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Remarks:
maternal toxicity
Effect level:
1 551 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: see Remarks
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Remarks:
developmental toxicity
Effect level:
3 619 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: no adverse effects observed
Abnormalities:
no effects observed
Fetal body weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Reduction in number of live offspring:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Changes in sex ratio:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Changes in litter size and weights:
not examined
Anogenital distance of all rodent fetuses:
not examined
Changes in postnatal survival:
not examined
External malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Skeletal malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Visceral malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
see box "Details on results"
Other effects:
not examined
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
No observation made at Caesarean-sectioning of the dams was attributed to the test substance. Average values for corpora lutea, implantations, litter sizes, live and dead fetuses, and early and late resorptions were comparable in the four dosage groups. Similarly, the averages for fetal sex ratios, body weights and percentage of dead or resorbed conceptuses per litter were biologically comparable among the four groups. There were no statistically significant differences.
Gross external, soft tissue and skeletal examinations of the fetuses did not reveal any malformations or variations that were considered effects of the test substance.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
3 619 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: no adverse effects observed
Abnormalities:
not specified
Developmental effects observed:
no
Conclusions:
In a developmental toxicity study, ethyl lactate was administered to 25 female Crl:CD®(SD)BR presumed pregnant rats /dose applied percutaneously at dose levels of 0, 517, 1551 and 3619 mg/kg bw/day from days 6 through 15 of gestation. Based on the results, the maternal NOAEL is 1551 mg/kg bw/day and the NOAEL for developmental toxicity is 3619 mg/kg bw/day.
Executive summary:

In a developmental toxicity study conducted according to EPA OTS 798.4000, ethyl lactate was administered for six hours/day to 25 female Crl:CD®(SD)BR presumed pregnant rats/dose group percutaneously under occlusive conditions at levels of 0, 517, 1551 and 3619 mg/kg bw/day from day 6 through 15 of gestation. On day 20 of gestation the animals were sacrificed.

Dermal application of ethyl lactate to pregnant rats at the highest dose that could be given (3619 mg/kg bw/day) caused slight erythema and/or desquamation more frequently in comparison to the control group. Hyperactivity occurred on two days for one rat from the high dose group, which is probably related to the slight erythema and desquamation that also occurred for this rat. No other skin reactions or clinical observations and no adverse necropsy findings were observed in the animals. There were no treatment-related effects on mortality, body weight, food consumption and caesarean parameters. Gross external, soft tissue and skeletal examinations of fetuses did not reveal any malformations or variations that were considered adverse.

It is concluded that percutaneous application of ethyl lactate to pregnant rats was minimally toxic to the dams at the highest dosage that could be tested (3619 mg/kg bw/day), and that this maximum dosage did not result in developmental toxicity. Based on the results, the maternal NOAEL is considered to be 1551 mg/kg bw/day, and the developmental NOAEL is considered to be 3619 mg/kg bw/day.

This information is used in a read-across approach in the assessment of the target substance. For justification of read-across please refer to the attached read-across report (see IUCLID section 13).

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Justification for type of information:
For details and justification of read-across please refer to the report attached in section 13 of IUCLID.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Clinical signs:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Only in the high-dose group, slightly unsteady gait was observed.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
No moratality occurred during the study.
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No adverse effects on body weight gain was recorded during the study.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Only in the high-dose group, significantly reduced food consumption was recorded.
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Endocrine findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
not specified
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
not specified
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Other effects:
not examined
Number of abortions:
no effects observed
Pre- and post-implantation loss:
no effects observed
Total litter losses by resorption:
no effects observed
Early or late resorptions:
not specified
Dead fetuses:
no effects observed
Changes in pregnancy duration:
not specified
Changes in number of pregnant:
no effects observed
Other effects:
not specified
Dose descriptor:
NOAEC
Effect level:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
clinical signs
food consumption and compound intake
Remarks on result:
other: no maternal toxicity observed at 10000 and 5000 ppm.
Abnormalities:
no effects observed
Fetal body weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Statistically significant and dose-related decrease in fetal body weight at 10000 and 20000 ppm (p< 0.05).
Reduction in number of live offspring:
no effects observed
Changes in sex ratio:
not specified
Changes in litter size and weights:
not specified
Anogenital distance of all rodent fetuses:
not examined
Changes in postnatal survival:
not examined
External malformations:
no effects observed
Skeletal malformations:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
At the highest concentration, an increased number of litters with skeletal malformations was noted, these included in particular rudimentary and extra cervical ribs and exencephaly and encephalocele. Skeletal defects: 14/15 litters with 72/92 malformed fetuses vs. 0/15 litters and 0/98 fetuses in the untreated control.
Similar abnormalities also appeared in the progeny from the 10000 ppm group, but not statistically significant: skeletal defects 2/15 litters and 2/115 fetuses, respectively). There was no evidence of embryotoxic/teratogenic activity of methanol at 5000 ppm.
Visceral malformations:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
At the highest concentration, an increased number of litters with visceral malformations was noted (cardiovascular and urinary-tract defects): Visceral defects: 7/15 litters with 15/96 malformed fetuses vs. 0/15 litters and 0/107 fetuses in the untreated control.
Similar abnormalities also appeared in the progeny from the 10000 ppm group, but not statistically significant: visceral defects 2/15 litters and 2/107 fetuses, respectively). There was no evidence of embryotoxic/teratogenic activity of methanol at 5000 ppm.
Other effects:
not examined
Dose descriptor:
NOAEC
Effect level:
5 000 ppm (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
skeletal malformations
visceral malformations
Remarks on result:
other: no adverse effects observed at 5000 ppm
Abnormalities:
effects observed, treatment-related
Localisation:
skeletal: rib
visceral/soft tissue: urinary
visceral/soft tissue: cardiovascular
Developmental effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
10 000 ppm (nominal)
Treatment related:
yes
Relation to maternal toxicity:
developmental effects in the absence of maternal toxicity effects
Dose response relationship:
yes
Relevant for humans:
no

Blood levels methanol (dams):

- 1.0 - 2.17 mg/mL (5000 ppm),

- 1.84 - 2.24 mg/mL (10000 ppm),

- 5.25 - 8.65 mg/mL (20000 ppm).

Conclusions:
In this study, inhalation of methanol during gestation resulted in a maternal NOAEC of 10000 ppm and a developmental NOAEC of 5000 ppm.
Executive summary:

In a developmental toxicity study conducted similar to guideline OECD 414, 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats were whole-body exposed to concentrations levels of 0, 5000, 10000 and 20000 ppm (corresponding to 0, 6.5, 13.1 and 26.2 mg/L) of methanol via the inhalation route for 7 hours/day during gestation days 1 to 19 (low and mid-dose) and gestation days 7 - 15 (high dose). Slightly, unsteady gait and reduced food consumption were recorded as signs of maternal toxicity at the highest concentration.

At the highest concentration, an increased number of litters with skeletal malformations was noted, these included in particular rudimentary and extra cervical ribs and exencephaly and encephalocele. Skeletal defects: 14/15 litters with 72/92 malformed fetuses vs. 0/15 litters and 0/98 fetuses in the untreated control. Similar abnormalities also appeared in the progeny from the 10000 ppm group, but not statistically significant: skeletal defects 2/15 litters and 2/115 fetuses, respectively). There was no evidence of embryotoxic/teratogenic activity of methanol at 5000 ppm.

In addition, at the highest concentration, an increased number of litters with visceral malformations was noted (cardiovascular and urinary-tract defects): Visceral defects: 7/15 litters with 15/96 malformed fetuses vs. 0/15 litters and 0/107 fetuses in the untreated control. Similar abnormalities also appeared in the progeny from the 10000 ppm group, but not statistically significant: visceral defects 2/15 litters and 2/107 fetuses, respectively). There was no evidence of embryotoxic/teratogenic activity of methanol at 5000 ppm.

Based on the results, a maternal NOAEC of 10000 ppm and a developmental NOAEC of 5000 ppm is established. Based on data presented in the NTP-CERHR report on methanol (Table 2 -10), the NOAEC of 5000 ppm can be estimated to equal 1869 mg/kg bw/day, the NOAEC of 10000 ppm can be estimated to equal 3738 mg/kg bw/day, which is clearly above the limit concentrations of the respective OECD guideline.

This information is used in a read-across approach in the assessment of the target substance. For justification of read-across please refer to the read-across report attached to IUCLID section 13.

Endpoint:
developmental toxicity
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Justification for type of information:
For details and justification of read-across please refer to the report attached in section 13 of IUCLID.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Clinical signs:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Abnormalilics seen during exposure were confined to visually increased breathing rate in animals exposed lo 600 mg/m³ during Ihe entire treatment period and occasionally in rats exposed lo 200 mg/m3. One animal of the control group (A 101) lost part of its tail due to a mechanical trauma. Daily clinical observations did not reveal any noticeable differences in the animals' appearance, general condition or behaviour amongst the various groups.
Dermal irritation (if dermal study):
not examined
Mortality:
mortality observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence):
One animal of the low dose group died on day 11 of gestation because it turned around in the inhalation tube and subsequently suffocated. All other females survived until scheduled Caesarian section.
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no significant differences in body weight or body weight change between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The food consumption of the high dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group throughout the exposure period. The food consumption of the 200 mg/m³ was slightly decreased during the exposure period, but increased thereafter.
Food efficiency:
not specified
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
not examined
Clinical biochemistry findings:
not examined
Urinalysis findings:
not examined
Behaviour (functional findings):
no effects observed
Immunological findings:
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
not examined
Gross pathological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Gross examination at autopsy did not reveal any significant differences of the maternal organs and tissues among the various groups.
Neuropathological findings:
not examined
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
not examined
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Other effects:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Uterus and ovary weights:
Mean reproductive organ weights and net maternal body weight change during gestation were evaluated. No statistically significant differences in gravid and empty uterus weight, ovary weight, carcass weight and the net weight change (body weight gain from day 0 to 21 of gestation minus gravid uterine weight) were observed between the control group and he groups treated to 2-ethylhexyl lactate.
Number of abortions:
no effects observed
Pre- and post-implantation loss:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance in the numbers of corpora lutea, implantations, live and dead foetuses and early and late resorptions nor in pre- and post-implantation loss or in the sex ratio of the foetuses.
Total litter losses by resorption:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance in the numbers of corpora lutea, implantations, live and dead foetuses and early and late resorptions nor in pre- and post-implantation loss or in the sex ratio of the foetuses.
Early or late resorptions:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance in the numbers of corpora lutea, implantations, live and dead foetuses and early and late resorptions nor in pre- and post-implantation loss or in the sex ratio of the foetuses.
Dead fetuses:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance in the numbers of corpora lutea, implantations, live and dead foetuses and early and late resorptions nor in pre- and post-implantation loss or in the sex ratio of the foetuses.
Changes in pregnancy duration:
not examined
Changes in number of pregnant:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
From the 12 mated female rats per group, 11 of each group were pregnant.
Other effects:
not examined
Details on maternal toxic effects:
Details on maternal toxic effects:
Clinical signs and mortality:
One animal of the low dose group died on day 11 of gestation because it turned around in the inhalation tube and subsequnetly suffocated. Daily clinical observations did not reveal any differences between dose and control group animals.

Maternal body weight and body weight change:
There were no significant differences in body weight or body weight change between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance.

Food consumption:
The food consumption of the high dose group was statistically significantly decreased when compared to the control group throughout the exposure period. The food consumption of the 200 mg/m³ was slightly decreased during the exposure period, but increased thereafter.

Parental necropsy observations:
Gross examination at autopsy did not reveal any significant differences of the maternal organs and tissues among the various groups.

Uterus and ovary weights:
Mean reproductive organ weights and net maternal body weight change during gestation were evaluated. No statistically significant differences in gravid and empty uterus weight, ovary weight, carcass weight and the net weight change (body weight gain from day 0 to 21 of gestation minus gravid uterine weight) were observed between the control group and the groups treated to 2-ethylhexyl lactate.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEC
Effect level:
600 mg/m³ air (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: No differences in clinical signs, maternal body weight or body weight change and necropsy seen in treated animals in comparison to control animals.
Key result
Abnormalities:
no effects observed
Fetal body weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
See box “Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects” below.
Reduction in number of live offspring:
no effects observed
Changes in sex ratio:
no effects observed
Changes in litter size and weights:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
See box “Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects” below.
Changes in postnatal survival:
not examined
External malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
See box “Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects” below.
Skeletal malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
See box “Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects” below.
Visceral malformations:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
See box “Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects” below.
Other effects:
not specified
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Details on embryotoxic / teratogenic effects:
Reproduction and litter data at Caesarian section:
From the 12 mated female rats per group, 11 of each group were pregnant.
Reproduction and litter data revealed no treatment-related changes either as evidenced by the absence of statistically significant differences between the
control group and the groups exposed to the test substance in the numbers of corpora lutea, implantations, live and dead foetuses and early and late resorptions nor in pre- and
post-implantation loss or in the sex ratio of the foetuses.

Foetal external observations:
No statistically significant differences were observed for the individual findings. When compared with the control group, the total number of fetal external
observations was slightly albeit statistically significantly increased in the high concentration group. This difference was mainly due to the low number of foetal
observations in the control group: Only one foetus with a small haemorrhage on the head in the control group versus 4 dysmature foetuses from 4 litters (i.e. foetus weight < 75 % of the mean foetal body weight in the control group) and three large foetuses (i.e. foetus weight > 125 % of the mean foetal body weight) plus one foetus with a flexed limb from one litter of the 600 mg/m³ group. Considering the nature of the findings and the low number in the control group, this difference is not considered treatment related.

Findings of the placenta:
Findings of the placenta were limited to two fused placenta in four fetuses of one female control group animal.

Foetal weight and placental weight:
No significant differences in mean foetal body weights were observed between the control group and the groups exposed to the test substance. Mean placental
weight of the 200 mg/m³ group was increased (statistically significantly for both sexes combined). Mean placental weights in of the 600 mg/m³ were comparable to these in the control group.

Visceral examination:
Examination of foetal soft tissues was limited to the control group and the high concentration group.
Visceral malformations:
No visceral malformations were seen in the control group and the high concentration group.
Visceral anomalies:
No visceral variations were observed in the control and the high-concentration group.

Skeletal examinations:
Skeletal examinations were conducted in all groups.
Skeletal malformations:
None of the fetuses showed skeletal malformations
Skeletal anomalies:
Skeletal anomalies were limited to wavy ribs in 3 foetuses out of 2 litters in the high-concentration groups. The incidence in the high-concentration group did not differ significantly from that in the control group.
Skeletal variations:
No statistically significant differences were observed for the individual findings.
Variations in the ossification of the skeletons
When compared with the control group, the 200 and 600 mg/m³ groups showed the following differences: Increase in the number of foetuses and litters with an incompletely ossified frontalis and unossified metatarsals, which was significant in the 200 mg/m³ group. Furthermore, a delay in the ossification of the hind limb phalanges was observed in the 200 and 600 mg/m³ group. The slightly retarded ossification as observed at 200 and 600 mg/m3, was considered to be a minor developmental effect, most attributable to the stress conditions. No teratogenic effects were observed in this study.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEC
Effect level:
600 mg/m³ air (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Basis for effect level:
other: developmental toxicity
Key result
Abnormalities:
no effects observed
Developmental effects observed:
no

Gravimetric analysis:

The mean actual concentrations of 2-ethylhexyl lactate in the test atmospheres (and their standard deviations) were 230 (± 16) and 594 (± 48) mg/m³.

Nominal concentration:

The daily mean airflow through the exposure units were 26.5, 55.9, and 70.4 L/min for the control, low, and high concentration level, respectively. The nominal concentrations were 378 and 751 mg/m³, indicating generation efficiencies of 61 and 79 % for the low and high concentration level, respectively.

Particle size measurement:

Particle size measurement showed that almost all particles in the animals' breathing zone were respirable, viz. they were smaller than or equal to 4.2 µm. The mean mass median aerodynamic siameter (MMAD) was 2.7 and 1.7 µm for the low and high exposure level, respectively. The mean geometric standard deviation was 1.5 for the low concentration level and 1.6 for the high concentration level.

Temperature and relative humidity:

The daily mean temperature was 22.7 ± 0.6 °C, 22.6 ± 0.4 °C and 22.6 ± 0.4 °C for the control, low and high concentration level. respectively. The daily relalive humidity was 56 ± 6%, 52 ± 5% and 52 ± 6 %, respectively.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, no treatment-related effects in developmental parameters or maternal parameters were detected in a developmental toxicity study (OECD 414) after inhalation of 2-ethylhexyl lactate, except slightly retarded ossification. This is considered to be a minor developmental effect, most attributable to the stress conditions. Therefore, it can be stated that no teratogenic effects were observed in this study and the maternal and developmental NOAEC is considered to be 600 mg/m³.
Executive summary:

In a developmental toxicity study (OECD 414), 2-ethylhexyl lactate (98.2% purity) was administered to 12 female Wistar rats per dose level in clean air (nose-only exposure for 6 hours/day) at concentration levels of 0, 200 and 600 mg/m³ from day 6 through day 15 of gestation. On day 21 of gestation the animals were sacrificed. There were no treatment-related effects on mortality, clinical signs, body weight or Casarean parameters. Food consumption of the groups was statistically significantly decreased in comparison to the control group animals. As no differences were noticed in body weight change between control and treated animals this effect was classified as not biologically adverse. Based on the results, the maternal NOAEC is considered to be 600 mg/m³. Moreover, no treatment related effects were noted in developmental parameters, except slightly retarded ossification. This is considered to be a minor developmental effect, most attributable to the stress conditions. Thus, the developmental NOAEC is 600 mg/m³. This developmental toxicity study in the rat is classified acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirement for a developmental toxicity study (OPPTS 870.3700; OECD 414) in rat.

This information is used in a read-across approach in the assessment of the target substance.

For justification of read-across please refer to the attached read-across report (see IUCLID section 13).

Effect on developmental toxicity: via oral route
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available
Effect on developmental toxicity: via inhalation route
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed
Effect on developmental toxicity: via dermal route
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed
Additional information

No study is available elucidating the developmental toxicity potential of methyl (S)-lactate itself. The target substance hydrolyses into lactic acid/lactate and methanol under physiological conditions. Therefore, the requirement for developmental toxicity shall/can be addressed based on information for lactic acid and methanol.

Lactic acid is a ubiquitous and essential molecule of life, found in all higher animals and many micro-organisms. It is also found in many food items. This observation is common textbook knowledge hence can be considered as adequately and reliably documented, fulfilling the criteria of REACH Annex XI, section 1.1. Additional experimental evidence in support of the lack of potential adverse effects of lactic acid (thus also methyl (S)-lactate) is scientifically not necessary. The toxicokinetics of lactic acid is specifically described in section 7.1 (Sterenborg, 2007). Nevertheless, data from structurally related lactate esters is available.

Thus, available data from the suitable read-across partners ethyl lactate, ethylhexyl lactate and methanol was used to assess the potential of methyl (S)-lactate to induce developmental effects. For justification of the read-across approach please refer to IUCLID section 13.

In a developmental toxicity study conducted according to EPA OTS 798.4000, ethyl lactate was administered for six hours/day to 25 female Crl:CD®(SD)BR presumed pregnant rats/dose group percutaneously under occlusive conditions at levels of 0, 517, 1551 and 3619 mg/kg bw/day from day 6 through 15 of gestation. On day 20 of gestation the animals were sacrificed.

Dermal application of ethyl lactate to pregnant rats at the highest dose that could be given (3619 mg/kg bw/day) caused slight erythema and/or desquamation more frequently in comparison to the control group. Hyperactivity occurred on two days for one rat from the high dose group, which is probably related to the slight erythema and desquamation that also occurred for this rat. No other skin reactions or clinical observations and no adverse necropsy findings were observed in the animals. There were no treatment-related effects on mortality, body weight, food consumption and caesarean parameters. Gross external, soft tissue and skeletal examinations of fetuses did not reveal any malformations or variations that were considered adverse.

It is concluded that percutaneous application of ethyl lactate to pregnant rats was minimally toxic to the dams at the highest dosage that could be tested (3619 mg/kg bw/day), and that this maximum dosage did not result in developmental toxicity. Based on the results, the maternal NOAEL is considered to be 1551 mg/kg bw/day, and the developmental NOAEL is considered to be 3619 mg/kg bw/day.

 

In a developmental toxicity study (OECD 414), ethylhexyl lactate (98.2% purity) was administered to 12 female Wistar rats per dose level in clean air (nose-only exposure for 6 hours/day) at concentration levels of 0, 200 and 600 mg/m³ from day 6 through day 15 of gestation. On day 21 of gestation the animals were sacrificed. There were no treatment-related effects on mortality, clinical signs, body weight or Casarean parameters. Food consumption of the groups was statistically significantly decreased in comparison to the control group animals. As no differences were noticed in body weight change between control and treated animals this effect was classified as not biologically adverse. Based on the results, the maternal NOAEC is considered to be 600 mg/m³. Moreover, no treatment related effects were noted in developmental parameters, except slightly retarded ossification. This is considered to be a minor developmental effect, most attributable to the stress conditions. Thus, the developmental NOAEC is 600 mg/m³.

In a developmental toxicity study conducted similar to guideline OECD 414, 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats were whole-body exposed to concentrations levels of 0, 5000, 10000 and 20000 ppm (corresponding to 0, 6.5, 13.1 and 26.2 mg/L) of methanol via the inhalation route for 7 hours/day during gestation days 1 to 19 (low and mid-dose) and gestation days 7 - 15 (high dose). Slightly, unsteady gait and reduced food consumption were recorded as signs of maternal toxicity at the highest concentration.

At the highest concentration, an increased number of litters with skeletal malformations was noted, these included in particular rudimentary and extra cervical ribs and exencephaly and encephalocele. Similar abnormalities also appeared in the progeny from the 10000 ppm group, but not statistically significant. There was no evidence of embryotoxic/teratogenic activity of methanol at 5000 ppm.

In addition, at the highest concentration, an increased number of litters with visceral malformations was noted. Similar abnormalities also appeared in the progeny from the 10000 ppm group, but not statistically significant. There was no evidence of embryotoxic/teratogenic activity of methanol at 5000 ppm. Based on the results, a maternal NOAEC of 10000 ppm and a developmental NOAEC of 5000 ppm is established. Based on data presented in the NTP-CERHR report on methanol, Table 2-10 (NTP CERHR Mon., 2003 Sep (8): i-III35) the developmental NOAEC of 5000 ppm can be estimated to equal 1869 mg/kg bw/day, the maternal NOAEC of 10000 ppm can be estimated to equal 3738 mg/kg bw/day, which is clearly above the limit concentrations of the respective OECD guideline. In addition, the OECD SIDS report on methanol, 2004 stated about the biological relevance of methanol induced teratogenicity, that the exposure concentrations of methanol relate to doses, which significantly exceed lethal doses in humans (300 -1000 mg/kg bw/day) and that the blood methanol levels in rats exposed to 5000 ppm are estimated to be at a factor of 20-50 higher than in humans exposed e.g. to 1000 ppm (7-8 hours). In addition, in 2014 the Risk Assessment Committee of the ECHA (as cited in EFSA 2014: doi 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4656) considered that the data for methanol-induced teratogenesis in rodents at high-dose levels are not considered to be good model for human effects. The data are not relevant for classification in humans since primate data and supporting rabbit data have not demonstrated teratogenic effects and it is not possible to expose primates and humans to such high-dose levels as rodents (due to differences in metabolism) and concluded that methanol should not be classified for developmental toxicity. In addition, the high acute toxicity of methanol to humans (such as blindness) will occur before any developmental toxicity can be expressed.

Thus, based on the assessment of the available data in a weight-of-evidence approach and by way of read-across, no classification for developmental/reproductive toxicity is warranted for Methyl (S)-lactate.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the assessment of the available data in a weight-of-evidence approach and by way of read-across, no classification for developmental/reproductive toxicity is warranted for Methyl (S)-lactate.

Additional information