Cyanoacetic acid

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

SKIN IRRITATION 
Combining the results of a full-scale test and of a screening test, Cyanoacetic acid is severely irritating to the skin based on induction of necrosis after a 3-minute exposure (OECD GHS Category 1B (corrosive)). 
EYE IRRITATION 
Cyanoacetic acid is severely irritating to the eye based on the severity of corneal opacity (OECD GHS Category 1 (irreversible effects on the eye / serious damage to the 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 IRRITATION

In a primary dermal irritation study (BASF 1980), young adult Vienna White rabbits (2 males and 4 females) were dermally exposed to approximately 0.5 g of Cyanoacetic acid (purity not given) in water (area of the flanks sized approximately 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm; application to both intact and abraded skin). Animals then were observed for 3 days. Irritation was scored by the method of Draize.

Severe erythema and well-defined to severe edema as well as necrosis was observed in each animal at each reading. There were not significant differences between intact and abraded skin sites. The study was discontinued at 72 h after beginning of application due to severe irritation effects. Necrosis was confirmed by pathology. Primary irritation index was 6.9 (possible maximum: 8.0).

In a screening study (4 rabbits, application of Cyanoacetic acid (purity not given) in water for 3 minutes and 1 hour), well-defined erythema, slight edema and necrosis was observed following application for 3 minutes. Application for 1 hour caused severe irritation including necrosis.

Combining the results of these two tests, Cyanoacetic acid is severely irritating to the skin based on induction of necrosis after a 3-minute exposure (OECD GHS Category 1B (corrosive)).

EYE IRRITATION

In a primary eye irritation study (BASF 1980), 62 mg (equivalent to 0.1 ml bulk volume) of unchanged Cyanoacetic acid (purity not given) was instilled into the conjunctival sac of one eye of young adult Vienna White rabbits (5 males and 1 female) without rinsing. Animals then were observed for 8 days. Irritation was scored by the method of Draize.

Strong corneal opacity (Draize score 3; affecting >3/4 of the cornea surface), strong conjunctival swelling, strong lacrimation, necrosis at the rim of the eyelid, and suppuration was noted in any animal at any reading. Scores for conjunctival redness and iris could not be determined due to suppuration and/or coloration with the test substance. Primary irritation index was >=71 (possible maximum: 110).

In this study, Cyanoacetic acid is severely irritating to the eye based on the severity of corneal opacity (OECD GHS Category 1 (irreversible effects on the eye / serious damage to the eye)).

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: corrosive

Effects on eye irritation: corrosive

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the induction of necrosis after a 3-minute exposure, Cyanoacetic acid has to be classified as “corrosive” according to the Directive 67/548/EC. According to the GHS criteria, Cyanoacetic acid has to be classified as follows: Category 1B (corrosive).

Based on the severity of the induced corneal opacity, Cyanoacetic acid has to be classified as “risk of serious damage to the eye” according to the Directive 67/548/EC. According to the GHS criteria, Cyanoacetic acid has to be classified as follows: Category 1(irreversible effects on the eye / serious damage to the eye).