3,4-Benzpyrene affects the sexual behaviour of rats across the generations

Abstract

Chlorinated paraffins are a group of chemicals derived from n-paraffins containing between 10 and 30 carbon atoms which are chlorinated to between 40 and 70% (w/w). Representative grades were tested for acute oral toxicity and skin irritancy in rats, eye irritancy in rabbits, and potential mutagenic effects in two in vitro tests. The effects of one grade (14–17 carbon atoms, 52% chlorinated) which is manufactured in high-tonnage quantities, was evaluated in a 90-day feeding study in rats and dogs, and its tissue retention and elimination was determined in the rat. Chlorinated paraffins are of low acute oral toxicity. Slight, reversible skin and eye irritations were produced by shorter carbon chain derivatives only and no type showed any evidence of mutagenic potential. Subacute administration of 500, 2500, and 5000 ppm reduced diet palatability to rats. Increases in SGPT or SAP levels, liver weight, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in hepatocytes were seen in rats and dogs: “no-effect” diet levels were 250 and 300 ppm, respectively. Chlorinated paraffin accumulates primarily in the abdominal fat of rats at concentrations which never exceed those in diet (unlike certain other chlorinated organic compounds); its half-life in abdominal fat is about 8 weeks, when untreated diet is offered. On the currently available evidence, in view of their slight toxicity and the low human dietary levels in comparison to the maximum “no-effect” levels in rats and dogs, it is concluded that chlorinated paraffins present no toxicological risk to man despite their continued manufacture and widespread low-level occurrence in the environment.