Long-term toxicity of the surfactant α-olefin sulphonate (AOS) in the rat

Abstract

The surfactant α-olefin sulphonate (AOS) was fed to rats at dietary levels of 1000, 2500 and 5000 ppm for a period of 2 years. There were no adverse clinical signs, and survival rates were not affected by treatment with AOS. The rate of bodyweight gain was marginally lower during the second trimester of the study in both males and females receiving 5000 ppm AOS, while food intake was also marginally lower during the first year among females receiving 5000 ppm. During the remainder of the study, bodyweight change and food consumption of all treated animals was similar to that of the control animals. Investigation of the animals' eyes, blood and urine did not reveal any reaction to treatment, nor were any changes relating to treatment seen in the macroscopic pathology or organ weights of rats killed after 104 weeks. Histological examination of the tissues did not provide any evidence of toxicity or tumour induction that could be attributable to treatment with AOS.