Abstract
o-Anisidine is used in the manufacture of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers o-anisidine to be a potential occupational carcinogen (at the exposure level: 50mgm−3). o-Anisidine is a very toxic agent that causes blood, enzyme, and nerve damage with cyanosis and the danger of suffocation. It is produced from 2-methoxynitrobenzene by reduction with iron or by hydrogenation in the presence of precious-metal catalysts (platinum or palladium on activated carbon; solvent: toluene). It can also be prepared by reduction of o-nitroanisole with tin or iron and hydrochloric acid. Acute (short-term) exposure to o-anisidine results in skin irritation in humans. Exposure to o-anisidine at the workplace by inhalation for 6 months caused headaches, vertigo, and effects on the blood. Animal studies have reported effects on the blood from chronic (long-term) dermal exposure to o-anisidine. Animal studies have reported tumors of the urinary bladder from oral exposure to o-anisidine. EPA has not classified o-anisidine for carcinogenicity, but the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified o-anisidine as a Group 2B, possible human carcinogen. According to the harmonized classification and labeling approved by the European Union, this substance is toxic if swallowed, is toxic in contact with skin, is toxic if inhaled, may cause cancer and is suspected of causing genetic defects.
Published Version
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