reaction mass of potassium tetrafluoride and tripotassium hexafluoroaluminate

Toxicity to reproduction

Administrative data

Endpoint:

two-generation reproductive toxicity

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

study report

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

1994

Report date:

1994

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EPA OPP 83-4 (Reproduction and Fertility Effects)

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Trisodium hexafluoroaluminate

EC Number:

237-410-6

EC Name:

Trisodium hexafluoroaluminate

Cas Number:

13775-53-6

Molecular formula:

AlF6.3Na

IUPAC Name:

aluminum trisodium hexafluoride

Test material form:

solid: crystalline

Details on test material:

Supplier: Atochem North America, Bryan, Texas
Test material: Kryocide
Common Name: Cryolite
Purity: 97.3%
Batch No.: 86-12
Description: Odorless white crystalline powder
Receipt date: September 12, 1990
Amount: 1 kg
Stability: The test material was considered stable when stored in a sealed container at room temperature

Test animals

Species:

rat

Strain:

Crj: CD(SD)

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

Test animals: albino rat
Strain: CD (Sprague Dawldey derived)
Age at receipt: 30 days
Supplier: CharlesR iver Laboratories, Inc. Portage, Michigan 49081
Animals were acclimated for approximately two weeks.
Housing: Suspended, stainless steel, wire mesh bottom cages. Animals were housed individually throughout the study with the following exceptions: the first week of acclimation( two animals/sex/cage); mating (one male and one female/cage overnight); lactation( dam and litter/cage) and post-weaninogf the FI pups (one- two llttermates/sex/cage until formali nitiation of the pre-matingt reatmentp eriod which followed weaning of the last litters).
Feed and water: Ad libitum. Certified Rodent Diet No. 5002 (mash) was provided fresh at least weekly during the study. Analysis of each feed lot used during this study was performed by the supplier (Purina Mills, Inc. St. Lous, MO).

Environmental conditions: 12 hour light/dark cycle, actual temperature: 64-80°F (18-27°C), actual relative humidity: 24-79%.

Administration / exposure

Route of administration:

oral: feed

Vehicle:

unchanged (no vehicle)

Details on exposure:

Appropriate amounts of the test substance were mixed with the basal granulated diet to achieve the desired concentrations (prepared at a fixed concentration [ppm] in the diet and no correction for purity of the test substance was used). Fresh diets were prepared and presented to animals weekly during the study. Control animals received standard laboratory diet only. Unused portions of diet (control and treated) were stored at ambient temperature during intervals when not being presented to animals.

Prior to the initiation of the study, full-size (mock) batches of diets at the low- and high concentration levels( 200 and 1800 ppm, respectively) were evaluated to determine that diets prepared using the proposed mixing procedure were homogeneous. To determine homogeneity, three randomly drawn diet samples (approximately 100 grams each) were taken from each mix at each of three levels (top, middle, bottom - total of nine samples) in the mixer. If the data demonstrated that the mean of the values for the three levels were within ±15% of each other and ±20% of the nominal (desired) concentration, the batches were considered homogeneous.

In previous studies conducted in this Testing Facility with dietary administration of Kryocide, the stability of the Kryocide in the diet for 14 days post-preparation at ambient storage was established at dose levels that ranged from 50 to 5000 ppm. On the basis of these stability data, the only additional stability assessment performed for this study was a 21-day stability at ambient storage. These analyses were performed at the low- and high- concentrations (200 and 1800 ppm, respectively) for diets prepared to establish homogeneity. Following 21 days of storage at ambient temperature, two samples of approximately 100 grams each were collected at each concentration level and analyzed.

Details on mating procedure:

Initially, one male was co-housed with one female from the same treatment group nightly until evidence of mating was observed or for seven consecutive days. Each morning following cohabitation with the male, the female was evaluated for evidence of mating (microscopic observation of sperm in the vaginal smear and/or copulation plug in the vagina). The day on which evidence of mating was observed was defined as Day 0 of gestation. Once mated, females were removed from the mating unit and housed individually for the remainder of gestation. Females unmated after the initial seven-day mating interval were redistributed (randomly) to a different male within the same treatment group until evidence of mating was observed or for seven additional days. This same procedure was repeated for a third seven-day mating interval for unmated females. This same mating design was used for F1 generation. In the mating assignments of the F1 generation, care was taken in establishing the mating units to avoid brother-sister matings.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

Two diet samples of approximately 100 grams each were collected for each test diet and control at the weekly preparation intervals through out the study. Analyses to confirm concentration levels of diets intended for use on study were performed for the first four mixes (Study Weeks 1-4) and subsequently for every fourth mix (Study Weeks 8, 12, 16, 20. 24. 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 and 48) for the remainder of the study. Samples collected from mixes not scheduled for analyses have been retained frozen at this testing facility until issuance of the final report.
Diet samples analyzed were evaluated in duplicate. The diets were considered acceptable for study if values for the duplicate assays were within ± 20% of each other and the mean of the two values were within ± 20% of the nominal (desired) concentration. All diet analyses (i.e., homogeneity, stability and confirmation of concentration levels) were performed by the Analytical Department of Pharmaco LSR, Toxicology Services North America.

Duration of treatment / exposure:

F0 generation animals received the appropriate treated diets for 14 weeks prior to initiation of mating (i.e., pre-mating period) and treatment continued until sacrifice. Following the formal initiation of the pre-mating period, F1 generation animals received the appropriate treated diets for 14 weeks prior to initiation of mating and treatment continued until sacrifice. F1 pups consumed diets at the treatment level of the dam late in lactation and selected F1 animals continued to consume diets at these concentration levels during the post-weaning period through to the formal initiation of the pre-mating period.

Frequency of treatment:

continuous

Details on study schedule:

Both parental generations received a 14-week pre-mating period and treatment continued during a 21-day mating period and post-mating interval (males and unmated females) until sacrificed. Mated females continued to be treated during the ensuing gestation, lactation and post-weaning periods until sacrifice.

Doses / concentrations

Doses / concentrations 1

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
200, 600 and 1800 ppm
Basis:
nominal in diet

Doses / concentrations 2

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
14, 42, and 128 mg/kg bw/day for males and 16, 49 and 149 mg/kg bw/day for females
Basis:
Actual received in diet

No. of animals per sex per dose:

30

Control animals:

yes, plain diet

Details on study design:

Parental animals (F0, F1) were observed twice daily for mortality and unusual findings and each animal received a detailed physical examination weekly. Body weights and food consumption for the parental animals were recorded weekly during the pre-mating treatment periods and these parameters continued to be recorded weekly for males during the mating and post-mating period through to sacrifice. Body weights and food consumption were recorded for mated females at regular intervals during the gestation period and females with litters continued to be weighed at regular intervals during the lactation period. Each parental generation produced a single litter and pups were weaned on lactation day 21. On lactation day 4, litters with greater than eight pups were culled to that number so as to equalizes sex distribution (four/sex), when possible; litters with less than eight pups at Day 4 were not adjusted. During lactation, litter size, pup weights and pup sex distribution data were recorded. Randomly selected pups from the F1 litters (at least one pup/sex/litter) were chosen to become the F1 parental generation. At sacrifice, parental animals were given a gross postmortem examination and reproductive tissues, pituitary glands and gross lesions were taken and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. During the sacrifice of the F1 parental males, testes and epididymal weights were also recorded. Reproductive tissues and pituitary glands were evaluated histomorphologically for control and high-dose animals from both parental generations and gross lesions with the exclusion of incisor observations, were evaluated for all animals.

Positive control:

No

Examinations

Parental animals: Observations and examinations:

CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes (observations of mortality and gross clinical findings)
- Time schedule: twice daily

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes (Detailed physical examination for signs of local or systemic toxicity, pharmacological effects and palpation for tissue masses).
- Time schedule: weekly

BODY WEIGHT: Yes

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if feeding study): Yes. Compound intake was calculated using food consumption and the nominal concentration in the diet.

Litter observations:

STANDARDISATION OF LITTERS
- Performed on day 4 postpartum: [yes]
- Maximum of 8 pups/litter

PARAMETERS EXAMINED
The following parameters were examined in [F1 / F2 / F3] offspring:
-number and sex of pups, stillbirths, live births, postnatal mortality, presence of gross anomalies, weight gain, physical or behavioural abnormalities

GROSS EXAMINATION OF DEAD PUPS:
-yes, for external and internal abnormalities; possible cause of death was determined for pups born or found dead

Postmortem examinations (parental animals):

At sacrifice, parental animals w ere given a gross postmortem examination and reproductive tissues, pituitary glands and gross lesions were taken and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. During the sacrifice of the F1 parental males, testes and epididymal w eights w ere also recorded. Reproductive tissues and pituitary glands were evaluated histomorphologicallfy or control and high-dose animals from both parental generations and gross lesions w ith the exclusion of incisor observations, were evaluated for all animals.

Postmortem examinations (offspring):

The unselected F1 pups and all F2 pups were sacrificed at weaning or shortly thereafter, and evaluated for external and internal irregularities and only abnormal tissues were saved (10% neutral buffered formalin).

Statistics:

Several statistical methods were used, dependent on the parameter studied.

Reproductive indices:

Mating, pregnancy and fertility rates; mean number of days-to-mating

Offspring viability indices:

percentage of pups alive at day 4

Results and discussion

Results: P0 (first parental generation)

General toxicity (P0)

Clinical signs:

effects observed, treatment-related

Mortality:

mortality observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence):

In the control group, one P0 male died. No mortality occurred in the P0 parental animals from the low- or mid-dose groups. In the high-dose group, one female died (mortality rate = 3.3%). This female delivered a litter of 15 dead pups and died two days post-delivery. At necropsy, an enlarged pituitary gland was seen along with a discoloured uterus. The cause of death for this animal could not be determined from the macro- or microscopic evaluations. No mortality occurred among the P0 high-dose males. The mortality seen in the high-dose animal was not considered indicative of a treatment-related response.

Body weight and weight changes:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean weekly body weights during the pre-mating treatment period and mean weight gain over the entire 14-week period for the treated groups (both sexes) were comparable to control data and no adverse effect of treatment was indicated from these data. Mean body weights for the treated group males during the mating and and post-mating periods were comparable to control.
Mean maternal body weights during gestation (Days 0, 7, 14 and 21) and lactation (Days 0, 4, 7, 14 and 21) and mean weight gains over these respective intervals (Days 0-20 of gestation and 0-21 of lactation) for the treated groups were comparable to control for both parental generations.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Food efficiency:

not examined

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

no effects observed

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

no effects observed

Other effects:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

200 and 600 ppm:
No adverse effects of treatment at dietary levels of 200 or 600 ppm were evident from parental or neonatal parameters.
During the detailed physical evaluations of the parental animals, white discoloration of the incisors (upper and/or lower) was seen in both generations at both concentration levels and at the 600 ppm level, additional observations involving the incisors i.e., presence of a beveled edge along the anterior margin and/or a mottled appearance, were seen with increased frequency. These effects which were considered indicative of a treatment-related response were almost identical to toxic effects noted with excessive fluoride exposure i.e., dental fluorosis. This was not entirely unexpected considering the chemistry of the test material. No changes in the critical reproductive indices were seen at the low- and mid-dose levels during either generation and the effects seen were clearly non-reproductive organ effects involving the teeth.

1800 ppm:
At the 1800 ppm dietary level, no adverse effects of treatment were evident in the parental generation animals (F0, F1). The only treatment-related responses seen in these parental-animals involved observations to the incisors similar to those discussed above. All of these types of observations were seen with increased frequency at this treatment level. Bevelled anterior edge of the lower incisor was observed in 67% of animals from both generations at 1800 ppm.
No adverse effect of treatment at the 1800 ppm dietary level was evident from the macroscopic evaluations of the parental animals. Likewise, microscopic evaluation of the reproductive tissues and pituitary glands of the parental animals (F0, F1) revealed no adverse effects. Additionally, microscopic evaluation of the incisors of several F1 males with findings at necropsy i.e., white discoloration, beveled edges, and other gross lesions for both parental generations revealed no adverse effect of treatment.

Reproductive function / performance (P0)

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

not specified

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Details on results (P0)

Mating indices for both males and females, pregnancy rates and male fertility indices for the treated groups were comparable to control for both parental generations. These indices for the treated groups did not differ statistically from control data during either litter interval and were within the range of values for recent historical control data for multigeneration studies.
Mean gestation lengths for the pregnancies producing the F2 litters for the treated groups were comparable to control and were within the range of recent historical control data for multigeneration studies.
Mean litter size data on Day 4 (pre- and post-cull) and throughout the remainder of lactatino (Days 7, 14 and 21) for the treated groups were considered comparable to control data. Litter survival indices for the treated groups were comparable to control.

Effect levels (P0)

1

Dose descriptor:

LOAEL

Remarks:

general toxicity

Effect level:

200 ppm (nominal)

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: dental fluorosis

2

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

fertility

Effect level:

1 800 ppm (nominal)

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

reproductive performance

Results: P1 (second parental generation)

General toxicity (P1)

Mortality:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence):

No mortality occurred among the control or treated F1 parental animals.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean body weights during the pre-mating treatment period and mean weight gain over the entire 14-week interval for the low- and mid-dose groups (both sexes) were comparable to control data. Mean weight data for the high-dose females during this period were also comparable to control while mean weight gain over the entire interval was 10% high than control and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). This type of response i.e., increase in weight gain, for the high-dose females over the pre-mating period was not considered idicative of an adverse effect of treatment.
In the high-dose males, mean body weight at initiation of the pre-mating period was slightly lower than control, a difference of -7%, and mean weights continued to be lower than control throughout the pre-mating period. Some of these differences were statistically significant; however, since mean weight gain for these animals over the entire pre-mating interval was comparable to control, no adverse effect of treatment was indicated.
Mean body weights for the treated group males during the mating and and post-mating periods were comparable to control.
Mean maternal body weights during gestation (Days 0, 7, 14 and 21) and lactation (Days 0, 4, 7, 14 and 21) and mean weight gains over these respective intervals (Days 0-20 of gestation and 0-21 of lactation) for the treated groups were comparable to control for both parental generations.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

no effects observed

Gross pathological findings:

no effects observed

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

no effects observed

Other effects:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

200 and 600 ppm:
No adverse effects of treatment at dietary levels of 200 or 600 ppm were evident from parental or neonatal parameters.
During the detailed physical evaluations of the parental animals, white discoloration of the incisors (upper and/or lower) was seen in both generations at both concentration levels and at the 600 ppm level, additional observations involving the incisors i.e., presence of a beveled edge along the anterior margin and/or a mottled appearance, were seen with increased frequency. These effects which were considered indicative of a treatment-related response were almost identical to toxic effects noted with excessive fluoride exposure i.e., dental fluorosis. This was not entirely unexpected considering the chemistry of the test material. No changes in the critical reproductive indices were seen at the low- and mid-dose levels during either generation and the effects seen were clearly non-reproductive organ effects involving the teeth.

1800 ppm:
At the 1800 ppm dietary level, no adverse effects of treatment were evident in the parental generation animals (F0, F1). The only treatment-related responses seen in these parental-animals involved observations to the incisors similar to those discussed above. All of these types of observations were seen with increased frequency at this treatment level. Bevelled anterior edge of the lower incisor was observed in 67% of animals from both generations at 1800 ppm.
No adverse effect of treatment at the 1800 ppm dietary level was evident from the macroscopic evaluations of the parental animals. Likewise, microscopic evaluation of the reproductive tissues and pituitary glands of the parental animals (F0, F1) revealed no adverse effects. Additionally, microscopic evaluation of the incisors of several F1 males with findings at necropsy i.e., white discoloration, beveled edges, and other gross lesions for both parental generations revealed no adverse effect of treatment.

Reproductive function / performance (P1)

Reproductive function: oestrous cycle:

not examined

Reproductive function: sperm measures:

no effects observed

Reproductive performance:

no effects observed

Details on results (P1)

Mating indices for both males and females, pregnancy rates and male fertility indices for the treated groups were comparable to control for both parental generations. These indices for the treated groups did not differ statistically from control data during either litter interval and were within the range of values for recent historical control data for multigeneration studies.
Mean gestation lengths for the pregnancies producing the F2 litters for the treated groups were comparable to control and were within the range of recent historical control data for multigeneration studies.
Mean litter size data on Day 4 (pre- and post-cull) and throughout the remainder of lactatino (Days 7, 14 and 21) for the treated groups were considered comparable to control data. Litter survival indices for the treated groups were comparable to control.

Effect levels (P1)

1

Dose descriptor:

LOAEL

Remarks:

general toxicity

Effect level:

200 ppm (nominal)

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: dental fluorosis

2

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

1 800 ppm (nominal)

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

reproductive performance

Results: F1 generation

General toxicity (F1)

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Mortality / viability:

no mortality observed

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean pup viability and weaning indices, respresenting pup survival over the Day 0-4 and 4-21 lactation intervals, respectively, for the treated groups were comparable to control and no adverse effect of treatment was indicated from these data.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean pup weights at birth at each recording interval during lactation (Days 4, 7, 14 and 21) for the low- and mid-dose groups were comparable to control for the F1 litter intevals. In the high-dose group, mean pup weights at birth were comparable to control but for the remainder of the lactation period, mean pup weights were lower than control and in most instances these differences were statististically significant. These decreases in pup weight data for the high-dose group during the lactation period were considered indicative of a treatment-related response.

Sexual maturation:

not specified

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

no effects observed

Gross pathological findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

At the high-dose level, pale kidneys, pale/white livers and/or enlarged hearts were seen in some pups and these findings were considered to be treatment-related; these findings were not seen in any of the control pups. In the F1 litters, pale kidneys (incidence: 8/110) and livers (incidence 7/110) were seen in some pups from two high-dose females. In addition, enlarged hearts (incidence: 4/110) were seen in pups from one litter.

Histopathological findings:

no effects observed

Details on results (F1)

At the 1800 ppm dietary level, a decrease in mean body weights during lactation for both the F1 and F2 litters (significantly decreased pup body weights during lactation days 7, 14, and 21 (82%-88% of control in F1 offspring) and days 4, 7, 14, and 21 (74%-89%) of control in F2 offspring) and an increased incidence of F1 and F2 animals with pale/white livers and/or kidneys and enlarged hearts at weaning.

Effect levels (F1)

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F1

Effect level:

600 ppm (nominal)

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

gross pathology

Results: F2 generation

General toxicity (F2)

Clinical signs:

no effects observed

Mortality / viability:

mortality observed, non-treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean pup viability and weaning indices for the treated groups were considered comparable to control and no adversely affected by treatment.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mean pup weights at birth at each recording interval during lactation (Days 4, 7, 14 and 21) for the low- and mid-dose groups were comparable to control for the F2 litter intevals. In the high-dose group, mean pup weights at birth were comparable to control but for the remainder of the lactation period, mean pup weights were lower than control and in most instances these differences were statististically significant. These decreases in pup weight data for the high-dose group during the lactation period were considered indicative of a treatment-related response.

Gross pathological findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

At the high-dose level, pale kidneys, pale/white livers and/or enlarged hearts were seen in some pups and these findings were considered to be treatment-related; these findings were not seen in any of the control pups. In the F2 litters, pale/white livers (incidence: 11/154) were seen in pups from three high-dose females. In addition, pale kidneys (incidence: 5/154) ) and enlarged hearts (incidence: 7/154) were seen in some pups from two of the same litters.

Effect levels (F2)

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Generation:

F2

Effect level:

600 ppm (nominal)

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

body weight and weight gain

gross pathology

Overall reproductive toxicity

Reproductive effects observed:

not specified

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

From this study a NOAEL for fertility of >1800 ppm corresponding to >128 mg cryolite/kg bw/day can be derived. Besides dental fluorosis and teeth whitening, no other compound-related systemic toxic effects could be revealed from this study with daily dosages of up to and including 128 mg cryolite/kg bw/day.

Executive summary:

In a two-generation reproduction study performed according to GLP and EPA Guideline 83 -4, Sprague-Dawley rats (30 per group) were administered trisodium hexafluoroaluminate (cryolite) in the diet at dose levels of 0, 200, 600, or 1800 ppm (representing 0, 14, 42, and 128 mg/kg/day for males and 0, 16, 49, and 149 mg/kg/day for females, respectively). Compound-related systemic toxicity was observed in a dose related manner among both sexes and generations at all dose levels as evidenced

by clinical signs of dental fluorosis. Whitening of the upper and/or lower incisors was observed in most treated animals of both generations. Bevelled anterior edge of the lower incisor was observed in 67% of animals from both generations at 1800 ppm. Mottled appearance of the lower incisor was noted at dose levels ≥ 600 ppm in 6%-40% of F1 animals; however, this effect was not dose related.

Reproductive toxicity was observed at 1800 ppm as evidenced by significantly decreased pup body weights during lactation days 7, 14, and 21 (82%-88% of control in F1 offspring) and days 4, 7, 14, and 21 (74%-89% of control in F2 offspring). Gross findings were also observed in pups of both generations at 1800 ppm by the time of weaning. They were manifested as pale kidneys, pale livers and enlarged hearts and were considered to be compound related. No effects were observed on parental reproductive performance.

From this study a NOAEL for fertility of >1800 ppm corresponding to >128 mg cryolite/kg bw/day can be derived. Besides dental fluorosis and teeth whitening, no other compound-related systemic toxic effects could be revealed from this study with daily dosages of up to and including 128 mg cryolite/kg bw/day.

Based on the observed decreased mean body weights during lactation for both the F1 and F2 litters and an increased incidence of F1 and F2 animals with pale/white livers and/or kidneys and enlarged hearts at weaning at 1800 ppm, a NOAEL for developmental toxicity of 600 ppm (42 mg cryolite/kg bw/day) is derived from this study.