Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 209-676-3 | CAS number: 590-28-3
- Life Cycle description
- Uses advised against
- Endpoint summary
- Appearance / physical state / colour
- Melting point / freezing point
- Boiling point
- Density
- Particle size distribution (Granulometry)
- Vapour pressure
- Partition coefficient
- Water solubility
- Solubility in organic solvents / fat solubility
- Surface tension
- Flash point
- Auto flammability
- Flammability
- Explosiveness
- Oxidising properties
- Oxidation reduction potential
- Stability in organic solvents and identity of relevant degradation products
- Storage stability and reactivity towards container material
- Stability: thermal, sunlight, metals
- pH
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- Additional physico-chemical information
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- Endpoint summary
- Stability
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- Environmental data
- Additional information on environmental fate and behaviour
- Ecotoxicological Summary
- Aquatic toxicity
- Endpoint summary
- Short-term toxicity to fish
- Long-term toxicity to fish
- Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria
- Toxicity to aquatic plants other than algae
- Toxicity to microorganisms
- Endocrine disrupter testing in aquatic vertebrates – in vivo
- Toxicity to other aquatic organisms
- Sediment toxicity
- Terrestrial toxicity
- Biological effects monitoring
- Biotransformation and kinetics
- Additional ecotoxological information
- Toxicological Summary
- Toxicokinetics, metabolism and distribution
- Acute Toxicity
- Irritation / corrosion
- Sensitisation
- Repeated dose toxicity
- Genetic toxicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Toxicity to reproduction
- Specific investigations
- Exposure related observations in humans
- Toxic effects on livestock and pets
- Additional toxicological data

Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
The test item analogue, sodium cyanate, was tested in an in vivo LLNA test according to OECD 429 and in an in vivo Bühler Test according to OECD 406. Based on the results, the test item analogue is considered to be a non-sensitiser. Since the applied read-across approach is considered to be reliable and suitable the endpoint skin sensitisation, the test item potassium cyanate has also no potential for skin sensitisation.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Skin sensitisation
Link to relevant study records
- Endpoint:
- skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA)
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- key study
- Study period:
- from 2009-02-17 to 2009-04-24
- Reliability:
- 1 (reliable without restriction)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- guideline study
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- EU Method B.42 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay)
- Version / remarks:
- 440/2008/EC
- Deviations:
- no
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- OECD Guideline 429 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay)
- Version / remarks:
- 24th April 2002
- Deviations:
- no
- GLP compliance:
- yes (incl. QA statement)
- Type of study:
- mouse local lymph node assay (LLNA)
- Species:
- mouse
- Strain:
- CBA
- Sex:
- female
- Details on test animals and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Harlan Hungarian Supplier, WOBE Kereskedelmi Kft., H-1164, Budapest, Garmada u. 10.
- Age at study initiation: Young adult, 11-12 weeks old, age-matched within one week
- Weight at study initiation: 20.3 – 21.5 grams (the weight variation in animals involved in the study did not exceed +/- 20 % of the mean weight)
- Housing: Individual caging / mice were provided with glass tunnel-tubes
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Animals received ssniff® SM R/M-Z+H "Autoclavable complete diet for rats and mice – breeding and maintenance" (Batch Number: 266 0944, Expiry Date: January 2009 and Batch Number: 376 1603, Expiry Date: May 2009) produced by ssniff Spezialdiäten GmbH, D-59494 Soest Germany ad libitum, and tap water from municipal supply, as for human consumption from 500 ml bottle ad libitum. The contents of the diet provided by the Supplier are listed in Appendix 6. The diet and drinking water are routinely analysed and are considered to not contain any contaminants that could reasonably be expected to affect the purpose or integrity of the study. Copies of the relevant Certificates of Analysis are retained in the Archive at LAB Research Ltd.
- Acclimation period: 36 days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 22 ± 3 °C
- Humidity (%): 24 - 70 %
- Air changes (per hr): 15-20 air exchange/hour by central air-condition system.
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 light hours daily, from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 2009-02-26 To: 2009-03-04 - Vehicle:
- other: 1 (w/v) % Pluronic PE9200 in water
- Concentration:
- 2.5 %, 5 % and 10 %
- No. of animals per dose:
- 4
- Details on study design:
- RANGE FINDING TESTS:
- Compound solubility:
The test item vehicle compatibility was verified in a Preliminary Compatibility Test with
1. Acetone: Olive oil 4:1 mixture (AOO),
2. N,N-dimethylformamide,
3. Propylene glycol,
4. Dimethyl sulphoxide and
5. 1 (w/v) % Pluronic.
The test item was insoluble in solvents 1-4. The suitable vehicle was 1 % Pluronic. The maximum soluble concentration was 10% in this vehicle. Pluronic PE9200 is a surfactant, which ensured the formulation remained on the ears of the animals when applied topically. Although this vehicle is not specifically listed in the OECD guideline, it has been validated with positive control materials in international laboratories and LAB Research Ltd and represents a worst case vehicle.
- Irritation:
No cutaneous reaction was observed in any of the treated groups.
- Lymph node proliferation response:
The observations recorded in this preliminary test suggest that the formulations, the application of the material and the local effects on the animal are acceptable for a valid LLNA.
MAIN STUDY
ANIMAL ASSIGNMENT AND TREATMENT
- Name of test method: LLNA
- Criteria used to consider a positive response:
The test item is regarded as a sensitizer if both of the following criteria are fulfilled:
- That exposure to at least one concentration of the test item resulted in an incorporation of 3HTdR at least 3-fold or greater than recorded in control mice, as indicated by the stimulation index.
- The data are compatible with a conventional dose response, although allowance must be made (especially at high topical concentrations) for either local toxicity or immunological suppression.
TREATMENT PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION:
During the assay each mouse was topically dosed on the dorsal surface of each ear with 25 mL of the appropriate formulation applied using a pipette. Each animal was dosed once a day for three consecutive days (Days 1, 2 and 3). There was no treatment on Days 4, 5 and 6. - Positive control substance(s):
- hexyl cinnamic aldehyde (CAS No 101-86-0)
- Statistics:
- mean
- Positive control results:
- The positive control group animals were treated with 25 (w/v) % HCA solution in a relevant vehicle (1% Pluronic) concurrent to the test item groups. The stimulation index of the test item was determined to be 8.9.
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 1
- Test group / Remarks:
- Negative control (1% Pluronic)
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 1.4
- Test group / Remarks:
- 10% sodium cyanate
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 2.4
- Test group / Remarks:
- 5% sodium cyanate
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 0.8
- Test group / Remarks:
- 2.5% sodium cyanate
- Cellular proliferation data / Observations:
- CELLULAR PROLIFERATION DATA
The following disintegrations per minute (DPM) were determined:
Vehicle: 691.5 dpm
10% test item: 951.5 dpm
5.0% test item: 1635.5 dpm
2.5 % test item: 548.5 dpm
Positive control: 6169.5 dpm
The following DPM per group was determined:
Vehicle: 728.0 dpm/group
10% test item: 988.0 dpm/group
5.0% test item: 1672.0 dpm/group
2.5 % test item: 585.0 dpm/group
Positive control: 6206.0 dpm/group
The following DPN was determined:
Vehicle: 86.4 dpn
10% test item: 118.9 dpn
5.0% test item: 204.4 dpn
2.5 % test item: 68.6 dpn
Positive control: 771.2 dpm
DETAILS ON STIMULATION INDEX CALCULATION
SI = DPN value of a treated group divided by the DPN value of the negative control group
CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: No mortality or signs of systemic toxicity were observed during the study. No irritation or other cutaneous effect was observed in any treated of the groups. Test item precipitate was observed on the ears of the animals in the 10 % treated group (Days 2 and 3).
BODY WEIGHTS: No significant effects were observed on animal body weights. - Interpretation of results:
- GHS criteria not met
- Conclusions:
- In conclusion, the test item analogue, sodium cyanate, was shown to have no sensitisation potential (non-sensitizer) in the Local Lymph Node Assay under the test conditions used in this study.
- Executive summary:
Local Lymph Node Assay according to OECD 429 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 of 30 May 2008, B.42 was performed with CBA/CaOlaHsd mice. The aim of this study was to determine the skin sensitisation potential of the test item analogue following dermal exposure in the Local Lymph Node Assay. The test item was a white solid; vehicle compatibility was verified in a Preliminary Compatibility Test with Acetone: Olive oil 4:1 mixture (AOO), N,N-dimethylformamide, Propylene glycol, Dimethyl sulphoxide and 1 (w/v) % Pluronic. The test item was insoluble in first – fourth solvents. The suitable vehicle was 1 (w/v) % Pluronic. The maximum available concentration was 10% in this vehicle. Pluronic PE9200 is a surfactant, which ensures that the formulation remained on the ears of the animals when applied topically. Although this vehicle is not specifically listed in the OECD guideline, it has been validated with positive control materials in international laboratories and LAB Research Ltd. A Preliminary Irritation/Toxicity test was performed with the test item at concentrations of 10 % and 5 % in the selected vehicle. The 10 % concentration was considered acceptable as the maximum concentration in the main assay. In the main assay twenty female CBA/CaOlaHsd mice were allocated to five groups of four animals each:
- three groups received the appropriate formulation of test item analogue at concentrations of 10 %, 5 % and 2.5 %,
- the negative control group received the vehicle (1 % Pluronic),
- the positive control group received 25 (w/v) % HCA in relevant vehicle. The test item solutions were applied on the dorsal surface of ears of experimental animals (25 l/ear) for three consecutive days (Days 1, 2 and 3). There was no treatment on Days 4, 5 and 6. On Day 6, the cell proliferation in the local lymph nodes was measured by incorporation of tritiated methyl thymidine (3HTdR) and the values obtained were used to calculate stimulation indices (SI). No mortality or systemic clinical signs were observed during the study. No treatment related effect on the body weights was observed. No signs of irritation or other cutaneous effect were observed in any of the treated groups. No significant lymphoproliferative response (SI 3) of test item analogue was observed at the concentrations applied compared to the negative control. Stimulation index values of the test item were 1.4, 2.4 and 0.8 at treatment concentrations of 10 %, 5 % and 2.5 %, respectively. No dose-response to treatment was observed. α-Hexylcinnamaldehyde (25 (w/v) % dissolved in 1% Pluronic) was used as the positive control to demonstrate the appropriate performance of the assay. A significant lymphoproliferative response (stimulation index value of 8.9) was noted for the positive control chemical, this result confirmed the validity of the assay.
The test item analogue, sodium cyanate, is not considered to be a skin sensitizer under the test conditions chosen.
- Endpoint:
- skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA)
- Type of information:
- read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
- Adequacy of study:
- key study
- Justification for type of information:
- ANALOGUE APPROACH JUSTIFICATION
Both the target and the source substance show similar behaviour in aqueous medium (dissociate quickly to cyante and K+ or Na+, respectivley) and their behaviour on skin is assumed to be similar as well. Both potassium and sodium are present in cells and body fluids (e.g. essential electrolytres), therefore the potential for skin sensitisation is due the cyanate ion. - Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
- read-across source
- Type of study:
- mouse local lymph node assay (LLNA)
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 1
- Test group / Remarks:
- Negative control (1% Pluronic)
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 1.4
- Test group / Remarks:
- 10% sodium cyanate
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 2.4
- Test group / Remarks:
- 5% sodium cyanate
- Key result
- Parameter:
- SI
- Value:
- 0.8
- Test group / Remarks:
- 2.5% sodium cyanate
- Endpoint:
- skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA)
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- disregarded due to major methodological deficiencies
- Study period:
- from 1992-03-12 to 1992-09-23
- Reliability:
- 3 (not reliable)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- significant methodological deficiencies
- Remarks:
- This test was not taken into account, as it is regarded as invalid (4 animals died in test group and also significant erythema was noted in the negative control group, so not allowing a conclusion with regard to this endpoint).
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- OECD Guideline 406 (Skin Sensitisation)
- Version / remarks:
- 1981
- Deviations:
- no
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- EU Method B.6 (Skin Sensitisation)
- Version / remarks:
- 84/449/EEC
- Deviations:
- no
- GLP compliance:
- yes
- Type of study:
- guinea pig maximisation test
- Justification for non-LLNA method:
- The Guinea Pig Maximization Test (1992) met the previous requirements before the entry into force of REACH. The GPMT is suitable and reliable to cover this endpoint. For this reason and for animal welfare reasons, no further in vivo study (LLNA test) needs to be performed.
- Species:
- guinea pig
- Strain:
- other: Pirbright White (Bor: DHPW)
- Sex:
- male/female
- Details on test animals and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Harlan-Winkelmann GmbH, D-33176 Borchen, Germany
- Age at study initiation: Males 8 weeks, females 8 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: males 345 - 479 g, females 386 -453 g
- Housing: 1 animal per cage
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum (standard diet, ssniffG, special diet for guinea pigs)
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 6 days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20.0 -21.5 °C
- Humidity (%): 40-66 %
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 1994-05-03 To: 1994-06-02 - Route:
- intradermal
- Vehicle:
- physiological saline
- Concentration / amount:
- 0.3 %, application volume 0.1 mL
- Day(s)/duration:
- On day 1
- Adequacy of induction:
- other: Maximum non-irritating concentration
- Route:
- epicutaneous, occlusive
- Vehicle:
- physiological saline
- Concentration / amount:
- 20%, application volume: 1 mL
- Day(s)/duration:
- On day 8/ 48 hours
- Adequacy of induction:
- non-irritant substance, but skin pre-treated with 10% SDS
- No.:
- #1
- Route:
- epicutaneous, occlusive
- Vehicle:
- physiological saline
- Concentration / amount:
- 20%, application volume: 0.2 mL
- Day(s)/duration:
- On day 22/ 24 hours
- Adequacy of challenge:
- highest non-irritant concentration
- No. of animals per dose:
- Vehicle control group 1: 3 male, 3 female
Vehicle control group 2: 3 male, 3 female
Test substance group 1: 5 male, 5 female - Details on study design:
- RANGE FINDING TESTS:
In preliminary tests, the maximum non-irritating concentration for the intradermal concentration for the epidermal application during the induction phase as well as a non-irritating concentration for epidermal application during the challenge phase were determined.
MAIN STUDY
A. INDUCTION EXPOSURE (intradermal)
- No. of exposures: 6 (- 2 x Freund complete adjuvant(FCA)/physiological saline solution (1:1)
- 2 x test substance
- 2 x test substance/FCA (1.1))
- Test groups: application day: 1
- Control group: Identical treatment, however the vehicle was used instead of the test substance.
- Concentrations: 0.3 %
B. INDUCTION EXPOSURE (epidermal)
- No. of exposures: 1
- Exposure period: day 8
- Test groups: Treatment on day 7 with 10% solution of sodium lauryl sulfate in water, day 8 test substance
- Control group: Identical treatement, however the vehicle was used instead of the test substance.
- Site: Scapular area
- Frequency of applications: once on day 8
- Duration: 48 h
- Concentrations: 20 %
B. CHALLENGE EXPOSURE
- No. of exposures: 2
- Day(s) of challenge: day 22
- Exposure period: 24 h
- Test groups: as the result of the first challenge was unequivocal a second challenge was not performed
- Control group: The animals of the control group were treated like the animals of the test substance group.
- Site: right flank (test substance), left flank (vehicle)
- Concentrations: 20 %
- Evaluation (hr after challenge): 24 and 48 h - Challenge controls:
- yes
- Positive control substance(s):
- no
- Positive control results:
- no positive control
- Key result
- Reading:
- 1st reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 24
- Group:
- test chemical
- Dose level:
- 20 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 3
- Total no. in group:
- 6
- Clinical observations:
- 4 animals died
- Key result
- Reading:
- 2nd reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 48
- Group:
- test chemical
- Dose level:
- 20 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 3
- Total no. in group:
- 6
- Clinical observations:
- 4 animal died
- Key result
- Reading:
- 1st reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 24
- Group:
- negative control
- Dose level:
- 20 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 1
- Total no. in group:
- 6
- Clinical observations:
- one animal with erythema
- Key result
- Reading:
- 2nd reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 48
- Group:
- negative control
- Dose level:
- 20 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 1
- Total no. in group:
- 6
- Clinical observations:
- one animal with erythema
- Interpretation of results:
- study cannot be used for classification
- Conclusions:
- The test item analogue, sodium cyanate, has sensitizing properties on the skin of guinea pig (Maximisation Test).
- Executive summary:
In a dermal sensitization study with the test item analogue sodium cyanate in physiological saline solution, 8 week old Pirbright White (Bor: DHPW) guinea pigs (5/sex) were tested using the method of Magnusson and Kligmann. Following epidermal challenge, 3 of 6 guinea pigs reacted with very slight to well defined erythema and one of these animals also with slight edema at the exposed skin. One of the control animals also showed a very slight erythema. During the induction period 4 of 10 guinea pigs died within 48 hours after epidermal application because of systemic toxicity of the test substance.
This study does not allow a final conclusion with regard to skin sensitising properties.
- Endpoint:
- skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA)
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- supporting study
- Study period:
- from 1994-02-24 to 1994-07-18
- Reliability:
- 1 (reliable without restriction)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- guideline study
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- OECD Guideline 406 (Skin Sensitisation)
- Version / remarks:
- 1992
- Deviations:
- no
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- EU Method B.6 (Skin Sensitisation)
- Version / remarks:
- 92/32/EEC
- Deviations:
- no
- GLP compliance:
- yes
- Type of study:
- Buehler test
- Justification for non-LLNA method:
- The Buehler Test (1994) met the previous requirements before the entry into force of REACH. The Buehler Test is suitable and reliable to cover this endpoint. For this reason and for animal welfare reasons, no further in vivo study (LLNA test) needs to be performed.
- Species:
- guinea pig
- Strain:
- other: Hsd/Win: DH
- Sex:
- male/female
- Details on test animals and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Harlan-Winkelmann GmbH, D-33176 Borchen, Germany
- Age at study initiation: Males 9 weeks, females 9 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: males 455-520 g, females 405-469 g
- Housing: 1 animal per cage
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum (standard diet, ssniffG, special diet for guinea pigs)
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 6 days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 19-20°C
- Humidity (%): 51-65 %
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12/12
IN-LIFE DATES: From: 1994-05-03 To: 1994-06-02 - Route:
- epicutaneous, occlusive
- Vehicle:
- physiological saline
- Concentration / amount:
- 50%, application volume: 0.5 mL
- Day(s)/duration:
- On day 1, 8 and 15/ 6 hours
- Adequacy of induction:
- other: In a preliminary test no primary irritation of the test substance was observed.
- Concentration / amount:
- Induction: 50 %, application volume 0.5 mL
Challenge: 0.50 %, application volume 0.5 mL - No.:
- #1
- Route:
- epicutaneous, occlusive
- Vehicle:
- physiological saline
- Concentration / amount:
- 0.50%, application volume: 0.5 mL
- Day(s)/duration:
- On day 29/ 6 hours
- Adequacy of challenge:
- highest non-irritant concentration
- No. of animals per dose:
- Vehicle control group 1: 5 male, 5 female
Vehicle control group 2: 5 male, 5 female
Test substance group 1: 10 male, 10 female - Details on study design:
- RANGE FINDING TESTS:
In a preliminary test no primary irritation of the test substance was observed.
MAIN STUDY
A. INDUCTION EXPOSURE
- No. of exposures: 3
- Exposure period: 15 days
- Test groups: application days: 1,8 and 15
- Control group: Identical treatment, however the vehicle was used instead of the test substance.
- Site: 3x3 cm of the left flank
- Frequency of applications: on day 1, 8 and 15
- Duration: 6 h
- Concentrations: 50 %
B. CHALLENGE EXPOSURE
- No. of exposures: 1
- Day(s) of challenge: day 29
- Exposure period: 6 h
- Test groups: as the result of the first challenge was unequivocal a second challenge was not performed
- Control group: The animals of the control group were treated like the animals of the test substance group.
- Site: right flank (test substance), left flank (vehicle)
- Concentrations: 0.50 %
- Evaluation (hr after challenge): 24 and 48 h - Challenge controls:
- yes
- Positive control substance(s):
- no
- Positive control results:
- no positive control
- Key result
- Reading:
- 1st reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 24
- Group:
- test chemical
- Dose level:
- 0.5%
- No. with + reactions:
- 0
- Total no. in group:
- 20
- Clinical observations:
- no adverse effects
- Key result
- Reading:
- 2nd reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 48
- Group:
- test chemical
- Dose level:
- 0.5 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 0
- Total no. in group:
- 20
- Clinical observations:
- no adverse effects
- Key result
- Reading:
- 1st reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 24
- Group:
- negative control
- Dose level:
- 0.5 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 0
- Total no. in group:
- 10
- Clinical observations:
- no adverse effects
- Key result
- Reading:
- 2nd reading
- Hours after challenge:
- 48
- Group:
- negative control
- Dose level:
- 0.5 %
- No. with + reactions:
- 0
- Total no. in group:
- 10
- Clinical observations:
- no adverse effects
- Interpretation of results:
- GHS criteria not met
- Conclusions:
- The test item analogue, sodium cyanate, has no sensitizing properties on the skin of guinea pig (Buehler Test).
- Executive summary:
In a dermal sensitization study with the test item analogue sodium cyanate in physiological saline solution, 9 weeks old Hsd/Win: DH guinea pigs (10/sex) were tested using the method of Buehler. Following epidermal challenge neither treated nor control animals showed erythema or edema. No systemic toxic effects were observed. The general condition and body weight gain of the animals were not affected. In this study, sodium cyanate is not a dermal sensitizer.
Referenceopen allclose all
Following epidermal challenge, 3 of 6 guinea pigs reacted with very slight to well defined erythema and one of these animals also with slight edema at the exposed skin. One of the control animals also showed a very slight erythema. During the induction period 4 of 10 guinea pigs died within 48 hours after epidermal application because of systemic toxicity of the test substance.
No systemic toxic effects were observed. The general condition and body weight gain of the animals were not affected.
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no adverse effect observed (not sensitising)
- Additional information:
No study is available to investigate the skin sensitization potential of the test item potassium cyanate. However, suitable and reliable studies with the test item analogue sodium cyanate are available which are considered to fulfill the requirements of REACH Annex VII, section 8.3.
In aqueous solution cyanate salts dissociate very quickly to cyanate ion and the respective alkali metal ion. It is not expected that Na+ or K+ contribute to the skin sensitizing potential. Sodium cyanate was shown to have no sensitisation potential (non-sensitizer) in the Local Lymph Node Assay in concentrations up to 10 % (maxium solubility). This result is supported by a Buehler Test with sodium cyanate (not sensitising). A third test showed sensitizing potential. However this test was not taken into account, as it is regarded as invalid (4 animals died in test group and also significant erythema was noted in the negative control group, so not allowing a conclusion with regard to this endpoint).
Key Study
Local Lymph Node Assay according to OECD 429 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 of 30 May 2008, B.42 was performed with CBA/CaOlaHsd mice. The aim of this study was to determine the skin sensitisation potential of the test item analogue, sodium cyanate, following dermal exposure in the Local Lymph Node Assay. The test item was a white solid; vehicle compatibility was verified in a Preliminary Compatibility Test with Acetone: Olive oil 4:1 mixture (AOO), N,N-dimethylformamide, Propylene glycol, Dimethyl sulphoxide and 1 (w/v) % Pluronic. The test item was insoluble in first – fourth solvents. The suitable vehicle was 1 (w/v) % Pluronic. The maximum available concentration was 10% in this vehicle. Pluronic PE9200 is a surfactant, which ensures that the formulation remained on the ears of the animals when applied topically. Although this vehicle is not specifically listed in the OECD guideline, it has been validated with positive control materials in international laboratories and LAB Research Ltd. A Preliminary Irritation/Toxicity test was performed with the test item at concentrations of 10 % and 5 % in the selected vehicle. The 10 % concentration was considered acceptable as the maximum concentration in the main assay. In the main assay twenty female CBA/CaOlaHsd mice were allocated to five groups of four animals each:
- three groups received the appropriate formulation of test item analogue at concentrations of 10 %, 5 % and 2.5 %,
- the negative control group received the vehicle (1 % Pluronic),
- the positive control group received 25 (w/v) % HCA in relevant vehicle. The test item solutions were applied on the dorsal surface of ears of experimental animals (25 l/ear) for three consecutive days (Days 1, 2 and 3). There was no treatment on Days 4, 5 and 6. On Day 6, the cell proliferation in the local lymph nodes was measured by incorporation of tritiated methyl thymidine (3HTdR) and the values obtained were used to calculate stimulation indices (SI). No mortality or systemic clinical signs were observed during the study. No treatment related effect on the body weights was observed. No signs of irritation or other cutaneous effect were observed in any of the treated groups. No significant lymphoproliferative response (SI 3) of test item analogue was observed at the concentrations applied compared to the negative control. Stimulation index values of the test item were 1.4, 2.4 and 0.8 at treatment concentrations of 10 %, 5 % and 2.5 %, respectively. No dose-response to treatment was observed. α-Hexylcinnamaldehyde (25 (w/v) % dissolved in 1% Pluronic) was used as the positive control to demonstrate the appropriate performance of the assay. A significant lymphoproliferative response (stimulation index value of 8.9) was noted for the positive control chemical, this result confirmed the validity of the assay.
The test item analogue, sodium cyanate, is not considered to be a skin sensitizer under the test conditions chosen.
Supporting study
In a dermal sensitization study with the test item analogue, sodium cyanate, in physiological saline solution, 9 weeks old Hsd/Win: DH guinea pigs (10/sex) were tested using the method of Buehler. For induction the animals were exposed epidermally (occlusive patch, 24 h) with a concentration of 50 %. The challenge was conducted twice by exposure 0.5 % sodium cyanate in physiological saline (occlusive patch, 6 h). Following epidermal challenge neither treated nor control animals showed erythema or edema. No systemic toxic effects were observed. The general condition and body weight gain of the animals were not affected. In this study, sodium cyanate is not a dermal sensitizer.
Disregarded Study
In a dermal sensitization study with the test item analogue, sodium cyanate, in physiological saline solution, 8 week old Pirbright White (Bor: DHPW) guinea pigs (5/sex) were tested using the method of Magnusson and Kligmann. Following epidermal challenge, 3 of 6 guinea pigs reacted with very slight to well defined erythema and one of these animals also with slight edema at the exposed skin. One of the control animals also showed a very slight erythema. During the induction period 4 of 10 guinea pigs died within 48 hours after epidermal application because of systemic toxicity of the test substance. This study does not allow a final conclusion with regard to skin sensitising properties.
Conclusion
Based on the applied read-across approach the test item potassium cyanate is not considered to be a skin sensitiser.
Respiratory sensitisation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Justification for classification or non-classification
Classification, Labelling, and Packaging Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Based on the available experimental data, the test item is not considered to be classified for skin sensitisation under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, as amended for the seventeenth time in Regulation (EU) 2021/849.
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