Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
Diss Factsheets
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EC number: 201-297-1 | CAS number: 80-62-6
- 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
- Dissociation constant
- Viscosity
- Additional physico-chemical information
- Additional physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials
- Nanomaterial agglomeration / aggregation
- Nanomaterial crystalline phase
- Nanomaterial crystallite and grain size
- Nanomaterial aspect ratio / shape
- Nanomaterial specific surface area
- Nanomaterial Zeta potential
- Nanomaterial surface chemistry
- Nanomaterial dustiness
- Nanomaterial porosity
- Nanomaterial pour density
- Nanomaterial photocatalytic activity
- Nanomaterial radical formation potential
- Nanomaterial catalytic activity
- Endpoint summary
- Stability
- Biodegradation
- Bioaccumulation
- Transport and distribution
- 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
Skin irritation
Human data
Patch test study with volunteers: 18/20 showed erythema and dermatitis after exposure to 5% methyl methacrylate in paraffin or olive oil (Nyquist 1958). Although a clear distinction between sensitisation and irritation is difficult and the exposure period is far longer than usual in irritation testing the results suggest that MMA may have the potential for skin irritation in humans.
Animal data
in vivo, rabbit: low to moderate potential for skin irritation (Sterner 1977; Rohm & Haas 1982)
Eye irritation
Animal data
in vivo, rabbit, 0.1 mL, unwashed: no potential for eye irritation (Sterner 1978, Rohm and Haas 1982)
Irritation of the respiratory tract
Human data
Workplace exposure: acute and reversible irritation at concentration levels exceeding 100 ppm (ca. 0.410 mg/L; (Coleman, 1963, Roehm 1994, Muttray et al., 1997, Muttray et al., 2007)
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Skin irritation / corrosion
Link to relevant study records
- Endpoint:
- skin irritation: in vivo
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- weight of evidence
- Reliability:
- 2 (reliable with restrictions)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- test procedure in accordance with national standard methods
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- other: "Appraisal of the safety of chemicals in foods, drugs and cosmetics"; Division of Pharmacology, FDA; according to the Draize Test, 1959
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- Application: occlusive instead of semiocclusive
Exposute time: 24 hours instead of 4 hours - GLP compliance:
- no
- Specific details on test material used for the study:
- - Provided by Röhm GmbH, Darmstadt
- Name of test material (as cited in study report): Methylmethacrylat
- Physical state: clear liquid
- Analytical purity: no data - Species:
- rabbit
- Strain:
- New Zealand White
- Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Mean weight at study initiation: 2.5 kg
- Housing: single
- Diet (ad libitum): Hoeing 222
- Water (ad libitum): not specified
- Acclimation period:
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 20+-1
- Humidity (%): 50-60
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 - Type of coverage:
- occlusive
- Preparation of test site:
- shaved
- Vehicle:
- unchanged (no vehicle)
- Controls:
- other: untreated areas on test animals served as control
- Amount / concentration applied:
- TEST MATERIAL
- Amount(s) applied: 0.5 ml - Duration of treatment / exposure:
- 24 h
- Observation period:
- 24 and 72 hrs
- Number of animals:
- 6
- Details on study design:
- TEST SITE
- Area of exposure: 2.5*2.5 cm
- Type of wrap if used: rubberised cloth
REMOVAL OF TEST SUBSTANCE
- Washing: not performed
- Time after start of exposure: 24 h
SCORING SYSTEM: according to the OECD/Draize scoring system - Irritation parameter:
- erythema score
- Basis:
- animal: #1, #2, #3, #4, #6
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/ 72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- other: no effcts
- Remarks on result:
- other: see table for details
- Irritation parameter:
- erythema score
- Basis:
- animal #5
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/72h
- Score:
- 0.5
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- fully reversible within: 72 h
- Remarks on result:
- other: see table for details
- Irritation parameter:
- edema score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2; #3; #4; #5; '6
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/72h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- other: no effects
- Remarks on result:
- other: see table for details
- Interpretation of results:
- not irritating
- Executive summary:
In an acute dermal irritation test acc. to Draize 1959 6 New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to methyl methacrylate under occlusive conditions for 24 hours on the shaved skin. Very slight erythema was observed in one animal which was fully reversible within 72 h.
- Endpoint:
- skin irritation: in vivo
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- weight of evidence
- Reliability:
- 2 (reliable with restrictions)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- test procedure in accordance with national standard methods with acceptable restrictions
- Remarks:
- Range-finding study, number of animals: 2.
- Guideline:
- other: not specified
- Deviations:
- yes
- Remarks:
- Range finding study: only 2 animals
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- other: 0.5 ml, occluded, 4 hours
- GLP compliance:
- not specified
- Specific details on test material used for the study:
- Purity: 99.8% MMA
10 ppm Topanol A (12,4-Dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol) - Species:
- rabbit
- Strain:
- New Zealand White
- Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
- not specified
- Type of coverage:
- occlusive
- Preparation of test site:
- clipped
- Vehicle:
- unchanged (no vehicle)
- Controls:
- not specified
- Amount / concentration applied:
- 0.5 ml
- Duration of treatment / exposure:
- 4 hrs
- Observation period:
- 0.5; 24 and 72 Hours and 7 days
- Number of animals:
- 2
- Details on study design:
- After the 4 hours exposure the patches and cuffs were removed and the application sites were wiped gently
- Irritation parameter:
- erythema score
- Basis:
- animal #1
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/72 h
- Score:
- 0.5
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- fully reversible within: 7 days
- Irritation parameter:
- erythema score
- Basis:
- animal #2
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/72 h
- Score:
- 4
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- not reversible
- Remarks:
- within 7 days
- Irritation parameter:
- edema score
- Basis:
- animal #1
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 4
- Irritation parameter:
- edema score
- Basis:
- animal #2
- Time point:
- other: mean 24/72 h
- Score:
- 2.5
- Max. score:
- 0
- Reversibility:
- not fully reversible within: 7 days
- Interpretation of results:
- irritating
- Remarks:
- Migrated information after 4/24h occluded exposure Criteria used for interpretation of results: expert judgment
- Conclusions:
- WoE conclusion based on irritation and dermal toxicity screening data:
Irritation: 2 rabbits were exposed to MMA for 4 hrs. One animal showed very slight irritation, the other moderate to severe irritation. The screening study was terminated at 7 days and was of insufficient duration to demonstrate full reversibility in this animal.
Dermal Toxicity: Groups of 2 male rabbits were treated dermally with MMA at doses of 0.2, 2 or 5 g/kg bw under occluded conditions for 24 hours. Well-defined to severe erythema with blanching and moderate to severe oedema with pocketing were observed at 24 hours. The skin irritation was still present at day 14 in the animals treated at 2 or 5 g MMA/kg bw but was not present after day 3 in the animals treated at 0.2 g/kg bw. Eschar was observed at day 2 in animals treated at the 2 or 5 mg/kg bw dose levels and some eschar was observed to be sloughing off with new hair growth on the underlying skin at day 12 in animals dosed at 2 or 5 g/kg bw. This is consistent with reversible effects as a consequence of irritation and tissue recovery rather than skin corrosion and scaring. Desiccation was also observed after day 4 in animals treated at all 3 dose levels.
Although at 2 and 5 g/kg bw (after 24 h of exposure), reversal of tissue damage was not demonstrated by day 14 , the fact that is used a 24 hr contact period, and that reversibility was observed at 0.2 g/kg bw, correspond more closely to the applied dose used under a guideline skin irritation study (0.5 ml / 4 h ) the overall conclusion from these dermal irritation and toxicity studies is that MMA is irritant to the skin of rabbits. - Executive summary:
Based on screening data with two animals and 4 hours exposure of 0.5 ml of methyl methacrylate to New Zealand White rabbits, the substance is regaded as irritating to the skin.
Referenceopen allclose all
Exposition: | 24 h occlusive, shaved skin | |||
Animal | Reading | Erythema | Edema | Symptoms |
1 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 24 h | 1 | 0 | |
6 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | |
mean animal 1 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
mean animal 2 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
mean animal 3 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
mean animal 4 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
mean animal 5 | 24 - 72 h | 0.50 | 0.00 | |
mean animal 6 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
mean | 24 - 72 h | 0.08 | 0.00 |
---
The mean erythema and edema scores of the 24 and 72 h readings of the scarified skin sites were 0.25 and 0.0, respectively. The slight erythema were fully reversible within 72 h.
Screening study with two animals. Only two animals: Effects in one animal were slight and fully reversibe, in the other animal a strong irritant response was observed but reversibility was not fully assessed (7 d)
WoE conclusion based on dermal tox. screening data: Fully reversible within 3 days at 0.2 mg/kg
2 rabbits received 0.2, 2 or 5 g/kg bw (occluded) for 24h. Moderate/severe irritation was observed at 24h. Complete recovery occurred at 0.2 g/kg (dose comparable to irritation guideline) but not at 2 or 5 g/kg.
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- adverse effect observed (irritating)
Eye irritation
Link to relevant study records
- Endpoint:
- eye irritation: in vivo
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- weight of evidence
- Reliability:
- 2 (reliable with restrictions)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- test procedure in accordance with national standard methods
- Remarks:
- Draize test
- Qualifier:
- according to guideline
- Guideline:
- other: "Appraisal of the safety of chemicals in foods, drugs and cosmetics" Division of Pharmacology, FDA. According to Draize, 1959
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- Draize Test
- GLP compliance:
- no
- Specific details on test material used for the study:
- Supplier: Röhm GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
- Species:
- rabbit
- Strain:
- New Zealand White
- Details on test animals or tissues and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Weight at study initiation: 2.4 - 2.6 kg
- Housing: single
- Diet (ad libitum): Hoeing 222
- Water (ad libitum): not specified
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 18
- Humidity (%): 50-60
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12:12 - Vehicle:
- unchanged (no vehicle)
- Controls:
- other: 1 eye untreated: control
- Amount / concentration applied:
- TEST MATERIAL
- Amount(s) applied: 0.1 mL - Duration of treatment / exposure:
- Single instillation of 0.1 ml into the left eye, eyes were left unwashed
- Observation period (in vivo):
- 24, 48 and 72 hrs, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days
- Number of animals or in vitro replicates:
- 6
- Details on study design:
- REMOVAL OF TEST SUBSTANCE
- Washing: not performed
SCORING SYSTEM: according to the OECD/ Draize scoring system - Irritation parameter:
- cornea opacity score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2; #3; #4; #5; #6
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- other: no effects
- Irritation parameter:
- iris score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2; #3; #4; #5; #6
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 2
- Reversibility:
- other: no effects
- Irritation parameter:
- conjunctivae score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2; #3; #4; #5; #6
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 3
- Reversibility:
- other: no effects
- Remarks on result:
- other: slight to moderate erythema was observed 1 to 8 h after application (before the relevant reading points).
- Irritation parameter:
- chemosis score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2; #3; #4; #5; #6
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Max. score:
- 4
- Reversibility:
- other: no effects
- Remarks on result:
- other: slight to moderate chemosis 1 to 8 h after application (before the relevant reading points).
- Other effects:
- Slight to moderate discharge was observed 1 to 8 h after application.
- Interpretation of results:
- GHS criteria not met
- Conclusions:
- Methyl methacrylate was not irriating in an eye irritation test according to Draize (1959)
- Executive summary:
In an acute eye irritation test according the appraisal of the safety of chemicals in foods, drugs and cosmetics (1959), 6 New Zealand White rabbits were tested. No irritation was observed in all animals.
- Endpoint:
- eye irritation: in vivo
- Type of information:
- experimental study
- Adequacy of study:
- weight of evidence
- Reliability:
- 2 (reliable with restrictions)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- other: Range-finding study, number of animals: 2.
- Guideline:
- other: range finding study
- Principles of method if other than guideline:
- only 2 animals
- GLP compliance:
- not specified
- Specific details on test material used for the study:
- Purity: 99.8% MMA
10 ppm Topanol A (12,4-Dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol) - Species:
- rabbit
- Strain:
- New Zealand White
- Details on test animals or tissues and environmental conditions:
- males
- Vehicle:
- unchanged (no vehicle)
- Controls:
- other: other eye on same animal
- Amount / concentration applied:
- 0.1 ml of the test substance, as received, was applied onto the cornea
- Duration of treatment / exposure:
- unwashed
- Observation period (in vivo):
- 7d
- Number of animals or in vitro replicates:
- 2
- Irritation parameter:
- cornea opacity score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2
- Remarks:
- only 2 animals testd
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Irritation parameter:
- iris score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2
- Remarks:
- only 2 animals tested
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0
- Irritation parameter:
- conjunctivae score
- Basis:
- animal: #1; #2
- Remarks:
- only 2 animals tested
- Time point:
- 24/48/72 h
- Score:
- 0.66
- Reversibility:
- fully reversible within: 48 h
- Irritant / corrosive response data:
- Based on the duration and nature of the ocular effects alone, this test substance is considered to be "slightly irritating" to the eyes of rabbits (i.e. conjunctival effects only, and reversible within 48 hr but not 24 hr).
- Interpretation of results:
- GHS criteria not met
- Conclusions:
- Classification: not irritating
- Executive summary:
Based on the duration and nature of the ocular effects alone, this test substance is considered to be "slightly irritating" to the eyes of rabbits (i.e. conjunctival effects only, and reversible within 72 hr but not 24 hr).
Referenceopen allclose all
Animal | Reading | Opacity | Cornea area | Iritis | Redness | Chemosis | Discharge | Symptoms |
1 | 1 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
2 | 1 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
3 | 1 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 1 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
5 | 1 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
6 | 1 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
1 | 2 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
2 | 2 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
3 | 2 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 2 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
5 | 2 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
6 | 2 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
1 | 8 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
2 | 8 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
3 | 8 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 8 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
5 | 8 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
6 | 8 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
1 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 24 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 48 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 48 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 48 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 48 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 48 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 48 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 72 h | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 4 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 4 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 4 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 4 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 4 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 4 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 5 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 5 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 5 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 5 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 5 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 5 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 6 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 6 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
3 | 6 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
4 | 6 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
5 | 6 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
6 | 6 d | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
2 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
3 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
4 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
5 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
6 | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
mean | 24 - 72 h | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Time |
Structure |
Animal 1 |
Animal 2 |
Mean |
24 h |
Cornea Iris Conjunctivae |
0 0 2 |
0 0 2 |
0 0 2 |
48 h |
Cornea Iris Conjunctivae |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
72 h |
Cornea Iris Conjunctivae |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
7 d |
Cornea Iris Conjunctivae |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no adverse effect observed (not irritating)
Respiratory irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- adverse effect observed (irritating)
Additional information
There was valid in vivo information available to assess the potential for skin and eye irritation of methyl methacrylate.
Skin irritation
Human data
Nyquist et al.(1958) reported erythema and eczematous dermatitis in 18/20 human volunteers to methyl methacrylate (5% in paraffin or olive oil). Although a clear distinction between sensitisation and irritation was not made by the author and the exposure period is far longer than usual in irritation testing the results suggest that MMA may have the potential for skin irritation in humans.
Animal data
The results of the reliable studies varied. In the most reliable study (standardized test protocol according to the Draize test, 0.5 mL of the unchanged test substance were applied to shaved skin sites of six New Zealand White rabbits under occlusive conditions for 24 hours), only slight erythema were observed in 1/6 animals in the 24 h reading; no further effects were observed. The mean erythema and oedema scores were 0.08 and 0.00 for all animals and readings, respectively (Sterner 1977). On the other hand, Rohm and Haas (1982) reported moderate skin irritation after application of 0.5 mL of the test substance to the rabbit skin under occlusive conditions for 4/24 hours. In an overall view it is considered that methyl methacrylate possess the potential for skin irritation.
Eye irritation
Animal data
Here, the results of the reliable studies produced a clear pattern. In the most reliable study, 0.1 mL of the unchanged test substance was applied to the eyes of six New Zealand White rabbits and the treated eyes were not washed out (Sterner 1978). In the relevant reading period between 24 h and 72 h after application there were no irritation effects observed on cornea, iris and conjunctivae (redness and chemosis). The respective scores were 0.0 for all parametersm and all animals. Slight to moderate conjunctivae redness, chemosis and discharge was observed in the readings 1 h to 8 h after application, which were not relevant for classification.In addition, slight, transient effects were described in a study of Rohm & Haas (1982). Overall it is considered that methyl methacrylate possess the potential for, at most, slight irritation effects on the rabbit eye.
Irritation of the respiratory tract
Human data
Reversible irritation reactions have been observed after short-term peak exposures to humans at concentration levels exceeding 100 ppm (Coleman, 1963, Roehm 1994). No damage to olfactory function was reported in a cross-sectional smell test in workers exposed to MMA up to 50 ppm during the past 6 years and up to 100 ppm the time before (mean duration of exposure 9.6 years) (Muttray et al., 1997). No effects were seen after single exposures to 50 ppm in a study with human volunteers investigating changes in cytokine levels indicative of subclinical, irritating effects (Muttray et al., 2007)
Justification for classification or non-classification
Skin irritation
The results of the reliable animal studies varied between slight and moderate, reversible irritation effects on the rabbit skin. There are also indications of irritation in human patch tests with prolonged exposure. Hence, methyl methacrylate is classified as skin irritation Cat. 2 according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 requirements and UN-GHS criteria, respectively.
Eye irritation
It is considered that methyl methacrylate possess the potential for maximum slight irritation effects on the rabbit eye, which were below the criteria for classification according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 requirements. No classification.
Irritation of the respiratory tract
Based on results of studies in humans and animals methyl methacrylate has to be classified as irritant to the respiratory tract according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 requirements (and UN-GHS criteria, respectively).
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