Allyl alcohol

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Two studies were identified as having assessed the skin irritation/corrosion potential of allyl alcohol. Based on a weight of evidence approach, allyl alcohol is considered slightly irritating to the skin. Four studies were identified as having assessed the eye irritation potential of allyl alcohol. All studies indicate allyl alcohol as an eye irritant. Respiratory irritation was determined from an acute inhalation toxicity study. 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Additional information

Skin irritation/corrosion: Two studies were identified as having assessed the skin irritation/corrosion potential of allyl alcohol. The first study involved application of 0.5 ml undiluted allyl alcohol to the intact and scarified skin of rabbits. One treated animal showed slight erythema at 24 hours post-exposure but this had disappeared at 48 hours. No other effects were reported in this study. The second study was a skin sensitisation study in guinea pigs: in a preliminary irritation trial, 0.1 ml of 50, 25 and 10 w/v% allyl alcohol was applied to the flank region of guinea pigs for 24 hours and for the main study challenge 0.1 ml undiluted allyl alcohol was similarly applied (and occlusively patched) . No effects were seen. Based on effects reported in the first study (which was closer in methodology to standard EC method B.4), allyl alcohol can be considered slightly irritating to the skin.

Eye irritation: the key study and at least one supporting study followed recognised guidelines and assessed irritation according to the method of Draize, concluding that allyl alcohol is irritating to the eyes. Another supporting study used an in vitro method (BCOP assay) to determine irritant potential and concluded that allyl alcohol is a severe irritant. The third supporting study was conducted in humans and found allyl alcohol to be irritating to eyes at 25ppm.

Respiratory irritation: in the key study of acute inhalation, exposure to allyl alcohol atmospheres caused nasal cavity effects (degeneration, erosion, ulceration and metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium, degeneration and erosion of the respiratory epithelium, chronic inflammation, haemorrhage and hyperplasia of goblet cells) indicative of primary irritant action. Irritation of the upper respiratory tract is therefore a predictable effect of significant allyl alcohol inhalation.

Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: slightly irritating

Effects on eye irritation: irritating

Effects on respiratory irritation: irritating

Justification for classification or non-classification

Skin irritation/corrosion:

Based on the available data and weight of evidence approach, it is not clear that allyl alcohol should be classified for skin irritation: at most minor and transient effect was seen in a single test animal. However a highly precautionary interpretation of the key study data could lead to the following classification:

- under Directive 67/548/EEC criteria, Xi - R38 (Irritating to skin)

- under Regulation 1272/2008 (EU CLP GHS) criteria, Skin irritant Category 2

- under UN GHS criteria, Skin irritant Category 2.

The above DSD and CLP classifications accord with those given in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation for allyl alcohol: they are therefore applied.

Eye irritation/corrosion:

Based the results of the key and study, allyl alcohol should be classified as:

- under Directive 67/548/EEC criteria, Xi - R36 (Irritating to eyes)

- under Regulation 1272/2008 (EU CLP GHS) criteria, Eye irritant Category 2

- under UN GHS criteria, Eye irritant Category 2.

The above DSD and CLP classifications accord with those given in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation for allyl alcohol.

Respiratory irritation:

Based the results of the key study, allyl alcohol should be classified as:

- under Directive 67/548/EEC criteria, R37 (Irritating to respiratory system)

- under Regulation 1272/2008 (EU CLP GHS) criteria, STOT SE 3 (may cause respiratory irritation)

- under UN GHS criteria, STOT SE 3.

The above DSD and CLP classifications accord with those given in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation for allyl alcohol.