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Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)

Pyrocatechol

RTECS #

UX1050000

CAS #

120-80-9

Updated

September 201

Molecular Weight

110.12

Molecular Formula

C6H6O2

Synonyms

1,2-Benzenediol
1,2-Dihydroxybenzene
2-Hydroxyphenol
Benzene, o-dihydroxy-
C.I. 76500
C.I. Oxidation Base 26
Catechin (phenol)
Catechol
Catechol (ACGIH)
Catechol (phenol)
Durafur developer C
Fouramine PCH
Fourrine 68
Katechol (Czech)
NCI-C55856
o-Benzenediol
o-Dihydroxybenzene
o-Dioxybenzene
o-Diphenol
o-Hydroquinone
o-Hydroxyphenol
o-Phenylenediol
Oxyphenic acid
Pelagol Grey C
Phthalhydroquinone
Pyrocatechin
Pyrocatechine
Pyrokatechin (Czech)

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysisembryo/hamster3 µmol/LMUREAV 373,113,1997
Cytogenetic Analysisovary/hamster50 mg/LCALEDQ 14,251,1981
Cytogenetic Analysislung/hamster60 µmol/L/2HMUREAV 540,29,2003
Cytogenetic Analysisovary/hamster25 µmol/L/4HMUREAV 661,57,2009
DNA Damagelymphocyte/human100 µmol/LEMMUEG 26,305,1995
DNA Damage/Other microorganisms10 mmol/LMUREAV 368,235,1996
DNA Damageliver/rat3 mmol/LCALEDQ 63,47,1992
DNA Damagelymphocyte/mouse500 µmol/LMUREAV 203,155,1988
DNA Damageovary/hamster1 µmol/L/3HMUREAV 661,57,2009
DNA inhibitionlymphocyte/mouse250 µmol/LMOPMA3 28,560,1985
DNA inhibitionHeLa cell/human200 µmol/LMUREAV 92,427,1982
DNA repair/Bacillus subtilis500 mg/LESKGA2 32,171,1986
gene conversion and mitotic recombination/Saccharomyes cerevisiae300 mg/LMUREAV 135,109,1984
gene conversion and mitotic recombination/Aspergillus nidulans10 mmol/LMUTAEX 2,235,1987
micronucleus testoral/mouse40 mg/kgMUREAV 208,61,1988
micronucleus testintraperitoneal/mouse10 mg/kgMUREAV 341,29,1994
micronucleus testlung/hamster156 µmol/L/6H (+enzymatic activation step)MUTAEX 26,709,2011
micronucleus testlung/hamster78 µmol/L/6H (-enzymatic activation step)MUTAEX 26,709,2011
micronucleus testlung/hamster20 µmol/L/24H (-enzymatic activation step)MUTAEX 26,709,2011
micronucleus testlung/hamster4.7 µmol/L/48H (-enzymatic activation step)MUTAEX 26,709,2011
micronucleus testovary/hamster22.2 µmol/L/24H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 751,1,2013
micronucleus testovary/hamster200 µmol/L/3H (+enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 751,1,2013
micronucleus testlung/hamster25 µmol/LEVHPAZ 82,81,1989
micronucleus testovary/hamster10 µmol/L/4HMUREAV 661,57,2009
morphological transformembryo/hamster1 µmol/LMUREAV 373,113,1997
morphological transformother cell types/mouse0.25 mg/L/12DMUREAV 557,191,2004
mutation in mammalian somatic cellsembryo/hamster10 µmol/LMUREAV 373,113,1997
mutation in mammalian somatic cellslymphocyte/mouse2500 µg/LEMMUEG 11,523,1988
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium15 µmol/plate (+enzymatic activation step)PAACA3 20,117,1979
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium4 µg/plate (-enzymatic activation step)ABCHA6 45,327,1981
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli2 mg/plate (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 467,41,2000
mutation in microorganisms/Saccharomyes cerevisiae599 mg/L/16HMUTAEX 20,105,2004
other mutation test systemsbone marrow/rabbit2 mmol/LAJIMD8 7,485,1985
other mutation test systemslymphocyte/human40 µmol/LCNREA8 40,1189,1980
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctionembryo/hamster30 µmol/LMUREAV 373,113,1997
sister chromatid exchangelung/hamster12500 nmol/LEVHPAZ 82,81,1989
sister chromatid exchangeembryo/hamster10 µmol/LMUREAV 373,113,1997
sister chromatid exchangelymphocyte/human40 µmol/LCNREA8 40,1189,1980
Unscheduled DNA Synthesisoral/rat1 gm/kgJJIND8 74,1283,1985
Unscheduled DNA Synthesisembryo/hamster1 µmol/LMUREAV 373,113,1997

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/rat 1 gm/kg (11D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth)TJADAB 41,43,1990
subcutaneous/rat 5 mg/kg (1D prior to copulation)Reproductive: Maternal effects: Ovaries, fallopian tubesENDOAO 57,466,1955

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 645 gm/kg/96W- continuousTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		JJCREP 81,207,1990
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 3696 mg/kg/44W- continuousTumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria

Tumorigenic: Facilitates action of known carcinogens

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		CALEDQ 139,167,1999
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 7854 mg/kg/34W- intermittentTumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		JTPAE7 29,180,2001
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 102648 mg/kg/104W- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		JTPAE7 29,180,2001
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 437 gm/kg/2Y- continuousTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		JJCREP 81,207,1990
oral/rat toxic dose: 60640 mg/kg/24W- continuousTumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		JJCREP 77,854,1986
oral/rat toxic dose: 349 gm/kg/2Y- continuousTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		FCTOD7 33,93,1995
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 171 gm/kg/51W- continuousTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Gastrointestinal: Tumors		JJCREP 85,17,1994

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, erythrocytes Inhibitor Concentration Low: 100 mg/L/1HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Hemolysis in vitro

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays		FCTOD7 49,2202,2011
In Vitro/Human, melanoma Inhibitor Concentration Low: 100 mg/L/1HBiochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: CatalasesFCTOD7 50,2123,2012
In Vitro/jzxInhibitor Concentration Low: 150 µmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (dye exclusion): trypan blue assay etc.

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Apoptosis in vitro

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays		TXCYAC 271,107,2010
In Vitro/Rat, endocrine tumor Inhibitor Concentration Low: 5.32 µmol/LBiochemical: Neurotransmitters or modulators (putative): Dopamine at other sitesFCTOD7 50,390,2012
intraperitoneal/guinea pig lowest published lethal dose: 150 mg/kgHBTXAC 1,62,1955
intraperitoneal/guinea pig lowest published lethal dose: 150 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 68 mg/kgPHTOEH 64,247,1989
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 190 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
intravenous/cat lowest published lethal dose: 100 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
intravenous/Dog lowest published lethal dose: 40 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
intravenous/Dog lowest published lethal dose: 40 mg/kgHBTXAC 1,62,1955
oral/cat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 100 mg/kgIPSTB3 3,93,1976
oral/Dog lowest published lethal dose: 130 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
oral/Dog lethal dose (50 percent kill): 130 mg/kgIPSTB3 3,93,1976
oral/guinea pig lethal dose (50 percent kill): 210 mg/kgAFREAW 3,197,1951
oral/mammal (species unspecified) lethal dose (50 percent kill): 240 mg/kgBehavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)

Behavioral: Muscle contraction or spasticity

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		TPKVAL 15,136,1979
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 260 mg/kgAFREAW 3,197,1951
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 100 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
oral/rabbit lowest published lethal dose: 200 mg/kgBehavioral: Altered sleep time (including change in righting reflex)

Blood: Luekopenia

Blood: Methemoglobinemia- Carboxhemoglobinemia		38MKAJ 2A,2585,1981
oral/rabbit lowest published lethal dose: 1000 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 48 mg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerveTPKVAL 15,136,1979
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 260 mg/kgAFREAW 3,197,1951
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3890 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
parenteral/frog lowest published lethal dose: 160 mg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold		AEPPAE 166,437,1932
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 800 mg/kgSkin: After topical application: Primary irritation

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain		AIHAAP 37,596,1976
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 800 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
subcutaneous/frog lowest published lethal dose: 160 mg/kgHBTXAC 1,62,1955
subcutaneous/guinea pig lowest published lethal dose: 200 mg/kgHBTXAC 1,62,1955
subcutaneous/guinea pig lowest published lethal dose: 200 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 247 mg/kgINHEAO 5,143,1967
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 247 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994
subcutaneous/rabbit lowest published lethal dose: 225 mg/kgJAFCAU 17,497,1969
subcutaneous/rat lowest published lethal dose: 110 mg/kgAIPTAK 176,193,1968
subcutaneous/rat lowest published lethal dose: 200 mg/kgBehavioral: Ataxia

Behavioral: Tetany

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		VCVGK* -,224,1994

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
intraperitoneal/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 450 mg/kg/3D- intermittentBlood: Changes in bone marrow not included in above

Blood: Changes in spleen		VCVGK* -,225,1994
intravenous/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 450 mg/kg/3D- intermittentBlood: Changes in bone marrow not included in above

Blood: Changes in spleen		VCVGK* -,225,1994
oral/chicken lowest published toxic dose: 98 gm/kg/4W- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldFEPRA7 29,568,1970
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 15470 mg/kg/34W- intermittentBlood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)JTPAE7 29,180,2001
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 2226 mg/kg/7D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainJTPAE7 29,180,2001
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 360 mg/kg/5D- intermittentBiochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Lipids including transport		PHREP* 57,70,2005

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 5 ppm (skin)DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Confirmed animal carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Sufficient EvidenceIMEMDT 71,433,1999
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 15,155,1977
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human No Adequate DataIMEMDT 15,155,1977
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human No Adequate DataIMEMDT 71,433,1999
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 2BIMEMDT 71,433,1999
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 566,99,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,227,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,109,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,151,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 627,10,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 584,1,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWBCLPT* 96,131,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 682,94,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUTAEX 23,271,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFITOT* 82,513,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 721,27,2011

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 5 ppm (23 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 4.5 ppm (20 mg/m3);KZW 9 ppm (40 mg/m3), inhal, skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 5 ppm (23 mg/m3), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 5 ppm (20 mg/m3), carc, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 5 ppm (22 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 10 ppm (45 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 5 ppm (20 mg/m3), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 5 ppm (20 mg/m3), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPAN2B carc, MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 5 ppm (20 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 5 ppm (20 mg/m3) (skin), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 5 ppm (23 mg/m3), skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 5 ppm (20 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 5 ppm (23 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAshort term exposure limit 0.5 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 5 ppm (20 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 10 ppm (40 mg/m3), Skin, JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 5 ppm (23 mg/m3), inhal, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 20 mg/m3, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 5 ppm (23 mg/m3), OCT2007

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO CATECHOL-air10H time-weighted average 5 ppm (Sk)NIOSH* DHHS #95-121,1995
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code M1763; Number of Industries 8; Total Number of Facilities 700; Number of Occupations 15; Total Number of Employees Exposed 13516; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 5799
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code M1763; Number of Industries 4; Total Number of Facilities 147; Number of Occupations 6; Total Number of Employees Exposed 642

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
On EPA IRIS database

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