Evaluation of 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) in a combined irritancy and Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) in mice.
4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) is a flotation reagent used in fine coal beneficiation. On January 9, 2014, crude MCHM, a mixture containing predominantly MCHM, was inadvertently released into the Elk River, a municipal water source that serves about 300,000 people in the Charleston, WV area, resulting in temporary contamination of 15 percent of the state's tap water and causing significant dermal exposure. The current studies were undertaken to determine whether crude MCHM or MCHM has the potential to produce dermal irritancy and/or sensitization. BALB/c female mice were treated daily for 3 consecutive days by direct epicutaneous application of 25 μL of various concentrations of crude MCHM or MCHM to the dorsum of each ear. A mouse ear-swelling test was used to determine irritancy potential and was undertaken in combination with the standardized Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) to determine skin sensitizing potential. MCHM was found to produce skin irritation at concentrations above 20% and did not produce sensitization. Crude MCHM also produced irritation, although weaker, and in addition was found to be a weak to moderate skin sensitizer. The results are discussed in terms of potential human health hazard.
Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA. Electronic address: vjohnson@brt-labs.com.
Victor J
VJ
Johnson
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Scott S
SS
Auerbach
Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA.
Michael I
MI
Luster
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Suramya
S
Waidyanatha
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Scott A
SA
Masten
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Mary S
MS
Wolfe
Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA.
Florence G
FG
Burleson
Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA.
Gary R
GR
Burleson
National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Dori R
DR
Germolec
D000818:Animals; D003510:Cyclohexanes / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D023441:Local Lymph Node Assay; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D023422:Skin Irritancy Tests; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity
D003510:Cyclohexanes; D007509:Irritants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C000607184:4-methylcyclohexanemethanol
4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol; Allergic contact; Dermal hypersensitivity; Dermal irritancy; Dermatitis (ACD); Elk River spill; Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA)