Toxicological evaluation of sodium perfluorohexanoate
Scott E Loveless1, Brian Slezak, Tessa Serex
1DuPont Haskell Global Centers for Health and Environmental Sciences, Elkton Rd, Newark, DE 19714-0050, USA. scott.e.loveless@usa.dupont.com
Toxicology
|July 28, 2009
Summary
Sodium perfluorohexanoate (NaPFHx) showed no reproductive or developmental toxicity in rats. The lowest observed adverse effect level was 20 mg/kg/day, linked to nasal lesions in subchronic studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) safety
- Chemical risk assessment
Background:
- Sodium perfluorohexanoate (NaPFHx) is a PFAS compound with potential health implications.
- Comprehensive toxicological evaluation is crucial for understanding NaPFHx risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the toxicity of NaPFHx through acute, subchronic, reproductive, developmental, and genetic toxicity studies.
- To determine No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAELs) and potential hazards.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered NaPFHx via gavage across various dose groups (0-500 mg/kg/day).
- Studies included 90-day subchronic, one-generation reproduction, developmental toxicity, and in vitro genetic toxicity assays.
- Recovery groups and detailed endpoint evaluations (body weight, organ function, reproduction, development) were utilized.
Main Results:
- The subchronic NOAEL was 20 mg/kg/day, primarily due to nasal lesions at higher doses.
- NaPFHx induced hepatic peroxisomal beta-oxidation; NOELs were 20 mg/kg/day (males) and 100 mg/kg/day (females).
- No reproductive or developmental toxicity was observed; maternal and developmental NOAEL was 100 mg/kg/day. No genotoxicity was detected.
Conclusions:
- NaPFHx does not present a reproductive or developmental hazard in the tested species.
- Nasal lesions represent the most sensitive endpoint, with a lowest NOAEL of 20 mg/kg/day.
- The human relevance of observed nasal lesions remains undetermined.
