Prenatal developmental toxicity studies of allyl alcohol in rats and rabbits

Allyl alcohol (C3H6O; prop-2-en-1-ol; CAS RN 107-18-6; EINECS 203-470-7) is used as an intermediate/monomer in polymerization reactions producing chemicals/optical resins or as a coupling/cross-linking agent for unsaturated polyester and alkyd resins. Human exposure to allyl alcohol (AA) is restricted to workplace manufacturing facilities where it is used in enclosed systems, which limits release and impact on environmental receptors. To address regulatory questions about possible developmental toxicity, two OECD Guideline studies were conducted. A rat developmental toxicity study found fetal and maternal toxicity, in the form of resorptions and decreased body weight and food consumption, but no teratogenic effects. A rabbit developmental toxicity study was subsequently conducted upon request by the European Chemical Agency in 2011 under the REACH program and likewise reported maternal toxicity in the form of reductions in body weight gain and food consumption, but neither fetal toxicity or teratogenic effects. The results of both studies are presented and compared in this paper. Based on our review of the collective results of these studies, AA is considered non-teratogenic, yet does elicit increased post-implantation loss and reduced fetal body weight, possibly resulting from concomitant maternal toxicity. Based on the results of these studies, a maternal and developmental toxicity No Observed Adverse Effect Level of 10 mg/kg/day was apparent for both species.