Teratologic evaluation of inhaled propylene glycol monomethyl ether in rats and rabbits

Pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were exposed via inhalation to 0, 500, 1500, or 3000 ppm of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) for 6 hr/day on Days 6 through 15 (rats) or 6 through 18 (rabbits) of gestation. Initial exposure to 3000 ppm of PGME produced signs of mild central nervous system depression which were more pronounced and of a longer duration in rats than in rabbits. Postexposure recovery was rapid and accomodation to the test atmosphere developed following subsequent exposures. Rats and rabbits exposed to 3000 ppm had decreased weight gains over the exposure period and rats had decreased food consumption during the first 3 days of exposure. Fetal examination revealed no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects among rats or rabbits in any exposure group. Slight fetotoxicity among rats, in the form of delayed sternebral ossification, was observed at 3000 ppm. Thus, it was concluded that PGME was not teratogenic at exposure levels up to 3000 ppm.