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Toxicological evaluation of 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)
T Kawano1, H J Trochimowicz, G Malinverno
1Daikin Industries, Ltd., Osaka, Japan.
Summary
Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) showed no significant toxicity in inhalation studies and was not mutagenic. Cardiac sensitization occurred at high concentrations, but developmental toxicity was not observed in rats or rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) is a hydrofluorocarbon used in various industrial applications.
- Understanding its toxicological profile is crucial for assessing potential health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute, subacute, and subchronic inhalation toxicity of HFC-125.
- To assess developmental toxicity, cardiac sensitization potential, and mutagenicity of HFC-125.
Main Methods:
- Inhalation exposure studies in rats and developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits.
- Cardiac sensitization test in dogs with epinephrine challenge.
- Bacterial reverse mutation assays (Ames test) and in vitro/in vivo genotoxicity assays (CHO cells, human lymphocytes, mouse bone marrow).
Main Results:
- No mortality or significant toxicity observed in acute or repeated inhalation studies up to 800,000 ppm.
- Cardiac sensitization observed in dogs at 100,000 ppm and above, but not at 75,000 ppm.
- HFC-125 was not mutagenic in bacterial assays and showed no clastogenic activity in vivo; a questionable increase in chromosomal aberrations was noted in vitro at high concentrations with prolonged exposure.
Conclusions:
- HFC-125 exhibits a low order of toxicity via inhalation and is not genotoxic.
- Cardiac sensitization is a potential concern at high concentrations.
- No embryotoxic or teratogenic effects were observed, indicating a lack of developmental toxicity.