Genetic toxicology of epichlorohydrin: a review

Mutat Res. 1997 Mar;386(1):25-38. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5742(96)00042-7.

Abstract

Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is one of the more commercially important aliphatic epoxides used extensively as an industrial intermediate, a laboratory reagent, and as an insecticide. It is a volatile, colourless liquid with an ethereal odour. It behaves as an alkylating agent. Reports have shown it to cause the respiratory and dermal toxicity in animals and humans. It has also been reported to be carcinogenic in experimental models. Thus, the wide-spread use of this aliphatic epoxide is of great concern in human health problem. The purpose of this paper is to critically review and update the mutagenic and clastogenic effects of ECH based on available literature.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogens
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Chromosomes / drug effects
  • DNA Damage
  • Epichlorohydrin / adverse effects
  • Epichlorohydrin / metabolism
  • Epichlorohydrin / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Mutagenicity Tests
  • Mutagens / adverse effects
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Mutation
  • Occupational Exposure

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Mutagens
  • Epichlorohydrin