Ethylamin

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated ethylamine [75‐04‐7], considering all toxicological endpoints. The critical effect is irritation of the nasal epithelium of rats with a NOAEC of 100 ml/m3 in a 24‐week inhalation study. The maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) for ethylamine is derived by using additional data of the structurally related diethylamine. For diethylamine a MAK value of 2 ml/m3 was derived based on a two‐year study in rats with a NOAEC of 16 ml/m3 for irritation of the nasal epithelium and a study in humans with a LOAEC of 10 ml/m3 for sensory irritation. As the inhalation toxicity of ethylamine is lower than that of diethylamine, the previous MAK value for ethylamine of 5 ml/m3 is retained. As the local effect is critical, ethylamine remains classified in Peak Limitation Category I. The excursion factor of 2 and the momentary value (concentration which must not be exceeded at any time) of 10 ml/m3 are retained. There are no developmental toxicity studies and ethylamine remains assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group D. Ethylamine is not genotoxic in vitro, data on genotoxicity in vivo and carcinogenicity are lacking. There is, however, no corresponding structural alert. There are no data on sensitization. According to skin absorption models, percutaneous absorption does not contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.