Current Intelligence Bulletin 43: Monohalomethanes (Methyl Chloride CH3Cl, Methyl Bromide CH3Br, Methyl Iodide CH3I)

摘要

The monohalomethanes (methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide) are alkylating agents and thus have generated concern as to their potential for inducing mutations and cancer. All three compounds were found to be direct-acting mutagens in the Ames assay. In experimental studies in either rats or mice using various routes of administration, these three compounds have also demonstrated the ability to produce cancer. Methyl chloride produced a teratogenic effect (heart defects) in the offspring of pregnant mice exposed by inhalation at 500 and 750 ppm. Based on these data, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide be considered as potential occupational carcinogens and that methyl chloride be considered a potential occupational teratogen.