Evaluation of the subchronic and reproductive effects of a series of chlorinated propanes in the rat. II. Toxicity of 1,2,2,3-tetrachloropropane and 1,1,2,2,3-pentachloropropane.

Comparative subchronic and reproductive toxicity studies by inhalation exposure were conducted with 1,2,2,3-tetrachloropropane (TECP) and 1,1,2,2,3-pentachloropropane (PCP). Groups of 5 male and 5 female CD rats were exposed 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 4 wk to either TECP or PCP at target concentrations of 0, 100, 300, 600, or 900 ppm (single exposure only). Deaths occurred at and above 300 ppm PCP and 600 ppm TECP. Significant irritation of mucosal tissue was attributed to vapors of TECP and PCP. Lower group mean body weights of surviving male rats of all groups were observed after 4 wk of exposure to TECP. Liver, kidney, and ovary weights were affected by PCP treatment. Groups of 15 male and 15 female CD rats were exposed to target vapors of 0-50 ppm TECP or PCP for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 13 wk. Irritation about the nose and eyes was observed at all TECP, but not with PCP, test levels. Liver weights were increased at and above 5 ppm in all groups of TECP-treated males. Kidney weights were also elevated in male rats at 15 and 50 ppm PCP and females from the 50 ppm PCP group. Degenerative changes in these two corresponding tissues were seen at and above 5 ppm TECP and PCP. A treatment level of 1.5 ppm TECP or PCP was without systemic effect clinically or pathologically. Groups of 10 male and 20 female CD rats were exposed 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for a premating, mating, or gestation (F only) period to target levels of 0, 5, or 15 ppm TECP or PCP. No treatment-related effects were seen in the PCP study. While mating performance overall was poor in the TECP study, female mating performance of the 15 ppm TECP-exposed group appeared lower than control. In a follow-up study with TECP using the same study design, no effects on female or male fertility or fecundity or on offspring were seen up to 1.5 ppm TECP.