The acute toxicity of nonachloropredioxin and 3‐ and 4‐hydroxynonachlorodiphenyl ether in mice

Abstract

The acute intraperitoneal LD50 values of hydroxynonachlorodiphenyl ethers (HO‐Cl₉‐DPEs) in mice have been determined. The acute toxicity of each of these compounds is compared with that of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2‐hydroxy‐2’,4,4'‐trichloro‐diphenyl ether (2‐HO‐Cl₃‐DPE; Irgasan DP‐300; Triclosan), a commonly used bactericide. The order of acute toxicity observed was: 2‐HO‐Cl₉‐DPE > technical PCP ≍ pure PCP > 3‐HO‐Cl₉‐DPE > 4‐HO‐O,‐DPE > 2‐HO‐Cl₃‐DPE. Symptomatology following exposure to the HO‐Cl₉‐DPEs was similar to that observed for PCP, a known uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. 2‐HO‐Cl₃‐DPE, however, produced clinical signs suggestive of a suppressive effect on the central nervous system. Data on time response following a lethal dose of each of these compounds was also obtained.