Abstract
The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated 2‐ethylhexyl acetate to derive a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value), considering all toxicological endpoints examined. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. 2‐Ethylhexyl acetate is rapidly hydrolysed to 2‐ethylhexanol and acetic acid. Local irritation is the critical effect of 2‐ethylhexanol and acetic acid, and the same is assumed for 2‐ethylhexyl acetate. Studies with repeated inhalation exposure or oral administration to 2‐ethylhexyl acetate are not available. By analogy with its metabolites 2‐ethylhexanol and acetic acid, a MAK value of 10 ml/m3 has therefore been established for 2‐ethylhexyl acetate. 2‐Ethylhexyl acetate has been classified by analogy with 2‐ethylhexanol in Peak Limitation Category I with an excursion factor of 1. 2‐Ethylhexyl acetate is not expected to have genotoxic effects. The metabolite 2‐ethylhexanol caused liver tumours in a long‐term study with oral administration only at clearly toxic doses of 750 mg/kg body weight and day and only in female mice. If the MAK value, which protects against liver toxicity, is observed, liver tumours are not expected. Skin absorption does not contribute to systemic toxicity. In studies with humans, 2‐ethylhexyl acetate did not cause sensitization of the skin; there are no studies with animals available. Damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is not exceeded.
Hartwig, A