Inhalation Toxicity of Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE)

Abstract

In a pilot 2-week inhalation toxicity study, male and female CD rats were exposed to mean levels of 0, 33, 61, 119, and 241 ppm of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. In a concurrent phase of the same pilot study, groups of five pregnant rats were exposed to the same levels of CTFE from day 6 through day 19 of gestation. Effects were limited to depression in rates of body weight gains, elevated kidney/body weight ratios, and toxic nephrosis in groups exposed to 241 ppm, and depressed body weight gains in males and pregnant females exposed to 119 ppm. No embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, or developmental effects were observed in the pregnant pilot-study animals. In a subchronic study, male and female F-344 rats were exposed 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks at mean levels of 0, 29, 62, and 121 ppm. No animals died as a result of being exposed to CTFE. Indications of effects on the kidneys included increased organ weights, alterations in clinical chemistry parameters and clinical observations, and alterations in microscopic structure. Males also showed alterations in body weights and absolute and relative liver weights, which were reversible after cessation of exposure. Dose-response was evident in both sexes, although males were more sensitive, with 29 ppm being a limited effect level in the males. A group of animals maintained for 2 weeks after the completion of exposure showed marked remission from the observed effects.

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