OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDEFOREWORDINTRODUCTIONPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDECAS N°: 85-44-9

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

1OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDESIDS Initial Assessment Report
For
SIAM 20
Paris, France, 19–22 April 2005

1. Chemical Name:

Phthalic anhydride

2. CAS Number:

85-44-9

3. Sponsor Country:

Germany
Contact Point:
BMU (Bundesministerium fuer Umwelt, Naturschutz undReaktorsicherheit)
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlottmann
Postfach 12 06 29
D- 53048 Bonn

4. Shared Partnership with:

Atofina, France; BASF AG, Germany; Exxon Chemical Europe Inc.,
Belgium; LONZA AG, Switzerland; Perstorp SpA,Div. Polyols, Italy-

5. Roles/Responsibilities of
the Partners:•

Name of industry sponsor/consortium•

Process used

Bayer AG, Germany
Contact person:
Dr. Burkhardt Stock
D-51368 Leverkusen
Building 9115
see next page

6. Sponsorship History•

How was the chemical or
category brought into theOECD HPV Chemicals
Programme?

7. Review Process Prior to
the SIAM:

8. Quality check process:9. Date of Submission:
10. Date of last Update:2

by ICCA-Initiative

last literature search (update):
14 November 2004 (Human Health): databases medline, toxline;
search profile CAS-No. and special search terms
12 November 2004 (Ecotoxicology): databases CA, biosis; search
profile CAS-No. and special search terms OECD/ICCAIUCLID was used as a basis for the SIDS dossier. All data werechecked and validated by BUA. A final evaluation of the human healthpart has been performed by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment(BfR) and of the ecotoxicological part by the Federal Environment
Agency (UBA).
Deadline for circulation: 21 January 2005
Last literature search: IUCLID Chapters 1-4: 2004-02-03
Chapter 5: 2004-01-22
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
11. Comments:

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
OECD/ICCA - The BUA* Peer Review Process
Qualified BUA personnel (toxicologists, ecotoxicologists)
perform a quality control on the full SIDS dossier submitted byindustry. This quality control process follows internal BUA
guidelines/instructions for the OECD/ICCA peer review process
and includes:– a full (or update) literature search to verify completeness ofdata provided by industry in the IUCLID/HEDSET– Review of data and assessment of the quality of data
– Review of data evaluation– Check of adequacy of selection process for key studies forOECD endpoints, and, where relevant, for non-OECD endpoints
by checking original reports/publications– Review of key study description according robust summaries
requirements; completeness and correctness is checked against
original reports/publications (if original reports are missing:reliability (4), i.e. reliability not assignable)– Review of validity of structure-activity relationships– Review of full SIDS dossier (including SIAR, SIAP andproposal for conclusion and recommendation for further work)– In case of data gaps, review of testing plan or rationale for not
testing.

* BUA (GDCh-Beratergremium für Altstoffe): Advisory Committee on Existing Chemicals of the Association ofGerman Chemists (GDCh)UNEP PUBLICATIONS

3

OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDESIDS INITIAL ASSESSMENT PROFILECAS No.

85-44-9

Chemical Name

Phthalic anhydride

O

Structural FormulaO
O

SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS OF THE SIAR
Human HealthOn contact with water, phthalic anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to phthalic acid. Unconjugated phthalic acid wasfound in the urine of humans exposed to phthalic anhydride by the inhalation route, demonstrating systemic
absorption and elimination via the urine and the existence of phthalic acid as a hydrolysis product in vivo.
The oral LD50 in rats was 1530 mg/kg bw. Clinical signs at doses equal or higher than 500 mg/kg bw included
sedation, imbalance, and bloodshot eyes. There were no reliable animal acute toxicity studies available for theinhalation and dermal routes of exposure.
In poorly documented human case reports, which provide no reliable information on exposure levels, headache,dizziness, nausea, epigastric burning and a feeling of suffocation were described after acute occupational exposure tophthalic anhydride dust or vapor.
In rabbits, phthalic anhydride was slightly irritating to the skin (OECD TG 404), and irritating to the eyes. In humans,
effects on the eye after occupational exposure are described (including conjunctivitis, lacrimation, corneal ulceration,
necrosis, and photophobia). For humans, phthalic anhydride in the form of vapor, fumes, or dust is a primary irritant
to mucous membranes and the upper respiratory tract. Initial exposure produces coughing, sneezing, burning
sensations in the nose and throat, and increased mucous secretion. Repeated or continued exposures may result ingeneral inflammation of the respiratory tract, nasal ulceration and bleeding, atrophy of the mucous membranes(reversible), loss of smell, hoarseness, bronchitis, urticaria, and symptoms of allergic hypersensitivity.
Phthalic anhydride demonstrated skin sensitizing properties in animals, with positive results being observed in guinea
pig tests according to OECD TG 406 and in local lymph node assays similar to OECD TG 429. Evidence thatphthalic anhydride has respiratory sensitization potential has been demonstrated in an experimental guinea pig model.
In humans, there are a number of reports providing information on the respiratory sensitization potential of phthalicanhydride after occupational exposure. Workers were reported to suffer from work-related rhinitis, chronic
productive bronchitis, and work-associated asthma. Phthalic anhydride sensitization is generally associated witheither an asthma-rhinitis-conjunctivitis syndrome or with a delayed reaction and influenza-like symptoms and withincreased IgG and/or phthalic anhydride specific IgE levels in the blood. Reports on skin reactions in humans are
rare.
Phthalic anhydride has been shown to have low repeated dose toxicity by the oral route in rats. The evidence of
toxicity in a chronic rat study is limited to adverse effects on body-weight gain at the dose level of1000 mg/kg bw/day. The NOAEL was at 500 mg/kg bw/day. It is noted that no hematology and clinical biochemistry
examinations were performed in this study. A NOAEL could not be established in a chronic feeding study in mice
because of pathological effects seen down to the lowest tested dose level (LOAELs: 12 019 ppm level in female mice= approximately 1717 mg/kg bw/day, and 16 346 ppm in male mice = approximately 2340 mg/kg bw/day; increased
incidences of lung and kidney lymphocytosis in the males and females, and dose-related adrenal atrophy andmineralization of the thalamus in males. The LOAELs are time-weighted averages because a dose reduction in males
from 25 000 to 12 500 ppm (= approximately 1785 mg/kg bw/day) and for females from 12 500 to 6250 ppm
4

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE(= approximately 890 mg/kg bw/day) was necessary after 32 weeks of exposure due to reduced weight gains). There
were no valid repeated dose studies available using the dermal or respiratory routes of exposure.
Phthalic anhydride was not mutagenic in the Ames test with and without metabolic activation (OECD TG 471).
Chromosomal aberrations were induced in mammalian cells in vitro at the highest phthalic anhydride concentrations(10 mM) only in the absence of S9 mix with concomitant marked cytotoxicity and compound precipitate. In vivo
studies are not available. Overall, it can be concluded that phthalic anhydride is genotoxic in vitro at extremely high,cytotoxic concentrations, and only in the absence of a metabolic activation system. This genotoxic effect is notexpected to be relevant under in vivo conditions, where phthalic anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to the non-genotoxic
phthalic acid.
No evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in rats after exposure to approximately 1000 mg/kg bw/day of phthalicanhydride, or in male and female mice after exposure to 4670, and 3430 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, incomprehensive chronic (105-week) feeding studies.
There was no fertility study with phthalic anhydride available. No evidence of toxicity to reproductive organs wasobserved in comprehensive carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, as no treatment-related changes were observed
for any reproductive organ investigated during macroscopic and microscopic examination (NOAEL, rat: 1000 mg/kg
bw/day; NOAEL (time-weighted average), mouse: 3430 (f), 4670 (m) mg/kg bw/day). Following i.p. injection which
is a route of exposure with unknown relevance for the normal human situation, of doses in the lethal range,
developmental toxicity was found in mice in a poorly reported study. However, the chemical is quickly hydrolyzed tophthalic acid after oral, dermal or inhalation exposure. Phthalic acid was investigated in a developmental toxicity
feeding study in rats and gave no evidence of embryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity at a non-maternally toxic dose level(1.25 % in feed = approximately 1000 mg/kg bw/day = NOAEL for maternal toxicity). Significant decreases in theweight of male fetuses and in the numbers of ossified centers of the caudal vertebrae were, however, found in the
5.0 % group, where maternal toxicity was also observed (NOAEL, developmental toxicity: 2.5 % in feed =approximately 1700 mg/kg bw/day). Based on the data of phthalic acid, the hydrolysis product of phthalic anhydride,
it is concluded that, in the absence of maternal toxicity, phthalic anhydride is not a developmental toxicant.
Environment
Phthalic anhydride forms white flakes or needles with a melting point of about 132 °C. The boiling point is 284.5 °C
at 1013 hPa. The density is 1.527 g/cm3 at 20 °C, the vapor pressure 0.0006 hPa at 26.6 °C, the log KOW = 1.6. The
flash point is about 152 °C, and the auto flammability (ignition temperature) is 580 °C. Phthalic anhydridehydrolyzes in water at pH 6.8 - 7.24 with half-lives of 0.5 - 1 min at 25 °C, forming phthalic acid that has
dissociation constants of about 2.8 and 5.4. Any phthalic anhydride emitted into the air or into the terrestrial
compartment would be rapidly hydrolyzed by humidity in the air or in the soil, respectively.
In the atmosphere phthalic anhydride is degraded by photochemically produced OH radicals. The half-life iscalculated to be about 21 days. For phthalic acid a half-life of 13 days is estimated. Removal of phthalic acid in sea
water was proved to be influenced by light. Phthalic anhydride is readily biodegradable. In an aquatic ready test
system (aerobic) conducted according to OECD TG 301D, > 70 % biodegradation was reported after 30 days forphthalic anhydride as well as for its degradation product, phthalic acid.
Due to the rapid hydrolysis of phthalic anhydride in water, the distribution of the hydrolysis product phthalic acid is
calculated. According to the Mackay fugacity model level I, the favorite target compartment of phthalic acid is waterwith 99.9 %. The calculated Henry’s law constants (2.21 x 10-7 Pa m3/mol at 25 °C for phthalic acid, and0.64 Pa m³/mol at 25 C for phthalic anhydride) prove a low potential for volatilization from surface waters.
The bioconcentration factors (BCF) of 3.4 for phthalic anhydride and 3.2 for phthalic acid, calculated from theoctanol-water partition coefficients, indicate that there is a low potential for bioaccumulation of phthalic anhydrideand phthalic acid in aquatic organisms. Tests with 14C-phthalic acid in plants indicate a low potential of phthalicanhydride and phthalic acid for bioaccumulation in plants.
Experimentally obtained adsorption coefficients (Koc) revealed a low sorption potential of phthalic acid. The
experimentally achieved Koc values were in the range of 2 to 31 depending on soil properties. In addition, Koc values
were calculated with PCKOCWIN v. 1.66 (KOC = 11 for phthalic anhydride, and Koc = 73 for phthalic acid). These
results indicate a low sorption potential of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid onto the organic phase of soil orsediments.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

5OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Concerning the toxicity of phthalic anhydride and its hydrolysis product phthalic acid to aquatic species reliable
experimental results of tests with fish, Daphnia, and algae are available. The result for algae refers both to growthrate and biomass. The tests were performed according to standard procedures or similar methods. The lowest effectvalues from the aquatic toxicity tests are (n = nominal concentration):
Cyprinus carpio
Danio rerio
Oncorhynchus mykiss (S. gairdneri)
Daphnia magna
Desmodesmus subspicatus
Desmodesmus subspicatus:48 h-LC50: 7 d-LC50:60 d-NOEC:24 h-EC50:72 h-EC50:72 h-NOEC>500 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid)= 560 mg/l (n)= 10 mg/l (n)= 140 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid)≥ 100 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid)≥ 100 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid).

Since chronic toxicity tests are available for fish and algae with phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid, respectively,
an assessment factor of 50 can be applied using the lowest available effect concentration (NOEC = 10 mg/l) which
was obtained for Oncorhynchus mykiss (S. gairdneri). Calculation yielded a PNECaqua of 200 µg/l.
Exposure
Phthalic anhydride is produced by oxidation of o-xylene or naphthalene. In 2000, the world wide production volumeof phthalic anhydride is estimated to be about 3 232 000 tonnes, with the following regional distribution (tonnes):
Western Europe 770 000; Eastern Europe 171 000; USA 485 000; Mexico, South and Central America 249 000;
Japan 302 000; Middle East 75 000; other Asia 1 156 000; and others 24 000.
Phthalic anhydride is an important intermediate in the chemical industry. The major subsequent product groups areplasticizers (56 %), unsaturated polyester resins (17 %), and alkyd resins (17 %). Phthalic anhydride is also used as
an intermediate in the production of pigments and dyes, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and several other chemical
products. Phthalic anhydride containing materials are used in coatings applications for home appliances,automobiles, medical devices and furniture.
Phthalic anhydride is listed in the Swedish and Swiss Product Registers and in the SPIN Database (including
consumer products).
The most probable human exposure to phthalic anhydride is through dermal contact or inhalation during
manufacture or use. In the Sponsor country, exposure is controlled in occupational settings. Consumers may be
exposed to phthalic anhydride from the use of plastics, furniture, glues, coatings and home products from which
phthalic anhydride may leach. Consumers may be exposed to (non-synthetic) phthalic anhydride from natural flavor
and oak smoke. Oak smoke and its aqueous preparations are used in the production of several smoked foods andalcoholic beverages. Phthalic anhydride is reported to occur in the volatile flavor of baked potatoes, in spentchlorination liquor from sulphite bleaching, in a hazardous waste dump in Northern Spain, and in sediments of San
Diego Bay after sediment pyrolysis. There is no study which unambiguously demonstrates that phthalic anhydride
may occur in environmental waters or drinking water (phthalic anhydride may be formed as an artifact during gas
chromatographic analysis). Phthalic anhydride is present in ambient air, fly ash, diesel exhaust, oak smoke, andpyrolysis products.
The Sponsor company manufactures phthalic anhydride in closed systems. During production virtually no phthalicanhydride is emitted into the atmosphere (< 25 kg/a) and into environmental waters.

RECOMMENDATION AND RATIONALE FOR THE RECOMMENDATION AND
NATURE OF FURTHER WORK RECOMMENDED
Human Health: The chemical is a candidate for further work. The chemical possesses properties indicating a
hazard for human health (irritation of skin and respiratory system, serious eye damage, respiratory and skinsensitization). Based on data presented by the Sponsor country, adequate risk management measures are being
applied for occupational settings. A potential for consumer exposure exists as a result of its use in plastics, furnitureand home products. It is therefore recommended to perform an exposure assessment and, if then indicated, a risk
assessment.
Environment: This chemical is currently of low priority for further work because of its low hazard profile.

6

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDESIDS Initial Assessment Report
1

IDENTITY

1.1

Identification of the Substance

CAS Number:
IUPAC Name:
Molecular Formula:
Structural Formula:85-44-9Phthalic anhydride
C 8 H4 O3O
OO

Molecular Weight:
Synonyms:

1.2

148.12 g/mol
Phthalic acid anhydride
1,3-Isobenzofurandione
Isobenzofuran-1,3-dione
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydride
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic anhydride
1,3-Dihydro-1,3-dioxoisobenzofurane
1,3-Dioxophthalane
1,3-Phthalandione
Phthalandione
Isobenzofurane, 1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-

Purity/Impurities/Additives

Purity of thecommercial product:
Impurities:≥ 99.8 % (determined by GC) (Lorz, Towae, and Bhargava, 2002)•

Maleic anhydride ≤ 0.05 % (specification limit, determined by GC)(Lorz, Towae, and Bhargava 2002)•

Benzoic acid ≤ 0.1 % (specification limit, determined by GC) (Lorz,
Towae, and Bhargava 2002)•

Phthalic acid ≤ 0.1 % (specification limit) (BASF AG, 2000)•

Naphthoquinone (historic data, technical product in the early 1950ies;
Oettel, 1955)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

7

OECD SIDS
1.3

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Physico-Chemical properties
Table 1

Summary of physico-chemical properties of phthalic anhydride

Property

Value

Reference

IUCLID

Substance type

Organic

Physical state

White flakes or needles

Lorz, Towae, and
Bhargava, 2002

1.1.1

Melting point

131.6 °C

Lorz, Towae, and
Bhargava, 2002

2.1

Boiling point

284.5 °C*

MITI, 1992

2.2

Relative density

1.527 g/cm3 at 20 °C

Beilstein, 2003

2.3

Vapour pressure

0.0006 hPa at 26.6 °C

Crooks andFeetham, 1946

2.4

Partition coefficientn-octanol/water(log Kow)**

1.6

NIOSH, 2003

2.5

Water solubility**

16400 mg/l

Lorz, Towae, and
Bhargava, 2002

2.6.1

Flash point

152 °CNIOSH, 2003

2.7

Auto flammability(ignition temperature)

580 °C

Lorz, Towae, and
Bhargava, 2002

2.8

Dissociation constantpKa1 = 2.76 at 25 °C***

Serjeant and Dempsey,
1979

2.12

pKa2 = 5.41 at 25 °C***

Hamer and Acree, 1945

2.12

1.1.1

*Pressure for the boiling point is not reported but assumed to be 1013 hPa. **Rapid hydrolysis to phthalic acid***Phthalic acid2

GENERAL INFORMATION ON EXPOSURE

2.1

Production Volumes and Use Pattern

Phthalic anhydride is predominantly produced by oxidation of o-xylene or, in minor amounts, ofnaphthalene (Weissermel and Arpe, 1996):
CH3-C6H4-CH3 + 3 O2 → C8H4O3 + 3 H2O
2 C10H8 + 9 O2 → 2 C8H4O3 + 4 H2O + 4 CO2
In 2000, the world wide production volume of phthalic anhydride is estimated to be about
3 232 000 tonnes (Bizzari, 2001).

8

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
Table 2PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
Estimated production volume in 2000 (Bizzari, 2001).

RegionEstimated production volume (tonnes/a)Western Europe

770 000

USA

485 000

Japan

302 000

Eastern Europe

171 000

Mexico / South / Central America

249 000

Middle East

75 000

Other Asia

1 156 000

Others

24 000Phthalic anhydride is mainly used as an intermediate in chemical processes (Bayer
Chemicals, 2004).
The major subsequent product groups are•

Plasticizers (56 %):Phthalate esters like dioctylphthalate, C7-C11 linear phthalates, diisodecyl phthalate,diisononylphthalte, n-butyl benzyl phthalate•

Unsaturated polyester resins (17 %):Formed by polycondensation using unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, diols, and aromatic
dicarboxylic acid•

Alkyd resins (17 %):Reaction of polybasic acids or anhydrides (e.g. phthalic anhydride), polyhydric alcohols, andfatty oils or acids•

Other uses (10 %):Intermediate in the production of- polyester polyols- isatoic anhydride- intermediates for pigments and dyes
- flame retardants for polyesterpolyols- intermediates in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sector(estimation according to Bizzari, 2001).
EPA (1994) reports several uses of phthalic anhydride in chemical synthesis, e.g. to make halogenated anhydrides, polyester polyols for urethanes, phthalocyanine pigments, dyes, pharmaceuticals; tanning and curing agents, solvents, and various chemical intermediates. Informations
from the Nordic and Swiss Product Registers are discussed in Chapter 2.3.2.

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

9OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

2.2

Environmental Exposure and Fate

2.2.1

Sources of Environmental Exposure

Environmental information from manufacturing and processing of phthalic anhydride is available
for the Bayer Chemicals plants in Germany (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
At the Bayer sites phthalic anhydride is manufactured in closed systems (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
The exhausts from manufacturing and processing are connected to thermal exhaust purification
plants and air washing units. Thus, at Bayer Chemicals, during production virtually no phthalicanhydride is emitted into the atmosphere. In 2000, according to the current Official Emission
Declaration, virtually no phthalic anhydride (< 25 kg/a) was emitted into the atmosphere (Bayer
Chemicals, 2004).
The wastewater from manufacturing and processing is led to Bayer-owned industrial wastewater
treatment plants (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
The air and water emissions of the Bayer production sites are monitored by Environmental
Surveillance Groups which operate independently of any manufacturing unit. Since phthalicanhydride hydrolyzes rapidly under the conditions in the wastewater treatment plants, thehydrolysis product phthalic acid is monitored. Phthalic acid is readily biodegradable, and thepotential for phthalic acid biodegradation is widespread throughout sewage organisms. Within thisdaily monitoring program phthalic acid was not detected in the effluents of the wastewater
treatment plants with detection limits of 50 and 500 µg/l, respectively (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
The effluents of the Bayer wastewater treatment plants passes into the river Rhine, with a 10
percentile of the river flow of 1050 m3/s at both sites. For the first site, with the dilution factor of> 1000 (according to TGD, a maximum value of 1000 was used) and the detection limit of 50 µg/l,
for the receiving water a local
Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEClocal) of < 0.05 µg/l
is calculated for phthalic acid. Taking into account the dilution factor of 700 and the detection limitof 500 µg/l, for the receiving water at the second site, a local
Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEClocal) of < 0.7 µg/l
is calculated for phthalic acid (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
In a (historic) review on air emissions potential of phthalic anhydride manufacturing Fawcett (1970)
reports phthalic anhydride concentrations of 40 - 200 ppm in exhaust gases prior to abatement.
According to the Toxic Release Inventory of the USA, approximately 340 tonnes of phthalicanhydride were released from certain US industries into the air, and approximately 2 tonnes ofphthalic anhydride into environmental waters in 1992 (EPA, 1994). In 2001, the releases into the air
had decreased to approximately 120 tonnes/a of phthalic anhydride and there were no releases into
environmental waters (EPA, 2004).
2.2.2

Photodegradation

There are no experimental data on the stability of phthalic anhydride in the atmosphere.

10

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

The calculated half-life of phthalic anhydride in air due to indirect photodegradation is 21 days,
considering a daily mean OH-radicals concentration of 500 000 radicals cm-3 (Bayer Industry
Services, 2004a).
The determination of this endpoint is not suitable, since phthalic anhydride will be affected by air
humidity, which leads to hydrolysis of the substance. The hydrolysis product is phthalic acid. The
half-life of phthalic acid is estimated to be about 13 days due to indirect photodegradation in theatmosphere (Bayer Industry Services, 2004b).
In sea water at 50 °C, Armstrong and Tibbitts (1968) measured a first order rate constant forphotooxidation of phthalic acid of about 0.75 h-1 that is equivalent to a half-life of 0.93 hours. At
room temperature, the photooxidation is expected to proceed more slowly.
The data on photodegradation are listed in Table 3.
Table 32.2.3

Photodegradation of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid (IUCLID 3.1.1)

Substance

Parameter

Phthalic
anhydride

MethodResultReference

IndirectCalculation forphotodegradation in air 24 h-day;
500,000 OH/cm³

t½ = 21 dBayer Industry
Services, 2004aPhthalic acidIndirectCalculation forphotodegradation in air 24 h-day;
500,000 OH/cm³

t½ = 13 dBayer Industry
Services, 2004b

Phthalic acid

Influence of light in the Radiation
degradation of phthalic apparatus with aacid in seawater
380 W mercuryarc

t½ = 0.93 h

Armstrong andTibbitts, 1968

Stability in Water

Phthalic anhydride hydrolyzes rapidly in the presence of water forming phthalic acid. Experimentswith phthalic anhydride were performed in the presence of buffer. Andres, Granados and Rossi(2001) determined experimentally a half-life for phthalic anhydride of 30.5 seconds at pH 7.24. At
pH 6.8 the half-life of phthalic anhydride in water was prolonged to 61 seconds (Table 4).
Regarding natural systems, the impact of phthalic acid depends on the buffer capacity of the system.
Buffer function is attributed to humic substances, alkaline earth carbonates, clay minerals, silicates,
as well as atmospheric oxides. Phthalic acid is a weak dibasic acid whose pKa1 is 2.76 (Serjeant andDempsey, 1979) and pKa2 is 5.41 at 25 °C (Hamer and Acree, 1945).

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OECD SIDS
Table 4

2.2.4

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
Hydrolysis of phthalic anhydride in different buffer-systems (IUCLID 3.1.2)

Procedure

ResultReference

Abiotic degradation in phosphatebuffered system

at pH 7.24, 25 °C
t½ = 30.5 sec

Andres, Granados and Rossi, 2001

Abiotic degradation in N-methyl
imidazole buffered system

at pH 6.8, 25 °C
t½ = 61 sec

Andres, Granados and Rossi, 2001

Transport between Environmental Compartments

Due to the rapid hydrolysis of phthalic anhydride (cf. Chapter 2.2.3) a transport of the substance
between environmental compartments is unlikely to occur.
Calculations of the Henry’s law constant (HLC) and of the distribution of phthalic anhydride in theenvironment according to the Mackay fugacity model, are hypothetical in that the substancehydrolyzes rapidly in water. The Mackay model does not consider degradation reactions, hence the
Mackay equilibrium distribution of phthalic anhydride in the environment is not appropriate.
The hydrolysis product of phthalic anhydride, phthalic acid, is a weak dibasic acid whose pKa1 is
2.8 and pKa2 is 5.41 at 25°°C. Although phthalic acid dissociates in neutral, dilute solution, thedistribution of phthalic acid in a “unit world” was calculated according to the Mackay fugacity
model level I (Table 5). The main target compartment of phthalic acid is water with 99.9 % (Bayer
Industry Services, 2004b).
Table 512

Input parameters and results for phthalic acid of the
Mackay Fugacity Model Level I (IUCLID 3.3.2)

Input Parameters

Value

Temperature

25 °C

Vapour Pressure

8.48 x 10-5 Pa

Water Solubility

7010 mg/l

Log Kow

0.73

Melting Point

191 °C

Compartment

Calculated distribution

Water

99.91 %

Air

< 0.001 %Sediment

0.043 %

Soil

< 0.042 %Suspended Sediment< 0.001 %Aerosol< 0.001 %Aquatic Biota< 0.001 %UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDEThe Henry’s law constant (HLC) of phthalic anhydride is calculated as 0.64 Pa m³/mol at 25 °C(Bayer Industry Services, 2004a). This data indicates that phthalic anhydride is essentially nonvolatile from aqueous solution according to the criteria of Thomas (1990).
For the hydrolysis product of the phthalic anhydride, phthalic acid, the HLC is estimated as
2.21 x 10-7 Pa m³/mol (Bayer Industry Services, 2004b). This value indicates that phthalic acid is
non volatile in water (Table 6).
Table 6

Distribution in water-air (IUCLID 3.3.2)

Substance

Property

MethodValue

Reference

Phthalic anhydride

Fugacity Water – airHenry’s law constant forphthalic anhydride

Bond-Method(calculated at 25 °C)

0.64 Pa m³/mol

Bayer Industry
Services, 2004aPhthalic acid

Fugacity Water – airHenry’s law constant forphthalic acid

Bond-Method(calculated at 25 °C)

2.21 x 10-7
Pa m³/mol

Bayer Industry
Services, 2004b2.2.5

Biodegradation

Based on the available experimental biodegradation test results for phthalic anhydride, the substance is classified as readily biodegradable. Table 7 compiles the relevant data on biodegradationof phthalic anhydride.
In a modified MITI test comparable to OECD TG 301 C the biodegradation of phthalic anhydride
was investigated (Sasaki and Hutzinger, 1978; MITI, 1992). After 2 weeks 85 % degradation of thetest substance was determined.
The biodegradation of phthalic anhydride was also investigated with activated sludge obtained fromthe waste water treatment plant of the Kashima petroleum and petrochemical industrial complex in
Japan. The inoculum was therefore well acclimated to organic substances. The test was performed
in a “fill-and-draw” type apparatus with aeration cylinders. TOC and COD were monitored during
the test. After 24 hours, 33 % degradation was measured with COD and 88 % with TOC (Matsui etal., 1975; Matsui, Okawa, and Ota, 1988).
In a closed bottle test (OECD TG 301 D) with predominantly domestic sewage the biodegradationof phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid was investigated. After 30 days more than 70 % degradationof both test substances were determined (Bayer AG, 1972; Bayer AG, 1973).

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13OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Table 7
3.5)

Tests on biodegradation of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid (IUCLID

Substance

Inoculum

Procedure

Biodegradation

Reference

Phthalic
anhydride

Activated sludge

Comparable to85.2 % after 14 d
OECD TG 301C. Only
raw data available

MITI, 1992

Phthalic
anhydride

Aerobic activated sludge Comparable toOECD TG 301C

well-biodegradable

Sasaki and
Hutzinger, 1978

Phthalic
anhydride

Aerobic activatedsludge, industrial“fill-and-draw” typeapparatus

33 % TOC removal
88 % COD removal
after 24 h

Matsui et al., 1975;
Matsui, Okawa, andOta, 1988

Phthalic
anhydride

Predominantly domestic
sewageOECD TG 301D

71 % after 30 dBayer AG, 1972

Phthalic acid

Predominantly domestic
sewageOECD TG 301D

74 % after 30 dBayer AG, 1973

2.2.6

Bioaccumulation

Since phthalic anhydride hydrolyzes rapidly in water (cf. Chapter 2.2.3), no bioconcentration factor(BCF) can be measured.
Taking in account the octanol-water partition coefficient, a BCF has been calculated with the BCF
Program (v 2.15). Using the log KOW of 1.6 for phthalic anhydride, the calculated BCF is 3.4 (Bayer
Industry Services, 2004a).
For the hydrolysis product phthalic acid, a BCF value of 3.2 is calculated by using the log KOW of
0.73 (Bayer Industry Services, 2004b).
These results indicate no significant potential for bioaccumulation of phthalic anhydride andphthalic acid in aquatic organisms.
In green house studies 14C-phthalic acid was applied to soil planted with wheat (Triticum
aestivum)/corn (Zea mays) or soybeans (Glycine max)/tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Only asmall part of the 14C applied to the soil was recovered from the plants and soil (up to 6 %). The
mean bioaccumulation ratios for total 14C were 0.003 for plants and 0.0005 for seeds. For phthalicacid the bioaccumulation ratios were 0.013 for plants and 0.0046 for seeds. TLC analysis showedthat the percent of the extractable 14C still in phthalic acid, was 5 % in corn and fescue, 15 % insoybean, 9 % in wheat plants, and the highest for wheat seed (47 %) (Dorney et al., 1985). This
study demonstrates the relatively low potential for accumulation of phthalic acid in plants.
Phthalic acid is a dibasic acid whose pKa2 is 5.41 at 25 °C (Hamer and Acree, 1945). The ionisation
implies that phthalic acid does not accumulate in organisms.

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Table 8

2.2.7

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE
Bioaccumulative properties of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid
(IUCLID 3.7)

Parameter

MethodResultSourcePhthalic anhydride
Bioconcentration factor

Calculated

BCF = 3.4

(Bayer Industry
Services, 2004a)

Phthalic acid
Bioconcentration factor

Calculated

BCF = 3.2

(Bayer Industry
Services, 2004b)

Geoaccumulation

Since phthalic anhydride hydrolyzes rapidly in water (cf. Chapter 2.2.3), no experimental data canbe obtained.
The distribution of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid between the organic phase of soil orsediments and the porewater was calculated by using QSAR with the PCKOC program (v 1.66). A
KOC of 11 for phthalic anhydride (Bayer Industry Services, 2004a) and of 73 for phthalic acid
(Bayer Industry Services, 2004b) was calculated.
Von Oepen, Koerdel, and Klein (1991) investigated the sorption capacity of three different soils bybatch equilibrium studies for phthalic acid. The soils used for testing were an acidic forest soil, anagricultural soil and a sublimnic soil. The sorption equilibrium was reached within 16 hours.
Sorption coefficients between 2 and 31 were determined. The experimental KOC values suggest thatphthalic acid has a high mobility in soil.
According Litz (1990) the experimental and calculated values indicate that phthalic anhydride andphthalic acid are supposed to have a slight geoaccumulation potential.
2.2.8

Environmental Monitoring

Phthalic anhydride has been reported from several environmental samples and materials whichcontain enough water to hydrolyze phthalic anhydride. In regard to an air sample the US EPA notedthat the presence of the phthalic anhydride could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate
esters followed by thermal dehydration in the GC injection port (EPA, 1994).
Similarly, Vainiotalo and Pfaeffli (1990) observed that both PVC (polyvinylchloride) containing
DEHP (di-2-ethylhexylphthalate) as well as pure DEHP released phthalic anhydride which wasformed during DEHP degradation at high temperatures (≥ 180 °C).
Thus, the significance of several studies using GC techniques with phthalates exposed to hightemperatures is rather limited because phthalic anhydride may be formed during these analyticalprocedures.
Occurrence
Phthalic anhydride is reported to be present in the volatile flavor of Idaho potatoes baked inaluminium foil at 205 °C for 105 min (Coleman, Ho, and Chang, 1981).
Waste/soil/sediments
In three insufficiently documented studies with significant methodological deficiencies, phthalicanhydride was reported to be present in spent chlorination liquor from bleaching of sulphite pulp
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE(0.2 - 0.4 mg/kg) (Carlberg, Drangsholt, and Gjos, 1986), insediment cores of an uncontrolled
hazardous waste dump in Northern Spain (Villanueva, Rosell, and Grimalt, 1991), and in PAH
contaminated sediments of San Diego Bay area (Deshmukh, Chefetz, and Hatcher, 2001).
Since phthalic anhydride is formed from phthalates at less than 200 °C (Vainiotalo and Pfaeffli,1990), or during pyrolysis (as performed by Deshmukh, Chefetz, and Hatcher, 2001), it is possiblethat phthalic anhydride was formed during GC/MS analysis.
Water
There are some historic data on the occurrence of phthalic anhydride in water samples. Some few
studies found phthalic anhydride in water samples. However, the water samples examined contained
several organic phthalates and or phthalic acid. Since phthalic anhydride is formed from phthalates
at less than 200 °C (Vainiotalo and Pfaeffli, 1990), and phthalic anhydride can also be formed fromphthalic acid, it is possible that phthalic anhydride was formed during analysis.
The wastewater treatment plant of the Kashima petroleum and petrochemical industrial complex(Japan) has a hydraulic retention time of approximately 14 h (Matsui et al., 1975; Matsui, Okawa,
and Ota, 1988). 88 % of the TOC of phthalic anhydride (influent concentration 65 mg/l) wasremoved from the authentic wastewater within 24 h during experimental incubations (cf. Chapter
2.2.6). However, since the half-life of phthalic anhydride in aqueous solution is in the range of
seconds to few minutes, it is assumed that not phthalic anhydride but phthalic acid persisted andthat phthalic acid was the source of phthalic anhydride formed during analysis.
The influent of the Prato (Italy) municipal wastewater treatment plant contained phthalic anhydride,
but not the effluent (Lepri, Desideri, and Del Bubba, 1997).
Phthalic anhydride was found in groundwater after distribution for drinking purposes, but not in thesame groundwater before distribution (Fielding et al., 1981). No phthalic anhydride could be
detected in 12 other raw waters of the UK. Unfortunately, the authors do not report on the
distribution method. Since several other compounds (e.g. benzyl cyanide, 2 C4 alkyl benzenes)
stemmed from the distribution process, it appears that the phthalic anhydride was formed during
GC/MS analysis from phthalates or phthalic acid contaminating the groundwater during the
distribution process.
In 15 out of 85 contaminated water streams of the USA, phthalic anhydride was detected with anestimated maximum of 1 µg/l and a median of 0.7 µg/l in positive samples (limit of detection
0.25 µg/l) (Kolpin et al., 2002). Since phthalic anhydride was encountered routinely also inlaboratory blanks (Kolpin et al., 2002), it is not clear whether phthalic anhydride was present in thetested US waters.
Guzzella and Sora (1998) report that phthalic anhydride and several phthalates were detected in thethree large Italian lakes (Como, Garda, and Maggiore) in 1991 and 1992. Unfortunately, the study
was not printed correctly, and its reliability cannot be elucidated.
The EPA (1994) reports that phthalic anhydride has been identified, but not quantified, in US
drinking water. However, they concluded that the rapid hydrolysis of phthalic anhydride to phthalicacid that occurs in aqueous media, would preclude any significant transport of the chemical in theaquatic environment. The EPA was also concerned on the formation of artifacts (see Air/aerosols).
There are no reports on the occurrence of phthalic anhydride in environmental media in the Sponsor
country.

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Air/aerosols
In his compilation of chemical compounds in the atmosphere Graedel (1978) lists phthalicanhydride as an air pollutant. Sasaki et al. (1997) report that phthalic anhydride is formed during
atmospheric photooxidation of naphthalene in the gas phase. It is also formed during photooxidationof adsorbed naphthalene (Brussol et al., 1999).
Ramdahl, Becher, and Bjorseth (1982) reported phthalic anhydride to occur in urban air particles
from St. Louis (MO, USA), after fractionation by HPLC, and analysis by GC/MS. Yokouchi andAmbe (1986) identified both phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid by GC/MS in aerosols collected
north of Tokyo in 1985. Phthalic anhydride was reported from arctic air at a concentration of
10 ng/m3, but it was later noted that the presence of the anhydride could have resulted from thehydrolysis of phthalate esters followed by dehydration in the GC injection port (EPA, 1994).
Using the US National Ambient VOC Data Base, Kelly et al. (1994) reported that phthalic anhydride was detected at one location (not specified) with more than 10 samples (no method
reported). Phthalic anhydride concentration was less than 6 µg/m3. The half life of phthalicanhydride in air was estimated to be longer than 5 days.
Phthalic anhydride was tentatively identified in aerosols collected in Los Angeles in 1993. Tentative
phthalic anhydride concentrations were reported to be 5.9 mg/kg of extractable organic carbon(EOC). From the annual average of the ambient EOC concentration (8.89 µg/m3), a phthalicanhydride concentration of 52 pg/m3 was tentatively calculated for the Los Angeles aerosol(Hannigan et al., 1998).
In 4 air samples collected over landfills the concentrations of phthalic anhydride were 0.06 ppb,
0.16 ppb, and 2 samples were below the detection limit of < 0.06 ppb. No phthalic anhydride was
detected in several air samples of the vicinity of these landfills (Davoli et al., 2003).
Phthalic anhydride was present in fly ash from a municipal solid waste incinerator (Akimoto etal., 1997). It was also identified with 2 different GC/MS methods in diesel exhaust particles(Bayona, Markides, and Lee, 1988).
Phthalic anhydride (and more than 200 other organic compounds including e.g. ketones, esters,
acids, furans, pyrans, and aryl ethers) were detected in aqueous oak smoke preparations (Guillén
and Manzanos, 2002).
Phthalic anhydride is also reported to occur in the organic compounds extracted from weatheredsurfaces of Saxonean sandstone from historic buildings in the city of Dresden, Germany (Machill etal., 1997). Potential sources of phthalic anhydride include microorganisms in these surfaces, but although not discussed in detail – the more likely source being deposition of air contaminants.
Phthalic acid and phthalates were also present in the extracts. Since the injector for the GC was heldat 250 °C, formation of phthalic anhydride from these compounds cannot be excluded.
Phthalic anhydride was mentioned to be a trace component in the emissions from hydrocarbon
based wood stains for indoor materials (0 - 2 mg/g of ready-to-use wood stain) (Zhu, Zhang, andShaw, 1999). However, in this study no measures were reported to avoid the formation of phthalicanhydride from phthalates during analysis (GC/MS).
Phthalic anhydride was detected as a thermolytic degradation product of steel protective paint. Steelplates coated with primer or finishing paint yielded up to 0.88 g phthalic anhydride/m2 upon heating
at 350 °C (Henriks-Eckerman, Engstroem, and Anaes, 1990).
The data on environmental occurrence of phthalic anhydride are compiled in the following Table.

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Table 9 Reported environmental occurrence of phthalic anhydride
MediumMatrixPhthalic anhydride Source

Biota

volatile flavor of baked
potatoes+

Coleman, Ho, and Chang, 1981 2

Liquid waste

Spent chlorination liquorfrom bleaching of sulphite
pulp

0.2 - 0.4 mg/kg

Carlberg, Drangsholt, andGjos, 1986

3

Sediment+
Sediment cores of an
uncontrolled hazardous waste
dump in Northern Spain

Villanueva, Rosell, andGrimalt, 1991

3

Sediment

Contaminated sediments of
San Diego Bay area+

Deshmukh, Chefetz, andHatcher, 2001

3

Wastewater

Wastewater treatment plantof Kashima industrial
complex, Japan+ influent- effluent

Matsui et al., 1975; Matsui,
Okawa, and Ota, 1988

both 2

Wastewater

Prato (Italy) municipal
wastewater treatment plant+ influent- effluent

Lepri, Desideri, and Del
Bubba, 1997

2

Water

Surfacewater andgroundwater in the UK+ in 1 out of 14
samples

Fielding et al., 1981

2

Drinking water

US drinking water-

EPA, 19942

Surface watercontaminated US water
streams+ in 15 out of 85
samples

Kolpin et al., 20024

Surface water

3 Italian lakes in 1991 and1992+

Guzzella and Sora, 1998

4

Air

Polluted air+

Graedel, 1978

4

Air

Formation from organics inpolluted air,Formed fromorganic pollutants

Sasaki et al. (1997)2

Air/aerosols

Aerosol

Formed on surfaces

Brussol et al., 19992

Air/aerosols

Urban air particles from St.
Louis (MO, USA),+

Ramdahl, Becher, andBjorseth, 1982

4

Air/aerosols

Aerosols collected north ofTokyo in 1985+

Yokouchi and Ambe, 1986)

4

Air

Arctic air

Not clear

EPA, 1994

2

3

Reliability

Air/aerosols

Background concentration

6 µg/m (median)

Kelly et al., 1994

4

Air/aerosols

Aerosols collected in Los
Angeles in 1993

5.9 mg/kg
extractable organiccarbonHannigan et al., 1998

2

Air

Air over landfills and in their + over landfills
Davoli et al., 2003
vicinity- vicinity of landfills

4

Exhausts

fly ash from a municipal
solid waste incinerator+

Akimoto et al., 1997

2

Exhausts

diesel exhaust particles+

Bayona, Markides, andLee, 1988

2

Food

oak smoke preparations+

Guillén and Manzanos, 2002

2

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Table 9 (cont.) Reported environmental occurrence of phthalic anhydride
MediumMatrixPhthalic anhydride Source

ReliabilityAirweathered surfaces of
Saxonean sandstone from
historic buildings in the cityof Dresden, Germany+

Machill et al., 1997

4

Air

emissions from hydrocarbon
based wood stains

0-2 mg/g of readyto-use wood stain

Zhu, Zhang, and Shaw, 1999

4

Air

thermolytic degradation
product of steel protective
paint0.88 g phthalicanhydride/m2

Henriks-Eckerman, Engstroem, 2
and Anaes, 1990

+ indicates that it is reported that phthalic acid is present in matrix, - denotes not detected

2.3

Human Exposure

2.3.1

Occupational Exposure

Occupational exposure to phthalic anhydride is most likely to occur through inhalation and dermal
contact. In 1981 - 1983 approximately 81 000workers were potentially exposed to phthalicanhydride in the USA (NIOSH, 2005).
Workplaces
At the Bayer manufacturing sites, workplaces where phthalic anhydride is manufactured orprocessed (Bayer Chemicals, 2004), include•

Manufacturing processes: Oxidation of o-xylene to phthalic anhydride, distillation (cf Chapter
2.1)•

Processing: In chemical synthesis, e.g. production of chemical intermediates.

At the Bayer sites, phthalic anhydride is manufactured in closed systems (cf Chapter 2.2.1). Phthalicanhydride is transported in rail or road tankers (Bayer Chemicals, 2004). Bayer participates in theGerman TUIS (Transport-Unfall und Informations System) for support in case of accidents
involving chemicals; TUIS is part of the European Emergency Response Network of CEFIC (2002).
In the plastics processing industries phthalate esters are often used as plasticizers in PVC (polyvinylchloride). Phthalic anhydride may be formed during thermal phthalate degradation (cf. Chapter
2.2.8).
Precautionary measures at the workplace
In accordance with national regulations and the principles of Responsible Care and Sustainable
Development, at Bayer Chemicals the exposure of workers is reduced to the lowest technicallypracticable level (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
Surveys of the Bayer workplaces are performed according to German Technical Guidances
TRGS 402 and TRGS 901. This includes regular surveys in the working area for any possible
exposure to hazardous substances and phthalic anhydride under all relevant work scenarios, andencompasses appropriate control measures (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).

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OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

To protect workers from exposure, several precautionary and protective measures are taken.
Sampling, for instance, is performed with specially designed systems and filling operations takeplace in a closed system with special suction devices. Repair and maintenance work is only carriedout on parts of the manufacturing or processing systems which have been emptied. Prior to repair
and maintenance the parts are flushed with water or alkali to remove residual substances. Special
written permits are required which include a detailed description of the protective measuresdepending on the work to be done (e.g. full protective clothing and gas filter masks (classification
ABEK)) (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
Down stream users of phthalic anhydride are informed on the recommended safety measuresthrough a material safety data sheet (Bayer Chemicals, 2004).
Potential exposure at the workplace
In Germany for occupational settings, the maximum permissible concentration set for phthalicanhydride particulate matter in the air at the workplace (MAK) of 1.0 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)(TRGS 900, 2004) was recently withdrawn by the MAK commission (DFG, 2001). At Bayer
Chemicals production and processing sites, the exposure of workers is below 1.0 mg/m3 (Bayer
Chemicals, 2004).
In 2 alkyd and/or saturated polyester resin plants (cf Chapter 3.1.4), time-weighted average
concentrations of phthalic anhydride dust were 2.8 and 4.9 mg/m3 during manual loading of reactors
from paper bags, 6.1 and 13 mg/m3 during handling of emptied paper bags, and <0.3 and 0.3 mg/m3
during cleaning, respectively. In one of the plants, also the dust concentration was determined
during general work (including sampling from reactor, 0.15 mg/m3) and in the canteen(< 0.1 mg/m3). 40 - 46 % of the dust was in the respirable dust fraction (Wernfors et al., 1986).
Also in alkyd and/or saturated polyester resin plants, working place air concentrations of phthalicanhydride were 6.6 mg/m3 (range 1.5 - 17 mg/m3) during phthalic anhydride loading of reactors(Nielsen et al., 1991).
In 6 PVC plastics processing plants using PVC containing organic phthalates as plasticizers, theworkplace air concentrations of phthalic anhydride (and DEHP in 9 plants) were determined(Vainiotalo and Pfaeffli, 1990). Phthalic anhydride levels ranged from below the detection limit(<0.02 µg/m3) to 5 µg/m3. For comparison, the phthalate levels were up to 100 times higher(< 0.02 - 0.5 mg/m3). Use of heat sealers may therefore expose users of PVC film to phthalicanhydride (SRC, 1995).
Due to formation from components of alkyd paint, phthalic anhydride may be released during
welding or flame cutting of alkyd coated metal (Henriks-Eckerman, Engstroem, and Anaes, 1990).
Biological monitoring
Phthalic anhydride specific immunoglobin E (IgE) was detected by a radio-allergosorbent test
(RAST) in the serum of a chemical worker with hypersensitivity to phthalic anhydride (Maccia etal., 1976).
Severe immunoreactions were observed in 2 industrial workers exposed to phthalic anhydride dust
for 3 months and for 35 years, respectively. The phthalic anhydride specific IgE levels in these 2
workers and in 2 other workers cross-sensitized with the structurally related anhydrides, hexahydrophthalic anhydride and himic anhydride, were 10 - 12-fold compared to a control group of 30
unexposed persons (Bernstein et al., 1984).

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The presence of serum IgE antibodies to phthalic anhydride was demonstrated in 4 workers out of
54 exposed occupationally to phthalic anhydride dust in alkyd and/or saturated polyester resin
plants (cf Chapter 3.1.4) (Wernfors et al., 1986).
Compared to controls, the levels of IgG specific to phthalic anhydride human serum albumin
adducts were 4 - 6-fold in exposed workers e.g. a lab technician testing the quality of phthalicanhydride. Consistently, in exposed workers, the levels of IgE were increased 2 - 6-fold (Bernstein,
Patterson, and Zeiss, 1982).
The levels of serum IgE antibodies to phthalic anhydride determined with RAST were similar inworkers exposed to phthalic acid and in controls. However, the total IgE level in workers of
32 kilounits/liter (ku/l) was twice the level in controls (15 ku/l). Determined with an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the level of specific antibodies against phthalic anhydride antigen(IgG) were 0.21 OD in workers, to 0.12 OD in controls (Nielsen et al., 1991). In another study, theRAST values of 3 workers exposed to phthalic anhydride were 6, 13, and 34 compared to < 0.3 incontrols, indicating high antibody levels against phthalic anhydride in these workers (Welinder andNielsen, 1991).
Baur et al. (1995) examined a group of 96 workers exposed to several acid anhydrides, including
phthalic anhydride, in 2 German chemical plants. 9 workers with clinical allergic symptoms and 2
without clinical allergic symptoms, had IgE levels higher than 0.35 ku/l in an enzyme-allergosorbent test, and 48 symptomatic workers and 42 asymptomatic workers had IgE levels of less than
0.35 ku/l.
In a US factory manufacturing phthalic anhydride, di(2-ehtylhexyl)phthalate, and other phthalates,
pronounced increases of urinary phthalate concentrations occurred only in chemical operators
during shift. Since the urine samples were hydrolyzed and determined as dimethylphthalate, itcannot be distinguished between the molecular species potentially present in urine, e.g. phthalicanhydride, phthalic acid, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. However, byadditional examinations, neither di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, nor mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate could
be detected in urine samples. There was no correlation between the increase in urinary phthalate
concentrations and the workplace air concentrations of phthalic anhydride and/or of di(2ethylhexyl)phthalate. The results of the biological monitoring of total phthalate in urine of three
exposure groups are presented in Table 10. One of the highest post-shift phthalate concentration
occurred in an administrator who was unlikely to be exposed during work. The pre-shift urinary
phthalate concentration of this administrator was actually higher than his post-shift value (Liss et al.
1985).

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OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Table 10 Urinary phthalate concentrations in workers of a phthalic anhydride
manufacturing and processing plant (Liss et al., 1985)
Exposure

Preshift
Number of participants
Urinary phthalate
concentrations (mean,µmol/l)Postshift
Number of participants
Urinary phthalate
concentrations (mean,µmol/l)High exposure, with
detectable airborne
phthalic anhydride inpersonal sample*

High exposure, without
detectable airborne
phthalic anhydride inpersonal sample*

Control (low exposure)*

26

20

41

5.6 ± 3.4

4.9 ± 6.1

6.4 ± 6.7

27

19

40

9.9 ± 8.7

6.8 ± 8.1

5.9 ± 5.8

* ± Standard deviation

2.3.2

Consumer Exposure

Consumers may be exposed to phthalic anhydride via the environment by inhalation e.g. of thevolatile flavor of baked potatoes and of atmospheric aerosols (cf. Chapter 2.2.8).
Phthalic anhydride is used as an intermediate for making polyesters, polyurethane resins, andplasticizers. The resulting materials are used in coatings applications for home appliances,automobiles, medical devices and furniture. Exposure of the general public to phthalic anhydride
may occur from the use of some of these products from which phthalic anhydride may be released.
Consumers may also be exposed to (non-synthetic) phthalic anhydride (and more than 200 otherorganic compounds including e.g. ketones, esters, acids, furans, pyrans, and aryl ethers) from oaksmoke (Guillén and Manzanos, 2002). Oak smoke and its aqueous preparations are used in the
production of several smoked foods and alcoholic beverages (cf. Chapter 2.2.8).
Exposure of consumers to phthalic anhydride may occur through the use of products which containphthalic anhydride as a component in commercial preparations, e.g. Zhu, Zhang, and Shaw (1999)
report that traces of phthalic anhydride were released from some hydrocarbon based wood stains forindoor materials (cf. Chapter 2.2.8).
Phthalic anhydride is listed in the Nordic Product Registers as a component of about 1000 preparations for industrial use. It is also listed in the Swedish and Norwegian Product Registers as
being used in consumer products. In 2000, at least 96 % (31 433 tonnes of 32 648 tonnes) of theregistered volume is used industrially for the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products. The
major application is as an industrial intermediate and raw material, but it is also listed to be used
e.g. in paints, lacquers, and varnishes, in cleaning and washing agents, as binding agent for paints
and adhesives, as a construction material, and as hardener, primer, and stopping material. The mainuse categories are use in closed system and non-dispersive use (SPIN, 2004). Phthalic anhydride isalso listed in the Swedish Product Register as a component of 98 products with a total amount of
30 526 tonnes. Most frequent uses for products are paints and varnishes, hardeners, adhesives andfilling agents. The number of consumer products is 5; they contain less than 2 % of phthalic anhydride (Swedish Product Register, 2004). In the Swiss Product Register (2004) phthalic anhydride
is registered for 91 products, including 30 consumer products, most of them in the categories of“paints, dyes, lacquers” and “glue, surfacer, cement, sealing mass” (Swiss Product Register, 2004).
22

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The information from the Nordic and Swiss Product Registers are consistent with the general use
categories (cf Chapter 2.1). It should be noted that the major use of phthalic anhydride is in the
production of unsaturated polyester resins and polymers, which account for most of the applications
listed in the Nordic and Swiss Product Registers. This database does not distinguish between direct
uses of phthalic anhydride (as a chemical) and uses of materials, such as resins, that are produced
from chemical reactions with phthalic anhydride. The commercial uses of phthalic anhydride are
due to its reactivity in polymerization processes and in the formation of chemical derivatives.

3

HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS

3.1

Effects on Human Health

3.1.1

Toxicokinetics, Metabolism and Distribution

No comprehensive toxicokinetic studies were available.
Phthalic anhydride is known to undergo rapid hydrolysis to phthalic acid upon contact with water(Andres, Grandados, and Rossi, 2001), and it is likely that a similar reaction will occur in biologicalsystems. Therefore, phthalic acid is probably a major breakdown product of the anhydride.
Studies in Animals
In vitro Studies
No reliable studies available.
In vivo Studies
No reliable studies available.
Studies in Humans
In vitro Studies
No data available.
In vivo Studies
The excretion of phthalic anhydride in humans has been investigated in a study where urine samples
were collected from nine subjects occupationally exposed to phthalic anhydride, primarily by theinhalation route. Samples were taken before, during, and after workshift. Airborne phthalic anhydride levels ranged from 0.03 to 10.5 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA, MMAD not stated), determined frompersonal air samples from the worker breathing zones. Urine was also taken from a control group of
22 persons not occupational exposed to phthalic anhydride. Given that phthalic anhydride isconverted to phthalic acid in the presence of water, the phthalic acid concentration in the urine wasmeasured after esterification with methanol by electron capture gas chromatography, and expressedin terms of urinary creatinine. At low atmospheric phthalic anhydride concentrations (mean +/- SD;
0.15 +/- 0.15 mg/m3, range 0.03 - 0.33 mg/m3, n = 5), the excretion of phthalic acid increased fromthe pre-shift (7:00 hours) concentration to the post-shift (15:00 hours) concentration and decreased
then until the pre-shift concentration was again reached. Exposure to higher atmosphericconcentrations of phthalic anhydride (1.63 +/- 0.13 mg/m3, n = 2; 10.5 mg/m3, n = 1) resulted in abody load of phthalic acid which was not totally cleared overnight.. One worker exposed to high
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OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

concentration of phthalic anhydride (10.5 mg/m3) had a pre-shift urinary concentration of 4.8 µmolof phthalic acid/mmol creatinine; approx. 14 times that of the control group. The concentration ofphthalic acid in the urine was found to increase from the pre-shift level to a maximum in theimmediate post-shift or evening urine sample. The concentration then decreased, and the authors
estimated a half-life of approx. 14 hours without further information how this value was established.
Urine samples were also subjected to acid, alkaline, and enzymatic hydrolysis by β-glucuronidaseor aryl sulphatase. No evidence was seen of conjugate formation. Thus, workers occupationally
exposed to atmospheric phthalic anhydride absorbed the substance with subsequent excretion in theurine as unconjugated phthalic acid (Pfaeffli, 1986).
Conclusion
On contact with water, phthalic anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to phthalic acid. Unconjugatedphthalic acid was found in the urine of humans exposed to phthalic anhydride by the inhalationroute, demonstrating systemic absorption and elimination via the urine and the existence of phthalicacid as a hydrolysis product in vivo.
3.1.2

Acute Toxicity

Studies in Animals
Inhalation
There are only old and insufficiently documented studies available with low number of animals andno information on purity of test compound or the methods used to generate the test atmosphere.
DermalThere were no reliable studies available. The studies available were old with insufficient
documentation for assessment.
Oral
In rats, an LD50 value of 1530 mg/kg bw was reported. Groups of ten Wistar rats (160 - 180 g) were
dosed with 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3100, and 5000 mg/kg bw of phthalic anhydride (purity approx.
99.8 %) dissolved in DMSO (2 ml/100 g bw). Animals were observed for 14 days but no grosspathology was reported. The symptoms observed at doses equal or higher than 500 mg/kg bw weresedation, imbalance, and bloodshot eyes. No deaths occurred in the group dosed with
100 mg/kg bw. The mortality rates were 20, 20, 40, 90, or 100 % in the 500, 1000, 2000, 3100, or
5000 mg/kg dose groups, respectively, and a LD50 value of 1530 mg/kg bw was calculated by using
the method of Fink (Bayer AG, 1978).
Studies in Humans
Inhalation
Generalized descriptions of systemic effects with acute exposure are given in several old, poorly
documented reports, which provide no reliable information on exposure levels. Headache,dizziness, nausea, epigastric burning and a feeling of suffocation were described after occupational
exposure to phthalic anhydride dust or vapor (Bernard and Marchand, 1945).
DermalIn one person occasionally exposed to phthalic anhydride by the dermal route, transient effects on
the kidneys (poor function with the suppression of urinary secretion) were noted (Sagan, 1965).
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No data available
Conclusion
The oral LD50 in rats was 1530 mg/kg bw. Clinical signs at doses equal or higher than 500 mg/kg
bw included sedation, imbalance, and bloodshot eyes. There were no reliable animal acute toxicity
studies available for the inhalation and dermal routes of exposure.
In poorly documented human case reports, which provide no reliable information on exposurelevels, headache, dizziness, nausea, epigastric burning and a feeling of suffocation were described
after acute occupational exposure to phthalic anhydride dust or vapor.
3.1.3

Irritation

Skin Irritation
Studies in Animals
Mild irritation was observed when 550 mg of 99.8 % pure phthalic anhydride flakes were applied tothe shaved dorsal area of the trunk of six rabbits for 4 hours according to OECD TG 404 (noinformation on test substance preparation available). The dermal irritation indexes after semiocclusive exposure were 0.83, 1.5, 1.5, and 1.0, on a scale ranging from 0 to 8 after 1, 24, 48, and72 hours, respectively, and the average dermal irritation index was 1.21. The observed effects werereversible, since scores for all animals were zero within 5 days until the end of the experiment(Chemische Werke Huels, 1983). In another study with semi-occlusive exposure, two New Zealandwhite rabbits were dosed with 500 mg of solid phthalic anhydride (moistened with water, purity oftest compound not given) on the ear for 24 hours and observed for 14 days. No irritant effect wasobserved in this study (Bayer AG, 1979).
Studies in Humans
Contact with either solid phthalic anhydride or its vapor has been reported to cause skin irritation
after occupational exposure. Impurities present in the technical phthalic anhydride, naphthoquinone
and maleic anhydrides, seem to contribute to these symptoms (Oettel, 1955). Following skin contact
lesions ranging from erythema, blistering, ulceration and necrosis have been reported. Several
authors considered that skin irritation following contact with solid material was a greater problem insummer when the skin is likely to be wet due to perspiration.
Eye Irritation
Studies in Animals
Eye irritation was reported in a study in which 50 mg of the solid compound was applied to two
rabbits, respectively, and ocular irritation was scored according to Draize after 1, and 24 hours, and2, and 7 days after application. The following maximum values were reported for phthalicanhydride (maximum values possible in the Draize scoring system are indicated in brackets forcomparison). cornea 1, transitional slight cloudiness of the cornea up to day 2 (2); Iris 1 (2);conjunctiva, redness 2 (3); conjunctiva, swelling 2 (4); lacrimation 1. All effects, except conjunctiva
redness (score 1 at day 7), were reversible during the seven-day observation period (BayerAG, 1979).

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Studies in Humans
Reported irritative effects on the eye after occupational exposure included conjunctivitis,
lacrimation, corneal ulceration and necrosis, and photophobia. In one study workers complained of
conjunctivitis when occupationally exposed to an airborne phthalic anhydride dust concentration of
about 6 mg/m3 (2 - 6 hour TWA) (Nielsen et al., 1988, 1991).
Respiratory Tract Irritation
Studies in Animals
Phthalic anhydride has not been investigated in comprehensive respiratory tract irritation studies inanimals.
Studies in Humans
In humans, phthalic anhydride in the form of vapor, fumes, or dust is an irritant to mucous
membranes and the upper respiratory tract. Initial exposure produces coughing, sneezing, burning
sensations in the nose and throat, and increased mucous secretion. Repeated or continued exposures
may result in general inflammation of the respiratory tract, nasal ulceration and bleeding, atrophy ofthe mucous membranes (reversible), loss of smell, hoarseness, bronchitis, urticaria, and symptomsof allergic hypersensitivity (Baader, 1955; Menschick, 1955; Frans and Pahulycz, 1993).
Conclusion
In rabbits, phthalic anhydride was slightly irritating to the skin (OECD TG 404), and irritating to theeyes. In humans, effects on the eye after occupational exposure are described (including
conjunctivitis, lacrimation, corneal ulceration, necrosis, and photophobia). For humans, phthalicanhydride in the form of vapor, fumes, or dust is a primary irritant to mucous membranes and theupper respiratory tract. Initial exposure produces coughing, sneezing, burning sensations in the noseand throat, and increased mucous secretion. Repeated or continued exposures may result in general
inflammation of the respiratory tract, nasal ulceration and bleeding, atrophy of the mucous
membranes (reversible), loss of smell, hoarseness, bronchitis, urticaria and symptoms of allergic
hypersensitivity.
3.1.4

Sensitization

Studies in Animals
Skin
The skin sensitization potential of phthalic anhydride was investigated in a guinea pig maximization
test using the OECD TG 406 method without deviation. Reactions indicative of the sensitized state
were seen in 90 % of treated animals, demonstrating that phthalic anhydride is a skin sensitizer(Basketter and Scholes, 1992). A murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) in accordance with thestandard OECD TG 429 protocol was also conducted as part of this study. Mice were given a daily
topical application of 25 µl phthalic anhydride at concentrations of 2.5, 5 or 10 % to the dorsal
surface of each ear for three consecutive days. Lymphocyte proliferation far in excess of three times
that of the control nodes (EC3) indicated, that phthalic anhydride was a sensitizer (Basketter and
Scholes, 1992). In another LLNA, groups of mice were pretreated with 1 % sodium dodecyl
sulphate (SDS) one hour before exposing the animals to 25 µl of test solution on both ears daily forthree days. (The authors report that application of 1 % SDS and the test chemical generally resulted
in an increased response compared to the test chemical alone). The phthalic anhydride
concentrations used were 0, 0.25, 1, 2.5, 10, and 25 %. The EC3 value was determined to be
0.357 % (Van Och et al., 2000).
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Respiratory Tract
The respiratory sensitizing potential of phthalic anhydride was evaluated in a guinea pig model.
Two groups of 8 animals were each exposed to 0.5 or 1.0 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride dust, threehours/day for five consecutive days; two additional groups of 16 animals each were exposed in thesame manner to filtered air (control group) or 5.0 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride dust. The mass medianaerodynamic diameters (MMADs) were all in the respirable range. Two weeks after the last
exposure, guinea pigs were challenged either with phthalic anhydride dust (5 mg/m3) or withphthalic anhydride guinea pig serum albumin (PA-GPSA) conjugate dust (2.0 mg/m3). After
challenge with phthalic anhydride, the changes in respiratory rate were not significantly different
from the control animals. In animals challenged with PA-GPSA conjugate one animal in the
0.5 mg/m3 group and four animals in the 5 mg/m3 group experienced significant and sustained
increases in respiratory rate on challenge, as compared with the air control animals. The same
animal in the 0.5 mg/m3 group, one animal in the 1 mg/m3 group, and three animals in the
5.0 mg/m3 group experienced sustained respiratory reactions that resulted in significant increases inplethysmograph pressure, as compared with the air control animals. Linear regression analysis
showed a highly significant dose-response relationship for IgG antibody levels. None of the study
animals had detectable IgE antibodies to PA-GPSA. Foci were observed during histopathologicalexamination in 8 of 8 animals in the phthalic anhydride dust-exposed and challenged group, with 3of 8 having 189 foci or more (mean value 115; mean value control group: 1). One or two lung fociwere noted in 5 of 8 filtered air control/phthalic anhydride dust-challenged guinea pigs. No
indication of inflammation was noted. Alveolar hemorrhage, with accumulation of red blood cells,
and a few alveolar macrophages were observed. Minimal cell hyperplasia was also noted. The
authors concluded, that animals exposed to and challenged with 5.0 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride dust
had significant numbers of hemorrhagic lung foci. Those animals with the greatest number of focihad high IgG antibody activity to phthalic anhydride (Sarlo et al., 1994).
Studies in Humans
There is evidence to suggest that respiratory and skin sensitization can occur as a consequence ofoccupational exposure to phthalic anhydride. Evaluation of the available human data is hampered
because most studies were conducted in factories where epoxy resins were handled andoccupational exposure to several anhydrides, including phthalic anhydride and e.g. maleic
anhydride occurred. Bernstein et al. demonstrated that workers with occupational asthma after
exposure to acid anhydride compounds showed specific- and cross-reactive IgE antibody response(Bernstein et al., 1984). Additionally, impurities present in the technical phthalic anhydride, e.g.
naphthoquinone and maleic anhydrides, seem to contribute to the sensitizing potential (Oettel,
1955).
Skin
Two cases of urticarical rashes on exposed areas of the skin were found among workers at achemical plant handling phthalic anhydride (Menschick, 1955)
191 workers were patch tested with the resin and hardeners, including phthalic anhydride at aplastics factory where epoxy resins, including maleic anhydride and phthalic anhydride, were
processed. An allergic response to a 0.1 % solution of phthalic anhydride in acetone was observedin 14 % of the workers (Woyton et al., 1976).
Respiratory Tract
Phthalic anhydride has been known as a respiratory sensitizer since 1939 when the first case ofasthma and allergic rhinitis was reported to be due to sensitivity to phthalic anhydride (Kern, 1939).

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Phthalic anhydride sensitization may also be associated with an asthma-rhinitis-conjunctivitis
syndrome or with a delayed reaction and influenza-like symptoms.
Among 118 workers occasionally exposed to phthalic anhydride dust for 2 months or more, 28(24 %) suffered from work-related rhinitis, 13 (11 %) from chronic productive bronchitis, and 21(28 %) from work-associated asthma. Three out of eleven asthmatics had a phthalic anhydridepositive skin test, and in two subjects the presence of antibodies was demonstrated. The average
concentration of phthalic anhydride dust at the workplaces was given as 3–13 mg/m3, of which 4046 % was in the inspirable dust fraction (Wernfors et al., 1986).
In a study of two plants producing resin the time-weighted average (TWA) air level during loadingof phthalic anhydride was 6.6 (1.5 - 17.4) mg/m3. Maleic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, andisophthalic anhydride were also used in the plants, but “to a much lower degree”. A control groupof 22 workers from a food processing factory, matched for age and smoking habits, was used forcomparison throughout the study. In 60 workers (mean age 44 years; average exposure
approximately 12 years), symptoms of rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis were frequently reported,
mostly by the most heavily exposed workers (69 %). Five workers (14 %), all heavily exposed
during some periods, exhibited a phthalic anhydride-associated bronchial asthma. Asthma reactions
possibly correlate with specific serum IgG antibody levels, but do not appear to relate to IgE or IgMlevels. The authors reported that the clinical symptoms seemed to appear after repeated peak
exposure to phthalic anhydride concentrations of about 6 mg/m3. In more than one third of theworkers exposed to such concentrations increased levels of specific IgG directed against phthalicanhydride were found (Nielsen et al., 1988).
A group of 23 men (mean age 35 years; average exposure for 7 years) regularly exposed to phthalicanhydride during reactor loading activities while employed in polyester resin factories wasinvestigated. A TWA air level during loading of 6.6 mg/m3 was reported. A control group of 18
men employed in a municipal engineering department, matched for age and smoking habits, served
as controls. As in the previous study, maleic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, and isophthalicanhydride were also used in the plants, but “to a much lower degree” than phthalic anhydride (TWA
0.6 mg/m3 for maleic anhydride). Work-related respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in
exposed subjects compared to control subjects (eyes 48 % vs 6 %, nose, 39 % vs 0 %), but thecontrol group exhibited more symptoms of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity (44 % vs 13 %).
Two exposed subjects had work-related asthma. The exposed group had significantly higher total
serum IgE levels, although phthalic anhydride-specific IgE levels were similar for both groups.
Specific IgG levels were, as observed in the previous study, significantly greater in the exposedgroup. Lung function tests did not show any difference between the two groups (Nielsen etal., 1991).
Conclusion
Phthalic anhydride demonstrated skin sensitizing properties in animals, with positive results being
observed in guinea pig tests according to OECD TG 406 and in local lymph node assays similar toOECD TG 429. Evidence that phthalic anhydride has respiratory sensitization potential has been
demonstrated in an experimental guinea pig model. In humans, there are a number of reports
providing information on the respiratory sensitization potential of phthalic anhydride after
occupational exposure. Workers were reported to suffer from work-related rhinitis, chronic
productive bronchitis, and work-associated asthma. Phthalic anhydride sensitization is generally
associated with either an asthma-rhinitis-conjunctivitis syndrome or with a delayed reaction andinfluenza-like symptoms and with increased IgG and/or phthalic anhydride specific IgE levels in the
blood. Reports on skin reactions in humans are rare.

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3.1.5

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Repeated Dose Toxicity

Repeated dose toxicity was investigated in 7-week-studies and in long-term (carcinogenicity)studies in rats and mice, using the oral route of exposure. There are no human data available on
repeated dose toxicity.
Studies in Animals
Inhalation
There are no valid data available. The available studies are old with insufficient documentation andlow number of animals. No information was available, for instance, on the purity of the test
substance or the methods used to generate the test atmosphere.
DermalNo data are available.
Oral
Briefly reported 7-week repeated dose studies were conducted in Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1
mice, to provide the basis for the choice of dose levels for more extensively documented carcinogenicity studies. Groups of five animals of each sex were exposed to phthalic anhydride via thediet at levels of 0, 6200, 12 500, 25 000, and 50,000 ppm (approximate doses in rats: 0, 410, 830,
1660, and 3330 mg/kg bw/day; mice: 0, 890, 1790, 3570, and 7140 mg/kg bw/day). Body weights
were recorded throughout the study and unspecified tissues were examined microscopically. In rats,
there was a significant reduction in body-weight gain (approximately 75 % weight gain compared tocontrols at seven weeks) at the highest dose level (50 000 ppm). At 25 000 ppm, centrilobularcytoplasmic vacuolation were seen in the livers of four male rats; although tissues were essentiallynormal in all rats at 50 000 ppm. In mice no effect on body weight was observed at any dose, andthere were no microscopic abnormalities in any mice at all dose levels (NCI, 1979).
In a rat chronic feeding study, groups of 50 Fischer 344 rats per sex were exposed to 7500 or
15 000 ppm (approximately 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day) of phthalic anhydride in the diet. The
control group consisted of 20 animals per sex. At termination, after 105 weeks, all major organs
were subjected to both macroscopic and microscopic examination. Apart from a < 10 % reductionin the bodyweight gain of the high dose males, there were no treatment-related differences inmortality or microscopic changes among the groups. The survival rate was not different between thegroups and was generally ≥ 70 %. No hematology and no clinical chemistry endpoints were
examined (NCI, 1979).
In a mouse chronic feeding study, groups of 20 control or 50 treated B6C3F1 mice of each sex were
exposed via the diet at levels of 0, 25 000, or 50 000 ppm for the first 32 weeks of a 104 weektreatment period (approximately 3570 or 7140 mg/kg bw/day). Because of excessive body weightloss during the first 32 weeks the exposure levels in males were reduced to 12 500 or 25 000 ppm(approximately 1785 or 3570 mg/kg bw/day), respectively, and the doses for the females werereduced to 6250 and 12 500 ppm (approximately 890 or 1780 mg/kg bw/day), respectively, for theremainder of the study. The time-weighted average doses for the males were either 16 346 or
32 692 ppm (approximately 2340 or 4670 mg/kg bw/day), and those for the females were either
12 019 or 24 038 ppm (approximately 1717 or 3430 mg/kg bw/day). In the treated groups a doserelated reduction in bodyweight gain was observed throughout the study with terminal bodyweights
reduced by 12 and 27 % compared to controls for the low and high dose groups, respectively. The
survival rate at the end of the treatment period was at least 74 % in all groups. The NCI (1979)
concluded that there were no treatment-related non-neoplastic pathological effects in the mice. Reexamination of the incidence data by the US EPA, Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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showed significantly increased incidences of lung and kidney lymphocytosis in the low- and highdose males and females (incidence in controls, low-dose, and high-dose groups; males’ lung: 30 %,38 %, and 61 %, females’ lung: 10 %, 65 %, 71 %, males’ kidney: 0 %, 30 %, and 76 %, females’
kidney: 0%, 46 %, 54 %), chronic bile duct inflammation in the high-dose males (5 %, 14 %, 35 %),and females (50 %, 63 %, and 75 %), and dose-related adrenal atrophy (0 %, 47 %, 83 %) andmineralization of the thalamus in the low-\and high-dose males (0 %, 36 %, 23 %). No historicalcontrol data on the incidences of these findings in the testing laboratory were available, and thebiological significance of these findings is therefore difficult to ascertain. Nevertheless, based on
this re-evaluation, the time weighted LOAEL was set to be 12,019 ppm level in female mice(approximately 1717 mg/kg bw/day) and 16 346 ppm in male mice (approximately 2340 mg/kg
bw/day); no NOAEL was obtained in this study (NCI, 1979; EPA, 1992).
Conclusion
Phthalic anhydride has been shown to have low repeated dose toxicity by the oral route in rats. The
evidence of toxicity in a chronic rat study is limited to adverse effects on body-weight gain at thedose level of 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The NOAEL was at 500 mg/kg bw/day. It is noted that nohematology and clinical biochemistry examinations were performed in this study. A NOAEL could
not be established in a chronic feeding study in mice because of pathological effects seen down to
the lowest tested dose level (LOAELs: 12 019 ppm level in female mice = approximately
1717 mg/kg bw/day, and 16 346 ppm in male mice = approximately 2340 mg/kg bw/day; increased
incidences of lung and kidney lymphocytosis in the males and females, and dose-related adrenal
atrophy and mineralization of the thalamus in males. The LOAELs are time-weighted averages
because a dose reduction in males from 25 000 to 12 500 ppm (= approximately 1785 mg/kg
bw/day) and for females from 12 500 to 6250 ppm (= approximately 890 mg/kg bw/day) was
necessary after 32 weeks of exposure due to reduced weight gains). There were no valid repeateddose studies available using the dermal or respiratory routes of exposure.
3.1.6

Mutagenicity

Several in vitro bacterial mutation assays are available which were conducted similarly to current
guidelines. In vitro chromosome aberrations were investigated in two studies. There are no in vivo
data on mutagenicity available.
In vitro Studies
Several bacterial mutation assays have been conducted and demonstrated no mutagenic activity.
The most recent studies were conducted by a protocol similar to OECD TG 471. In one study the
pre-incubation procedure was performed with Salmonella typhimurium TA 100, TA 1535, TA 98,
TA 1537, and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA at concentrations up to 5000 µg/plate. Cytotoxic effects
were observed in the absence and in the presence of a metabolic activator (Aroclor 1254-induced rat
liver S9) at concentrations equal or higher than 313 µg/plate. Phthalic anhydride did not induce
mutations in the bacterial mutation test in either the absence or presence of metabolic activator inany strain tested. The positive and negative controls included in the experiment showed the
expected results (JETOC, 1996). In another study four S. typhimurium strains (TA 98, TA 100, TA
1535, TA 1537) were exposed to phthalic anhydride in a pre-incubation assay. Concentrations up to3333 µg/plate were used with metabolic activator (rat- and hamster-liver S9) in all four strains and333 µg/plate (TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537) or 1000 µg/plate (TA 98) in its absence. Phthalicanhydride did not induce mutations in this study. Positive and solvent controls (DMSO) gave theexpected results (Zeiger et al., 1985).
The ability of phthalic anhydride to induce chromosome aberrations was investigated in two studies.
Chinese hamster ovary cells were exposed to 30 - 300 µg/ml (approximately 0.2 - 2 mM) with or
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without S9; the highest concentration was selected as a cytotoxic level on the basis of a preliminary
study. Cells were exposed to phthalic anhydride for 2 hours in the presence of metabolic activation(S9), and further incubated for 8-12 hours. In the tests without metabolic activation, the cells were
exposed to phthalic anhydride throughout the incubation period. No dose-related increases inaberrations were observed. The low number of evaluated metaphases (100), and the lack of an
independent repeat are limitations of this study, resulting in a low sensitivity of the test (Galloway
et al., 1987). In a second study by the same group, Chinese hamster ovary cells were exposed tohigher doses (6, 8, 10 mM) for 3 hours in the presence or absence of S9. Cells were then washed,further incubated and harvested at 20 hours from the beginning of the treatment. Phthalic anhydridecaused a decrease in pH when added to culture medium and was immediately neutralized with
NaOH. Effects were observed in the main study only without S9 and only at the highest compoundconcentration which was very toxic (remaining cell counts 29 %) and gave precipitate. Chromosome aberration rate increased to 18.5 % at the highest dose compared with a control of 3 %. Only asmall, not statistically significant, increase in aberrations was observed at a slightly lower
concentration (8 mM compared to 10 mM) which showed lower cytotoxicity (remaining cell counts
54 %) and no precipitate. It is noted that the negative control values in the phthalic anhydride
experiment (3 %) were out of the usual control values described in the publication (0.00 - 2.25%,
mean value 1.5 %) and limited documentation hampers the evaluation of this information There wasno statistically significant increase in aberrations with and without S9 activation in a pre-experimentat 10 mM phthalic anhydride (Hilliard et al., 1998). The genotoxic effect found with phthalicanhydride in vitro at extremely high, cytotoxic concentrations, and only in the absence of ametabolic activation system is not expected to be relevant under in vivo conditions, where phthalicanhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to the non-genotoxic phthalic acid. [The data on phthalic acid haverecently been reviewed and published by the German Research Foundation (DFG, 2006).]
A sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test was conducted using Chinese hamster ovary cells in an
apparently well-conducted, but briefly-reported study. Cells were exposed to 10 - 300 µg/ml with orwithout S9; the highest concentration was selected as a cytotoxic level on the basis of a preliminary
study. Cells were exposed for 8 to 12 hours without S9 or for 2 hours in the presence of S9. One
hundred cells per dose level were evaluated. No significant increase in sister chromatid exchanges
was observed at any concentration investigated (Galloway et al., 1987).
In vivo Studies
No data available.
Conclusion
Phthalic anhydride was not mutagenic in the Ames test with and without metabolic activation(OECD TG 471). Chromosomal aberrations were induced in mammalian cells in vitro at the highest
phthalic anhydride concentrations (10 mM) only in the absence of S9 mix with concomitant marked
cytotoxicity and compound precipitate. In vivo studies are not available. Overall, it can beconcluded that phthalic anhydride is genotoxic in vitro at extremely high, cytotoxic concentrations,and only in the absence of a metabolic activation system. This genotoxic effect is not expected to be
relevant under in vivo conditions, where phthalic anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to the nongenotoxic phthalic acid.
3.1.7

Carcinogenicity

Two oral carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice are available which were conducted similarly tocurrent guidelines. No human epidemiology data is available.
In vitro Studies
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No valid studies are available
In vivo Studies in Animals
Inhalation
No studies are available
DermalNo studies are available
Oral
Carcinogenicity studies have been conducted in rats and mice. Groups of 20 control and 50 treated
Fischer 344 rats per sex were exposed via the diet at levels of 0, 7500, or 15 000 ppm (0, approx.
500 or 1000 mg/kg bw/day) for 105 weeks. The survival rate at the end of the treatment period was
at least 70 % in all groups. There were no significant non-neoplastic abnormalities, and adverse
effects were limited to decreased body-weight gain at dose levels of 1000 mg/kg bw/day (i.e.,< 10 % relative to control). The survival rate was not different between the groups and was
generally ≥ 70 % (see also Chapter 3.1.5. on repeated dose toxicity). No difference was observed
between the dosed and control groups in frequency or distribution of neoplasms, except for
malignant lymphoma in the female rats. The incidence of malignant lymphoma in the control
females was 1/20, in the low-dose females 11/50, and in the high dose females 4/50. Due to the highand fluctuating incidence of this type of malignant lymphoma commonly observed in control F344
rats, the apparent difference in incidences of the tumor in the dosed and control groups were notconsidered to be compound related (NCI, 1979).
For the mice (B6C3F strain), groups of identical size were exposed via the diet at level of 0, 25 000,
or 50 000 ppm for the first 32 weeks of a 104 weeks treatment period. Because of excessive bodyweight loss the exposure levels in males were reduced to 12 500 or 25 000 ppm, respectively, andthe doses for the females were reduced to 6250 and 12 500 ppm, respectively, for the remainder ofthe study. The time-weighted average doses for the males were either 16 346 or 32 692 ppm(approximately 2340 or 4670 mg/kg bw/day), and those for the females were either 12 019 or
24 038 ppm (approximately 1717 or 3430 mg/kg bw/day). Non-neoplastic effects observed at all
doses included increased incidences of lung and kidney lymphocytosis, adrenal atrophy andmineralization of the thalamus. There was no difference in mortality among the groups, and thesurvival rates at the end of the treatment period were at least 74 % in all groups (see also Chapter
3.1.5. on repeated dose toxicity). No neoplastic changes that were considered to be treatmentrelated were observed in the mice. Therefore no evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in either
species (NCI, 1979).
Conclusion
No evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in rats after exposure to approximately 1000 mg/kg
bw/day of phthalic anhydride, or in male and female mice after exposure to 4670, and 3430 mg/kg
bw/day, respectively, in comprehensive chronic (105-week) feeding studies.

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3.1.8

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Toxicity for Reproduction

Studies in Animals
Effects on Fertility
No fertility studies with phthalic anhydride are available. No effects on reproductive organs wereobserved in the previously described oral carcinogenicity study in rats and mice. The pathologic
evaluation consisted of gross and microscopic examination of reproductive organs; in male rats,
preputial gland, prostate, seminal vesicle, testis and epididymis, and the mammary gland; in female
rats, mammary gland, uterus, endothelial gland, and ovary; in male mice epididymis; in female miceuterus and ovary. No treatment-related changes were observed for any reproductive organ
investigated during macroscopic and microscopic examination of all major organs (NOAEL, rat:
1000 mg/kg bw/day; NOAEL, mouse (time-weighted average): 3430 (f), 4670 (m) mg/kg bw/day).
(NCI, 1979).
Decreased sperm motility was reported in one study in which male rats were exposed via inhalation(Protsenko, 1970) at 0.2 mg/m3 and no effects were observed at 0.02 mg/m3. The small sample sizeof 6 animals per group, poor documentation, and lack of data on the biological and statisticalrelevance of the observed effects limit however the confidence in these study results substantially.
Developmental Toxicity
No valid studies are available investigating the effects of phthalic anhydride on toxicity forreproduction. In a non-guideline study, phthalic anhydride was reported to be a developmental
toxicant in mice following intraperitoneal injection of doses in the adult lethal range. In this study(Fabro, Shull, and Brown, 1982), pregnant CD-1 mice (10/dose group) were injected intraperitoneally with phthalic anhydride in 0.5 % carboxymethyl cellulose solution on gestational days
8 - 10. In the publication it was stated that dosing was started at the 95 % confidence limit of theLD01 and progressing geometrically downward until no effect was observed. Animals were
terminated on day 18 and examined for fetal viability and number, resorptions, and grossmalformations. The LD01 and LD50 values for adult lethality were investigated in an independent
experiment with non-pregnant mice and reported to be 0.37 mmol/kg bw/day (95 % confidence
limit 0.19 - 0.43 mmol/kg bw/day) and 0.51 mmol/kg bw/day (0.44 - 0.57 mmol/kg bw/day),respectively. The tD05 and tD50 values for teratogenicity (grossly observable malformations andfetal internal malformations) were extrapolated to be 0.4 mmol/kg bw/day (no 95 % confidence
limit could be calculated) and 1.37 mmol/kg bw/day (no 95 % confidence limit could be calculated), respectively. The reliability of this study is limited because of the very poor documentation, e.g. no data on the precise dose levels and number of doses investigated, no data on positiveor negative controls, and only extrapolated LD01, LD50, tD05, and tD50 data given without any
further information. The teratogenic effects (tD05 0.4 mmol/kg bw/day) were observed at doses
were maternal lethality (LD01 0.37 mmol/kg bw/day) occurred. The statistical relevance of theextrapolated values can be questioned because of the “very shallow” dose-response curve
mentioned in the publication and the lack of 95 % confidence limits in the phthalic anhydride
experiments. Intraperitoneal injection is not a relevant route of human exposure in particular if thecompound demonstrated an irritant potential because observed effects might be due to local
irritation at the site of injection, the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, this route is also not relevant forchemicals with low chemical stability in aqueous solutions, because after exposure by the oral,
dermal or inhalation route the parent compound will not reach the reproductive organs.
Phthalic anhydride is known to undergo rapid hydrolysis to phthalic acid on contact with water(Andres, Grandados, and Rossi, 2001). It is likely that a similar reaction will occur in biologicalsystems, which is supported by the presence of unconjugated phthalic acid in the urine of workers
occupationally exposed to phthalic anhydride (Pfaeffli, 1986).
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The developmental toxicity of phthalic acid was investigated in a developmental toxicity study.
Groups of eleven pregnant Wistar rats were fed a diet containing phthalic acid at a dose of 0, 1.25,
2.5, or 5.0 % ad libitum on GD 7 – GD 16 (approximately 0, 1000, 1700, 3000 mg/kg bw/day). The
administration in the feed was selected because of only slight solubility of phthalic acid in waterand oil. The pregnant rats were observed daily for evidence of clinical signs of toxicity, maternal
body weight and food consumption. Average daily intake of phthalic acid was calculated. The
pregnant rats were sacrificed on day 20 of pregnancy. The peritoneal cavity and uterus were opened
and the numbers of live and dead fetuses and resorptions were counted. The gravid uterus wasremoved and the rats weighed again. The adjusted weight gain, i.e. maternal weight gain throughout
pregnancy corrected for gravid uterine weight, was calculated. The live fetuses removed from theuterus were sexed, weighed and inspected for external malformations and malformations within theoral cavity. Approximately two-thirds of live fetuses in each litter, randomly selected, were stainedwith alizarin red S and examined for skeletal malformations. The remaining live fetuses in eachlitter were fixed in Bouin’s solution and examined for internal malformations. Maternal toxicity
occurred in the 2.5 and 5.0 % groups as demonstrated by decreases in the adjusted maternal bodyweight gain (maternal bw gain excluding the gravid uterus; 30, 42, or 50 g for the 5, 2.5, or control
group, respectively) during the administration period. No significant changes in maternal parameters were found in the 1.25 % group (adjusted body weight gain 47 g). No deaths or clinical signsof toxicity were noted in any group. No significant changes induced by phthalic acid were detectedin the incidence of postimplantation loss, number and sex ratio of live fetuses. Significant decreases
in the weight of male fetuses and decreased numbers of ossified centers of the caudal vertebrae
were found only in the 5.0 % group, where significant maternal toxicity also was observed.
Morphological examinations of fetuses revealed no evidence of developmental toxicity (NOAEL,
maternal toxicity: 1.25 % in feed = approximately 1000 mg/kg bw/day; NOAEL, developmental
toxicity: 2.5 % in feed = approximately 1700 mg/kg bw/day). (Ema et al., 1997).
Conclusion:
There was no fertility study with phthalic anhydride available. No evidence of toxicity toreproductive organs was observed in comprehensive carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, as notreatment-related changes were observed for any reproductive organ investigated during macroscopic and microscopic examination (NOAEL, rat: 1000 mg/kg bw/day; NOAEL, mouse (timeweighted average): 3430 (f), 4670 (m) mg/kg bw/day). Following i.p. injection, an exposure routewhich is of unknown relevance for the normal human situation, of doses in the lethal range,
developmental toxicity was found in mice in a poorly reported study. However, the chemical isquickly hydrolyzed to phthalic acid after oral, dermal or inhalation exposure. Phthalic acid wasinvestigated in a developmental toxicity feeding study in rats and gave no evidence ofembryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity at a non-maternally toxic dose level (1.25 % in feed = approximately
1000 mg/kg bw/day = NOAEL for maternal toxicity). Significant decreases in the weight of male
fetuses and in the numbers of ossified centers of the caudal vertebrae were, however, found in the
5.0 % group, where maternal toxicity was also observed (NOAEL, developmental toxicity: 2.5 % in
feed = approximately 1700 mg/kg bw/day). Based on the data of phthalic acid, the hydrolysis
product of phthalic anhydride, it is concluded that, in the absence of maternal toxicity, phthalicanhydride is not a developmental toxicant.

3.2

Initial Assessment for Human HealthOn contact with water, phthalic anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to phthalic acid. Unconjugatedphthalic acid was found in the urine of humans exposed to phthalic anhydride by the inhalationroute, demonstrating systemic absorption and elimination via the urine and the existence of phthalicacid as a hydrolysis product in vivo.
34

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The oral LD50 in rats was 1530 mg/kg bw. Clinical signs at doses equal or higher than 500 mg/kg
bw included sedation, imbalance, and bloodshot eyes. There were no reliable animal acute toxicity
studies available for the inhalation and dermal routes of exposure.
In poorly documented human case reports, which provide no reliable information on exposurelevels, headache, dizziness, nausea, epigastric burning and a feeling of suffocation were described
after acute occupational exposure to phthalic anhydride dust or vapor.
In rabbits, phthalic anhydride was slightly irritating to the skin (OECD TG 404), and irritating to theeyes. In humans, effects on the eye after occupational exposure are described (including
conjunctivitis, lacrimation, corneal ulceration, necrosis, and photophobia). For humans, phthalicanhydride in the form of vapor, fumes, or dust is a primary irritant to mucous membranes and theupper respiratory tract. Initial exposure produces coughing, sneezing, burning sensations in the noseand throat, and increased mucous secretion. Repeated or continued exposures may result in general
inflammation of the respiratory tract, nasal ulceration and bleeding, atrophy of the mucous
membranes (reversible), loss of smell, hoarseness, bronchitis, urticaria and symptoms of allergic
hypersensitivity.
Phthalic anhydride demonstrated skin sensitizing properties in animals, with positive results being
observed in guinea pig tests according to OECD TG 406 and in local lymph node assays similar toOECD TG 429. Evidence that phthalic anhydride has respiratory sensitization potential has been
demonstrated in an experimental guinea pig model. In humans, there are a number of reports
providing information on the respiratory sensitization potential of phthalic anhydride after
occupational exposure. Workers were reported to suffer from work-related rhinitis, chronic
productive bronchitis, and work-associated asthma. Phthalic anhydride sensitization is generally
associated with either an asthma-rhinitis-conjunctivitis syndrome or with a delayed reaction andinfluenza-like symptoms and with increased IgG and/or phthalic anhydride specific IgE levels in the
blood. Reports on skin reactions in humans are rare.
Phthalic anhydride has been shown to have low repeated dose toxicity by the oral route in rats. The
evidence of toxicity in a chronic rat study is limited to adverse effects on body-weight gain at thedose level of 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The NOAEL was at 500 mg/kg bw/day. It is noted that nohematology and clinical biochemistry examinations were performed in this study. A NOAEL could
not be established in a chronic feeding study in mice because of pathological effects seen down to
the lowest tested dose level (LOAELs: 12 019 ppm level in female mice = approximately
1717 mg/kg bw/day, and 16 346 ppm in male mice = approximately 2340 mg/kg bw/day; increased
incidences of lung and kidney lymphocytosis in the males and females, and dose-related adrenal
atrophy and mineralization of the thalamus in males. The LOAELs are time-weighted averages
because a dose reduction in males from 25 000 to 12 500 ppm (= approximately 1785 mg/kg
bw/day) and for females from 12 500 to 6250 ppm (= approximately 890 mg/kg bw/day) was
necessary after 32 weeks of exposure due to reduced weight gains). There were no valid repeateddose studies available using the dermal or respiratory routes of exposure.
Phthalic anhydride was not mutagenic in the Ames test with and without metabolic activation(OECD TG 471). Chromosomal aberrations were induced in mammalian cells in vitro at the highest
phthalic anhydride concentrations (10 mM) only in the absence of S9 mix with concomitant marked
cytotoxicity and compound precipitate. In vivo studies are not available. Overall, it can beconcluded that phthalic anhydride is genotoxic in vitro at extremely high, cytotoxic concentrations,and only in the absence of a metabolic activation system. This genotoxic effect is not expected to be
relevant under in vivo conditions, where phthalic anhydride is rapidly hydrolyzed to the nongenotoxic phthalic acid.
No evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in rats after exposure to approximately 1000 mg/kg
bw/day of phthalic anhydride, or in male and female mice after exposure to 4670, and3430 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, in comprehensive chronic (105-week) feeding studies.
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There was no fertility study with phthalic anhydride available. No evidence of toxicity toreproductive organs was observed in comprehensive carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, as notreatment-related changes were observed for any reproductive organ investigated during macroscopic and microscopic examination (NOAEL, rat: 1000 mg/kg bw/day; NOAEL (time-weighted
average) mouse: 3430 (f), 4670 (m) mg/kg bw/day). Following i.p. injection, an exposure routewhich is of unknown relevance for the normal human situation, of doses in the lethal range,
developmental toxicity was found in mice in a poorly reported study. However, the chemical isquickly hydrolysed to phthalic acid after oral, dermal or inhalation exposure. Phthalic acid wasinvestigated in a developmental toxicity feeding study in rats and gave no evidence ofembryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity at a non-maternally toxic dose level (1.25 % in feed = approximately
1000 mg/kg bw/day = NOAEL for maternal toxicity). Significant decreases in the weight of male
fetuses and in the numbers of ossified centers of the caudal vertebrae were, however, found in the
5.0 % group, where maternal toxicity was also observed (NOAEL, developmental toxicity: 2.5 % in
feed = approximately 1700 mg/kg bw/day). Based on the data of phthalic acid, the hydrolysis
product of phthalic anhydride, it is concluded that, in the absence of maternal toxicity, phthalicanhydride is not a developmental toxicant.

4

HAZARDS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

4.1

Aquatic Effects

Phthalic anhydride reacts rapidly with water, forming phthalic acid. Since the half-life of phthalicanhydride in water is in the range of seconds to minutes at neutral pH, virtually all phthalicanhydride is converted to phthalic acid during the usual preparation (stirring) periods of test
substance solutions according to OECD TG. Thus, tests with phthalic anhydride in aquatic solutions
measure effects of phthalic acid rather than phthalic anhydride. Consequently, also phthalic acid canbe used as the test substance to evaluate the aquatic effects of phthalic anhydride (Table 10).
Acute Toxicity Test Results
Prolonged toxicity of phthalic anhydride to fish (Danio rerio) has been tested under semistatic
conditions in accordance to OECD Guideline Draft "Early Life Stage. A 7 d-LC50 of 560 mg/l wasmeasured (van Leeuwen, Grootelaar and Niebeek, 1990). In an acute test with phthalic acidperformed with Cyprinus carpio under semistatic conditions a 48 h-LC50 of > 500 mg/l was
obtained (Zhao et al., 1996).
Concerning the toxicity with Daphnia magna there are tests available with phthalic acid. A test on
the acute toxicity to Daphnia magna was performed according to “Methods for Acute Toxicity
Tests” with fish, macroinvertebrates and amphibians of the US EPA. For a test period of 48 hours
an EC50 value of > 640 mg/l was obtained (Adams and Renaudette, 1986). Another test with
Daphnia magna resulted in a 24 h-EC50 of 140 mg/l (Sepic, Bricelj, and Leskovsek, 2003). One
more test on the acute toxicity of phthalic acid to the invertebrate Daphnia magna was performed ina static test system. For a test period of 24 hours an EC50 value of 4,900 mg/l was reported (Zhao etal., 1996). With the aquatic crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus, a 24 h-EC50 of 220 mg/l forphthalic acid was obtained (Sepic, Bricelj, and Leskovsek, 2003).
Algal toxicity was determined by a GLP test with Desmodesmus subspicatus in the presence ofphthalic acid. Two limit tests were conducted with each 100 mg/l with and without pH adjustment.
The stability of the test substance was experimentally determined via HPLC before and after an
exposure of 72 hours. The 72 h-EC0 was ≥ 100 mg/l according to the OECD TG 201 “Algal Growth
Inhibition Test”; the recovery rate was > 98 %, therefore the nominal value was reported. The
36

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results are related to both endpoints growth rate and biomass. Without pH adjustment at 100 mg/l
100 % inhibition was observed after 72 hours; pH was determined to be in the range of 4.9 to 5.1.
This indicates that phthalic acid causes a pH shift in algal medium. It is the resulting pH that
determines the impact of phthalic acid on algae as shown with buffered test substance solution.
Thus, toxic effects are not due to substance inherent properties but to a function of the pH (Bayer
Industry Services, 2004c).
One test with the toad Bufo bufo japonicus is available. The toxicity of phthalic acid towards thetadpoles of this toad was tested under several pH conditions and at 25 °C. Applied concentrations
were 13, 18, 23, 32, 40, and 42 mg/l. After 24 hours, no toxicity was observed at any of theconcentrations tested. Furthermore the pH of the test system had no influence on the test result
between pH 6 to pH 10. This value is assumed to be nominal, as no analytical monitoring is
mentioned (Nishiuchi, 1980).
In a static acute toxicity test towards phthalic acid with larvae of Chironomus plumosus an effective
concentration (48 h-EC50) concerning the endpoint immobilisation of greater than 72 mg/l wasmeasured (Streufert, Jones, and Sanders, 1980).
Chronic Toxicity Test Results
Chronic toxicity data of phthalic anhydride to fish are available. The test was performed with
Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmo gairdneri) according to the OECD Guideline Draft "Early Life
Stage". After 60 days an effective LOEC of 32 mg/l was determined. Geometric series of 7 test
concentrations using a factor of 3.2 was used. With a factor of 3.2 the next lowest concentration is
10 mg/l which corresponds to the no effect concentration (NOEC) of 10 mg/l. Not only mortality
but also other endpoints like total embryotoxicity were tested (Van Leeuwen, Grootelaar, andNiebeek, 1990).
Chronic toxicity of phthalic acid to algae was tested according to OECD TG 201. For Desmodesmus
subspicatus the 72 h-EC0 (= NOEC) is ≥ 100 mg/l in pH adjusted medium (Bayer Industry Services,
2004c).
There are no results available on chronic toxicity to daphnids.

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Table 11 Toxicity of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid to aquatic organisms
Test
substance

Species

Test type

Parameter

Effect concentration(nominal)

Reference

IUCLID

Phthalic
anhydride

Danio rerio

Semistatic

7 d-LC50, buffered*

560 mg/l

Van Leeuwen,
Grootelaar, andNiebeek, 1990

4.1

Phthalicacid

Cyprinus
carpioSemistatic

48 h-LC50, buffered> 500 mg/l

Zhao et al., 1996

4.1

Phthalic
anhydride

Oncorhynchus Semistatic
mykiss60 d-LC50 mortality
60 d-LOEClength
60 d-NOEC, buffered*44.2 mg/l
32 mg/l
10 mg/lVan Leeuwen,
Grootelaar, andNiebeek, 1990

4.5.1

Phthalicacid

Daphniamagna

Static48 h-EC50, buffered> 640 mg/l

Adams andRenaudette, 1986

4.2

Phthalicacid

Daphniamagna

Static24 h-EC50, buffered

140 mg/l

Sepic, Bricelj, andLeskovsek, 2003

4.2

Phthalicacid

Daphniamagna

Static24 h-EC50, buffered

4900 mg/l

Zhao et al., 1996

4.2

Phthalicacid

Thamnocepha Static
lus platyurus24 h-EC50, buffered

220 mg/l

Sepic, Bricelj, andLeskovsek, 2003

4.2

Phthalicacid

Desmodesmus Static
subspicatus

Bayer Industry
Services, 2004c

4.3

24 h-LC0 mortality of the tadpole , > 42 mg/l
buffered to pH 6-10

Nishiuchi, 1980

4.1

48 h-EC50 Immobilisation ,buffered*

Streufert, Jonesand Sanders, 1980

4.2

72 h-EC50 and NOEC growth ≥ 100 mg/l

rate and biomass , buffered

72 h-EC100 growth rate andbiomass, unbuffered
StaticPhthalicacid

Bufo bufo
japonicus(amphibian)Phthalic
acid

StaticChironomus
plumosus(insect larvae)≤ 100 mg/l

> 72 mg/l*no information is given on using a buffered medium, but pH value of the test medium indicates a pH adjustment

Determination of PNECaqua
Since chronic toxicity tests are available for fish and algae with phthalic anhydride and phthalicacid, respectively, an assessment factor of 50 can be applied using the lowest available effectconcentration (NOEC = 10 mg/l) which was obtained for Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmo gairdneri).
Thus, the PNECaqua was calculated to
PNECaqua = 200 µg/l.
Toxicity to Microorganisms
Toxicity of phthalic anhydride to activated sludge was evaluated by Bayer AG (1984) according to
the ISO 8192. The activated sludge obtained an EC50 value of > 1000 mg/l when exposed tophthalic anhydride for 3 hours at a pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
The toxicity of phthalic acid to Pseusomonas putida was tested in a 16 hours test with pH
adjustment to 7.4. The population growth impairment was used as endpoint. The test was performed
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according to the ISO 10712 method. An EC50 of ca. 213 mg/l was observed (Sepic, Bricelj, andLeskovsek, 2003).
The results of toxicity tests with microorganisms are listed in Table 2.
Table 12 Toxicity of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid to microorganisms(IUCLID 4.4)
Test substance Species

Endpoint

Parameter

Effects (nominal)

Reference

Phthalic
anhydride

Activated sludge

ISO 8192

3 h-EC50> 1,000 mg/l (n)Bayer AG, 1984

Phthalic acid

Pseudomonas
putidaISO 10712

16 h-EC50

213 mg/l (n)Sepic, Bricelj,
and Leskovsek,
2003

4.2

Terrestrial Effects

No standard tests with phthalic anhydride on toxicity towards terrestrial animals and plants areavailable. However, the influence of phthalic acid on Lactuca sativa was tested.
The effect of phthalic acid on the inhibition of fruit germination of the plant Lactuca sativa L. cv.
Great Lakes (common lettuce) was investigated. The fruits were sown on agar medium in plastic
containers with lids at a temperature of 30 °C and germination was observed. A nominal IC50 of
731 mg/l was determined after 3 days (Reynolds, 1989).
Table 13 Toxicity of phthalic acid to terrestrial organisms (IUCLID 4.6.2)

4.3

Species

Endpoint

Lactuca sativa(terrestrial plant)

Inhibition ofgermination

Effect(nominal)

concentration

3 d-IC50 = 731 mg/l

Reference
Reynolds, 1989

Other Environmental Effects

No data available.
4.4

Initial Assessment for the Environment

Phthalic anhydride forms white flakes or needles with a melting point of about 132 °C. The boilingpoint is 284.5 °C at 1013 hPa. The density is 1.527 g/cm3 at 20 °C, the vapour pressure 0.0006 hPa
at 26.6 °C, the log KOW = 1.6. The flash point is about 152 °C, the auto flammability (ignition
temperature) 580 °C. Phthalic anhydride hydrolyzes in water at pH 6.8 - 7.24 with half-lives of 0.5 1 min at 25 °C, forming phthalic acid, that has dissociation constants of about 2.8 and 5.4. Any
phthalic anhydride emitted into the air or into the terrestrial compartment would be rapidlyhydrolyzed by humidity in the air or in the soil, respectively.

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In the atmosphere phthalic anhydride is degraded by photochemically produced OH radicals. The
half-life is calculated to be about 21 days. For phthalic acid a half-life of 13 days is estimated.
Removal of phthalic acid in sea water was proved to be influenced by light.
Phthalic anhydride is readily biodegradable. In an aquatic ready test system (aerobic) conductedaccording to OECD TG 301D, > 70 % biodegradation was reported after 30 days for phthalicanhydride as well as for its degradation product, phthalic acid.
Due to the rapid hydrolysis of phthalic anhydride in water, the distribution of the hydrolysis productphthalic acid is calculated. According to the Mackay fugacity model level I, the favourite target
compartment of phthalic acid is water with 99.9 %.
The calculated Henry’s law constants (2.21 x 10-7 Pa m3/mol at 25 °C for phthalic acid, and0.64 Pa m3/mol at 25 C for phthalic anhydride) prove a low potential for volatilization from surface
waters.
The bioconcentration factors (BCF) of 3.4 for phthalic anhydride and 3.16 for phthalic acid, calculated from the octanol-water partition coefficients, indicate that there is a low potential forbioaccumulation of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid in aquatic organisms. Tests with 14Cphthalic acid in plants indicate a low potential of phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid forbioaccumulation in plants.
Experimentally obtained adsorption coefficients (KOC) revealed a low sorption potential of phthalicacid. The experimentally achieved KOC values were in the range of 2 to 31 depending on soil
properties. In addition, Koc values were calculated with PCKOCWIN v. 1.66 (KOC = 11 for phthalicanhydride, and KOC = 73 for phthalic acid). These results indicate a low sorption potential ofphthalic anhydride and phthalic acid onto the organic phase of soil or sediments.
Concerning the toxicity of phthalic anhydride and its hydrolysis product phthalic acid to aquatic
species reliable experimental results of tests with fish, Daphnia, and algae are available. The result
for algae refers both to growth rate and biomass. The tests were performed according to standard
procedures or similar methods. The lowest effect values from the aquatic toxicity tests are (n =nominal concentration):
Cyprinus carpio
48 h-LC50> 500 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid)
Danio rerio
7 d-LC50= 560 mg/l (n)Oncorhynchus mykiss (S. gairdneri)
60 d-NOEC = 10 mg/l (n)= 140 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid)
Daphnia magna
24 h-EC50
Desmodesmus subspicatus
72 h-EC50≥ 100 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid)
Desmodesmus subspicatus
72 h-NOEC ≥ 100 mg/l (n) (phthalic acid).
Since chronic toxicity tests are available for fish and algae with phthalic anhydride and phthalicacid, respectively, an assessment factor of 50 can be applied using the lowest available effectconcentration (NOEC = 10 mg/l) which was obtained for Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmo gairdneri).
Calculation yielded a
PNECaqua of 200 µg/l.

40UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS

5

PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDERECOMMENDATIONSHuman Health:
The chemical is a candidate for further work.
The chemical possesses properties indicating a hazard for human health (irritation of skin andrespiratory system, serious eye damage, respiratory and skin sensitization). Based on data presented
by the Sponsor country, adequate risk management measures are being applied for occupationalsettings. A potential for consumer exposure exists as a result of its use in plastics, furniture andhome products. It is therefore recommended to perform an exposure assessment and, if thenindicated, a risk assessment.
Environment:
The chemical is currently of low priority for further work because of its low hazard profile.

6

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Adams WJ and Renaudette WJ (1986). Experimental freshwater microcosm biodegradability studyof butyl benzyl phthalate. EPA/OTS Document no. 0510751, 9-4 - 9-11.
Akimoto Y, Aoki T, Nito S, and Inouye Y (1997). Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
from MSW incinerator fly ash. Chemosphere 34 (2), 263-273.
Andres GO, Granados AM, and Rossi RH (2001). Kinetic study of the hydrolysis of phthalicanhydride and aryl hydrogen phthalates. J. Org. Chem. 66, 7653-7657.
Armstrong FAJ and Tibbitts S (1968). Photochemical combustion of organic matter in sea water,
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BASF AG (2000). Technisches Merkblatt Phthalsaeureanhydrid fluessig, PSA fluessig.
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Bayer AG (1972). Internal study: Biodegradability of phthalic anhydride (Internal report written
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OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Bayer AG (1979). Thyssen J Untersuchung zur Haut- und Schleimhautvertraeglichkeit. Unpublished short report, January 02, 1979.
Bayer AG (1984). Internal study: Toxicity to bacteria of phthalic anhydride (Report no. 8415584).
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Bayer Industry Services (2004a). Phthalic anhydride, CAS-Nr. 85-44-9. Calculation of- Log Octanol-Water-Partition Coefficient with SRC-KOWWIN v. 1.67, 2000
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Bayer Industry Services (2004c). Internal report: "Algal growth inhibition test of Phthalic acid",
GLP-No. 1317 A/04 Al.
Bayona J, Markides KE, and Lee ML (1988). Characterization of polar polycyclic aromaticcompounds in a heavy-duty diesel exhaust particulate by capillary column gas chromatography andhigh-resolution mass spectrometry. Environ. Sci. Technol. 22 (12), 1440-1447.
Beilstein (2002). Handbook Register Number: 118515; two entries of update dates: 2002-10-21 and2003-10-23.
Bernard E and Marchand M (1945). L’intoxication par l’anhydride phtalique. Arch. Inst. Med. leg.
Soc. Lille, p. 39–44.
Bernstein DI, Gallagher JS, D'Souza L, and Bernstein IL (1984). Heterogeneity of specific-IgE responses in workers sensitized to acid anhydride compounds. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 74, 794–801.
Bernstein DI, Patterson R, and Zeiss CR (1982). Clinical and immunologic evaluation of trimellitic
anhydride- and phthalic anhydride-exposed workers using a questionnaire and comparative analysisof enzyme-linked immunosorbent and radioimmunoassay studies. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 69,
311-318.
Bizzari SN (2001). CEH marketing research report phthalic anhydride. In: SRI International,
Chemical Economics Handbook. Syracuse, NY.
Brussol C, Duane M, Carlier P, and Kotzias D (1999). Photo-induced OH reactions of naphthalene
and its oxidation products on SiO2. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 6, 138-140.

42

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Carlberg GE, Drangsholt H, and Gjos N (1986). Identification of chlorinated compounds in the
spent chlorination liquor from differently treated sulphite pulps with special emphasis on mutagenic
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Chemische Werke Huels (1983). Muermann P Pruefung der akuten Hautreizwirkung von Phthalsaeureanhydrid. Unpublished report No. 0112, August 12, 1983.
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from baked potatoes. J. Agric. Food Chem. 29, 42-48.
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from landfills by SPME and GC/MS. Chemosphere 51, 357-368.
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DFG (2001). Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), MAK- und BAT-Werte-Liste 2001. Mitteilung
40. Wiley-VCH Verlag, Weinheim.
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Gesundheitsschädliche Arbeitsstoffe. Toxikologisch-arbeitsmedizinische Begründungen von MAKWerten, 41. Lieferung, Wiley-VCH, in press.
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EPA (1994). OPPT Chemical Fact Sheets Phthalic Anhydride Fact Sheet (CAS No. 85-44-9),
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EPA (2004). TRI on-site and off-site reported releases in pounds for facilities in all industries
phthalic anhydride U.S. 2001.
Fabro S, Shull G, and Brown NA (1982). The relative teratogenic index and teratogenic potency:
proposed components of developmental toxicity risk assessment. Teratogenesis Carcinogenesis
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Fawcett RL (1970). Air pollution potential of phthalic anhydride manufacture. TI-2 ChemicalCommittee Informative Report No. 11, 20 (7), 461-465.
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UNEP PUBLICATIONS

43OECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

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Hamer W and Acree S (1945). Second dissociation constant of o-phthalic acid related pH values ofphthalate buffers from 0 ° to 60 °C. J Res Nat Bur Stds 35: 381-416.
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Kern RA (1939). Ashma and allergic rhinitis due to sensitization to phthalic anhydride. J Allergy
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44

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDSPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Lepri L, Desideri P, and Del Bubba M (1997). Analysis of organic pollutants in a wastewater
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UNEP PUBLICATIONS47

IUCLID
Data Set
Existing Chemical
CAS No.
EINECS NameEC No.
TSCA Name
Molecular Formula

:
:
:
:
:
:

ID: 85-44-9
85-44-9phthalic anhydride201-607-5
1,3-Isobenzofurandione
C8H4O3

Producer related part
Company
Creation date

: Bayer AG: 27.07.1992

Substance related part
Company
Creation date

: Bayer AG: 27.07.1992

48

StatusMemo:: X Update 1998 AKTUELL EG / ICCA

Printing date
Revision date
Date of last update: 05.05.2006: 02.06.1994: 04.05.2006

Number of pages: 166

Chapter (profile)
Reliability (profile)
Flags (profile): Chapter: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10: Reliability: without reliability, 1, 2, 3, 4
: Flags: without flag, non confidential, WGK (DE), TA-Luft (DE), Material
Safety Dataset, Risk Assessment, Directive 67/548/EEC, SIDSUNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.0.1

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

APPLICANT AND COMPANY INFORMATION

Type
Name
Contact person
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Email
Homepage

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

lead organisation
Bayer AG

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

cooperating company
Atofina

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

cooperating company
BASF AG

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

cooperating company
Exxon Chemical Europe Inc.

51368 Leverkusen
Germany

11.01.2005
Type
Name
Contact person
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Email
Homepage

4-8, cours Michelet La Défense 10
95091 Paris La Défense Cedex
France12.11.2004
Type
Name
Contact person
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Email
Homepage

Karl-Bosch-Str
67056 Ludwigshafen
Germany

12.11.2004
Type
Name
Contact person
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax

280 Boulevard du Souverain
1160 Bruxelles
Belgium(32) 2 674 44 16(32) 2 674 44 06
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

49

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Telex
Cedex
Email
Homepage

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

:
:
:
:

22364

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

cooperating company
LONZA AG

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

cooperating company
Perstorp SpA,Div. Polyols

12.11.2004
Type
Name
Contact person
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Email
Homepage

Muenchensteinerstrasse 38
4002 Basel
Switzerland

12.11.2004
Type
Name
Contact person
Date
StreetTown
Country
Phone
Telefax
Telex
Cedex
Email
HomepageVia Sempione 13
I-21053 Castellanza(VA)
Italy
0331-523405
0331-670190
323652

12.11.2004
1.0.2

LOCATION OF PRODUCTION SITE, IMPORTER OR FORMULATOR

1.0.3

IDENTITY OF RECIPIENTS

1.0.4

DETAILS ON CATEGORY/TEMPLATE

1.1.0

SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION

50

IUPAC Name
Smiles Code
Molecular formula
Molecular weight
Petrol class

:
:
:
:
:

Phthalic anhydride
O=C(OC(=O)c1cccc2)c12
C8H4O3148.12

Flag:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

02.08.2004
1.1.1

(1)

GENERAL SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

Purity type
Substance typePhysical status
PurityColour
Odour

:
:
:
:
:
:

other: technical grade
organic
solid>= 99.8 % w/w
White flakes or needles

Result:Flag
06.10.2005:· Maleic anhydride <= 0.05 % (specification limits, determined by GC)(Lorz, Towae, and Bhargava, 2002)· Benzoic acid <= 0.1 % (specification limits, determined by GC) (Lorz,
Towae and Bhargava 2002)· Phthalic acid <= 0.1 % (specification limits) (BASF, 2000)
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(2) (3)Purity type
Substance typePhysical status
PurityColour
Odour

:
:
:
:
:
:

white needles
aromatic

06.10.2005
1.1.2

(4)

SPECTRAType of spectra:

UV

Method:Result:The spectrum of a solution of phthalic anhydride in n-heptane, ethanol ordiethyl ether was recorded on a Cary 219 spectrophotometer; no further
details reported.
Extinction coefficients at absorption maxima:
Wave length (nm)
log E
294
3.28
285
3.18
279 (shoulder)
2.99
245
3.56
213
4.40
210
4.46

11.01.2005
1.2

(5)

SYNONYMS AND TRADENAMES

Phthalic acid anhydrideFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6)

1,3-Isobenzofurandione
Flag:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

51

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

30.09.2004(6)

Isobenzofuran-1,3-dioneFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydrideFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6)

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic anhydrideFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6)

1,3-Dihydro-1,3-dioxoisobenzofuraneFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

1,3-Dioxophthalane
Flag
30.09.2004(6)

1,3-PhthalandioneFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(6)

PhthalandioneFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Isobenzofurane, 1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxoFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

1,3 Phthalandione
27.09.2004(6)

Phthalic anhydrideFlag
28.09.2004
1.3

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(7)

IMPURITIES

PurityCAS-NoEC-No
EINECS-Name
Molecular formula
Value
52

:

:
:
:
:
:
:

other: technical grade
108-31-6
203-571-6
maleic anhydride
C4H2O3<= .05 % w/w
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

ResultFlag
23.11.2004::

PurityCAS-NoEC-No
EINECS-Name
Molecular formula
Value

:
:
:
:
:
:

other: technical grade65-85-0200-618-2
benzoic acid
C7H6O2<= .1 % w/w

ResultFlag
30.09.2004::

Specification limits, determined by GC
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

PurityCAS-NoEC-No
EINECS-Name
Molecular formula
Value

:
:
:
:
:
:

other: technical grade
88-99-3
201-873-2
phthalic acid
C8H6O4<= .1 % w/w

Flag
06.10.2005:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

PurityCAS-NoEC-No
EINECS-Name
Molecular formula
Value

:
:
:
:
:
:

other: · Technical product in the early 1950ies

Remark:Historic data. The study is of 1955 and describes a product which is not
identical with the product of the Sponsor company

Specification limits, determined by GC
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(3)

(3)

(2)

Naphthoquinone
C10H6O2

06.10.2005
1.4

ADDITIVES

1.5

TOTAL QUANTITY(8)

Quantity:

3232000 - tonnes produced in 2000

Remark:Flag
23.11.2004:

Estimated world wide production volume with the following regional
distribution:
RegionEstimated production volume (tonnes/a)Western Europe
770,000
Eastern Europe
171,000
Japan
302,000
Middle East
75,000
Other Asia
1,156,000
USA
485,000
Mexico/South + Central America
249,000
Others
24,000
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(9)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

53

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.6.1

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

LABELLING

LabellingSpecific limits
Symbols
Nota
R-Phrases

:
:
:
:
:

S-Phrases:

as in Directive 67/548/EEC
Xn, , ,,,
(22) Harmful if swallowed(37/38) Irritating to respiratory system and skin(41) Risk of serious damage to eyes
(42/43) May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact(23) Do not breathe vapour/spray(24/25) Avoid contact with skin and eyes(26) In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of waterand seek medical advice(37/39) Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection(46) If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show thiscontainer or label

28.09.2004
1.6.2

(10)

CLASSIFICATIONClassified
Class of danger
R-Phrases
Specific limits

:
:
:
:

as in Directive 67/548/EEC
harmful(22) Harmful if swallowed

28.09.2004(10)

Classified
Class of danger
R-Phrases:::

Specific limits:

as in Directive 67/548/EEC
irritating(37/38) Irritating to respiratory system and skin(41) Risk of serious damage to eyes

28.09.2004
Classified
Class of danger
R-Phrases
Specific limits

(10)
:
:
:
:

as in Directive 67/548/EEC
sensitizing(42/43) May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact

28.09.2004
1.6.3

PACKAGING

1.7

USE PATTERN

Type of use
Category

54

(10)

:
:

type
Non dispersive use

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Flag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type of use
Category::

industrial
Chemical industry: used in synthesis

Flag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type of use
Category::useIntermediatesFlag
30.09.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type of use
Category::useIntermediates

Remark:EPA (1994a) reports that phthalic anhydride is also used for tanning andcuring of leather products. In another publication of the same year, EPA(1994b) reports that "Companies use phthalic anhydride to makehalogenated anhydrides used as fire retardants; polyester polyols forurethanes; phthalocyanine pigments; dyes; perfumes; pharmaceuticals;tanning and curing agents; solvents; insect repellents; and various
chemical intermediates."
For chrome tannage, phthalic acid/sodium phthalate is an important
auxiliary (EU, 2003) and can easily be made from phthalic acid. Thus, it islikely that EPA (1994a) meant that phthalic anhydride is used to maketanning and curing agents. However, since leather is tanned in aqueous
solution, phthalic anhydride cannot persist to occur in tanned consumer
products.
(12) (13) (14)

(11)

(11)

(11)

30.09.2004
1.7.1

DETAILED USE PATTERN

1.7.2

METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

1.8

REGULATORY MEASURES

1.8.1

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES

Type of limit
Limit value::

MAK (DE)

Remark:Flag
29.09.2004:

Paragraph IIb. Substances for which no MAK-value can be derived at the
moment (MAK: maximun admissible concentration)
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(15)

Type of limit
Limit value::

TLV (US)1 other: ppm

28.09.2004(16)
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

55

OECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type of limit
Limit value::

other: TRGS 900
1 mg/m3

Remark

:1 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction)
This concentration should never be exceeded

29.09.2004

(17)

1.8.2

ACCEPTABLE RESIDUES LEVELS

1.8.3

WATER POLLUTIONClassified byLabelled byClass of danger:::

KBwS (DE)KBwS (DE)
1 (weakly water polluting)Remark25.11.2004:

Offical German Classification with identification number (Kenn-Nr.) 732

1.8.4

(18)

MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARDS

Legislation
Substance listed
No. in Seveso directive:::

Stoerfallverordnung (DE)no28.09.2004
1.8.5

(19)

AIR POLLUTIONClassified byLabelled byNumberClass of danger

:
:
:
:

TA-Luft (DE)TA-Luft (DE)other: 5.2.5 organic substances
I

Remark:The particulate matter in the exhaust shall not exceed the limit value of0.10 kg/h or the concentration of 20 mg/m3

29.09.2004

(20)

1.8.6

LISTINGS E.G. CHEMICAL INVENTORIES

1.9.1

DEGRADATION/TRANSFORMATION PRODUCTS

56

Type
CAS-NoEC-No
EINECS-NameIUCLID Chapter

:
:
:
:
:

degradation product in water
88-99-3
201-873-2
phthalic acid
3.1.2 and 3.5

Flag
02.08.2004:

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(21)
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
1. GENERAL INFORMATIONPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type
CAS-NoEC-No
EINECS-NameIUCLID Chapter

:
:
:
:
:

degradation product in water
124-38-9
204-696-9
carbon dioxide
3.5

Remark:Flag
23.11.2004:

Experiment carried out in a model ecosystem containing algae,
invertebrates and vertebrates
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(22)

1.9.2

COMPONENTS

1.10

SOURCE OF EXPOSURE

1.11

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

Memo

:

NIOSH National Occupational Exposure Survey (1981 - 1983)

Result:Flag
31.10.2005:

In 1981-1983 approximately 81000 workers were potentially exposed tophthalic anhydride in the USA
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(23)

1.12

LAST LITERATURE SEARCH

Type of search
Chapters covered
Date of search:::Internal and External
1
03.02.2004:::

Internal and External
2
03.02.2004:::

Internal and External
3, 403.02.2004:::

Internal and External
522.01.2004

28.09.2004
Type of search
Chapters covered
Date of search
28.09.2004
Type of search
Chapters covered
Date of search
28.09.2004
Type of search
Chapters covered
Date of search
29.09.2004
1.13

REVIEWS

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

57

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA

2.1

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

MELTING POINT

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Remark:Reliability:

Flag
24.06.2004

:

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

131.6 °C1991
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Same data reported in Lide DR (1991). Handbook of Chemistry andPhysics. CRC Press, Boston, 72nd Edition, 3-401.
(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(3)
131 - 132 °C
1992
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

18.06.2004

(24)

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Result:Reliability:

23.11.2004
Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

123 - 134 °C
2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Beilstein reports several melting point values from 36 original references.
Reported values were between 123 and 134°C, values in the range of 131132°C were abundant.
(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data(25)
130.8 °C
2001
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

21.07.2004
Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance
58

(26)
:
:
:
:
:
:

131 °C2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA

Reliability:

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

13.07.2004(27) (4)Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

130.8 °C
1996
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

18.06.2004

(28)

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

131.2 °C1979
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005

(29)

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

131 °C2002
no dataother TS: Phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Manufacturer data without proof

29.07.2004

(30)

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

131.2 °C
1993
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

24.06.2004

(31)

Value
Sublimation
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

131.6 °C1988
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

18.06.2004(32)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

59

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA
2.2

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

BOILING POINT

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

Flag
23.11.2004

:

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

284.5 °C at

no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(24)
295 °C at 1013 hPa
2000
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

23.11.2004(3) (26)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkReliability::

295 °C at 1013 hPa
1991
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Sublimation point(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005

(33)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

285 °C at
2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

18.06.2004

(4)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

ResultReliability::

284 °C at 1013 hPa
2004
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
No boiling point assigned: sublimes(2) valid with restrictions
Data from handbook or collection of data

29.07.2004
60(27)
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Result:Beilstein reports several boiling point values from 7 original references:

Reliability:

Temperature, °C at pressure, Torr (hPa)
276
284.5
760
(1013)
282.5
729
(970)
281.8
719
(956)
193.6
80
(106)
150
12
(16)
126 - 1272
(2.7)(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

29.07.2004

(25)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

295 °C at 1013 hPa
1979
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005

(29)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

ResultReliability::

284.5 °C at 1013 hPa
1968
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
No boiling point assigned: sublimation(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

22.07.2004(32) (34) (28)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkReliability::

285 °C at 1013 hPa
1993
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Sublimes below boiling point(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

22.07.2004
2.3

(31)

DENSITYType:

density
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

61

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.07.2004

:

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

density
1.527 g/cm³ at 4 °C

Reliability:(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

1.527 g/cm³ at 20 °C
2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Beilstein reports several values of density of the liquid (crystal) from 5 (2)original references:value ref. temp., °C meas. temp., °C
1.527
4
1.527
20
1.238
130
1.201164150
1.170954180(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(25)

2002
no
other TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

06.10.2005

(3)

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

relative density
1.53 g/cm³ at 20 °C

Reliability:(2) valid with restrictions
Data from handbook or collection of data

2004
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

23.11.2004

(27)

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

density
1.527 at °C
2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005

62

(4)

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

2001
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Reliability:(2) valid with restrictions

density
1.53 at °C

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
23.06.2004

(26)

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

density
1.53 at 4 °C
1996
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

21.07.2004

(28)

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

density
1.527 g/cm³ at 4 °C

Result:Reliability:

temperature, °C
density, g/ml
135
1.208
140
1.202
160
1.181
180
1.161
200
1.142
220
1.124
240
1.105
(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data1968
noother TS: solid (4°C) and molten phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

23.11.2004

(34)

Type
Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

density
1.527 g/cm³ at 4 °C

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data1979
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

06.10.2005(32) (31) (29)2.3.1

GRANULOMETRY

2.4

VAPOUR PRESSURE

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:.0006 hPa at 26.6 °C
other (measured): see method1946
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity not specified
For temperatures between 30° and 60°C, Menzies's method was used, inwhich the vapour displaces permanent gas from a vessel of known volume
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

63

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA

Result:Reliability:

Flag
30.11.2004

:

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Result:

Test condition
Reliability::

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

at the temperature at which the vapour pressure is to be measured intoanother volume, including a McLeod gauge, at a constant temperature. The
vapour pressure is prevented from diffusing from one vessel to the other by
a cold trap.
For temperatures between 90° and 145°C, the vapour pressure wasmeasured directly on a mercury manometer completely immersed in athermostat so that the vapour pressure of mercury and the effects ofsurface tension were identical in both limbs.
Observed values are in the range of 0.000041 - 13.2 hPa at a temperatureof 1.5-143.2 °C.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(35)
ca. 173.6 - 1009.9 hPa at °C
2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
other values are:ca. 1.33 - 1010.8 hPa at 96.5 - 284.5 °C
ca. 0.0004 - 13.1 hPa at 1.5 - 143.2 °C
Temperature from 212 - 284.6 °C(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

29.07.2004

(25)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

< .003 hPa at 20 °C

Reliability:(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

2004
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

25.11.2004

(27)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Remark:Reliability:

29.07.2004
Value
Decomposition
Method64:::.000689 hPa at 25 °C
other (measured): Mcleod gage method
1960
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride
The equation log p = B - A/T, obtained from Crooks (1946), was used,
where p is the pressure of saturated vapour in mmHg at the absolutetemperature of T in Kelvin. The constants A (4632) and B (12.249) are valid
for the temperature range of 30 to 60 °C. Thus, the value for 25 °C is
extrapolated from 30 °C(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given(36).00027 hPa at 20 °C

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Year
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:

1988
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

ResultReliability::

other values: 0.0013 hPa at 30 °C and 0.02 hPa at 50 °C(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

23.06.2004

(32)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:< .01 hPa at 20 °C
2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Manufacturer data without proof

22.07.2004

(30)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

ca. .00027 hPa at 20 °C

ResultReliability::

another value: ca. 0.0013 hPa at 30 °C(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

1996
noother TS: phthalic anhydride

25.06.2004(28)

Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Result:Reliability

:

1968
no
other TS: molten phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
temperature, °C vapour pressure, mmHg (hPa)
132
6
`
(8)
135
7
(9.33)
140
8.7(11.6)
160
20.5(27.3)
180
41(54.7)
197
75
(100)
200
80.5
(107.3)284.5
760(1013)(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

30.06.2004

(34)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

1.33 hPa at 96.5 °C
1979noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

65OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

06.10.2005

(29)

Value
Decomposition
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

ca. .032 hPa at 25 °C

Remark:Result:

The equation used is valid only for the temperature range 404 - 791 K (=131°C - 518°C). Thus, the above calculation is outside the range of theequation
The value for 25 °C (298 K) is calculated with the following equation (inappendix C: Coefficients for vapor pressure equation):log P = A + B/T + C log T + D T + E T² (P - mmHg, T - K),
where A = 30.6331
B = - 3.8783E+03
C = - 7.8671
D = 1.1148E-09
E = 2.5885E-06

Reliability:

23.11.2004
2.5

66

1994
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Furthermore a curve is given of the pressure (psia) results in relation to thetemperature (F). From this curve a pressure of 2 psia (ca. 140 hPa) at atemperature of 400 F (204.4 °C) can be read. (1 psia = 6.895 kPa)(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiencies(37)

PARTITION COEFFICIENT

Partition coefficient
Log pow
pH value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

Flag
23.07.2004:

Partition coefficient
Log pow
pH value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Test substance:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

Partition coefficient:octanol-water
1.6 at °C
2004
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(27).73 at °C
1other (calculated)1995
noother TS: phthalic acid
Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(38)
octanol-water
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA
Log pow
pH value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Remark:Reliability:

22.07.2004
Partition coefficient
Log pow
pH value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Test substance:

Reliability:

21.07.2004
Partition coefficient
Log pow
pH value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

ResultReliability::

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

2.07 at 25 °C
other (calculated): with SRC-KOWWIN v1.67, 2000
2004
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
The calculated value reflects the properties of the unhydrolyzed molecule
without taking into account the sensitivity of phthalic anhydride towardshydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method(39)
octanol-water
1.07 at 25 °C
other (calculated): with SRC-KOWWIN v1.67, 2000
2004
noother TS: phthalic acid
Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method(40)
octanol-water.7 at °C
1996
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
0.73 (free acid at pH 1)(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

21.07.2004
2.6.1

(28)

SOLUBILITY IN DIFFERENT MEDIA

Solubility inValue
pH value
concentration
Temperature effects
Examine different pol.
pKa
Description
StableDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Water
16400 mg/l at 20 °C

Result:Solubility of phthalic anhydride in various solvents:

at °C
at 25 °C

2000
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

67OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

solvent

at °C

solubility

water
50
17400 mg/l
water
100
190000 mg/l
carbon disulfide 20
0.7 g/100g
formic acid20
4.7 g/100g
pyridine
20
80 g/100g
benzenesolubleethanol
20
solublediethyl ether
20slightly soluble(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Reliability:

Flag
23.07.2004:

Solubility inValue
pH value
concentration
Temperature effects
Examine different pol.
pKa
Description
StableDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: formic acidat 20 °C

Result:Reliability:

100 g solvent (formic acid) dissolves 4.7 g substance.
Furthermore values:
100 g solvent (pyridine) dissolves 80 g substance at 20-25°C.
100 part(s) of substance dissolves in 0.7 parts of solvent (CS2) at 20°C.
(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
(25)

(3)

21.07.2004

at °C
at 25 °C

2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Solubility inValue
pH value
concentration
Temperature effects
Examine different pol.
pKa
Description
StableDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Water
6 g/l at 20 °C
2
6 g/l at 20 °C

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Manufacturer data without proof

at 25 °C2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

25.11.2004
Solubility in
Value
68

(30)
:
:

Water
6.4 g/l at 20 °C
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA
pH

value
concentration
Temperature effects
Examine different pol.
pKa
Description
StableDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkReliability::

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

at °C
at 25 °C

1996
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Phthalic anhydride hydrolyzes in water to phthalic acid(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

21.07.2004(28)

Solubility inValue
pH value
concentration
Temperature effects
Examine different pol.
pKa
Description
StableDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Water
ca. 6.2 g/l at 25 °C

RemarkResult::Hydrolyzes in water
Other approximate solubilities of phthalic anhydride:

Reliability

:

at °C
at 25 °C1968
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

solvent
temperature (°C) measured value (g/100g)------------------------------------------------------------------water
135
95
carbon disulfide
20
0.7
formic acid (95%) 20
4.7
pyridine
20 - 2580(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

25.11.2004
Solubility inValue
pH value
concentration
Temperature effects
Examine different pol.
pKa
Description
StableDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

(34)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: alcohol, carbon disulfide, and hot water
at °C
at °C
at 25 °C

1993
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

69

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA

ResultReliability::

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

soluble(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

21.07.2004
2.6.2

(31)

SURFACE TENSION

Test type
Value
Concentration
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkResult::Reliability:

39.5 mN/m at 130 °C
2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Molten phthalic anhydride
other values are:32.7 mN/m at 180 °C
35.49 mN/m at 155 °C(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005(25)

Test type
Value
Concentration
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkResultReliability:::

35.49 mN/m at 155 °C
1968
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Molten phthalic anhydride
another value is: 32.70 mN/m at 180 °C(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005
2.7

70

(34)

FLASH POINT

Value
Type
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

152 °C
closed cup

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Value
Type
Method
Year
GLP

:
:
:
:
:

2004
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(27)
151.7 °C
closed cup
1979
noUNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATAPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Test substance:other TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005

(29)

Value
Type
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

152 °C
closed cup

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Manufacturer data without proof

2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

30.06.2004

(30)

Value
Type
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

151.6 °C
closed cup

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

1993
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

30.06.2004

(31)

Value
Type
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

151 °C
closed cup

ResultReliability::

The flash point of type 'open cup' is at 165 °C.
(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data1968
noother TS: phthalic anhydride as a molten liquid, purity is not specified

30.06.2004
2.8

(34)

AUTO FLAMMABILITY

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

Flag
22.07.2004

:

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

580 °C at
2000
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(3)
570 °C at1979
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

71

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA
Reliability:

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

22.07.2004

(27)

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

1979
no
other TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Reliability
06.10.2005:(4) not assignable

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

570 °C at(29)
583 °C at
1993
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

24.06.2004

(31)

Value
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

584 °C at1968
noother TS: phthalic anhydride as a molten liquid, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

30.06.2004

(34)

2.9

FLAMMABILITY

2.10

EXPLOSIVE PROPERTIES

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

Reliability:

2004
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

19.07.2004(27)

Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

other: Explosive limits in air: 1.7 - 10.5 % v/v

Reliability:(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

06.10.2005
Result72(3):other: Explosive limits in air: 1.7 - 10.4 % v/v
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

Reliability:

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

1979
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005(29)

Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

other: Explosive limits in air: 1.7 - 10.5 % v/v

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Manufacturer data without proof

2002
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

06.10.2005

(30)

2.11

OXIDIZING PROPERTIES

2.12

DISSOCIATION CONSTANT

Acid-base constantMethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Second Dissociation Constant pka2
other
1945
no
other TS: o-Phthalic acid (CAS-Nr. 88-99-3)

Method:Measurements of potential difference between hydrogen electrodes andsilver-silver-chloride electrodes in aqueous solutions of 72 different
phthalate-chloride mixtures at 13 temperatures from 0 ° to 60 °C were
made.

Result:The second dissociation constant of o-phthalic acid was evaluated from theexperimental data.
Average value of pka2 at different temperature:
5.43 +/- 0.0007 ( 0 °C)
5.41 +/- 0.0008 (25 °C)
5.54 +/- 0.0009 (60 °C)(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Reliability:

Flag
09.07.2004:

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

other
1979
no
other TS: phthalic acid, purity not specified

Result:Dissociation constants (pka1, pka2), measured at different temperatures:
pka1
pka2
25 °C 2.76
4.92
2.63
4.73
3.05
4.89
35 °C 2.97
5.43

(41)

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

73

OECD SIDS
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL DATA
Reliability:

Flag
29.07.2004:

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

Result:Reliability:(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(42)

19.07.2004
2.13

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

1975
noother TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified
pKa = 2.95 and 5.41 at 25 °C.
The pKa data were reported in the score of a study on the inhibition of fruit
germination of lettuce (cf. Chapter 4.6.2).
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(43)

VISCOSITY

Test type
Test procedure
Value
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: Dynamic viscosity

ResultReliability::

another value is: 0.875 mPa s at 180 °C.
(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

= 1.125 - mPa s (dynamic) at 155 °C
2003
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

23.06.2004(25)

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

Result:Reliability

:

1968
no
other TS: molten phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
temperature, °C
viscosity, mP
132
11.9
197
6.4
220
5.5
(4) not assignable
Data from non peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

30.06.2004
2.14

(34)

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

Memo

:

pH of solution

ResultReliability::

observed pH of 2.80 at 731 +/- 100 mg/l (4.4 +/- 0.6 mM)(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

06.10.2005

74

(43)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

3.1.1

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

PHOTODEGRADATION

Type:Light source:
Light spectrum:
Relative intensity:
Conc. of substance:
INDIRECT PHOTOLYSIS
Sensitizer:
Conc. of sensitizer:
Rate constant:Degradation:
Deg. product:
Method
:
Year
:
GLP
:
Test substance:
Remark:Reliability:

Flag
06.10.2005

:

Type
:
Light source:
Light spectrum:
Relative intensity:
INDIRECT PHOTOLYSIS
Sensitizer:
Conc. of sensitizer:
Rate constant:Degradation:
Deg. product:
Method
:
Year
:
GLP
:
Test substance:
Remark:Test substance:

Reliability:

Flag
06.10.2005:

Type
Light source
Light spectrum
Relative intensity
Deg. product
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:

air
nm
based on intensity of sunlightat 25 °C
OH
500000 molecule/cm³.00000000000007492 cm³/(molecule*sec)
50 % after 21.4 day(s)other (calculated): with SRC-AOPWin v1.91, 2000
2004
noother TS: phthalic anhydride
The calculated half-life is based on a mean OH concentration of 0.5E+6
OH radicals/cm³ as 24 h average
The calculated value reflects the properties of the unhydrolyzed molecule
without taking into account the sensitivity of phthalic anhydride towardshydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(39)
air
nm
based on intensity of sunlightOH
500000 molecule/cm³.0000000000001237 cm³/(molecule*sec)
50 % after 13 day(s)other (calculated): with SRC-AOPWin v1.91, 2000
2004
noother TS: phthalic acid
The calculated half-life is based on a mean OH concentration of 0.5E+6
OH radicals/cm³ as 24 h average
Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(40)
other: sea waterother: 380 W mercury arc
nmbased on intensity of sunlightother (measured):
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

75

OECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:

1968
no
other TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified

Method:Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:

A photochemical air-cooled reactor, using a medium-power mercury arc
lamp for oxidation of organic matter in seawater.
First order rate constant (hours E-1) for photooxidation in sea water was
0.75. That is equivalent with a half-life of 0.93 hours.
- medium:sea water, irridiation for 24 hours, saturated with oxygen at 50 °C- test concentration:
1 mmol/l- test procedure:in an air-cooled reactor in which twelve samples in silica tubes could be
irradiated known concentration of the test substance was placed- pretreatment of sea-water:
sea water was added with avoidance of entrapped air bubbles; overnight
irradiation time between 15 - 16 hours; temperature 50 °C(2) valid with restrictions
The study is well documented and meets generally accepted scientificprinciples for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(44)

Type
Light source
Light spectrum
Relative intensity
DIRECT PHOTOLYSIS
Halflife t1/2
Degradation
Quantum yield
Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substanceDeg. products

:
:
:
:

water
other: mercury lamp and sunlightnm
based on intensity of sunlight

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

3.9 - 9.6 hour(s)% after

Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

06.10.2005
76

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

yesother (measured)
1991
no dataother TS: Phthalic anhydride, purity 99.8 %polyphenyl
Phthalic anhydride hydrolyzed to phthalic acid. Small quantities of benzoic
acid were found. Polyphenyl (1,4´-bonds dominating) with a molecularweight of predominantly 2800 - 3600 g/mol was formed by decarboxylationof phthalic acid under anaerobic conditions. The half lives of phthalicanhydride were 3.9 h (distilled water), 6.3 h (riverine water), 6.8 h (artificial
sea water), and 9.6 h (natural sea water) under anaerobic conditions. It
was assumed that the retardation of photodegradation of phthalic acid insea water and river water was due to halides and humic compounds
Distilled water, riverine water, natural sea water and artificial sea water
were filtered through membrane filters (0.22 µm pore size) and spiked withphthalic anhydride (0.002 mol/l). While being purged with nitrogen thesolutions were irradiated with sunlight (15 days) or with a medium pressure
mercury lamp (12 hours) that emits mainly in the region 365-366 nm and toa lesser extend at 265, 297, 303, 313 and 334 nm. The products wereextracted from the mixture that was evaporated to dryness before. The
products were analysed by GC-FID. Polyphenyl formed during theirradiation was analysed by gel permeation chromatography(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given(45)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS
3.1.2

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

STABILITY IN WATERType
t1/2 pH4
t1/2 pH7
t1/2 pH9
Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substanceDeg. products

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

abiotic
at °C
at °C
at °C
yes
other: measured
2001
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
88-99-3 201-873-2 phthalic acid

Method:Result:

The rate of hydrolysis was determined at different pHs in the range of 0.6310.50 at 25 °c and in water containing a small amount of acetonitrile.
To regulate the pH in the different pH-ranges HCl and several buffers wereused.
Half-life* at 25 degree C at different pH-values in different buffer-systems:
1/2 (pH-values of 0-6)
: 70 sec
1/2 (pH-value of 6.8, N-methyl imidazole): 61 sec
1/2 (pH-value of 7.24, phosphate): 30.5 sec
1/2 (pH-value of 8.9, CO3/HCO3-): 2.4 sec

Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:

Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

RemarkResultReliability:::* calculated from the cited observed rate constants(2) valid with restrictions
The study is well documented and meets generally accepted scientificprinciples for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(21)

2004
no dataother TS: Phthalic acid
Phthalic acid is the final product of hydrolysis of phthalic anhydride
Carboxylic acids are generally resistant to hydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Data from peer-reviewed handbook or collection of data

06.10.2005

(46)

Type
t1/2 pH4
t1/2 pH7
t1/2 pH9
Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:Result:abiotic
at °C
at °C
at °C
other: measured
1975
noother TS: Phthalic anhydride (B.D.H. reagent grade)
The hydrolysis was followed by adding 1 drop of a stock solution in 1,4dioxan to a 10 mm stoppered spectroscopy cell containing the reaction
medium at the required temperature (25 °C) and following the decrease in
optical density at 300 and 322 nm, respectively, with a Beckman DU
Spectrometer.
An estimated half-life of approximately 1.5 minutes was calculated using a
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

77

OECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

Reliability:

29.11.2004
Typet1/2 pH4
t1/2 pH7
t1/2 pH9
Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

MethodResult
Test condition
Reliability

:
:
:
:

reported observed rate constant of 7.9X10-3/sec for hydrolysis. Hydrolysis
in aqueous solution over range between 4 mol/l-HCl and sodium acetatehydrochloric acid buffers from pH 0.63 - 5.2 at 25 °C resulted in an averagereaction rate constant of 0.0216/sec(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(47)
abiotic
at °C
at °C
at °C
other
1963
no
other TS: Phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
There is no information about the test procedure.
First-order rate constant at 25.1 °C is 4.29E-04/sec
Hydrolysis measured in dioxan-water (60:40 v/v) at 25 °C(3) invalid
Documentation insufficient for assessment

29.11.2004
3.1.3

STABILITY IN SOIL

3.2.1

MONITORING DATA78

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006(48) (49)Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
drinking water

Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.04.2004:

US EPA (1994) noted that the presence of the phthalic anhydride in water
could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed bydehydration in the GC injection port. Thus, the significance of studies using
similar GC techniques is rather limited because phthalic anhydride might
be formed during these analytical procedures
Phthalic anhydride has been identified, but not quantified, in US drinking
water. US EPA states that this observation is presumably an artefact (seeRemark). US EPA concluded that the rapid hydrolysis of phthalic anhydrideto phthalic acid that occurs in aqueous media, would preclude any
significant transport of the chemical in the aquatic environment(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(12)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::other: degradation of plasticizer (DEHP)
other: plastic and plasticizer

Method:- To sample air was drawn through Tenax tubes (SKC-226-39)- Desorption with methyl-t-butylether- GC on fused silica column OV-225 at 60-200 °C, injector at 220 °C,

GC/MS

GC

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

electron capture detector (63Ni)
Both PVC (polyvinylchloride) containing DEHP (di-2-ethylhexylphthalate)
as well as pure DEHP released phthalic anhydride which was formed
during DEHP degradation at high temperatures.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(50)

Result:Reliability:

Flag
14.05.2004:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentrationfood

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:- Approximately 250 kg Idaho potatoes (variety Russet Burbank) baked inaluminium foil at 205 °C for 105 min- Volatile compounds isolated from head space- GC over OV-101 (15 fractions), column temperature 40-250°C, no injector
block temperature reported- All fractions GC over SP-1000 (15 fractions)- Each fraction GC/MS over OV-17- Selected subfractions rechromatographed over OV-17 and GC/MS over
SE-30
- In total 420 fractions obtained- Identification of phthalic anhydride by MS and IR spectra- Estimate for quantity by peak area comparison
Unfortunately the formation of phthalic anhydride is not discussed by theauthors of the study.
Phthalic anhydride is put into the group of esters and lactones and it isstated that the esters were formed by esterification of various acids andalcohols present in potato flavor, and that the lactones were thermal
decomposition products. For organic acids, it is stated that they are formed
as thermal oxidative decomposition products of fats and by deamination ofamino acids.
Phthalic anhydride occurs in the volatile flavor of baked Idaho potatoes.
In total 228 substances identified with ethyl acetate being the mostabundant. The peak area of phthalic anhydride was 14 % of that of ethyl
acetate.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(51)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: wastewater

Method:- Fresh spruce chips dried- Pulp prepared by cooking chips at 155 °C for 5 h, pH 4, with 6 % SO2, toreach kappa number 30 (= 4 % lignin)- Part of pulp additionally treated with oxygen at 135 °C under elevatedpressure for 95 min, diluted, washed and adjusted to pH 5 (kappa number
10)- Chlorination of both pulps for 30 min at 20 °C, filtration and washing- Filtration and washing media (1 l/100 g of pulp) combined and used asspent liquor- Filtrations and adsorption on XAD-4 resin- XAD-4 washed with methanol, diethylether, acetone, methanol, acetone- XAD-4 eluted with large volume of diethylether

GC/MS

GC/MS

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

80

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006- GC (Finigan 9610)/MS (Finigan 4021) (injector at 250 °C), column
temperature 30-300 °C- Identification by comparison of mass spectra with NIH/EPA reference
library- Estimate for quantification by peak height comparison withdibutylphthalate which was quantified by GC
Phthalic anhydride might have been formed during analytical procedures
e.g. from phthalic acid
Phthalic anhydride was detected in spent chlorination liquor frombleaching of sulphite pulp (0.2-0.4 mg/kg). In total about 80 compounds
were identified, mostly lignin degradation products(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiencies
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(52)

Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
25.10.2005:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
sediment

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
25.10.2005:- Sediment cores from Nervion river dumps (Nothern Spain) were obtainedby fluid-free rotary drilling and freeze dried- 30-40 g samples were extracted with methylenchloride/ methanol- GC (Carlo Erba 5300 HRGC) was used with an injector temperature of
300 °C and a residence time of the sample of 35 s in the injector- GC/MS: GC see above, transfer line from GC to MS 300 °C, ion source
200 °C, analyzer 230 °C
US EPA (1994) noted that the presence of the phthalic anhydride in water
could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed bydehydration in the GC injection port. Thus, the significance of studies using
similar GC techniques is rather limited because phthalic anhydride might
be formed during these analytical procedures
Phthalic anhydride may be present in sediment cores of an uncontrolled
hazardous waste dump in Northern Spain (Several polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons are also found)(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiencies
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(53)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
sediment

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:- Sediment grab samples from two areas of the San Diego Harbor (CA,USA), stored at 4 °C
- Pyrolysis at up to 615 °C- GC/MS- Phthalic anhydride was not detected in samples not pyrolized (e.g.
analysis by 13C NMR or thermochemolysis with tetramethylammoniumhydroxide-GC/MS)
Since phthalic anhydride was only detected in pyrolized samples but not insamples analysed by GC/MS after a different preteatment, it is likely thatphthalic anhydride was formed during the pyrolytic process
Phthalic anhydride was detected in PAH contaminated sediments of San
Diego Bay(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiencies

GC/MS

GC/MS

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Flag
25.10.2005:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: wastewater

Remark:Result:Conclusion:

Reliability:

Flag
27.07.2004:

The wastewater treatment plant of the Kashima petroleum andpetrochemical industrial complex (Japan) has a hydraulic retention time of
approximately 14 h
88 % of the TOC of phthalic anhydride (influent concentration 65 mg/l) wasremoved from the authentic wastewater within 24 h during experimental
incubations
Since the half-life of phthalic anhydride in aqueous solution is in the rangeof seconds to few minutes, it is assumed that not phthalic anhydride but
phthalic acid persisted and that phthalic acid was the source of phthalicanhydride formed during analysis.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(55) (56)Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::other: wastewater treatment plantother: wastewater

Method:Result:Reliability:

Flag
24.05.2004:- Wastewater influent and effluent of the Prato (Italy) waterwater treatment
plant sampled- Filtration through glass fibre filter 0.45 µm- Filtered wastewater saturated with sodium chloride and extracted withhexane; water phase adsorped on RP-18 column, eluted withacetone/hexane (1:10 v/v) and acetone; hexane-phase fractionated on
silica gel column- Particulate matter extracted with trichloromethane, followed by extraction
with dichloromethane/methanol (2:1 v/v)
- Identification by GC, GC/MS (HPLC for PAH)
- GC: Varian 3400 with FID (flame ionization detector); injector temperature
program 40-300 °C, 1 min at 300 °C; Supelco PTE-5 column 40-300 °C, 15
min at 300 °C
The influent of the Prato municipal wastewater treatment plant contained
phthalic anhydride, but not the effluent(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(57)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
ground water

Method:- 20 l samples- Sample clean up: Acidification, extraction with petrol ether anddiethylether- Extract concentrated to 1 ml, split- Derivatisation with diazomethane- GC (Pye 104 GC or Hewlett Packard 5710A GC): OV-1 (50-250°C [HPstarted at 80°C]) or FFAP (220 °C) resin columns, injector temperature 250

Critical study for SIDS endpoint(54)

Biodegradation study, removal determined from COD and TOC

GC, GC/MS

GC/MS

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS°C- MS (First system: Pye 104 GC was combined with MS30): Injector
temperature 250 °C, source temperature 200 °C- MS (Second system: Hewlett Packard 5710A GC combined with VG 16F):
Injector temperature 250 °C, source temperature 220 °C- Substance identification by comparison with mass spectra library
Unfortunately, the distribution method of the ground water is not reported.
Since several other compounds (e.g. benzyl cyanide, two C4 alkyl
benzenes) stemmed from the distribution process, it appears that phthalicanhydride was formed during GC/MS analysis from phthalates or phthalicacid contaminating the groundwater during the distribution process.
Phthalic anhydride was not found in freshly sampled groundwater.
However, it was detected in the same groundwater after its distribution for
drinking purposes. No phthalic anhydride could be detected in 12 other raw
waters(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(58)

Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.04.2004:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
drinking water

Result:Reliability:

Kool, van Kreijl, and Zoeteman (1982) cite a book of Zoeteman (1980) thatphthalic anhydride occurs in drinking water. However, in the book of
Zoetemann (1980), no information was found on the occurrence of phthalicanhydride in water(4) not assignable
Secondary literature(59) (60)29.11.2004

82

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

no data

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
surface water

Method:Result:Reliability:

Flag
05.10.2005:

In the USA, 5 different methods were developed by the participating
laboratories- 3 methods used solid-phase extraction (SPE) of water followed by liquid
chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry with positive ion spray
analysis (MS-ESI)- 2 methods used continuous liquid-liquid extraction (CLLE) with capillary
GC/MS- Positive identification fulfilled the following criteria: -- Elution within thetime frame set by standard reference compound-- Sample spectrum and ion abundance to match that of the standard
reference compound- Quantification from base ion peak, two additional ions for confirmation
In 15 out of 85 samples from contaminated water streams of the USA,phthalic anhydride was detected with an estimated maximum of 1 µg/l anda median of 0.7 µg/l in positive samples (limit of detection 0.25 µg/l).
However, since the authors encountered phthalic anhydride routinely alsoin laboratory blanks, it is not clear whether phthalic anhydride is present in
the tested US waters(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(61)

Capillary GC/MS

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
surface water

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
18.05.2004:- Sampling stations in the proximity of capture zones of drinking water
plants- Sampling in June 1991 and April 1992, using a Seastar A300
autosampler collecting 45 l of lakewater- Samples filtered before extraction on column with Amberlite XAD-2 resin,column washed with methanol- Elution of resin with acetone- GC/MS Carlo Erba 5160 GC, equipped with MFA 515 injection
programmer (injection on column with temperature programme from 100 to
250 °C, splitter closed for 60 sec) and ion trap detector Finnigan MAT 800.
Fused-silica capillary column with SE-54 , column temperature 60-270 °C,
transfer line temperature 200 °C
Unfortunately, the study was not printed correctly (Table 4), and its
reliability cannot be elucidated
Phthalic anhydride and several phthalates were detected in the three large
Italian lakes (Como, Garda, and Maggiore) in 1991 and 1992.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(62)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
surface water

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:- From the Besos and Llobregat rivers (Barcelona, Spain), superficial water
samples were collected from February to July 1986
- Sampling site for each river in the middle of the river bed, 5 km upstream
estuary- Samples concentrated 10 times, filtered, effluent directly assayed (titleddissolved water phase), filter cake extracted/resuspended indimethylsulfoxide (titled paticulate water phase)- Analysis by capillary GC (CGC) and negative ion chemical ionization(NICI) MS (Hewlett-Packard 5985A interphased with Hewlett-Packard
9825A data system); temperatures were at injector 300 °C, transfer line
290 °C, ion source 180 °C, and mass analyzer 120 °C- Identification of substances by comparison of NICI mass spectra withstandard library and by coinjection with authentic standard compounds (noinformation on purity of standard substance supplied)
GC/MS analysis was done under conditions which favor the formation ofphthalic anhydride from phthalates or phthalic acid
Phthalic anhydride was reported to be present in the dissolved fraction ofwater samples from the river Besos draining the heavily populated
surroundings of Barcelona. These waters also contained several organic
phthalates(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiencies(63)

07.10.2005
Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method

:
:
:
:

GC/MS

GC/MS

background concentration
surface water
GC/MS
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Remark:Result:Reliability:

17.05.2004

Original reference in Russian, only small summary available in English
US EPA (1994) noted that the presence of the phthalic anhydride in water
could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed bydehydration in the GC injection port. Thus, the significance of studies using
similar GC techniques is rather limited because phthalic anhydride might
be formed during these analytical procedures
In the River Dnepr and a freshwater reservoir, 0.2-5.2 µg/l phthalicanhydride were detected by GC/MS. Since these authors worked at hightemperatures (up to 280 °C), it is assumed that phthalic anhydride wasformed from phthalate (not specified which) present at 6.1-29.6 µg/l in thewater samples.
(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiencies(64)Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
other: natural and drinking waters

Remark:Result:Reliability:

Since several phthalates were present in water samples, phthalicanhydride may have been formed from these compounds during GC/MS.
Phthalic anhydride is reported to be present in samples of natural and/or
drinking waters from the surroundings of Kiev
(4) not assignable
Original reference in Russian and not translated(65) (66)07.10.2005

GC/MS

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
surface water<= 10 mg/l
no data

Remark:Result:Reliability:

In Bajt, Sket and Faganelli (1992) it is reported, that the concentrations areunpublished results of M. Medved. No information supplied on method. It is
not excluded that phthalic anhydride was formed as an artifact during GC.
Wastewater of a chemical industry area at the Bay of Koper, Slovenia, wasreported to contain phthalic anhydride at concentrations of up to 630 mg/l,
and the water of the river Rizana, which enters the Bay of Koper, of up to
10 mg/l.
(3) invalid
Documentation insufficient for assessment(45)

07.10.2005

84

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
air

ResultReliability

:
:

Flag
28.04.2004:

Phthalic anhydride is an air polltant(4) not assignable
Secondary literature
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::no data(67)
other: Photooxidation of naphthalene in the gas phaseair
GC-FID
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Method:Result:Reliability
Flag
11.01.2005::

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::other: Photooxidation of naphthalene adsorbed on silica gel
air

Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
11.01.2005:

15 % of the naphthalene present at the beginning of the irradiation
disappeared. About half of the naphthalene which had reacted (48 %) wasrecovered in the form of reaction products. The yield of phthalic anhydride
was 0.1 %.
Naphthalene together with potassium nitrite (representative for nitrogenous
air pollutants) was adsorbed on silica gel and exposed to light from a
mercury lamp in a pyrex glass for 5 hours(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(69)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
air

Method:Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:- Samples were collected in large fiber bag houses for 18 months (similar
to the urban air standard reference material SRM 1648 of the National
Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC)- Extraction of 1 g sample by 50 ml toluene for 16 h
- Extract dried and redissolved in dichloromethane, filtered- Normal phase HPLC with hexane and dichloromethane- GC (Finnigan 9610, injector temperature 280°C, interface temperatrue
240 °C, column temperature 100- up to 325 °C)/MS (Finnigan 4021, ion
source 250 °C, recording of Electron impact chemical ionization [EI] orrecording of negative ion chemical ionization [NICI])
Phthalic anhydride was detected in urban air particles from St. Louis (MO,USA)(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(70)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
air

Method:- Samples collected in the suburban Tsukuba area, 60 km NE of Tokyo, on
April 28-29, 1985. Aerosol was collected on Pallflex quartz fibre filters- Filter extraction with dichloromethane and methanol, each for 4 h

Teflon chambers (6500-7900 l) were filled with dry air (about 5 % relative
humidity) at 296±2 K and 987 hPa (indicated as 740 Torr). Methyl nitrite (422 · 10E13 molecules cm-3), nitrogen oxide NO (24 · 10E13 molecules cm3), naphthalene (about 2.1 · 10E13 molecules cm-3), and 1,4dichlorobenzene as a non-reactive standard, were irradiated with black
light lamps for 5-20 minutes. Products were analysed by capillary-GC-FID.
Phthalic anhydride was formed from naphthalene with a yield of about 3 %as a naphthalene degradation intermediate(2) valid with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(68)

GC-MS and HPLC-MS

fractionation by HPLC, analysis by GC/MS

GC/MS

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PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006- Extract dried, redissolved in dichloromethane, thinlayer chromatography- Esterification of free acids by diazomethane- GC on Hewlett Packard GC 5840A with OV-1 column (30-300 °C)- GC/MS with Hewlett Packard GC 5710A GC and JMS DX-300 MS
Insufficiently documented in regard to phthalic anhydride analysis
Phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid were identified in aerosols collected
north of Tokyo in 1985
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(71)

RemarkResult::Reliability:

Flag
05.10.2005:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
air

Remark:Result:Reliability
Flag
28.04.2004::

EPA notes that the presence of the anhydride could have resulted from thehydrolysis of phthalate esters followed by dehydration in the GC injection
port
Phthalic anhydride has been detected in arctic air at the concentration of
10 ng/m3, but it is noted that the presence of the anhydride could haveresulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed by dehydration in
the GC injection port
(2) valid with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(12)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
air

Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:

Phthalic anhydride is reported to be detected at one location with morethan 10 samples. The median phthalic anhydride concentration was lessthan 6 µg/m3. The half life of phthalic anhydride in air was estimated to belonger than 5 days.
(4) not assignable
Secondary literature
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(72)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: aerosol

Method:RemarkResult::Reliability:- Collection of aerosol samples (< 3 µm) for 24 hours every sixth day over
one year (1993) in Los Angeles- Fractionating of the dichloromethane extract by HPLC
- Analysis of the fractions by capillary GC-MS (selected ion monitoring andfull-scan modes)
Phthalic anhydride was not found in total samples, but in subfractions
Phthalic anhydride was tentatively identified in aerosols collected in Los
Angeles in 1993. Tentative phthalic anhydride concentrations werereported to be 5.9 mg/kg of extractable organic carbon (EOC). From theannual average of the ambient EOC concentration (8.89 µg/m3), a phthalicanhydride concentration of 52 pg/m3 is calculated for the Los Angeles
aerosol(2) valid with restrictions

no data

US National Ambient VOC Data Base used, but no other data supplied

GC-MS

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Flag
11.01.2005:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
air

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:- Phthalic anhydride purity > 99 %, obtained from Aldrich, used without
further purification- Air sampling in accordance to CEN TC264/WG62 guideline with
evacuated Nalophan (terepthalic ester copolymers) bags (9 l)- SPME (solid-phase microextraction) with 3 different types of fibres- GC/MS with Varian 3800 GC, coupled to ion trap mass detector Varian
Saturn 2000, samples were desorbed in GC injection port for 3 min at 250°C- Substance identification by mass spectra comparison with the
NIST(USA)92 library- Quantification by comparison with deuterated p-xylene and several
standard compounds (but not phthalic anhydride)
Since also phthalic acid diethyl ester was contained in the air samples, it is
not excluded that phthalic anhydride was formed in the injector system of
the GCIn 4 air samples collected over landfills the concentrations of phthalicanhydride were 0.06 ppb, 0.16 ppb, and 2 samples were below thedetection limit of <0.06 ppb. No phthalic anhydride was detected in several
air samples of the vicinity of the landfills(4) not assignable
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(74)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: fly ash

Remark:Result:

Test condition:

Test substance:

Reliability:

Flag
29.11.2004:

US EPA (1994) noted that the presence of the phthalic anhydride in water
could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed bydehydration in the GC injection port. Thus, the significance of studies using
similar GC techniques is rather limited because phthalic anhydride might
be formed during these analytical procedures
Phthalic anhydride was identified by comparison with the mass spectrum of
the standard compound- Fly ash from an conveyer of an electrostatic precipitator of a municipal
solid waste incinerator- During sample preparation hexane extract is washed with aquatic media- Isothermic GC at 280 °C using Hewlett Packard 5890A GC, injection port
temperature 280 °C- MS using IMS DX-302/JMA 5100 data system, JEOL, Japan
Reagent grade phthalic anhydride from WAKO Pure Chemical Ind. Ltd.
Japan
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(75)

Type of measurement
Media

:
:

(73)

SPME and GC/MS

GC/MS

concentration at contaminated siteother: exhaust air
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Concentration
Method::Method:Remark:Result
Test substance::

Reliability:

Flag
30.11.2004:

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: exhaust air

RemarkResultReliability:::

Literature review
Phthalic anhydride is not reported to be present in vehicle exhaust air(4) not assignable
Secondary literature

GC/MS- Extraction of exhaust particulate matter by dichloromethane for 24 h andmethanol for another 24 h under N2- Absorption of aliphatics on SiO2 during HPLC with hexane- GC (Carlo Erba 4160 with FID) on SE-33, injector port up to 80 °C- Final elution temperature 280 °C- GC/MS with Hewlett-Packard GC-MSD, ion source 250 °C, analyser 230°C
US EPA (1994) noted that the presence of the phthalic anhydride in water
could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed bydehydration in the GC injection port. Thus, the significance of studies using
similar GC techniques is rather limited because phthalic anhydride might
be formed during these analytical procedures
Phthalic anhydride was present in diesel exhaust particulates
Phthalic anhydride purchased from Aldrich (Milwaukee, WI). No purity
reported.
The diesel exhaust sample (Standard reference material = SRM) was
provided by the Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, MI). It consisted of HPLC
fractions of National Bureau of Standards SRM 1650 collected from heatexchangers of different engines operating under a wide varity of conditions(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(76)

11.01.2005

88

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006(77)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: aqueous oak smoke prepartion

Method:Result:- Oak (Quercus sp.) sawdust (< 2mm) was pyrolyzed at about 370 °C(maximum 557 °C) for about 50 min- Smoke was filtered to eliminate solids and trapped in water- Water was neutralized and extracted with dichloromethane (fraction F1).
The water was evaporated and the residue dissolved in methanol (fraction
F2)- GC/MS Hewlett-Packard GC 6890 Series II, equipped with MSD 5973.
Fused-silica capillary column with HP-5 phenyl methyl silicone, column
temperature 50-280 °C, injector at 250 °C, detector at 280 °C- Identification by GC retention time, mass spectra, and comparison ofmass spectra with standard spectra from Wiley 138k Mass Spectra
Database- Quantification with Hewlett-Packard GC 5890 Series II, equipped withflame ionization detector and HP 3395 integrator. Fused-silica capillarycolumn with HP-5 phenyl methyl silicone, column temperature 50-280 °C,
Injector at 250 °C, detector at 300 °C
Phthalic anhydride was detected in aqueous oak smoke preparations

GC/MS

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006(water soluble fraction).
Due to overlapping during GC, phthalic anhydride could not be quantified.
Oak smoke and its aqueous preparations are used in the production ofseveral smoked foods and alcoholic beverages.
For phthalic anhydride no standard compound was used; identification see
Method(2) valid with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(78)

Test substance:

Reliability
Flag
30.11.2004::

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteother: extracts of weathered sandstone surfaces

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
17.05.2004:- Soxhlet extraction for 14 h with hexane/ethylacetate or extraction withwater in flask shaken for 2 h- GC: Varian 3400, injector at 250 °C, BP5 column- MS: Finnigan MAT 95, transfer line at 250 °C
Phthalic acid and phthalates were also present in the extracts. Since theinjector for the GC was held at 250 °C, formation of phthalic anhydride fromthese compounds cannot be excluded.
Phthalic anhydride is also reported to occur in the organic compounds
extracted from weathered surfaces of Saxonean sandstone from historicbuildings in the city of Dresden, Germany (Machill et al., 1997). Potential
sources of phthalic anhydride include microorganisms in these surfaces,but -although not discussed in detail - the more likely source being
deposition of air contaminants. Phthalic acid and phthalates were alsopresent in the extracts. Since the injector for the GC was held at 250 °C,
formation of phthalic anhydride from these compounds cannot be excluded.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(79)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated site
air

Method:Remark:Result:Reliability:

Flag
17.05.2004:- 3 commercially available hydrocarbon based coating materials for interior
wood surfaces tested- GC with Hewlett Packard 5890 GC equipped with DB-5 capillary column,
10-240 °C, ATD 400 as the detector- MS with Hewlett Packard 5989 mass spectrometer- Identification by comparison of mass spectra with that of standard MS
library (NBS75K)- Quantification from GC peak area assuming that all compounds haveequal response to the detector
No measures were reported to avoid formation of phthalic anhydride during
analysis (GC-MS). Injector temperature not reported but presumably higher
than 240 °C. Many compounds not (completely) identified.
Phthalic anhydride was reported to be a trace component in the emissions
from hydrocarbon based wood stains for indoor materials (0-2 mg/g ofready-to-use wood stain)(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(80)

GC/MS

GC/MS

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Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteair

Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
30.11.2004:

Phthalic anhydride was detected as a thermolytic degradation product of 5out of 11 analyzed steel protective paint. Steel plates coated with primer orfinishing paint yielded up to 0.88 g phthalic anhydride/m3 upon heating at
350 °C- Sampling with filters, adsorption tubes and bubbler absorbers(recomended: XAD-2 tube with preconnected glass fiber filter and achemosorbent tube)- Coated steel plates (170 x 500 x 5 mm) were heated to 350 °C for 7 minwith a gas flame- Several coatings examined: Epoxy, ethylsilicate, PVB, chlororubber, alkyd
and specials(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(81)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::background concentration
drinking water

Remark:Result:Reliability:

US EPA (1994) noted that the presence of the phthalic anhydride in water
could have resulted from the hydrolysis of phthalate esters followed bydehydration in the GC injection port. Thus, the significance of studies using
similar GC techniques is rather limited because phthalic anhydride might
be formed during these analytical procedures
The porpuse of the study is to support the establishment of an US registerof organic pollutants in water. It is reported that phthalic anhydride was
detected in 2 industrial effluents and in 4 drinking water samples. Neither asource nor a method for these data is supplied.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(82)

07.10.2005

HPLC, GC/MS

no data

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteair.004 - .203 µg/l
HPLC according to NIOSH Method S-179

Remark:Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

NIOSH (1980) study is cited on potentially exposed US workers. In 19721974 approximately 142000 workers were potentially exposed to phthalicanhydride in the USA (NIOSH (1980), National Occupational Hazards
Survey, 1972-1974. Cincinnati, OH (Updated as of August 1980))
In an US factory manufacturing phthalic anhydride, di(2ehtylhexyl)phthalate, and other phthalates, the air concentrations ofphthalic anhydride were 4 - 203 µg/m3 (mean 11 - 79 µg/m3) inmanufacturing, storage, and processing workplace areas- Air sampling during workshift with personal sampling pump, 1 l/min- Absorption on Millipore AA filters (37 mm diameter)- Limit of detection 1.5 µ/sample(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(83)

28.10.2005
Type of measurement
90

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

concentration at contaminated site
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Media
Concentration
Method:::air< .1 - 13 µg/l
HPLC with UV-detection

Result:Reliability:

Flag
21.10.2005:

In 2 alkyd and/or saturated polyester resin plants, time-weighted average
concentrations of phthalic anhydride dust were 2.8 and 4.9 mg/m3 during
manual loading of reactors from paper bags, 6.1 and 13 mg/m3 during
handling of emptied paper bags, and <0.3 and 0.3 mg/m3 during cleaning,respectively. In one of the plants, also the dust concentration wasdetermined during general work (including sampling from reactor, 0.15
mg/m3) and in the canteen (< 0.1 mg/m3). 40 - 46 % of the dust was in the
respirable dust fraction(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(84)

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteair
1.5 - 17 µg/l
HPLC

Result:Reliability:

Flag
21.10.2005:

In alkyd and/or saturated polyester resin plants, working place airconcentrations of phthalic anhydride were 6.6 mg/m3 (range 1.5 - 17
mg/m3) during phthalic anhydride loading of reactors(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type of measurement
Media
Concentration
Method::::concentration at contaminated siteair
< .00002 - .005 µg/l
GC with EC detection

Result:Reliability:

Flag
21.10.2005:

In 6 PVC plastics processing plants using PVC containing organic
phthalates as plasticizers, the workplace air concentrations of phthalicanhydride (and DEHP in 9 plants) were determined (Vainiotalo and Pfaeffli,1990). Phthalic anhydride levels ranged from below the detection limit(<0.02 µg/m3) to 5 µg/m3. For comparison, the phthalate levels were up to
100 times higher (< 0.02 - 0.5 mg/m3). Use of heat sealers may therefore
expose users of PVC film to phthalic anhydride (SRC, 1995).
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(86) (50)

(85)

3.2.2

FIELD STUDIES

3.3.1

TRANSPORT BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARTMENTS

3.3.2

DISTRIBUTION

Media
Method::water - airother (calculation): HENRYWIN v. 3.10
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3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS
Year

:

2004

Remark:Result:

Test substance
Reliability

:
:

Flag
06.10.2005:

The calculated value reflects the properties of the unhydrolyzed molecule
without taking into account the sensitivity of phthalic anhydride towardshydrolysis
Henry's law constant:
Bond method: 0.64 Pa m³ mole-1
Phthalic anhydride(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(39)

Media
MethodYear:::water - airother (calculation): HENRYWIN v. 3.10
2004

Remark:Result:

Test substance
Reliability

:
:

Flag
29.07.2004:

Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis
Henry's law constant:
Bond method: 2.21*10E-07 Pa m³ mole-1
Phthalic acid(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(40)

Media
MethodYear:::water - airother (calculation):
2001

Method:Result:

Test substance
Reliability::

Estimation according to the RCRA Support Documentation hierarchy forpreliminary screening (USEPA)Henry's law constant:
0.002 Pa m³ mole-1
Phthalic anhydride(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method(87) (88)23.07.2004
Media
MethodYear:::water - airother (calculation)
1991

Method:Result:Reliability:

Saturated vapour concentration (SVC) was calculated with the molecularweight and the vapour pressure from the TLV (Threshold limit value)
document and set in relation to the TLV value to check whether
measurements on either vapour or aerosol phase alone would correctly
monitor the exposure of workers at the work place
The relation SVC/TLV was about 70 indicating that even at a relative
humidity of 99 %, less than 5 % of the substance in the atmosphere isadsorbed to the particle phase(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given(89)

06.10.2005
Media
MethodYear
92

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:::

other: air - biota - sediment(s) - soil - water - aerosol
Calculation according Mackay, Level I
2004

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS
Method:PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Chemical data used for the calculation:- Temperature (°C)
= 25
- Molar mass (g/mol) = 148.12- Vapour pressure (Pa) = 0.06
- Water solubility (g/m³)= 16400- log Kow
= 1.6
- Melting point= 131.6°C
Phase properties and composition of the compartments:
Volumina
Density Organic Carbon(m3)(kg/m3) (%)
Air:
Water:
Soil:
Sediment:
Susp. Sed.:
Aerosol:Aquatic Biota:

6.0 E+09
7.0 E+06
4.5 E+04
2.1 E+04
3.5 E+01
1.2 E-01
7.0 E+00

1.185
1000
1500
1300
1500
1500
1000

2
5
16.7
5 (lipid content)

Calculation was performed according to the model describedin the first publication of Mackay (1991). Phase properties
and composition of the compartments were modified assuggested by the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA,
Germany).
The calculated value reflects the properties of the unhydrolyzed molecule
without taking into account the sensitivity of phthalic anhydride towardshydrolysis
Based on the model calculations (Mackay level I, v 2.11) the target
compartment of the environmental distribution ofphthalic anhydride is the hydrosphere.
Water:
99.35 %
Air:
0.019 %
Sediment:
0.32 %
Soil:
0.32 %
Susp. Sed.:
0.002 %
Aerosol:<0.001 %Aquatic Biota: <0.001 %Phthalic anhydride(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(39)

Remark:Result:

Test substance
Reliability

:
:

Flag
30.11.2004

:

Media
MethodYear:::other: air - biota - sediment(s) - soil - water - aerosol
Calculation according Mackay, Level I
2004

Method:Chemical data used for the calculation:- Temperature (°C)
= 25
- Molar mass (g/mol) = 166.13- Vapour pressure (Pa) = 8.48E-05 (MPBPWIN v1.41, calc.) Water
solubility (g/m³) = 7010 (WSKOW v1.41, exp. data from database)- log Kow
= 0.73 (Hansch, 1995)- Melting point = 191°C (http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~8hISkI:1, 2004)
Phase properties and composition of the compartments:
Volumina
Density Organic Carbon(m3)(kg/m3) (%)
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

Air:
Water:
Soil:
Sediment:
Susp. Sed.:
Aerosol:Aquatic Biota:

94

6.0 E+09
7.0 E+06
4.5 E+04
2.1 E+04
3.5 E+01
1.2 E-01
7.0 E+00

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
1.185
1000
1500
1300
1500
1500
1000

2
5
16.7
5 (lipid content)

Calculation was performed according to the model describedin the first publication of Mackay (1991). Phase properties
and composition of the compartments were modified assuggested by the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA,
Germany).
Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis
Based on the model calculations (Mackay level I, v 2.11) the target
compartment of the environmental distribution ofphthalic acid is the hydrosphere.
Water:
99.91 %
Air:
<0.001 %Sediment:
0.043 %
Soil:
0.042 %
Susp. Sed.:<0.001 %Aerosol:<0.001 %Aquatic Biota:<0.001 %Phthalic acid(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(40)

Remark:Result:

Test substance
Reliability

:
:

Flag
30.11.2004

:

Media
MethodYear:::water - soil
other (measurement): modified OECD-Guideline 106
1991

Remark:Result:The sorption equilibrium was reached within 16 hours. The mass balance
resulted in a recovery of > 80 %.
Sorption coefficient Koc determined for different soils:

Test condition:

Test substance:- Podzol: 31- Alfisol (agricultural soil): 2- sediment (Lake Constance) : 2- Soils:
three different soils like acidic forest soil, Podzol and agricultural soil and asublimnic soil
- Preparation of the soils:
according to the publication of von Oepen (1989) Chemosphere 18, 14951511- Test procedure:
50 ml test solution with 10 g (dry weight) of the specific soil; soil samples
shaken for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 5, 24 and 72 h;
the concentration of the test substance in an aliquot of 1 ml of the waterphase was tested- Adsorption:
incubation period 16 hours; initial concentration 15, 0.5, and 0.15 mg/l;
replicate (one control, one blank)- Analysis:
GC, HPLC
Phthalic acid, purity not specified
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Reliability:

Flag
22.07.2004

:

Media
MethodYear:::water - soil
other (calculation): PCKOCWIN v1.66 (2000)
2004

Remark:Result
Test substance
Reliability

:
:
:

Flag
29.07.2004:

The calculated value reflects the properties of the unhydrolyzed molecule
without taking into account the sensitivity of phthalic anhydride towardshydrolysis
Koc = 10.84
Phthalic anhydride(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(39)

Media
MethodYear:::water - soil
other (calculation): PCKOCWIN v1.66 (2000)
2004

Remark:Result
Test substance
Reliability

:
:
:

Flag
29.07.2004:

Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis
Koc = 73.06
Phthalic acid(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(40)

Media
MethodYear:::water - soil

Method:Result
Test substance
Reliability:::

Using equations of Kenaga EE and Goering CAI (1980) Relationshipbetween Water Solubility, Soil Sorption, Octanol-Water Partitioning andBioconcentration of Chemicals in Biota. Aquatic Toxicology ASTM STP 707((J. C. Eaton, P. R. Parrish and A. C. Hendriks, Eds.), American Society for
Testing and Materials, in Press)
Koc = 36
Phthalic anhydride(4) not assignable
Secondary literature(91)(1) valid without restriction
Reliable without restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(90)

21.07.2004

1980

3.4

MODE OF DEGRADATION IN ACTUAL USE

3.5

BIODEGRADATION

Type
Inoculum
Concentration:::

Contact time
Degradation::

aerobic
activated sludge
100 mg/l related to Test substance
related to85.2 (±) % after 14 day(s)UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS

96

ResultDeg. product
Method

:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Method:Test condition
Reliability

:
:

Flag
15.06.2004:

Type
Inoculum
Concentration:::

Deg. product
Method

:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Remark:Result
Test condition::

Reliability:

Flag
15.07.2004:

Type
Inoculum
Contact time
Degradation
ResultKinetic of testsubst.

:
:
:
:
:
:

Deg. product
Method::PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

readily biodegradable
other: Japanese Guideline by MITI (1974). Comparable to OECD TG 301
C, Modified MITI Test I
1992
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
The test was conducted in accordance with 'Biodegradation
test of chemical substance by microorganisms etc.'
stipulated in the Order Prescribing the Items of the Test
Relating to the New Chemical Substance (1974, Order of thePrime Minister, the Minister of Health and Welfare, theMinister of International Trade and Industry No.1). This
guideline corresponds to '301C, Ready Biodegradability:
Modified MITI Test I' stipulated in the OECD Guidelines for
Testing of Chemicals (1981)
Sludge concentration: 30 mg/l(2) valid with restrictions
Guideline study with acceptable restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(24)
aerobic
activated sludge
100 mg/l related to Test substance
related toother: Japanese Guideline by MITI (1974). Comparable to OECD TG 301
C, Modified MITI Test I1978
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Well-biodegradable is, if the percentage biodegradation from the oxygen
consumption exceeds >= 30 % after 2 weeks from beginning of the test
(result of a direct analysis)
Phthalic anhydride is confirmed to be well-biodegradable.
- sludge concentration: 30 ppm (to 100 ppm test substance)- temperature: 25 +/- 2 °C
- pH of supernatant of active sludge: 7.0 +/- 1- test period: 14 days
- reference substance: aniline(2) valid with restrictions
Guideline study with acceptable restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(92)
aerobic
activated sludge, industrial, adapted
24 hour(s)33 (±) % after 24 hour(s)0 hour(s) 0 %2 hour(s) 22 %4 hour(s) 22 %24 hour(s) 33 %%other: "fill and draw" batch system
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Year
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:

1975
no
other TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

RemarkResult::

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
30.11.2004:

Related to COD(Mn)
Kinetic of TOC removal efficiency (%):
0 h: 02 h: 23
4 h: 35
24 h: 88
(detected with TOC-analyzer, Model 102 from Beckman Toshiba Ltd.)- Activated sludge was taken from the Kashima Petroleum andPetrochemical Complex in Japan- It was assumed, that the activated sludge was well acclimated to organic
substances- Temperature: 25 °C- pH-values of test solutions were well controlled during the test
- The used apparatus was a fill-and-draw type unit, one with two aeration
cylinders of 7 l, the other with two aeration cylinders of 30 l
- Air supply: 5 l/min- Aeration conditions:# MLVSS (Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solid): 2660 ppm# SVI (Slugde Volume Index): 12 ml/g
- The method used to determine COD(Mn) was formulated in the JapaneseIndustrial Standard - JIS K0102.
(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure in accordance with generally accepted scientific principles
and described in sufficient detail
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(93) (55)Type
Inoculum
Concentration:::

Contact time
Degradation
ResultDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:RemarkResult::

Test condition:

aerobic
activated sludge, industrial, adapted
65 mg/l related to Test substance
related to88 (±) % after 1 day(s)other: "fill and draw" batch system
1988
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
COD was determined using Japanese Industrial Standard Methods (JISK0102).
TOC was measured using a TOC analyser (Shimadzu TOC-10B).
Acclimatization period: 1 day
Degradation:
33 % related to COD removal,
88 % related to TOC removal- Activated sludge was taken from the Fukashiba wastewater treatment
plant of the Kashima Petrochemical Complex in Japan.
- Concentration of the water samples was between 100 and 200 mg/l interms of COD or about 100 mg/l in terms of the concentration of the test
substance- 2.0 l of the sample water were added to 0.5 l of activated sludge andaeration of the mixed liquor was started.
- After 23 h aeration and 1 h sedimentation 2.0 l of the supernantant
solution were replaced by the sample water. The fill and draw system was
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98

Reliability:

Flag
22.07.2004:

Type
Inoculum
Concentration:::

Contact time
Degradation
ResultKinetic of testsubst.

:
:
:
:

Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
22.07.2004:

Type
Inoculum
Concentration:::

Contact time
Degradation
ResultKinetic of testsubst.

:
:
:
:

Deg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

therefore used to acclimatize the sludge to the test water.
- After acclimatization the water in the container was sampled during
aeration at the beginning (0 h) and 24 h later for analysis.
- The oxygen uptake and the decreases in TOC and COD after cultivation
were measured and the biological degradability calculated.
- The conditions in the aeration container were:
MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solids) 2000-3000 mg/l, airflow rate about 150 ml/min, water temperature = 25-30 °C.
- pH-value was adjusted to neutral; and both nitrogen and phosphorus
were added at 1.3 and 28 mg/l respectively. The salt concentration of thewater samples was adjusted to a chloride ion concentration of about 5000
mg/l (same level as that of the wastewater entering the Fukashiba plant).
(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure in accordance with generally accepted scientific principles
and described in sufficient detail
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(56)
aerobic
predominantly domestic sewage
3 mg/l related to Test substance
related to71 (±) % after 30 day(s)5 day(s) 45
10 day(s) 58
20 day(s) 71
30 day(s) 71
%

%
%
%
%

OECD Guide-line 301 D "Ready Biodegradability: Closed Bottle Test"1972
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Initial concentration of test substance 1000 mg/l (COD of stock solution is1584 mg/l)(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(94)
aerobic
predominantly domestic sewage
3 mg/l related to Test substance
related to74 (±) % after 30 day(s)5 day(s) 48
10 day(s) 68
20 day(s) 64
30 day(s) 74
%

%
%
%
%

OECD Guide-line 301 D "Ready Biodegradability: Closed Bottle Test"
1973
noother TS: phthalic acid, purity not specified
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
22.07.2004:

Type
InoculumDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substanceDeg. products

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

aerobic

Remark:Result
Test condition::

Conclusion:

Reliability:

Phthalic anhydride was one of 20 organic compounds chosen toinvestigate its environmental fate including metabolism in the food-chains,degradative pathways, bioaccumulation, ecological magnification (E.M.)
and biodegradability index (B.I.)
The B.I. of phthalic acid is 11.884.
The model aquatic ecosystem consists of a 3-liter flask, which contains
reference standard water and food chain members. The whole system is
kept in a programmed growth chamber with constant air flow, temperatureand photoperiod.
Phthalic anhydride is readily biodegradable and not a micropollutant.
The major degradation pathway was hydrolysis, followed bydecarboxylation. Conjugation with the acidic proton was the most importantdegradation pathway as reflected by high BI values (Lu and Metcalf 1975,
see also Chapter 3.7 of this IUCLID: Bioaccumulation).
(3) invalid
Unsuitable test system(96) (22)06.10.2005

Initial concentration of test substance 1000 mg/l (COD of stock solution is1600 mg/g)(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(95)

1974
no
other TS: Phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
124-38-9 204-696-9 carbon dioxide
88-99-3 201-873-2 phthalic acid

Type
InoculumDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

anaerobic
other bacteria: two cultures of bacteria (termed ON-7 and MO), adapted

Method:RemarkResult::- Cultural methods: Incubation at 30°C in 18-ml screw cap tubes filled withmedium. Phthalic acids were added and agar. Batch cultures were grown
either anaerobically in screw cap bottles filles with medium or aerobically in
Erlenmeyer flasks containing medium.
- Respirometry: Aerobic respiration was measured at 30°C either
manometrically or polarographically. Substrate was added after
endogenous activity. In anaerobic incubations, the test item was added
under anaerobic conditions at zero time. CO2 production was measured byommiting KOH at the end of the experiment.
- Chromatography: Aqueous samples were acidified and extracted foranalysis by thin-layer chromatography or gas-liquid chromatography.
- Other methods: Standard tests for bactarial identification andmiscellanous unsuitable test systems.
Bacteria obtained from the marine sediments of Biscayne Bay.
Denitrifing, mixed cultures of bacteria which grew anaerobically with
denitrification on phthalic acid were enriched and maintained. Two cultures,

other: miscellanous, see below
1981
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

termed ON-7 and MO, were studied in detail.

Reliability:

22.07.2004

Under aerobic conditions both cultures seemed to metabolize phthalic acidvia protocatechuate. Anaerobically grown cells of culture ON-7 rapidly
metabolized phthalic acid.
(3) invalid
Unsuitable test system(97) (98)Type
InoculumDeg. product
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

aerobic

Remark:Conclusion:

Reliability:

Multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models
were presented to predict the biodegradability. The biodegradation data of
a diverse set of 241 molecules were divided into a training set of 172
chemicals for developing the MLR and ANN models and into test sets of 12
and 57 chemicals for evaluating the predictive ability of these models.
Parameters used for establishing the models were molecular connectivity(1 parameter) and 14 atom-type E-stat indices. The linear model revealed asquare correlation coefficient (r²) of 0.76 for the training set and a r² of 0.68
for the test set. Better predictions were achieved for the artificial neuralnetwork resulting in a square correlation coefficient of 0.84 for the training
set and 0.76 for the test set, respectively.
Both models predicted a fast biodegradation of phthalic anhydride
belonging to the second test set. This result was confirmed by theobserved biodegradability of phthalic anhydride reported in this paper as"biodegrades rapidly" (inherently).
Development of QSAR correlation: correlation coefficient < 0.8; observed
results are second quotations not assignable to the origin(4) not assignableNot assignable(99)

30.11.2004
Type
Inoculum
Concentration:::

Contact time
Degradation
ResultDeg. product
Method

:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Reliability:

other: calculated ba QSAR models
2001
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

activated sludge, domestic, non-adapted
10 mg/l related to Test substance
related to99 (±) % after 14 day(s)OECD Guide-line 301 E "Ready biodegradability: Modified OECD
Screening Test"
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified(4) not assignable
Secondary literature

06.10.2005
Type
Inoculum
Concentration
100

(100)
:
:
:

aerobic
other: activated sludge (flowing off) of sewage plant Marl-Ost
20 mg/l related to DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon)
related to
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYS
Contact time
Degradation
ResultDeg. product
Method

:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Remark:Reliability:

06.10.2005
3.6

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

99 (±) % after 5 day(s)OECD Guide-line 301 E "Ready biodegradability: Modified OECD
Screening Test"
1983
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified- Concentration of stock solution: 535 mg/l DOC, - TOC-analyzer:
Beckmann- All DOC-values were determined after membrane infiltration (Sartorius no.
11307) and threetimes scald out for 1 hour with water to deliver fromdetergens(4) not assignable
Secondary literature(101)

BOD5, COD OR BOD5/COD RATIO

BOD5MethodYear
Concentration
BOD5
GLP

:
:
:
:
:

other: Standard Dilution Method
1950
related to1190 mg/l
noMethod:Result
Test substanceConclusion:::

Reliability:- Testconcentration 0.5 g/l- pH 7 - 8.5 (if required neutralisation with 50 % NaOH)- Four to eight dilutions on all samples in duplicate- Temperature 20 °C- dilution water for BOD:
mixed with domestic sewage (2.2 ml (50cc.) settled sewage per l (5gallons) dilution water)
for COD:
synthetic dilution water as described in the Ninth Edition of "Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage"
BOD5 : 73 % ThOD, ThOD = 1620 g/g.
Phthalic anhydride, purity not specified
Phthalic anhydride could not hinder biological sewage treatment in thisstudy.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given(102)

23.07.2004
BOD5
MethodYear
Concentration
BOD5
GLP

:
:
:
:
:

other: Standard Dilution Method
1955
related to
720 mg/lnoResult:

BOD5 - values (20 °C) listet in Verschueren:
44 % related to ThOD
74 % related to ThOD
78 % related to ThOD (conc. 1 - 4 ppm)
ThOD = 1.62 g/g
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Source:Test condition
Test substance
Reliability:::

30.11.2004

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

The biodegradation data were determined by:- Hess RW, Private Communication- Jones HR (1971) Environmental control in the organic and petrochemicalindustries "Noyes Data Corporation"
Temperature 20 °C
Phthalic anhydride, purity not specified(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(103) (28)

BOD5
MethodYear
Concentration
BOD5
GLP

:
:
:
:
:

other
1981
2 mg/l related to Test substancemg/lno

Method:Result:Standard dilution method (S.D.M.) and
Sea water dilution method (S.W.D.M.)
Degradation (%) of an initial concentration of 2 ppm according to thestandard dilution (SDM) and sea water dilution method (SWDM) after 5
days:
SDM : 21 (BOD 0.346 g/g)
SWDM: 18 (BOD 0.288 g/g)

SourceTest substance
Reliability:::(ThOD 1.62 g/g)
Only abstract and chemical names in english available
Phthalic anhydride, purity not specified(4) not assignable
Original reference in Japanese and not translated

30.11.2004
3.7

(104)

BIOACCUMULATIONBCF
Elimination
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Remark:Reliability:

Flag
29.07.2004:

Species
Exposure period
Concentration
BCF
Elimination
Method
Year

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

102

3.4
other: (calculated) SRC-BCFWIN v2.15
2004
noother TS: phthalic anhydride
The calculated value reflects the properties of the unhydrolyzed molecule
without taking into account the sensitivity of phthalic anhydride towardshydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(39)
at 25 °C
3.16
other: (calculated) SRC-BCFWIN v2.15
2004
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

GLP
Test substance::noother TS: phthalic acid

Remark:Reliability:

Flag
22.07.2004:

Phthalic acid is the major organic degradation product of phthalic anhydridehydrolysis(2) valid with restrictions
Accepted calculation method
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(40)

Elimination
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Method:Result:other: Greenhouse study with 14C-phthalic acid1985
noother TS: label 14C = 0 (Amersham CFA 766 Batch 5)
Plant uptake and soil retention of 14C carboxyl-labelled phthalic acid werestudied.
Bioaccumulation factor (BF) [ppm in plant tissue/ppm initial soil application(dry weight basis)] averaged for all tested plants and seeds:
plant: 0.013seed: 0.0046
Extractable 14C phthalic acid (%) after final harvest:
corn
: 4.5
fescue: 5.2
mature wheat: 9.2
wheat seed
: 46.7mature soybean plants: 15.3

Test condition:

Test substance
Reliability

:
:

Flag
03.08.2004:

Species
Exposure period
Concentration
BCF
Elimination

:
:
:
:
:

Average bioaccumulation ratios for total 14C:
- for seeds: 0.0005- for plants: 0.003- Test system:
14C-labelled phthalic acid added to unlabelled phthalic acid, dissolved inethanol and mixed into the upper 15 cm (5.8 kg) of the soil in each pot(6400 dpm/g of dry weight soil)- Application rate:
0.6, 6.0, 60.0 and 600.0 ppm- Application time in soil:
4 days- Testorganism:
after the application time of 4 days 25 wheat seeds, 10 corn seeds, 15
soybeans, 2.5 cm³ of tall fescue were planted in each pot; three replicates- Harvest
corn and fescue plants at 21 and 45 days after final planting, soybean andwheat when mature at 74 days,- Analysis:
liquid scintillation spectrometer (Packard TRi-Carb Model 2405)
Specific activity 60 mCi/mmol(2) valid with restrictions
Study well documented
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(105)
other: Oedogonium cardiacum (green algae)
48 hour(s) at 26.7 °C
3169

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103

OECD SIDS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND PATHWAYSPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

other: Model aquatic system
1975
noother TS: phthalic anhydride; label 14C = 0 (New England Nuclear)

Remark:Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Phthalic anhydride was almost quantitatively converted to phthalic acid andthus underwent further metabolic reactions. Alga was the only ecosystemcomponent that stored the parent compound to high levels, i.e., EM 3169.
Phthalic acid was magnified to 200. A substantial amount of 14CO2, 5.02%
of total applied radioactivity, was collected over 3-day period. Thus
decarboxylation occured as a major degradation pathway. Conjugation withthe acidic proton was the most important degradation pathway as reflectedby the high BI (biodegradability index) values:- 1.779 in alga
- 2.411 in mosquito larva- 4.869 in snail- 11.844 in fish
- 15.488 in daphnia
The EM (Ecological magnification) is equalized to the BCF. But there is no
documentation how the EM was dertermined from the measured test
results.
The model aquatic ecosystem consists of a 3-liter flask, which contains
reference standard water and food chain members. The whole system is
kept in a programmed growth chamber with constant air flow, temperatureand photoperiod.
- Analytical monitoring: TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) andAutoradiography- 0.01 - 0.1 ppm of radiolabeled compound (14C)- 12 h daylight to 7500 Lux- Temperature (26.7 +/- 2 °C)- 24 hour test period(3) invalid
Unsuitable test system(22)

21.07.2004
3.8

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

22.07.2004

104

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY

4.1

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

ACUTE/PROLONGED TOXICITY TO FISH

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC50
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

semistatic
Brachydanio rerio (Fish, fresh water)
7 day(s)mg/l560RemarkResult::

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
21.07.2004:

Accepted new scientific name for Brachydanio rerio: Danio rerio
LOEC (mortality):
1000 mg/l
LOEC (total embryotoxicity): 1000 mg/l
EC50 (total embryotoxicity): 561 mg/l
- Fertilized eggs in the blastula stage(2 - 4 h after spawning);
disinfected for 1 min in a 0.04 % formalin solution- test medium: aerated reconstituted water- Solvent: DMSO < 100 µl/l
- Photoperiod: 12 h
- Temperature: 25 +/-1 °C- pH-value: 8.4 +/- 0.2- Hardness: 250 mg/l (as CaCO3)- O2-conc.: 8.1 +/- 0.2- malformed fish determined under a binocular(amplification 30x)(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC50
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

semistatic
Cyprinus carpio (Fish, fresh water)
48 hour(s)
mg/l
> 500

Method:Result:

Test condition:

Descriptions of test procedure have appeared in:
Zhao YH, Wang Ls, Gao H, and Zhang Z (1993). Quantitative structureactivity relationships - relationshop between toxicity of organic chemicals tofish and to Photobacterium phosphoreum. Chemosphere 2, 1971-1979.
The result is given in log (1/LC50) < 2.52 mol/l. The corresponding LC50 is> 500 mg/l. It is noted that "no concentration with more than 50% inhibition
could be tested"- Stock solutions of organic test chemicals were prepared in acetone- Test fishes were purchased from a commercial source- Fish were kept under laboratory conditions for more than 2 weeks- Weight of the fish: ca. 5 g

no dataother: according to OECD Guideline Draft "Early Life Stage"
1990
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity 98 % (FA Merck)

(106)

no
other: "Acute Toxicity Test"
1996
noother TS: Phthalic acid, purity is not specified

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

105

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006- Length of the fish: 5 cm
- Stock solution were prepared in acetone- Water renewal all 12 h
- 10 fish in 16 l of test water- Temperature maintained at 20 +/- 1 °C
- pH 7, test solution was always regulated to pH = 7.8 +/- 0.1,
determination at the beginning and end of each test
- Range of exposure concentration (5 concentrations): 50-500 mg/l(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(107) (108)

Reliability:

Flag
26.10.2005:

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC0
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

staticother: Petromyzon marinus (marine fish)
24 hour(s)
mg/l
>= 5

MethodResult
Test condition:::

Reliability:

Screening test
Effects were observed at 5 hours test duration- initial concentration of the test substance 5 ppm- just one concentration was tested (5 mg/l)- 2 specimens (larvae) were used, which were collected in the Ocqueoc
River (Michigan)- length of fish was about 10 cm- test animals were placed in a 10 l glass jar containing varied resultant
volumes from 5.8 to 6.2 l- jar was aerated (at near oxygen saturation)- oxygen dissolved varied from 8.6 - 13.7 ppm- free CO2 varied from 5.0 - 9.0 ppm- water used was drawn from a supply from Hammond Bay of Lake Huron- water Temperature 12.2 - 13.3 °C (55 +/- 1 degree F)- pH varied from 7.5 - 8.2- observations were made approx. six times, at various intervals, during the
24-hour test period(3) invalid
Unsuitable test system. No standard organisms and method were used forthe assessment of chemicals(109)

23.07.2004
Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC0
LC100
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:

106

no
other: Screening Test "Acute Toxicity Test"
1957
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

staticLeuciscus idus (Fish, fresh water)
48 hour(s)
mg/l
100
200
no dataother: Bestimmung der akuten Wirkung von Stoffen auf Fische. Working
group "Fischtest im Hauptausschuß Detergenzien" (1973)
1973
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Remark:Reliability:

Direct weight, related to test substance
Only two fishes were tested(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

23.07.2004
Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC0
LC50
LC100

(110) (28)staticLeuciscus idus (Fish, fresh water)
48 hour(s)
mg/l
250
313
360
0

Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

MethodRemarkReliability:::

Method of the German Standards Institution Berlin, Germany
Test procedure according to national standard method(4) not assignable
Original reference not available

no dataother: DIN-Standard 38412 L15 (Fish short-time test)
1982
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

25.11.2004

(111)

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

semistatic
Oncorhynchus mykiss (Fish, fresh water)
48 hour(s)mg/lMethod:RemarkResult::

Test condition:

Investigation was carried out in three stages. In stage I, lethal, toxic andpermissible concentrations were determined. The permissible
concentration is defined as the concentration in which a 100 % of the tests
gave a positive result. That means, if survival of the fish for a period of 48
hours in a given concentration is observed. In stage II biotests with 9
several mixtures of the 28 compounds were carried out. In stage III a
simulated pollutant (composed of all 28 compounds) was determined tofind the dose established as permissible.
Accepted new scientific name for Salmo gairdneri: Oncorhynchus mykiss
Permissible concentration, in which the compound was examined- individually: 5 mg/l (synthetical result)- in a group: 0.2 - 0.4 mg/l (composition of a simulated industrial
wastewater)
The mixture/group IX (which includes phthalic anhydride) had to be diluted
with water in a relation of 1:1 - 1:1.22 so that the test might give a positive
result.
The dose of stage I had to be diminished >20 times than in stage III inorder to be harmless again.
- test organism:
2 years old animals, reared in the Fishery Experimental Station of theAgricultural College in Cracow, placed in aquaria for adaptation (10 - 12noother: "Acute Toxicity Test"1972
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

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OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY

Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

25.11.2004days), during the test no feeding (for phthalic anhydride 6 fish were
examined)- test conditions:renewal of solution once in 24 hour, average oxygenation 8.4 mg O2/l,
temperature 16 - 21.5 °C (+/- 1 °C), well water was used, increase of pH
during 24 hous from a value of 6.1 to 7.8(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
(112)

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC50
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

staticOryzias latipes (Fish, fresh water)
48 hour(s)mg/l> 1000SourceTest condition
Reliability:::

Original literature in Japanese with English abstract
The investigations were conducted at three temperatures: 10, 20 and 30°C.
(4) not assignable
Original reference not translated
(113)

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LC0
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

staticother: tadpole of Bufo bufo japonicus SCHLEGEL (amphibian)
24 hour(s)
mg/l
>= 42

Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
21.10.2005:

At all pH conditions no effect was observed above 42 mg/l with the
exception of pH 5, where an effect occured at the highest concentration
tested- Concentrations tested: 13, 18, 23, 32, 40, 42 mg/l
- Experiments were conducted at different pH conditions: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10- 1 to 4 weeks old tadpoles were used
- Test period: 24 h
- Test temperature: 25 °C- Endpoint: mortality(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(114)

06.10.2005

4.2

noother: see test conditions below
1980
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, no purity specified

ACUTE TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATESTypeSpecies
Exposure period
108

no dataother: "Acute Toxicity Test"
1986
no dataother TS: Phthalic acid, purity is not specified:::

staticDaphnia magna (Crustacea)
48 hour(s)UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Unit
EC0
EC50
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

mg/l
>= 640> 640
noother: Acute Toxicity Test1986
yesother TS: Phthalic acid, >99 % purity, received 2/19/82 from Fisher
Scientific Company

Method:Remark:Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
21.07.2004:

Method is following the procedures described in the MIC Environmental
Assessment Method for Conducting Acute Toxicity Tests with Daphnia
magna (Grueber and Adams, 1980) Environmental Sciences Report ES80-M-6), and Methods for Acute Toxicity Tests with fish,
macroinvertebrates and amphibians (U.S. EPA (1975) EPA 660/3-75-009).
The original pH of the 640 mg/l stock solution was 3.01 and afterwards
raised with NaOH
-test organisms: supplier was ESC Aquatic Laboratory, USA- age: less than 24 h
- feeding in acclimation- dilution water (ranges during the test) was a mixture of distilled deionizedwater and well water from St. Peters, Missouri-test system:- temperature: 21.1 - 23.2 °C- alkalinity: 90 - 260 mg/l
- hardness: 60 mg/l
- pH: 7.9 - 8.8- oxygen: 7.8 - 8.8 mg/l (Dissolved oxygen)- alkalinity, hardness and oxygen were measured at the beginning and at
the end of the test
- no dissolving agent was used
- test concentrations (nominal): 40, 80, 160, 320, 640 mg/l
- 10 daphnids x 3 replicates per concentration- no renewal of the test solution- exposure vessel: 250 ml beakers, containing 200 ml test solution (foreach 10 daphnia)- no feeding during the test
- no aeration during the test(2) valid with restrictions
Comparable to guideline study with acceptable restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(115)

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Remark:Result:staticDaphnia magna (Crustacea)
24 hour(s)
mg/l
140
no
ISO 6341 15 "Water quality - Determination of the inhibition of the mobilityof Daphnia magna Straus (Cladocera, Crustacea)"
2003
no dataother TS: Phthalic acid, purity is not specified
Effect endpoint (E(L)C): immobilization and/or mortality.
Range of test concentrations is not reported.
The value of 140 mg/l represents the median between the concentration of
180 mg/l where all daphnia were immobile or died in 24h and theconcentration of 100 mg/l where all daphnia survieved.
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

109OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
21.07.2004:

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

staticDaphnia magna (Crustacea)
24 hour(s)
mg/l
4900
no dataother: see test conditions
1996
no dataother TS: o-Phthalic acid, purity is not specified

Remark:Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

These toxicity data or methods, respectively, have been reported
previously (see references).
The IC50-values (mol/l) at 24 h were calculated from the dose-response
relationships using the least-squares regression analysis.
The corresponding IC50-values at different pH:
pH 6.0: 4370 mg/l
pH 7.8: 4900 mg/l
pH 9.0: 6460 mg/l
- Daphnids were cultured parthenogenetically in an environmental chamber
at 22 +/- 1 °C
- Photoperiod 14 hours, 10 hours dark
- For culturing a green algae diet was fed- 6 to 24 hours old daphnids were used for toxicity test, 10 daphnids in 25
ml of test water- Incubation 24 hours at 22 +/- 1 °C
- test solutions always regulated at pH 6.0, 7.8, and 9.0, each +/- 0.1,
determination at the beginning and end of each test
- 5 replicates for every concentration- Results were considered valid, when oxygen concentration was > 60 % of
saturation, and if immobilization in controls was zero at the end ofexperiment- Endpoint: immobilization concentration (IC)(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(107) (108)Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring

:
:
:
:
:
:

110

- test organism: Daphnia magna, age: max. 24 h
- testing was performed in a chemically and physicallydefined standardized aqueous medium according to ISO Standard. Qualityof the culture medium: CaCl2 294 mg/l, MgSO4x7H2O 123.3 mg/l,
NaHCO3 64.8 mg/l, KCl 5.8 mg/l, saturated with oxygen- pH was adjusted to 7.8 +/- 0.2- temperature 20°C
- four controls with test solution and four controls with pure medium, 5daphnids/chamber (5 organisms/20 ml)- pH value and oxygen content were measured before and after the test
- the test was carried out in the dark(2) valid with restrictions
Study meets generally accepted scientific principles
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(116)

other aquatic crustacea: Thamnocephalus platyurus
24 hour(s)
mg/l
220
no
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

other:
2003
no dataother TS: Phthalic acid, purity is not specified

Method:Remark:Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

The definitive and the range finding test were performed in accordance withthe standard operation procedure described in Thamnotokit Ftm protokol(Creasel Ltd., Deinze, Belgium).
Effect endpoint (E(L)C): immobilization and/or mortality.
Range of test concentrations is not reported.
- test organism: instar larva of the Thamnocephalus platyurus, hatchedfrom the cysts- preliminary test to ascertain the appropriate concentration range bydecimal dilution- testing was performed in a defined standardized aqueous medium
according to ISO Standard. Quality of the culture medium: CaSO4x2H2O
30 mg/l, NaHCO3 48 mg/l, MgSO4x7H2O 30 mg/l, KCl 2 mg/l, saturated
with oxygen, pH was adjusted to 7.4 +/- 0.2- 30 organisms for each dilution and control- pH value and oxygen content were measured before and after the test
- the test was carried out in the dark(2) valid with restrictions
Study meets generally accepted scientific principles
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(116)

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

staticother: Chironomus plumosus (aquatic)
48 hour(s)
mg/l
> 72
no
other: Static acute toxicity test
1980
no dataother TS: Phthalic acid, no purity specified

Method:Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

Standard methods for static toxicity test (Committee on methods of toxicity
tests with aquatic organisms 1975)
Techniques to rear laboratory populations of the midges, see for further
details Biever KD (1965). A rearing technique for the colonization ofchironomid midges. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 58, 135-136).
- static test system- late third and early fourth-instar midge larvae- Well water ph 7.4, total hardness 270 mg/l CaCO3- Temperature 22 +/- 1 °C
- 16 hours light, 8 hours dark photoperiod- Solvent ethanol (concentration < 0.1 ml/l)- Endpoint: Immobilisation(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(117) (118)4.3

TOXICITY TO AQUATIC PLANTS E.G. ALGAE

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period:::

other algae: Desmodesmus subspicatus
growth rate
72 hour(s)UNEP PUBLICATIONS

111

OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Unit
EC0
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

mg/l
>= 100yes
yesOECD Guide-line 201 "Algae, Growth Inhibition Test"
2004
yesother TS: phthalic acid, purity: 99.5 %Result:

Test condition:

Test substance
Reliability

:
:

Flag
20.10.2005:

With pH adjustment, the recovery rate was > 98 %, therefore the nominal
value was reported. The result is related to both endpoints growth rate andbiomass.
Without pH adjustment at 100 mg/l 100 % inhibition was observed after 72
hours; pH was determined to be in the range of 4.9 to 5.1.
- Flasks (300 ml) with cotton plug were filled with 100 ml testmedium andalgae- Test system was continuously illuminated- Growth of the unicellular green algae was checked daily over a period of
3 days- Initial cell density: 10000 cells/ml- Tested concentration: 100 mg/l with and without neutralization- The stability of the test substance was experimentally determined with
HPLC before and after an exposure of 72 hours
CAS-No.: 88-99-3, Lot No.: A0163727(1) valid without restriction
GLP guideline study
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(119)

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Selenastrum capricornutum (Algae)
biomass
96 hour(s)
mg/l
4.14
no
yes
other: Standard procedure from the Federal Register Vol.50, No.188, Part
797, Sec.797.1050 Algal Acute Toxicity Test
1989
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified
Test concentrations and results related to nominal concentrations.
Resluts of analytical monitoring:
Recovery for each concentration (avg., mg/l):
Conc. before testing after testing
20
20.7
0.0
10
0.2
7.1
5
0.2
4.1
2.5
2.4
1.9
1.25
1.1
0.3
0.625
0.7
0.8
0.3125 0.3
0.4
Recovery rates (% from avg. conc.):Conc. before testing after testing
20
104
0
10
2
71
5
2
82
2.5
96
76

112

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Test condition:

Reliability:

23.09.2004

1.25
88
24
0.625
112
128
0.312596
128- Range finding test was previously conducted at test concentrations of
0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 mg/l whereby the highest test
concentrations were pH adjusted- The definitive test was conducted at 7 test concentrations : 0.3125, 0.625,
1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/l (nominal) without pH adjustment; 3 replicates;
static test
- pH was only measured at the beginning and at the end of the test at thelowest and highest test concentrations.
- Initial pH: 5.5 (high conc.) and 8.5 (low conc.)- Final pH: 5.7 (high conc.) and 7.5 (low conc.)- Oxygen-concentration was not monitored- The concentrations were analytically determined with HPLC before andafter testing- Temperature: 24 °C +/- 2°C- Continuous light- The EC50 was calculated by ANOVA using the experimental data
(3) invalid
Significant methodological deficiences. Main test conducted without pH
adjustment(120)

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other algae: Scenedesmus subspicatus CHODAT
growth rate
7 day(s)mg/l258Remark:Result
Test condition::

Accepted new scientific name for Scenedesmus subspicatus:
Desmodesmus subspicatus.
It is not clear whether the algae are within the exponential growththroughout the whole exposure period of 7 days.
The counting of samples after incubation of seven days showed that thealgae at the end of incubation were not in logarithmic or exponential phaseof growth. The cells were not counted during the time interval of sevendays, so the author can not conclude after which day the culture in the
different samples end with its reproduction
Endpoint biomass: 7 d EC50: 506 mg/l
- Cultures of S. subspicatus were obtained from the National Institute of
Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia- 7 day incubation period with a 12 hour day/night rhythm of lighting at 100µE/m2/s- Static conditions- Each sample contained approx. 10000 cells/ml algal culture that grew inthe control samples to 5.2 - 6.8 x 10E6 cells/ml- Concentrations in a range of 84 - 840 mg/l were chosen so that 4 - 5 ofthem covered 10 - 90 % inhibition- for each concentration 4 replicate samples and reagent blank samples
were prepared- pH was adjusted to 8.3 +/- 0.2- algal cells were counted at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) andafter 7 days incubationnoother: modified to ISO 8692
2003
no dataother TS: Phthalic acid, purity is not specified

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4. ECOTOXICITY
Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:(3) invalid
It is not clear whether the algae were within the exponential growththroughout the whole exposure period of 7 days
(121) (116)Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
Limit test
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other algae: Scenedesmus sp. and Microcystis sp.
other: growth inhibition

Method:Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Growth inhibition of freshwater algae by decomposed material of plants
was determined and the inhibitory chemicals were identified using
GC/MSD.
The inhibitory effect on the growth of Scenedesmus sp. of rotted materials(on average):
2-days: 57%
8-days: 49%
14-days: 41%
21-days: 42%
For Microcystis sp., an antialgal effect of the 2-day rotted materials of 93%(on average) is reported.
The antialgal effect decreased relative to the rotting time flow for bothalgae.
One of the inhibitory chemicals, released from the rotted plants, wasidentified as 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (o-phthalic acid).
- Test material: Korean pine needles, Korean pine chips, pine needles, pine
chips, barley straw, rice straw, mugwort and chrysanthemum- Test solution: 1 g of each material was placed in a 250 ml conical flask,
200 ml of natural water was added, and the flasks were maintained at 20 °C for 2, 8, 14, and 21 days, after incubation the samples were filtered with
5 A filter paper- Seedling: the filtrate was added to the both two fresh algal mediums in
250 ml flasks, containing about 10E+4 cells/ml in each case- Endpoint: The inhibition of growth was obtained by quantifying thechlorophyll a content after 5 days of incubation.
Culture medium for algae was prepared for Scenedesmus sp. according to
DIN 38412 Part33; for Microcystis sp. according to Ichimura and Ito (1977)(3) invalid
Unsuitable test system(122)

06.10.2005

06.10.2005
4.4

TOXICITY TO MICROORGANISMS E.G. BACTERIA

TypeSpecies
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance114

yesother: Growth inhibition test
2002
no dataother TS: phthalic acid

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

aquatic
activated sludge
3 hour(s)mg/l> 1000no
ISO 8192 "Test for inhibition of oxygen consumption by activated sludge"
1984
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity >= 99.8 %UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Method:Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Method:Remark:Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LOEC
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkTest condition::

ETAD recommended method no. 103 (corresponds for the most part to thetest methods OECD 209)
- test concentration of activated sludge: 0.38 g/l ss (=suspended solids)- incubation time with permanent aeration- pH of test concentrations: 7.3 - 7.4(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(123)
aquatic
Pseudomonas putida (Bacteria)
16 hour(s)
mg/l
213
no
other: ISO 10712, 1995 Pseudomonas putida growth inhibition test
(Pseudomanas cell multiplication inhibitiontest)
2003
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified
The percentage of cell multiplication inhibition was calculated in conformity
with the ISO standard (ISO, 1995).
The inhibition effect was determined by the increase of turbidity of bacterial
cultures at chosen logarithmic dilutions of the initial concentration of thetest substance- incubation time 16 +/- 1 hours at 26 °C- testing was performed in defined mineral medium, composed for the test
as follows: NaNO3 500 mg/l, K2HPO4 60 mg/l, D8+)Glucose monohydrate
2000 mg/l, MgSO4 x 7 H20 200 mg/l, Iron(III) citrate 0.5 mg/l, pH wasadjusted to 7.4 +/- 0.3- measurement of turbidity(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(116)
other bacteria: Azospirillum brasilense (DSM 2297)
48 hour(s)g/l1noother: Bacterial Assay (Swarming Inhibition Test)
1987
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified, purchased by FLUKA
GmbH (Neu-Ulm , Germany)
Not relevant for environmental assessment- Bacteria cultured at 30 °C in a liquid NB-Medium up to an optical densityof 0.6 (400 - 600 nm). This suspension was directly used for the assay.
- Media:
NB medium (pH 7.0); Nutrient broth 10 g; Yeast extract 5 g; NaCl 5 g; Agar
12 g; distilled water 1000 ml- Petri dishes (90 mm diameter) containing 20 ml of this medium- Test substance diluted with DMSO (1:1)- 10 µl of each concentration of test substance plus 10 µl cell suspension of
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Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

21.07.2004
Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LOEC
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Test condition:

Reliability:

15.07.2004
Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
LOEC
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:Test condition:

116

bacteria were mixed- four times 5 µl of this mixture were placed on the agar surface, thus thepetri dish was inoculated with for spots of 5 µl
- after 48 h of incubation at 25 °C, the circular spreading zone swere
measured and compared to the zones without toxin(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure in accordance with national standard methods withacceptable restrictions(124) (125)other bacteria: Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 27035)
24 hour(s)g/l5noother: Bacterial Assay (Swarming Inhibition Test)
1987
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified, purchased by FLUKA
GmbH (Neu-Ulm , Germany)- Bacteria cultured at 30 °C in a liquid NB-Medium up to an optical densityof 0.6 (400 - 600 nm). This suspension was directly used for the assay.
- Media:
NB medium (pH 7.0); Nutrient broth 10 g; Yeast extract 5 g; NaCl 5 g; Agar
12 g; distilled water 1000 ml- Petri dishes (90 mm diameter) containing 20 ml of this medium- Test substance diluted with DMSO (1:1)- 10 µl of each concentration of test substance plus 10 µl cell suspension ofbacteria were mixed- four times 5 µl of this mixture were placed on the agar surface, thus thepetri dish was inoculated with for spots of 5 µl
- after 24 h of incubation at 25 °C, the circular spreading zone swere
measured and compared to the zones without toxin(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure in accordance with national standard methods withacceptable restrictions(124) (125)other bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis (ATCC 10792)
24 hour(s)g/l5noother: Cup Plate Assay (Growth Inhibition)1987
noother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified, purchased by FLUKA
GmbH (Neu-Ulm , Germany)
According to the Method of Lenz P, Suessmuth R, and Seibel E (1986).
Development of sensitive bacterial tests, exemplified by two mycotoxins.
Toxicology 40, 199-205.
- Bacteria were cultured in liquid NB medium up to a cell density of ca. 1.0
optical density (OD 400 - 600 nm), then the OD was adjusted to 0.05 (400 600 nm). NB/2 agar plates were inoculated with 50 µl of this suspension(10 E+5 cells per plate)- Media:
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY

Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

15.07.2004

NB/2 medium (pH 7.0); Nutrient broth 5 g; Yeast extract 2.5 g; NaCl 2.5 g;
Agar 12 g; distilled water 1000 ml- Petri dishes (90 mm diameter) containing 10 ml of this medium- the cup plate diffusion assay was carried out as a hole-test withinoculated agar plates- a number of holes were punched into the agar and filled with the test
substance solution- Test substance diluted with DMSO (1:1)- Incubation time 4 h at 4 °C and 20 h at 25 °C(2) valid with restrictions
Test procedure in accordance with national standard methods withacceptable restrictions(124) (125)Type
Species
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

aquatic
Vibrio fisheri (Bacteria)
15 minute(s)
mg/l
6.61
no dataother: see test conditions
1998
no dataother TS: o-phthalic acid, purity is not specified

Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

Ecotoxicological descriptors were the concentration values causing a 50 %inhibition of bioluminescence after 15 min exposure.
- bacteria originated from the Institute of Soil Science, Academia Sinica,
Nanjing, China- temperature: 20 +/- 2 °C
- bioluminescence measured after 15 and 30 minutes by means of Toxicity
Analyzer DXY-2- pH 5.7(3) invalid
Unsuitable test system(107) (108)23.07.2004
4.5.1

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO FISH

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
NOEC
LOEC
Analytical monitoring
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Salmo gairdneri (Fish, estuary, fresh water)other: Mortality, Total Embryotoxicity
60 day(s)
mg/l
10
32
no dataother: according to OECD Guideline Draft "Early Life Stage"
1990
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity >= 98 % (FA Merck)

Method:RemarkResult::Van Leeuwen CJ, Espeldoorn A, and Mol F (1986). Aquatic toxicologicalaspects of dithiocarbamates and related compounds. III. Embryolarval
studies with Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Aquat Toxicol 9: 129-145.
Accepted new scientific name for Salmo gairdneri: Oncorhynchus mykiss
EC50 (Total Embryotoxicity): 44.1 mg/l
LC50 :
44.2 mg/l
LOEC (mortality):
32 mg/l
LOEC (total embryotoxicity): 32 mg/l
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4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
LOEC (length):
LOEC (weight):

32 mg/l
32 mg/l

LOEC: The lowest concentration which differed significantly from thecontrol.
Geometric series of 7 test concentrations using a factor of 3.2 was used.
With a factor of 3.2 the next lowest concentration is 10 mg/l whichcorresponds to the no effect concentration (NOEC) of 10 mg/l.
The LC50 and 95 % confidence limits were determined according toKooyman (1981)*. Concentrations affecting survival with more than 50 %were excluded from the statistical analyses. The Bartlett test was used totest the data for homogeneity of variances. Differences were consideredsignificant at alpha < 0.01.

Test condition:

Reliability:

Flag
25.11.2004:

118* Kooyman SALM (1981). Parametric analyses of mortality rates inbioassays. Water Res. 15, 107-119.
- test organism:
Salmo gairdneri; freshly, artificially spawned eggs from, obtained from afish hatchery (Vaassen, Gelderland); 3 h after fertilization, egg samples(size 100); no feeding throughout the test
- test vessel:
15-l glass tank, 10 l volume- test medium:reconstituted water, hardness 50 mg/l (CaCO3), pH 7.7 +/- 0.2,
temperature 10 +/- 1 °C, oxgen concentration 10.8 +/- 0.2, preparedaccording Alabaster and Abraham (1965)*, renewed three times a week
(stock solution prepared fresh at each renewal), continuously aerated- solvent:DMSO < 100 µl/l
- test concentration:
5 - 7, a solvent and blank control; range between the concentrations was
3.2- replicates:
test conducted in duplicate- room temperature:
10 +/- 1 °C
- lighting:during embryogenesis darkness; after hatching a photoperiod of 12 h
light/12 h dark
- test period:
60 days- controls:
regularly inspection for dead specimens and unfertilized eggs which were
removed; pH measurements at regular intervals; no verification of the test
compound during the experiment; determination of wet weight and length
performed only at the end of the test
* Alabaster JS and Abram FSH (1965). Estimating the toxicity of pesticides
to fish. Pest. Articles News Summaries 11, 91-97.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(106)

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

4.5.2

CHRONIC TOXICITY TO AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES

4.6.1

TOXICITY TO SEDIMENT DWELLING ORGANISMS

4.6.2

TOXICITY TO TERRESTRIAL PLANTS

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
EC50
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other terrestrial plant: Lactuca sativa L. cv. Great Lakes
other: inhibition of fruit germination
3 day(s)mg/l731
other: Inhibition of fruit germination
1975
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified

Method:Result:

Test condition:

Test substance:

Reliability:

Flag
11.08.2004:

Test method described in: Reynolds T (1975). Characterization of osmotic
restraints on lettuce fruit germination. Ann. Bot. 39, 791 - 796.
Result given as: EC50 = 4.4 +/- 0.6 mmol/l,
which corresponds to 731 +/- 100 mg/l.
(Molecular weight of phthalic acid, 166.13 g/mol)- Samples were grown on 0.5 % agar media in 10 ml-plastic containers
sealed with snap-on lids at a temperature of 30 °C- 20 lettuce fruits per concentration were tested- 5 replicates
The test compounds tested were received from the manufactures Aldrich
Chemical Co. Ltd., Sigma Chemical Co. Ltd., and Fluka Chemicals Ltd.
The manufacture for phthalic acid is not further specified(2) valid with restrictions
Study well documented, meets generally accepted scientific principles.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(43) (126)

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other terrestrial plant: Gossypium hirsutum L.
other: relative root growth

Method:Short-term, splitroot experiments with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
taproots as the growth indicator were conducted to determine if thepresence of phthalic acid in soil solutions affect Al-phytotoxicity.

Result:Reliability:

22.07.2004

1986
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified

The relative length of cotton taproots, 48 h after growing, into various
concentrations of phthalic acid was measured.
Phthalic acid showed essentially no root-protection capacity at acid levels
up to 50 µmol/L.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(127)
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

119OECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other terrestrial plant: Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, cv TVR-2
other: root length

MethodRemark::Result:

Test condition:

Reliability:

The substances were identified by GC/MS.
The study was undertaken to separate phytotoxic substances from residual
nutrient solution (RNS) and the residual activated charcoal (RAC),
collected after hydroponic culture of tomato.
Beside other organic acids the phthalic acid was identified as one of thephytotoxic acids.
The concentrate of RNS was fractionated into 5 organic fractions in order
to separate the phytotoxic substances. The pH of the aqueous phase wasadjusted at first to 2 and then to 8 (pH 2-8 system), and in anotherexperiment, at first to 8 and then to 2 (pH 8-2 system). The phytotoxicity ofthe different concentrates were presented by the ration of the root length oftomato in the test solution to that in the control solution.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(128)

22.07.2004

1993
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, purity is not specified

4.6.3

TOXICITY TO SOIL DWELLING ORGANISMS

4.6.4

TOX. TO OTHER NON MAMM. TERR. SPECIESSpecies
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit
ED 50
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: White leghorn
other: embryotoxicity
11 day(s)other: mg/egg.05631other:
1990
no dataother TS: phthalic anhydride, purity is not specified

Result:

Test condition:

The corresponding ED50 is 0.056313 mg/egg. Slope of the dose- response
curve was 1.6 (tan alpha). The maximum percentage of malformed
embryos was 20.
The result (11d-ED 50) is given in 0.38 µmol per egg.
- solvent:acetone (analytical grade) or water; 10 eggs of each batch were injectedwith 5 µl of acetone as solvent control- solvent control:
altogether 600 embryos were tested and the total number of affected
embryos was 3.2 %- test organism:
3-day chicken embryos- exposure:injection of test solution on the visible embryo into the air chamber of theegg- incubation time:
14 days; three days after injection the embyroys were scored and120

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
4. ECOTOXICITY

Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

25.11.2004

discarded and the remaining ones checked for deaths and malformations,
11 days after treatment(4) not assignable
Secondary literature(129) (106)Species
Endpoint
Exposure period
Unit

:
:
:
:

other: tadpoles of Bufo bufo japonicus SCHLEGEL (amphibian)Remark21.10.2005:

Results of Nishiuchi (1980) see IUCLID Chapter 4.1

4.7

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS MONITORING

4.8

BIOTRANSFORMATION AND KINETICS

4.9

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

23.07.2004

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

5.0

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

TOXICOKINETICS, METABOLISM AND DISTRIBUTIONIn Vitro/in vivo
: In vivo
Type:
Species: mouseNumber of animals
Males:
Females :
Doses
Males
:
Females :Vehicle:Route of administration: i.p.
Exposure time
: 3 day(s)Product type guidance:
Decision on results on acute tox. tests:
Adverse effects on prolonged exposure :Half-lives: 1st:nd
2 :3rd:
Toxic behaviour:
Deg. product:
Method:Year: 1978
GLP: no
Test substance: other TS: [14-C] phthalic anhydride, purity not specified
Method:ResultReliability::

04.05.2006

CD-1 mice received [14-C] phthalic anhydride at 80 mg/kg bw/day on days
11, 12, and 13 of gestation. Six hours after the last dose, the animals weresacrificed and the tissues collected. The radioactivity, total and bound, wasmeasured by scintillation counting technique.
Bound radioactivity was found in all tissues examined.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient, abstract only
(130)

In Vitro/in vivo
: In vivo
Type:
Species: rabbit
Number of animals
Males:
Females :
Doses
Males
:
Females :Vehicle:Route of administration
Exposure time
Product type guidance
Decision on results on acute tox. tests
Adverse effects on prolonged exposure
Half-lives: 1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Toxic behaviour:
Deg. product
:

122

:
:
:
:
:

i.p.

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Method:Year
GLP
Test substance:::

ResultReliability::

other: Administration of [14-C]- or [3H]-phthalic anhydride to pregnant
rabbits during embryogenesis.
1978
noother TS: [14-C]- or [3H]-phthalic anhydride, purity not specified
Bound radioactivity was found in all tissues examined(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient, abstract only

01.03.2006(130)

In Vitro/in vivo
Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
Males
Females
Doses
Males
Females
VehicleMethodYear
GLP
Test substance:::

Remark:Reliability:

In vitro
other: in vitro

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

01.03.2006

1978
noother TS: [14-C]-phthalic anhydride, purity not specified
In vitro, very small quantities of [14C]-phthalic anhydride were found to bindcovalently to bovine serum albumin (BSA) after one hour incubation at 37
degree Celsius(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient, abstracts only
(131)

In Vitro/in vivo
: In vivo
Type:
Species: mouseNumber of animals
Males:
Females :
Doses
Males
:
Females :Vehicle:Route of administration: i.p.
Exposure time:
Product type guidance:
Decision on results on acute tox. tests:
Adverse effects on prolonged exposure :Half-lives: 1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Toxic behaviour:
Deg. product:
Method:Year: 1978
GLP: no
Test substance: other TS: [14-C]-phthalic anhydride, purity not specified
Remark:Bound radioactivity was found in the foetuses of mice receiving [14C]phthalic anhydride by the intraperitoneal route, indicating the phthalic
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

01.03.2006
In Vitro/in vivo
Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
Males
Females
Doses
Males
Females
VehicleMethodYear
GLP
Test substance:::

Remark:Reliability

:

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

In Vitro/in vivo
Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
Males
Females
Doses
Males
Females
VehicleMethodYear
GLP
Test substance:::

Method:124

In vitro::

28.04.2006

Resultanhydride or a metabolite of the substrate may can cross the placenta.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient, abstract only
(131)

1986
no
other TS: purity not specified
Phthalic anhydride has been shown to bind to human serum albumin(HSA). 30 mg phthalic acid was dissolved in 1 ml of acetone and added to
10 ml of 2% HSA in 9% sodium bicarbonate at 4°C and incubated for 1
hour. No further data available.
(4) not assignable
Poor documentation(132)
In vivo

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

:

1977
no
other TS: occupational exposure purity not specified
The excretion of phthalic anhydride in humans has been investigated in astudy where urine samples were collected from nine subjects
occupationally exposed to phthalic anhydride, primarily by the inhalationroute. Samples were taken pre-shift (7:00 hours) on-shift, post-shift (15:00
hours) and in the evening and the next morning after work day. Airborne
phthalic anhydride levels ranged from 0.03 to 10.5 mg/m3 (mean value,
MMAD not stated), determined from personal air samples from the worker
breathing zone. Urine was also taken from a control group of 22 persons
not occupational exposed to phthalic anhydride. Phthalic anhydride isconverted to phthalic acid in the presence of water. Phthalic acidconcentration in the urine was measured after esterification with methanol
by electron capture gas chromatography, and expressed in terms of urinary
creatinine.
Urine samples were also subjected to acid, alkaline, and enzymatichydrolysis by beta-glucuronidase or aryl sulphatase.
At low atmospheric phthalic anhydride concentrations (mean +/- SD; 0.15
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006+/- 0.15 mg/m3, range 0.03 - 0.33 mg/m3, n=5) the excretion of phthalicacid increased from the pre-shift (7:00 hours) concentration to the post-shift(15:00 hours) concentration and decreased then until the pre-shiftconcentration was again reached. The pre-shift phthalic acid concentrationin the urine (0.49 +/- 0.15 µmol/mmol creatinine) were not significantly
different from those of occupationally unexposed people (0.34 +/- 0.25µmol/mmol creatinine, range 0.02-0.089 µmol/mmol creatinine, n=22).
Exposure to higher concentrations of phthalic anhydride in air (1.63 +/0.13 mg/m3, n=2) resulted in a body load of phthalic acid which was nottotally cleared overnight, and with pre-shift phthalic acid concentrations in
the urine with a mean value three times the mean control value (1.02 +/0.25 µmol/mmol creatinine). One worker exposed to high concentration ofphthalic anhydride (10.2 mg/m3) had a pre-shift urinary concentration of
4.8 µmol of phthalic acid /mmol creatinine; approximately 14 times that of
the control group. The concentration of phthalic acid in the urine was foundto increase from the pre-shift level to a maximum in the immediate postshift or evening urine sample.
The concentration then decreased, with a half-life of approx. 14 hours (nofurther information on half-life estimation)
No evidence was seen of conjugate formation.
Thus, workers occupationally exposed to atmospheric phthalic anhydride
absorbed the substance with some being excreted in the urine as
unconjugated phthalic acid.

Reliability:

Flag
06.03.2006:

In Vitro/in vivo
Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
Males
Females
Doses
Males
Females
VehicleMethodYear
GLP
Test substance:::

Method:Result:Reliability:(4) not assignable
Limited documentation, no further information on half-life estimation
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(133)
In vivo

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

1977
no
other TS: occupational exposure purity not specified
Urine samples were obtained from 48 workers in jobs with high exposure tophthalates and from 47 workers in jobs with low exposure. The airborne
concentration of di-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) ranged from 20 to 4110
µg/m3 and the concentration of phthalic anhydride (PA) ranged from 4 to203 µg/m3.
The most heavy exposed workers had the highest mean postshift urine
phthalate concentration (7.6 nmol/ml urine), and also the greatest mean
increase (4.4 nmol/ml) in preshift to postshift urine phthalate level. Twofold
increases over the shift in urine phthalate concentration and postshiftphthalate level greater than 10 mmol/ml were observed in 8 (25%) of 32
chemical operators, but non of the control workers without exposure.
(3) invalid
Mixed exposure to DEHP and phthalic anhydride with higher DEHP level
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125OECD SIDS
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ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
than phthalic anhydride level17.03.2004(83)

MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:

Method:Reliability
Flag
06.03.2006

:
:

5.1.1

Phthalic anhydride hydrolyzes rapidly in the presence of water forming
phthalic acid. Half-life for phthalic anhydride was 30.5 seconds at pH 7.24.
At pH 6.8 the half-life of phthtalic anhydride in water was prolonged to 61
seconds.
(2) valid with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(134)

ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

Flag
03.03.2004

:

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
Vehicle
Doses

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

126

2001
no
other TS: phthalic anhydride, purity not specified

LD50= 1530 mg/kg bw
ratother: Wistar-II
male
10
other: DMSO
100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3100, 5000 mg/kg bw in DMSO
other: 10 male rats/dose (bw: 160-180g), single oral application by gavage
dissolved in DMSO (2 ml/100 g bw), observation time: 14 d, calculation ofLD50 according to Fink (1965) Arzneim.-Forsch. 15, 624
1978
noother TS: approx. 99.8 % purity
Dose-group, time of death, No of rats that died, No of rats with symptoms:
100 mg/kg bw, no deaths, 0/10, 0/10
500 mg/kg bw, 3-4 d, 2/10, 10/10
1000 mg/kg bw, 3 d, 2/10, 10/10
2000 mg/kg bw, 2-3 d, 4/10, 10/10
3100 mg/kg bw, 2-3 d, 9/10, 10/10
5000 mg/kg bw, 2 d, 10/10, 10/10
symptoms: sedation, imbalance, and bloody eyes
no gross or histopathological examination(2) valid with restrictions
Gross or histopathological examination was not performed, big volumes of
DMSO was used as a solvent
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(135)
LD50
= 4020 mg/kg bw
ratother: albino, no further datamale5other: corn oil
2150, 3160, 4640, 6810 mg/kg bw as 25 % suspension in corn oil

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Method:Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

26.11.2004

other: single oral application by gavage, dosing volume not mentioned,
observation period up to 14 days. Parameters investigated: time of death,time of recovery, record of symptoms, gross autopsy (organs not
specified).
1970
noother TS: no data on purity, melting point:130.8°C
all rats:
signs of intoxication up to 4 hours after application of phthalic anhydride:hypothermia, lethargy, ruffed fur, diuresis, diarrhea.
2150 mg/kg bw: no death, recovery within the first day after dosing.
3160 mg/kg bw: 1/5 rat died within 12-24 hrs, 4/5 recovered within 2 days.
4640 mg/kg bw: 4/5 rats died within 2 days after dosing, 1/5 rat recovered
within 3 days after dosing.
6810 mg/kg bw: 2/5 rats died within the first 4 hrs. Further 2 rats died within
3 days. One animal recovered after 4 days.
Gross autopsy:
survivors: no significant findings;
decedents: inflammation of gastrointestinal tract, hyperaemia of liver andlungs.
(4) not assignable
Industrial Biotest Laboratories (IBT) unreliable test institute
(136)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
ca. 2500 - 5000 mg/kg bw
rat
no datano data

RemarkReliability::

Animals died from tubular necrosis of the kidneys.
(4) not assignable
Insufficient documentation: no experimental details givenno datano dataother: no further information available
1964
noother TS: no data on purity

17.03.2004

(137)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
ca. 4500 mg/kg bw
rat
no datano data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

other: suspension in traganthno dataother: observation period: 8 days. No further data available
1955
noother TS: no data on purity

22.03.2004(8) (138)
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

127

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
ca. 800 - 1600 mg/kg bw
rat
no datano data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Secondary literature

no datano dataother: no further information available
1962
noother TS: no data on purity

17.03.2004(139) (140)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
ca. 5800 mg/kg bw
rat
no datano data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

other: solution in water pH 7.5
no dataother: Observation period: 8 days. No further data available
1955
noother TS: no data on purity

22.03.2004

(8)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
= 2500 - 5000 mg/kg bw
ratother: no data
no data2
no data
1000, 2500, 5000, 10000 mg/kg bw
other: no data1954
noother TS: no data purity

Result:Reliability:

Animals dosed with 1000 mg/kg bw had no symptoms. Animals dosed with
2500 mg/kg bw showed hyperventilation and died. Animals dosed with
5000 and 10000 mg/kg bw died. No further data
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(141)

17.03.2004
Type
Value
Species
Strain
Sex
128

:
:
:
:
:

LDLo
= 680 mg/kg bw
rat
no datano data
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

no datano dataother: no further information available
1969
noother TS: no data on purity(4) not assignable
Insufficient for assessment

05.02.2004

(142)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: LD40
200 - 1500 mg/kg bw
rat
no datano data

Reliability
05.02.2004:(4) not assignable

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
= 1500 mg/kg bw
mouse
no datano data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

no datano dataother: no further information available
1982
no dataother TS: no data on purity(143)

no datano dataother: no further information available
1982
no dataother TS: no data on purity

05.02.2004

(143)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
= 2210 mg/kg bw
mouseother: white miceno data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

no datano dataother: no further information available
1969
noother TS: no data on purity

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

129

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

05.02.2004

(144)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
> 1000 mg/kg bw
rabbitno datano data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

no datano dataother: no further information1955
noother TS: no data on purity

05.02.2004

(8)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD0
= 2000 mg/kg bw
rabbitno datano data1other: no data
1000, 2000 mg/kg bw
other: no data1954
noother TS: no data on purity

Result:Reliability:

Animal dosed with 1000 mg/kg bw survived. Animal dosed with 2000 mg/kg
bw died after 2 days. No further data
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment(141)

17.03.2004
Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
= 800 mg/kg bw
cat
no datano data

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Insufficient for assessment

no datano dataother: no further information available
1986
no dataother TS: no data on purity

05.02.2004
Type
Value
Species
Strain
Sex
130

(145)
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
< 100 mg/kg bw
guinea pig
no datano data
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

no datano dataother: no further information available
1968
noother TS: no data on purity(4) not assignable
Insufficient for assessment

05.02.2004
5.1.2

(146)

ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Exposure time
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

26.11.2004

LC50> 210 mg/m³
ratother: albino
male
6other: air
0.21 mg/l
1 hour(s)other: 6 rats were exposed for 1 h, at room temperature and total air flow of
10.01 ppm. Signs of intoxication were recorded, and gross autopsy was
performed.
1970
noother TS: no data on purity, melting point: 130.8° C
The only sign of intoxication was lacrimation, which was observed 0-15 minafter start of the exposure and ended at the same day, no deaths occurred.
Gross autopsy revealed no significant findings.
(4) not assignable
Industrial Biotest Laboratories (IBT) unreliable test institute
(136)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Exposure time
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

ResultReliability::

Inhalation: LC rat < 100 mg/m3 after 2.5 h of exposure; no further data
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment
(143)

:
:

LC50
> 80 mg/m³

23.11.2004
Type
Value

other: LC< 100 mg/m³
rat
no datano datano datano data
2.5 hour(s)other: no further information available
1982
no dataother TS: no data on purity

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

131OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Exposure time
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

other: rat, mouse, guinea pig
no datano datano datano data
6 hour(s)other: not stated1975
noother TS: no data on purity(4) not assignable
Information insufficient for assessment, secondary literature

17.03.2004
5.1.3

(147)

ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

26.11.2004

LD50> 10000 mg/kg bw
rabbitother: albino
no data5
water
10000 mg/kg bw as 50 % suspension in waterother: 5 rabbits, after application of TS rabbits were wrapped, exposure
time 4 hrs, symptoms were recorded, gross autopsy
1970
noother TS: no data on purity, melting point: 130.8° C
No signs of systemic intoxication were observed, local signs observed
were mild erythema and oedema on removal of the wrappings. Recovery
occurred at the same day.
Gross autopsy revealed no significant findings.
(4) not assignable
Industrial Biotest Laboratories (IBT) unreliable test institute
(136)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

LD50
> 3160 mg/kg bw
rabbitno datano data

Remark:Reliability:

Severe skin irritation was seen following 24 hour exposure.
Skin changes included pale red erythema and superficial 2nd degreeburns. Superficial escharosis and slight to moderate desquamation
observed at 7 and 14 days.
(4) not assignable132

no datano dataother: not specified
1975
noother TS: no data on purity

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Documentation insufficient for assessment

03.03.2004
5.1.4

(147)

ACUTE TOXICITY, OTHER ROUTES

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Route of admin.
Exposure time
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

LD50= 165 mg/kg bw
mouse
no datano datano datano data
i.p.
1955
no
other TS: no data on purity(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

22.03.2004(8) (138)

Type
Value
Species
StrainSex
Number of animals
VehicleDoses
Route of admin.
Exposure time
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Reliability:

LD50< 100 mg/kg bw
guinea pig
no datano datano datano datai.p.
no data1963
noother TS: no data on purity(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

03.03.2004
5.2.1

(139)

SKIN IRRITATION

Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
VehiclePDII
ResultClassification
Method
Year
GLP

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

rabbit
550 mgSemiocclusive
4 hour(s)6
no dataslightly irritating
OECD Guide-line 404 "Acute Dermal Irritation/Corrosion"
1983
no data
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

133

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Test substance:other TS: 99.8 %, physical form: flakes

Result:Scores:Reliability
Flag01.03.2006::

Rabbit nr:
123456Sex:
mmmfff
1 hourerythema
111101oedema00000024 hourerythema
211101oedema10020048 hourerythema
210201oedema10020072 hourerythema
110101oedema1001005, 6, 8-12, and 14 days:
erythema
000000oedema000000Dermal irritation index (1, 24, 48, and 72 h). 1.21
Phthalic anhydride was named slightly irritating(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
VehiclePDII
ResultClassification
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

ResultReliability

:
:

Flag
28.04.2006:

Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
VehiclePDII
ResultClassification

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

134

(148)
rabbit
500 mgSemiocclusive
24 hour(s)2other: moisted with water
not irritatingother: 1 male + 1 female New Zealand White rabbit, ear, 500 mg/rabbitmoisted with water, fixed with a tape, exposure time: 24 h, then cleaning
with water, soap and oil, post exposure observation time: 14 days
1978
noother TS: no data on purity or physical form or test compound
both rabbits: no reaction was observed (score: 0)(2) valid with restrictions
Limited documentation, no data on compound purity, animals were dosedat the ear for 24 hours
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(149)
rabbit
500 mgSemiocclusive
no data6other: moisted with watermoderately irritating

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Method:Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

26.11.2004
Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
VehiclePDII
ResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:Result:Reliability:

22.03.2004
Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
Vehicle
PDII

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: 500 mg dry powder moisted with 0.1 ml water was applied on the
intact and abraded skin of rabbits respectively; reading after 24, and 72
hours
1970
no
other TS: no data on purity, melting point: 130.8° C
intact skin:
24 h reading: erythema: 6/6 rabbits (score 1), oedema: 6/6 rabbits (score1); 72 h reading: erythema: 0/6 rabbits, oedema: 0/6 rabbits
abraded skin:
24 h reading: erythema: 6/6 rabbits (score 1), oedema: 6/6 rabbits (score1); 72 h reading: erythema: 0/6 rabbits, oedema: 0/6 rabbits(4) not assignable
Industrial Biotest Laboratories (IBT) unreliable test institute(136)
rabbit
500 mg6
not irritatingother: based on OECD Guide-line 404
1985
no dataother TS: no data on purity
Animals:
adult male and female New Zealand rabbits, weighing 2-4 kg, individual
housing, except during exposure feed and drinking water ad libitum;
dorsal and lateral parts of the trunk were shorn 15-24 hours before
treatment
0.5 g/animal was applied to a gauze patch and then fixed on the preparedskin areas as follows:
1. semi-occlusive dressing:
exposure time: 1 hour and 4 hours respectively
2. occlusive dressing:
exposure time: 1 hour and 4 hours respectively
After removal of the patches treated skin areas were rinsed with water anddried.
Readings were performed at 1, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days after removalof the patch
The substance revealed no irritational effects after both occlusive andsemi-occlusive, dosing.
(2) valid with restrictions
Tests were based on OECD guidelines, limited documentation, no data on
purity of phthalic anhydride(150)
rabbitno datano datano datano data

UNEP PUBLICATIONS

135

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

ResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

irritating

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Secondary literature, no primary data

other: no further information available
1984
no dataother TS: no data on purity

03.03.2004(151)

Species
Concentration
Exposure
Exposure time
Number of animals
VehiclePDII
ResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

rabbit
500 mgSemiocclusive
24 hour(s)6other: moisted with saline
1.5
slightly irritating

Method:ResultReliability::

Per animal four test sites, two on each side of the rabbits back were utilized
for administration. Separate animals were not used for an untreated control
group. Test substance, positive control (1% sodium lauryl), negative
control, and solvent controls were applied to the skin (surface 1 x 1 inch,
ca. 2.5 x 2.5 cm = 6,25 cm2), and covered with a gauze patch for 24 hours.
Animals were scored at 25, 48, and 72 hours.
Skin response was classified "mild" and PDII was 1.5; no further data
(2) valid with restrictions
Limited documentation, no data on compound purity, no data on individual
animals(152)

22.03.2004
5.2.2

other
1986
no dataother TS: no data on purity

EYE IRRITATION

Species
Concentration
Dose
Exposure time
Comment
Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::other: 1 male and 1 female New Zealand White rabbit, 50 mg/rabbit wasapplied into the conjunctival sac of one eye of each rabbit, observationtime: 7 days, evaluation according Draize
1978
noother TS: no data on purity or physical form of test compound

Result:Scores:rabbitundiluted
50 other: mg
2
moderately irritating

rabbit1 - rabbit2
cornea (maximal score 4):
136

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Reliability:

Flag04.05.2006:

Species
Concentration
Dose
Exposure time
Comment
Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability

:

1h:
1-1
24h:
1-1
day 2:
1-0
day 7:
0- 0
transitional slight cloudiness of the cornea
Iris (maximal score: 2):1h:
1-1
24 h and later:
0-0
conjunctiva, redness (maximal score 3):
1h:
2-2
24h:
1-2
day 2:
1-1
day 7:
1-1
conjunctiva, swelling (maximal score 4):1h:
2 -1
24 h and later:
0-0
lacrimation:1h:
1-1
24 h and later day 14:
0-0
The cornea was temporary cloudy. The observed effects were not fully
reversible during the 7 days observation period(2) valid with restrictions
Observation time 7 days, short documentation, low dose 50 mg
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(149)
rabbitundiluted
100 other: mg
unspecified
6
none
irritatingother: 100 mg dry powder was applied into the conjunctival sac of one eyeof each of 6 rabbits, reading according to standard US method (Code ofFederal Registrations, 1981) was performed 24, 48 and 72 post application
of TS
1970
no
other TS: no data on purity, melting point: 130.8° C
24 hr-reading:cornea: 5/6 rabbits, score: 40, 1/6 rabbit score: 80; iris: 6/6 rabbits, score:
10; conjunctivae: 2/6 rabbits, score: 16, 3/6 rabbits, score: 14, 1/6 rabbits,
score: 1248 hr-reading:cornea: 2/6 rabbits, score: 30, 1/6 rabbits, score: 40, 1/6 rabbits, score: 60,
2/6 rabbits, score 80; iris: 6/6 rabbits, score: 10; conjunctivae: 1/6 rabbit,score: 10, 3/6 rabbits, score: 14, 2/6 rabbits, score: 16
72 hr-reading
cornea: 2/6 rabbits, score: 30, 2/6 rabbits, score: 60, 2/6 rabbits, score: 80;
iris 6/6 rabbits, score: 10; conjunctivae: 1/6 rabbit, score: 12, 2/6 rabbit,score: 16, 3/6 rabbit, score: 14
Mean scores:
24 h: 71/110, 48 h: 77.3/110, 72 h: 81/110(4) not assignable
Industrial Biotest Laboratories (IBT) unreliable test institute
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

137

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

26.11.2004(136)

Species
Concentration
Dose
Exposure time
Comment
Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RemarkReliability::

rabbitno dataother: no data

no dataother: not specified
1975
noother TS: no data on purity
Result: extremely irritating(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

17.03.2004(147)

Species
Concentration
Dose
Exposure time
Comment
Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Result:Reliability:

01.03.2006
5.3

9
none
irritatingother: 9 animals were dosed (3 irrigated after 20 s; 6 nonirrigated)
1986
no dataother TS: no data on purity, melting point: 130.8° C
Animals were scored according to Draize at 1 hour, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days,
and if irritation persists also on day 10.
Mean Draize score at 24 hours = 59.2; no further data on phthalicanhydride.
(2) valid with restrictions
Poor documentation, no data on individual animals(152)

SENSITIZATION

Type
Species
Concentration:::

Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

138

rabbitundiluted
100 other: mg

Guinea pig maximization test
guinea pig
1st: Induction .1 % intracutaneous
2nd: Induction 25 % occlusive epicutaneous
3rd: Challenge 10 % occlusive epicutaneous
other: acetone /polyethylene glycol 400 = 70:30
sensitizing
other: according to OECD Guide-line 406, see also freetext ME
1992
no dataother TS: purity >98%
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

MethodPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

test animals:
guinea pigs (weight at the start of the study: ca. 350 g)
number not mentioned
A preliminary irritation test was performed to determine the concentrations
suitable for induction of sensitization and sensitization challenge (no data
given).
test procedure:
Induction: 6 intradermal injections in the shoulder region
Sensitization was boosted after 6-8 days by a 48 hour occlusive patch overthe injection site.
Challenge: 12 to 14 days later animals were challenged by a 24-h
occlusive patch on 1 flank at the maximum non-irritant concentration.
Animals were scored 24 and 48 h after removal of patch for erythema andoedema. Response was quantified as % of test animals judged to bepositive at 24 and/or 48 h
Positive controls: cinnamic aldehyde, and mercaptobenzothiazole gave theexpected results.
90 % of the tested guinea pigs were judged to be positive. Classification:
extreme (no further details given)(2) valid with restrictions
No solvent control, details of the reading not given, number of animals not
given, poor documentation
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(153)

Result:Reliability:

Flag
17.03.2004:

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

ResultReliability::

Phthalic anhydride has sensitizing potential in the LLNA.
(2) valid with restrictions
Limited documentation(154) (155) (156) (157) (158) (159)Type
Species
Concentration:::

other: Mouse Ear Swelling Test (MEST)
mouse
1st: Induction 10 % open epicutaneous
2nd: Challenge 10 % open epicutaneous
3rd:

Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

22.03.2004

Mouse local lymphnode assay
mouseother: acetone + olive oil
sensitizing
other: LLNA; control compounds (cinnamic aldehyde andmercaptobenzothiazole) gave the expected results.
no dataother TS: no data on purity

other: acetone
sensitizing
other: MEST see also freetext ME
1986
no dataother TS: purity no data

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ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Method:ResultReliability::

17.03.2004

test animals:
10-15 mice (males and females)
test procedure:day 0:
Fur of abdomen is clipped, intradermal injection of Freund's Complete
Adjuvant, abdominal skin is tape stripped,
application of TS:
100 ul of a 10 % solution in acetone or vehicle alone (acetone),abdominal skin site is dried rapidly.
Day 1, 2, 3:
abdominal skin is tape stripped, topical application of TS or vehicle,
abdominal skin site is dried rapidly.
Day 10: topical application of TS (10 % solution) to one ear, topicalapplication of vehicle to contralateral ear, both ears were dried rapidly.
Day 11, 12:
ear thickness measurement of test and control ears with micrometer
Phthalic anhydride increased ear thickness by 6 % (105-106 %).
(2) valid with restrictions
Method not validated(160) (161)Type
Species
Concentration:::

Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
Method

:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Reliability:(4) not assignable
A survey of test results from 52 substances using different test methods
(162)

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Intracutaneus test
guinea pig

Method:Reliability:

Three or more albino guinea pigs were injected on the back twice a week,
intracutaneously, with 0.05 cc of a 0.1 % phthalic anhydride in olive oil(phthalic acid anhydride had to be dissolved at first in dioxane). Then thetreatment was continued for 2 or 2.5 weeks. The animals were tested not
more than 2 weeks after the last treatment. No further details reported.
(4) not assignable
Test description insufficient for assessment(163)

17.03.2004

22.03.2004
140

Buehler Testguinea pig
1st:other: no data
nd
2 :
3rd:
no datasensitizing
other: according: Bühler, Arch. Dermatol. 91, 171 1965 : no further details
given
1988
no dataother TS: no data on purity

sensitizing
other: see freetext ME
1940
noother TS: no data on purity

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type
Species::

Remark:Reliability
17.03.2004

other:
human

There are numerous studies available of respiratory allergy caused byphthalic anhydride. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed in ca. 14-18 % offactory workers, and rhinitis or conjunctivitis in ca. 70 %. In some patientswith bronchial asthma, the level of specific IgE and IgG were significantly
increased.
: (2) valid with restrictions
No data on purity of the compound in most of the publications(164) (165) (166) (167) (168) (169) (170) (171) (172) (173) (174) (175) (176)(132) (177)Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Intracutaneus testmonkey4Method:Result:Reliability:

Four groups of four Macaea fascicularis monkeys were administered 10
consecutive weekly s.c. injections of 2 mg aluminium hydroxide plus:
group 1: 200 ug of phthalic anhydride monkey serum albumin (PA-MSA);
group 2: 200 ug of phthalic anhydride dissolved in EtOH;
group 3: EtOH;
group 4: monkey serum albumin.
Direct intracutaneous tests were performed at biweekly intervals. IgE andIgG were determined according to the ELISA and RAST methods at 2weekly intervals.
The prevalence of cutaneous sensitivity to PA-MSA was significantly
greater after 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks (p < 0.05) compared with the othergroups. Significantly elevated (p < 0.01) PA-MSA-specific IgG wasobserved in group 1. No significant changes in PA-MSA RAST or total IgE
were observed in any group.
(2) valid with restrictions
No GLP, number of animals low(178)

04.03.2004

other: see ME
1988
no dataother TS: purity approx. 100%

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Mouse local lymphnode assay
mouse

Method:Groups of 3 CBA/Ca mice (males and females, age of 8-12 weeks) werepretreated with 1% SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) one hour before
exposing the animal to 25 µl of test solution in vehicle or vehicle alone on
both ears daily for three days. Application of 1 % SDS and the test
chemical generally resulted in a increased response compared to the test
chemical alone (data not shown).
Phthalic anhydride concentration used: 0, 0.25, 1, 2.5, 10, and 25%.

other: aceton : olive oil
sensitizing
other: LLNA
2000
no dataother TS: no data on purity

UNEP PUBLICATIONS141

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
phthalic anhydride was solved in acetone/olive oil.
5 days after the first topical application mice were killed and the draining
auricular lymph nodes were excised and pooled for each animal. A single
cell suspension of lymph node cells were prepared, cells were cultured in
the presence of [3H]TdR, and incorporation of the radioactivity wasmeasured.
Chemicals that elicit a stimulation index (SI) of 3 or more in the LLNA are
considered as being sensitizers. The estimated concentration (in %)required for SI=3 (EC3) was determined as the estimated dose inducing astimulation index of three between treated versus control animals.
Control compounds (trimellitic anhydride and other compounds) gave theexpected results.
EC3 value: 0.357%
Phthalic anhydride was judged on extreme sensitizer(2) valid with restrictions
Limited documentation, 3 animals / dose, pretreatment with 1% of SDS
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(179)

Result:Reliability:

Flag01.03.2006:

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Mouse local lymphnode assay
mouse

Method:Groups of 4 CBA/Ca mice (males and females, age of 8-12 weeks) weretreated by daily topical application of 25 ul solution containing 2.5, 5, 10 %phthalic anhydride in acetone/olive oil for 3 consecutive days.

other: acetone : olive oil = 4:1
sensitizing
other: LLNA similar to OECD TG 429
1992
no dataother TS: purity >98%

4-5 days after the first topical application all mice were injected with radiolabelled methylthymidine via tail vein. After 5 hours the mice were killed
and the draining auricular lymph nodes were excised and pooled for eachgroup. A single cell suspension of lymph node cells were prepared.
A chemical was regarded as a sensitizer in the LLNA if at least one
concentration of the chemical resulted in a threefold or greater increase oflabelled thymidine incorporation compared with control values.

Result:Reliability:

Flag
22.03.2004:

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
Vehicle

:
:
:
:

142

Control compounds (cinnamic aldehyde and mercaptobenzothiazole) gave
the expected results.
Ratio of test to control lymphocyte proliferation:
2.5%: 26
5%: 21.5
10%: 20,9
Sensitizer(2) valid with restrictions
No GLP, test similar to OECD TG 429, dpm/node not given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(153)
other:
rabbit2other: rabbit-serum albumin (RSA)
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

ResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:Result:Reliability:

22.03.2004

other: see ME
1997
no dataother TS: no data on purity given
Phthalic anhydride was conjugated with RSA. PA-RSA was solubilized (1mg/ml) in 0.75 ml Freund's Adjuvant Complete. The mixture was s.c.
injected weekly for 12-13 weeks and IgG specific antibodies were detected.
Two types of specific IgG were produced in rabbits after PA-RSA
immunization(3) invalid
Test compound phthalic anhydride conjugated to RSA
(180)

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other:
mouse
10
other: acetone: olive oil = 4:1

Method:Result:Groups of BALB/c mice (n=5-10) received 50 ul of a 1 M solution of the test
chemical in acetone-olive oil (4:1) on each shaved flank. 5-7 days later 25
ul of the same solution diluted 1:1 with the vehicle were applied to thedorsum of both ears. Mice were sacrificed by cardiac puncture and serum
was prepared. IgE and cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA.
Phthalic anhydride increased IgE concentrations in the blood, significantly.
In summary: phthalic anhydride elicited responses characteristic of Th2 cell
activation.
(155) (181) (182) (183) (184) (185)22.03.2004

no dataother TS: no data on purity

TypeSpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: Inhalation exposure
guinea pig

Method:Generation and analysis of phthalic anhydride dust atmospheres phthalicanhydride dust was micronized to respirable-sized particles. Chamber
airflow varied between 305 and 375 L/min to generate the targeted levelsof 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride. The phthalic anhydride
concentration in each chamber was measured at least twice during eachexposure. The particle size distribution was determined.

sensitizing
1994
no dataother TS: no data on purity

Inhalation exposure and challenge
Two groups of eight Hartley smooth-haired guinea pigs each were exposed
to 0.5 or 1.0 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride dust, 3 hours/day for 5 consecutive
days. One group of 16 guinea pigs was exposed to filtered air, and anothergroup of 16 guinea pigs was exposed to 5.0 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride (PA)UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
dust for the same amount of time. Two weeks after the last air or dust
exposure, guinea pigs were challenged with phthalic anhydride dust (5mg/m3) or phthalic anhydride guinea pig serum albumin (PA-GPSA) (2.0mg/m3) conjugate. Animals were placed in head-out bodyplethysmographs. Changes in pressure and respiratory rate weremonitored for each animal. Respiratory data were collected 30 minutes
before the dust challenge, during the 30 minutes of dust challenge, and up
to 60 minutes after the challenge. A significant immediate-onset respiratory
reaction to phthalic anhydride dust challenge was defined as an increase inpressure or rate greater than three standard deviations from the meanchange in the same parameters of air control animals exposed to phthalicanhydride dust.
Serum collection
Sera were collected from all study animals before the initial phthalicanhydride dust exposure (baseline) and 18 to 24 hours before respiratory
challenge with phthalic anhydride dust or PA-GPSA conjugate.
Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis testing
Naive guinea pigs were shaved and depilated dorsolaterally 24 hours
before passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) testing for circulating allergic
antibody (IgG1a and IgE). Animals were intradermally injected with sera
collected from air control and phthalic anhydride exposed animals. Fourhours or 4 days later, anesthetized animals were intracardially injected with
PA-GPSA or GPSA in Evans Blue Dye. IgG1a antibody titers (evaluated at
4 hours) and IgE antibody titers (evaluated at 4 days) were defined as thereciprocal of the highest dilution of serum showing visible bluing 30 minutes
after intracardial injection. Confirmation of the presence of IgE antibody
was made by testing untreated and heat-treated (56° C for 30 minutes)
sera in the 4-day PCA test.
ELISA
Guinea pig sera were evaluated for IgG antibody to PA-GPSA or GPSA
alone by an indirect ELISA.

Result:Gross pathology and histopathology
Twenty-four hours after the phthalic anhydride challenge and the PA-GPSA
challenge, air control and phthalic anhydride exposed animals weresacrificed. A gross examination of the major organs was performed oneach animal. The lungs were removed, the number of hemorrhagic foci oneach lung lobe was counted. The lungs were inflated with 10 % neutral
buffered formalin, embedded with paraffin, sectioned to 5 µm thickness,and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for examination by lightmicroscopy. Representative animals from the phthalic anhydrideexposed/phthalic anhydride dust-challenge group, air exposed/phthalicanhydride dust-challenge group, and air-exposed/air-challenge group wereselected for microscopic examination of the lungs.
Characterization of phthalic anhydride dust
phthalic anhydride dust exposure level: Mean analytical concentration(mg/m3); MMAD (µm)
0.5 mg/m3: 0.55; 3.12 +/- 2.02
1.0 mg/m3: 1.27; 3.26 +/- 2.02
5.0 mg/m3: 5.57; 3.91 +/- 2.08
Inhalation challenge with phthalic anhydride dust
Changes in respiratory rate were not significantly greater than the changes
in respiratory rate measured in air control animals challenged with phthalicanhydride dust. The decrease noted in plethysmograph pressure changes
was not different from those measurements taken from air control animals
exposed to the same concentration of phthalic anhydride dust.

144

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Inhalation challenge with PA-GPSA conjugate
One animal in the 0.5 mg/m3 group and four animals in the 5 mg/m3 groupexperienced significant and sustained increases in respiratory rate on
challenge, as compared with the air control animals. The same animal in
the 0.5 mg/m3 group, one animal in the 1 mg/m3 group, and three animals(two with significant increases in rate) in the 5.0 mg/m3 group experienced
sustained respiratory reactions that resulted in significant increases inplethysmograph pressure, as compared with the air control animals.
ELISA
Linear regression analysis showed a highly significant dose-response
relationship (p < 0.001) for IgG antibody.
Phthalic anhydride dust exposure level: Mean O.D. (±SE) at 1/100 serum
dilution
Air contr: 0.048 ± 0.008
0.5 mg/m3: 0.230 ± 0.071
1.0 mg/m3: 0.298 ± 0.024
5.0 mg/m3: 0.692 ± 0.1061
PCA
Animals with IgG1a and IgE antibody to PA-GPSA
0.5 mg/m3: 3/8; 0/8
1.0 mg/m3: 1/8; 0/8
5.0 mg/m3: 5/8; 0/8
5.0 mg/m3: (challenged with phthalic anhydride) 1/8

ND

Thirty-eight percent (3 of 8) of the animals in the 0.5 mg/m3 group hadmeasurable circulating IgG1a antibody in serum. Of these three animals,
one had a significant respiratory reaction on inhalation challenge withconjugate. One of eight animals (13%) in the 1.0 mg/m3 exposure group
had IgG1a antibody; this same animal had significant respiratory reactivity
on conjugate challenge. Sixty-three percent (5 of 8) of the animals in the
5.0 mg/m3 exposure group had allergic antibody. All five animals
experienced respiratory reactivity on conjugate challenge. None of thestudy animals had detectable IgE antibody to PA-GPSA.
Histopathology and antibody titers
Foci were observed in 8 of 8 animals in the PA dust-exposed andchallenged group, with 3 of 8 having 189 foci or more (individual scores:
11, 6, 1, 365, 14, 2, 331, 189, mean value 15; mean value control group:1). One or two lung foci were noted in 5 of 8 filtered air control/PA dustchallenged guinea pigs. No indication of hemorrhage or inflammation wasnoted. Alveolar hemorrhage, with accumulation of red blood cells, and a
few alveolar macrophages were observed. Minimal type II cell hyperplasia
was also noted.

Reliability:

Flag
06.03.2006:

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
Vehicle::::Conclusion:
Animals exposed to and challenged with 5.0 mg/m3 PA dust had significant
numbers of hemorrhagic lung foci. Those animals with the greatest numberof foci had high IgG antibody activity to PA, measured by ELISA.
(2) valid with restrictions
No GLP
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(186)
other: Inhalation exposure
guinea pig

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

ResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

sensitizing

Method:Generation and analysis of PA dust atmospheres
PA dust was micronized The phthalic anhydride concentration wasmeasured in each chamber. The particle size distribution was determined.

1992
no dataother TS: no data on purity

Inhalation exposure and challenge
Two groups of five to six guinea pigs each were exposed to dust ranging
between 0.05 to 0.2 mg/m3 and 0.6 to 6 mg/m3 phthalic anhydride dust, 3
hours/day for 5 consecutive days. One group of 8 guinea pigs was exposed
to filtered air. Two weeks after the last air or dust exposure, guinea pigs
were challenged with phthalic anhydride guinea pig serum albumin (PAGPSA) conjugate. Animals were placed in head-out bodyplethysmographs. Changes in pressure and respiratory rate weremonitored for each animal. Respiratory data were collected 30 minutes
before the dust challenge, during the 30 minutes of dust challenge, and up
to 60 minutes after the challenge. A significant immediate-onset respiratory
reaction to PA dust challenge was defined as an increase in pressure orrate greater than three standard deviations from the mean change in thesame parameters of air control animals exposed to PA dust.
Serum collection
Sera were collected from all study animals before the initial PA dust
exposure (baseline) and 24 hours challange
Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis testing
Naive guinea pigs were shaved and depilated dorsolaterally 24 hours
before passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) testing for circulating allergic
antibody (IgGla and IgE). Animals were intradermally injected with sera
collected from air control and phthalic anhydride exposed animals. Fourhours or 4 days later, anesthetized animals were intracardially injected with
PA-GPSA or GPSA in Evans Blue Dye . IgG1a antibody titers (evaluated at
4 hours) and IgE antibody titers (evaluated at 4 days) were defined as thereciprocal of the highest dilution of serum showing visible bluing 30 minutes
after intracardial injection. Confirmation of the presence of IgE antibody
was made by testing untreated and heat-treated (56° C for 30 minutes)
sera in the 4-day PCA test.
ELISA
Guinea pig sera were evaluated for IgG antibody to PA-GPSA or GPSA
alone by an indirect ELISA.

Result:Reliability:

18.03.2004
146

Significant responses in respiratory rate were seen in all high dose group
animals, but no responses were seen at the lower exposure level. The
occurence of an immunological reaction was confirmed by the detection of
IgG and IgG1 antibodies in the serum of animals from the high exposuregroup but not in animals in the low exposure group(2) valid with restrictions
Phthalic anhydride exposure was expressed as a range, 0.5 - 0.2 mg/m3
and 0.6 and 6 mg/m3, respectively, due to the day-to-day difficulty incontrolling the dust levels in the chambers, no MMAD given(187) (188)UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: LLNA
mouse
3other: Acetone / corn oil

Method:C57BL/6 mice received three applications (15% phthalic anhydride) eachwith a 5-day interval, with the final application for 3 consecutive days. 24 hafter the last application, the local lymph nodes were excited , pooled per
animal and weighted.
Expression of interleucine IL-12p40 mRNA and IL-4 mRNA in the local
lymph node was measured by RT-PCR.

Result:Reliability:

22.03.2004

2001
no dataother TS: purity not specified

Several other compounds were used in parallel.
The local lymph node weight increased approx. by a factor of 5. IL-12p40
mRNA level did not change compared to controls. IL-4 mRNA level wereincreased compared to control.
The authors concluded that phthalic anhydride is a T-helper2-predominant
allergen (Th2).
(4) not assignable
Volume of phthalic anhydride and application site not given, test system notvalidated
(185)

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: LLNA
mouse

Method:Result:Groups of five BALB/c mice received applications of phthalic anhydride ortrimellitic anhydride (positive control) bilaterally on each shaved flank each.
The local lymph nodes were excised , and pooled per animal.
IL-4, IFN-g, IL-10, IL-12, IL-5, or IL-13 concentrations were measured by
ELISA or mRNA quantification techniques.
Proliferation of lymph nodes was stimulated.

other: Acetone / corn oil

2002
no dataother TS: purity 99%

Effects observed: induced secretion/expression of: IL-5, IL-10, IL-13; andIL-4
No differences to controls (or less pronounced effects) were observed for:IL-12, and IFN-gama

Reliability
22.03.2004:

The authors concluded that phthalic anhydride is a Th2-predominant
allergen(2) valid with restrictions
Test system not validated, no statistics given (representative results wereshown)(181) (189) (190) (159)

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
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DATE: 04.05.2006

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: antibody formation
guinea pig

Remark:Guinea pigs were injected intradermally with cis-hexahydrophthalicanhydride, methylhydrophthalic anhydride, or methyl-hexahydrophthalicanhydride.
Provocation was performed with different anhydrides, including phthalicanhydride.

1996
no dataother TS: purity not specified

Lung resistance and IgG-ELISA inhibition tests were performed.

Reliability:

IgG1 induced by different organic anhydrides showed a wide range of
specificity in the ELISA inhibition test.
(4) not assignablePhthalic anhydride was used only for challenge, not for sensitization

20.02.2004

(191)

Type
Species::

Remark:Reliability
18.03.2004

Different sensitization reactions (asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis) have been
described in humans occasionally exposed to phthalic anhydride: (2) valid with restrictions
Limited documentation, no precise data on exposure level, mixed exposure
to anhydrides and resin monomers, including phthalic anhydride(192) (193) (194) (195) (196) (197) (198) (199) (200) (201) (202) (203) (204)(205) (206) (207) (208) (209) (151) (177)Type
Species
Concentration:::

Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:Result:Reliability:

20.02.2004
Type
148

other: case reports with limited documentation
human

:

other: respiratory sensitization
guinea pig
1st: Induction other: i.p.
2nd: Challenge other: inhalation
3rd:
no datasensitizing
other: see freetext ME
2000
no dataother TS: no data on purity
Intraperitoneal injection was used to induce an immune response, followed
by inhalation challenge exposure and quantification of response using anassay for eosinophile peroxidase (EPO) in lung tissue.
EPO could be detected with the known respiratory sensitizers toluene
diisocyanate and phthalic acid. No further data on phthalic acid.
(4) not assignable
Abstract only(210)
other: respiratory sensitization
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Species
Concentration::

Number of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:guinea pig
1st: Induction intracutaneous
2nd: Challenge other: inhalation
3rd:other:corn oilother: see freetext ME
1995
no dataother TS: no data on purity
Test procedure:
Sensitization of guinea pigs (n=8-12) was induced by single intradermal
injection of the test substance or the control material (100 µl, subscpularregion, maximum concentration which produced no signs of systemic
toxicity and only minimum of local irritation). A blood sample was takenfrom each of the treated and control animals on day 19 for serologicalanalysis by PCA or ELISA, 3 days later the animals were challenged by an
inhalation exposure (nose only, 15 min.) to the appropriate test substanceor control material.
Evaluation:
the pulmonary reactions were categorized for each individual animal basedon the changes in respiratory rate:
severe response:
decrease in respiration rate to 70 % or less of the normal background rate
within the 15-min. challenge period.
moderate response:
increase in respiration rate to 130 % or more of the normal background rate
within the 15-min. challenge period
no effect:changes in the respiration rate within 71-129 % of the normal backgroundrate within the 15-min. challenge period.
Experiments were conducted in two laboratories:
Laboratory 1
induction concentration:
0, 0.03 %, 0.1 %, 0.3 % in corn oil
inhalation challenge was performed by two different procedures:a) 0, 11-29 mg/m³ of phthalic anhydride (MMDA: 3.79-4.81) in argonb) 0, 9-48 mg/m³ of phthalic anhydride (MMDA: 0.61-18.02) in air

Result:Laboratory 2a) induction concentration:
0, 0.3 % in acetone in corn oil
inhalation challenge concentration: 0, 44 mg/m³ of phthalic anhydride(MMDA: 5.9-1.6) in airb) induction concentration:
0, 0.3 % in acetone in corn oil
inhalation challenge concentration: 0, 52 mg/m³ of phthalic anhydride(MMDA: 4.7-1.6) in air
Laboratory 1
control, low, medium, high dose:experiment a):
PCA: 0/8, 2/8, 6/8, 7/8;
pulmonary response (no-moderate-severe): 6-1-1/8, 6-1-1/8, 5-1-1/8, 4-04/8
experiment b)
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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
PCA: 0/8, 7/7, 8/8;
pulmonary response: 8/8, 6-0-1/7, 5-0-3/8

Reliability:

Laboratory 2
controls, dosed guinea pigs
experiment a)
PCA: 1/8, 12/12;
pulmonary response (no-moderate-severe): 8/8, 12-0-0/12
experiment b)
ELISA: not tested, 3200 serum/dilution;
pulmonary response (no-moderate-severe): 6-0-1/7, 4-1-7/12(2) valid with restrictions
Test method not validated

22.03.2004

(211)

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: study in humans
human

Method:Four plants for the production of reins were studied.
During 10-30 min, several times a day, paper bags containing 25 kg of
flaked phthalic anhydride were cut open and emptied into chemical
reactors. This work caused dust and thus inhalation during exposure.
Maleic anhydride and trimellitic anhydride was sometimes used in all theplant, but to a much lesser degree, and personal respiration protection
equipment was mostly used by handling the latter compound.

sensitizing
1986noPhthalic anhydride levels were determined in two plants (detection limit
0.03 mg/m3)
Workers were questioned and a physical examination was performed.
Blood samples were taken and IgE level were analyzed.

Result:Reliability:

Flag
22.03.2004:

Type
SpeciesNumber of animals

:
:
:

150

Highly exposed subjects (25 workers) were skin-prick-tested, and 2
workers were submitted to bronchial provocation with phthalic anhydride.
The average concentration of phthalic anhydride dust at the workplaces
was given as 3-13 mg/m3, of which 40-46% was in the inspirable dust
fraction.
Out of 118 workers exposed occasionally to phthalic anhydride dust for 2
months or more, 28 (24%) suffered from work-related rhinitis, 13 (11%)
from chronic productive bronchitis, and 21 (28%) from work-associatedasthma. Three out of eleven asthmatics had a phthalic anhydride-positive
skin test, and in two subjects the presence of antibodies wasdemonstrated.
(2) valid with restrictions
Limited documentation, mixed exposure
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(84)
other: study in humans
human

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:sensitizing
1991
noTwo plants producing resins were studied. During 5-30 min and 0-3 times
per working shift, paper bags containing flasked phthalic anhydride were
cut open and manually emptied into chemical reactors. Personal
respiratory protective devices were used only irregularly.
The workers were exposed to several anhydrides; maleic anhydride,
isophthalic anhydride, and trimellitic anhydride were sometimes used inboth plants but "to a much lower degree".
Individual exposure to phthalic anhydride in air was determined.
A group of 23 men (mean age 35 years; average exposure for 7 years)
regularly exposed to phthalic anhydride during reactor loading activities
were investigated. A control group of 18 men employed in a municipal
engineering department, matched for age and smoking habits, served ascontrols.
The subjects were interviewed about symptoms of conjunctivitis, rhinitis,
asthma, chronic bronchitis, and smoking habits.
Skin prick tests were performed using 13 allergens as well as a conjugateof phthalic anhydride to HSA.
Total serum IgE and phthalic anhydride specific IgE and IgG were
determined

Result:Lung function tests were performed
Time-weighted average air level during loading of 6.6 mg/m3 were reported(TWA other tasks: < 0.05 mg/m3, maleic anhydride 0.6 mg/m3).
Work-related respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in exposed
subjects compared to control subjects (eyes 48% vs 6%, nose, 39% vs 0%)
but the control group exhibited more symptoms of nonspecific bronchial
hyperreactivity (44% vs 13%). Two exposed subjects had work-related
asthma and one control subject had asthma which was considered not to
be work-related.
The exposed group had significantly higher total serum IgE levels (32 vs 15
kIU/l), although phthalic anhydride-specific IgE levels were similar for bothgroups (1.2 vs 1.3 RAST ratio). Specific IgG levels were significant greaterin the exposed group (0.21 vs 0.12 D).
Lung function tests did not show any difference between the two groups.

Reliability:

Flag
22.03.2004

:

Type

:

workers exposed to an airborne phthalic anhydride dust concentration of
about 6,6 mg/m3 (2-6 hour TWA) complained of conjunctivitis.
(2) valid with restrictions
Mixed exposure
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(85)
other: study in humans
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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

SpeciesNumber of animals
VehicleResultClassification
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

human

Method:Two plants producing resins were studied. During 5-30 min and 0-3 times
per working shift, paper bags containing flasked phthalic anhydride were
cut open and manually emptied into chemical reactors. Personal
respiratory protective devices were used only irregularly.

sensitizing
1988
noThe workers were exposed to several anhydrides; maleic anhydride,
isophthalic anhydride, and trimellitic anhydride were sometimes used inboth plants but "to a much lower degree" than phthalic anhydride.
Individual exposure to phthalic anhydride in air was determined.
A group of 31 and 29 men were studied in plant A and B, respectively. 28
subjects had been heavily exposed (including loading of the reactors), 25
subjects were slightly exposed. Mean employment time 12 years. A control
group of 22 men employed in food-processing factory, matched for age andsmoking habits, served as controls.
The subjects were interviewed about symptoms of conjunctivitis, rhinitis,
asthma, chronic bronchitis, and smoking habits.
Skin prick tests were performed using 15 allergens as well as a conjugateof phthalic anhydride to HSA.

Result:Total serum IgE, IgA, IgG, and IgM level were determined
were determined.
Time-weighted average air level during loading of 6.6 mg/m3 were (6.1 and6.8 mg/m3 in factory A and B respectively)..
Work-related respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in the heavily
exposed group (conjunctivitis: 16/35 (46%) rhinitis 14/35 (40%). The
corresponding figures were 20% and 5% in the 25 slightly exposed
workers. 5/35 heavily exposed workers reported asthma at some occasion
and 6/35 (17%) had chronic bronchitis (4% in the control group).
No difference in total IgE, IgG, and IgM nor phthalic anhydride specific IgE,
IgM. One worker with asthma had an increased specific IgE level. Subjects
with symthoms did not differ from subjects without symptomes in total IgE,
IgM, IgA, or phthalic anhydride specific IgE, IgM. Subjects withrhinoconjunctivitis had lower total IgG than other workers. The subjects
with asthma had higher values for speecific IgG than asymthotic subjects. 4
Subjects had specific IgG of subclass IgG4.3/4 subjects had asthma, andone had rhinitis.
The authors reported that the clinical symptoms seemed to appear after
repeated peak exposure to phthalic anhydride concentrations of about 6
mg/m3. In more than one third of the workers exposed to suchconcentrations increased levels of specific IgG directed against phthalicanhydride were found.
Workers exposed to an airborne phthalic anhydride dust concentration of152

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Reliability:

Flag
22.03.2004:

5.4

about 6,6 mg/m3 (2-6 hour TWA) complained of conjunctivitis.
(2) valid with restrictions
Mixed exposure
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(212)

REPEATED DOSE TOXICITY

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

Animals were covered with phthalic anhydride dust after exposure. Slightly
reduced breathing.
(4) not assignable
No GLP, no histopathology
(141)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acuterat
no datano datainhalation
several days
4 h/d
no10 mg/lno data specified
other: no data1967
noother TS: no data on purity

RemarkResultReliability:::

No. of animals: no data.
Exposure produced 25 % fatality.
(4) not assignable
Secondary literature

18.01.2005

Sub-acuterat
maleno datainhalation
14 d
4 h/d
no
10 mg/lnoother: 4 g phthalic anhydride was heated up to 110-150° C, 2 rats were
used
1954
no
other TS: data on purity not specified

18.03.2004
Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.

(137)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acuterat
maleno dataoral feed
28 daysdaily
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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
NOAEL
Method

:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

26.11.2004

no0, 250, 1000, 3800 ppm = 0, 20.7, 82.2, 319.6 mg/kg bw/dyes, concurrent no treatment= 3800 ppm
other: 10 male rats/group, TS was blended with the basal diet. Diets wereprepared fresh weekly, control rats received basal diet only. Body weight,
food consumption and weights of liver, kidney, adrenals and testes wererecorded.
1970
noother TS: no data on purity, melting point:130.8°C
Clinical observations:1000 ppm: one rat died on day 14; death was not related to ingestion ofphthalic anhydride.
No untoward reactions were observed during the study.
Body weight gain and feed consumption was comparable in all groups.
Pathological examination:
Organ to body weight ratio for liver, kidneys, adrenals and testes revealed
no differences between the groups. No gross lesions were noted among
any test rats when compared to control rats(4) not assignable
Industrial Biotest Laboratories (IBT) unreliable test institute
(136)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-chronicratmale/female
Fischer 344
oral feed
7 weeksdaily
1 week0, 6200, 12500, 25000, 50000 ppm
yes, concurrent no treatment
other: see freetext ME
1979
no dataother TS: purity 98.8 %Method:RemarkResult::ANIMALS AND DOSING
5 males and 5 females/group as 4-week old weanlings
Animals were dosed for 7 weeks, followed by one week of further
observation.
ANIMAL MAINTENANCE
Polycarbonate cages; sterilizable lab meal ad libitum replenished at least 3
times per week; water acidified to pH=2.5 ad libitum; air in the animal room:
22-24°C, relative humidity: 45-55 %, 15 changes of room air per hour;
fluorescent lighting on a 12 hour-per day cycle
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each rat was weighed twice per week.
NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied.
Dose-finding study for a carcinogenicity study
No animal died during subchronic test.
Mean body weight at week 7 as percent of control (dose: m/f):
6200 ppm: 90/95 %, 12500: 95/93 %, 25000 ppm: 92/91 %, 50000 ppm:
71/76 %
Lowest dose at which histopathologic findings were observed in males andfemales was 25000 ppm. At this dose, trace amounts of centrilobular

154

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
cytoplasmic vaculation were seen in the livers of four males, tissues were
essentially normal in both males and females at 50000 ppm.
(2) valid with restrictions
Dose-finding study, poor documentation
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(213)

Reliability:

Flag
22.03.2004:

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Chronicratmale/female
Fischer 344
oral feed
105 weekdaily
no7500, 15000 ppm = ca. 500, 1000 mg/kg bw/dyes, concurrent no treatment
other: see freetext ME
1979
no dataother TS: purity 98.8 %Method:Result:ANIMALS
Age: 6 weeks
50 males and 50 females/dose group
20 males and 20 females as controls
DOSING
Test diets containing phthalic anhydride were prepared fresh every 1 to 11/2 weeks at appropriate doses. The diets were routinely stored at 5degree Celsius until used.
Analytical analyses indicated that when phthalic anhydride was mixed withLab Meal at a concentration of 15,000 ppm and stored at room temperaturefor 2 weeks, the loss was 2.59% (372 ppm) per day.
ANIMAL MAINTENANCE
Polycarbonate cages; sterilizable lab meal ad libitum replenished at least 3
times per week; water acidified to pH=2.5 ad libitum; air in the animal room:
22-24° C, relative humidity: 45-55 %, 15 changes of room air per hour;
fluorescent lighting on a 12 hour-per day cycle
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each rat was weighed once per month, daily observations for sick, tumour
bearing and moribund animals, twice daily checked for deaths
NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied;gross and microscopic examination of:skin, lungs and bronchi, trachea, bone marrow (femur), spleen, lymph
nodes (mesenteric and submandibular), thymus, heart, salivary glands(patrotid, sublingual, and submaxillary), liver, pancreas, esophagus,
stomach (glandular and nonglandular), small and large intestines, kidneys,urinary bladder, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic islets,
testis, prostate, mammary gland, uterus, ovary, brain (cerebrum, andcerebellum), and all tissue masses. Peripheral blood smears were madefor all animals, whenever possible
F344 rats (50/sex/group) were fed diets containting 7500 or 15,000 ppm
phthalic anhydride for 105 weeks (approx. 500 and 1,000 mg/kg bw/day).
The observation that the testcompound is unstable (2.59% loss of activity
per day at room temperature) has to be noted, although this is of minor
relevance because the diet was prepared fresh every 1 to 1-1/2 weeks andthe diet was stored at 5 degree Celsius, consequently the hydrolysis is
assumed to be lower than 26%.

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Body Weights and Clinical Signs
The mean body weights of the high-dose males were lower than thecontrols from week 13 to the end of the study, but the decrease was nevermore than 10%. Mean body weights of the low-dose males and both thelow- and high-dose females were essentially unaffected by the test
compound.
Survival
No statistical significant difference in mortality was observed in any group.
Survival male rats: high-dose group 36/50 (72 %) low-dose group 44/50(88), control group 14/20 (70 %)Survival female rats: high-dose group 41/50 (82 %), low-dose group 42/50(84 %), control group 17/20 (85 %)Pathology
Severe chronic inflammatory, degenerative, or proliferative lesions
frequently seen in aged rats occurred with approx. equal frequency andseverity in the dosed and control groups of animals.

Reliability:

Flag
28.04.2006:

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Method:Based on the reduced body-weight gain (<10 %) the NOAEL in this study
was 500 mg/kg/day.
(2) valid with restrictions
No hematology, urinalysis or clinical chemistry analyses were performed.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(214) (215) (213) (216)Sub-acuteratfemaleno datagavage9w
daily
nostart: 20 mg/kg bw/day; doses were doubled every week up to 4800 mg/kg
bw/day in the last week; compound was dissolved in 1% Tylose
yesother: see freetext ME
1955
noother TS: see freetext ME
Different batches of phthalic anhydride were used:
1) Phthalic anhydride (P): pure (no further data)
2) Phthalic anhydride (K2): containing up to 0.3 % naphthoquinone and 0.1% maleic acid as impurities
3) Phthalic acid (K7): containing up to 1 % naphthoquinon and 0.5 %maleic acid as impurities.
Applied dosing volume: 1 ml/200 g rat
No. of animals: 20 female rats/test group and 20 control rats.
Doses (week 1 to 9): 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 4800 mg/kg
bw/dayParameters investigated:body weight record: once/week
determination of number of erythrocytes and thrombocytes at the beginningand after test week 8 (10 rats/group)
all animals that died were necropsied

156

UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

ResultPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

after termination of treatment, histopathology was performed on lungs,
stomach, liver, spleen and kidneys (n = 5-6 animals)
Survival rate:
control: 18/20 up to the end, (one animal was fed in the trachea, anotherdied on sepsis)
P, K2, and K7 group:
up to and including week 7: 16/20-15/20-17/20,
up to and including week 8: 9/20-9/20-14/20,
up to and including week 9: 0/20-0/20-0/20.
Cause of death: 20 to 1200 mg/kg bw/d (up to week 7): pneumonia due tomissapplication in the trachea.
Mean body weight development (start-end of week 7):
control: 226-235 g;
P: 250-230 g;
K2: 247-227 g;
K7: 230-222 g.
Thrombocytes ranging from 350000 to 850000 and erythrocytes from 5 to 8
millions (no further data)

Reliability:

22.03.2004

Pathological evaluation:
ulceration of the stomach epithelium, necrosis of the kidney tubules, liver
without finding, spleen, heart, lung hyperemic (details not reported).
(2) valid with restrictions
No individual animal data, high mortality due to misapplication in the
trachea, no fixed dose.
(217)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acuterat
no datano dataoral unspecified
50 d
daily
no
200 mg/kg bw/dnoRemarkResult::Reliability:

No. of animals: 5.
1 animal died after 7 d, 2 animals were killed after 29 d,
no gross pathological findings.
(2) valid with restrictions
Poor documentation1954
noother TS: data on purity not specified

22.03.2004
Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.

(141)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acute
mouse
male
other: no data
inhalation
14 d
4 h/d
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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
Method

:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:

18.01.2005

no10 mg/lnoother: 4 g of phthalic anhydride was heated up to 110-150° C, 4 mice were
used
1954
no
other TS: data on purity not specified
Animals were covered with phthalic anhydride dust. Slightly reduced
breathing, 1 mouse died after the 2nd day, while a second one was founddead after the last day of the test.
(4) not assignable
No GLP, no histopathology
(141)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-chronicmouse
male/female
B6C3F1oral feed
7 weeksdaily
1 week0, 6200, 12500, 25000, 50000 ppm = ca. 0, 890, 1790, 3570, 7140 mg/kg/dyes, concurrent no treatment
other: see freetext ME
1979
no dataother TS: purity: 98.8 %Method:RemarkResult::ANIMALS AND DOSING
5 males and 5 females/group as 4-week old weanlings
Animals were dosed for 7 weeks, followed by one week of further
observation.
ANIMAL MAINTENANCE
Polycarbonate cages; sterilizable lab meal ad libitum replenished at least 3
times per week; water acidified to pH=2.5 ad libitum; air in the animal room:
22-24° C, relative humidity: 45-55 %, 15 changes of room air per hour;
fluorescent lighting on a 12 hour-per day cycle
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each mouse was weighed twice per week.
NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied.
Dose-finding study for a carcinogenicity study
No animal died during subchronic test.
Mean body weight at week 7 as percent of control (dose: m/f):
6200 ppm: 114/100 %, 12500: 113/99 %, 25000 ppm: 111/101 %, 50000
ppm: 104/99 %Histopathologic examination revealed that tissues were essentially normal
in males and females at 50000 ppm.

Reliability:

Flag
23.03.2004:

Type
Species::158

No adverse effects reported at any dose.
(2) valid with restrictions
Dose-finding study
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(213)
Chronic
mouse
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

male/female
B6C3F1oral feed
32 weeks, thereafter 72 weeks with lower doses
daily
no

Method:ANIMALS
Age: 6 weeks
50 males and 50 females/dose group
20 males and 20 females as controls
DOSING
Test diets containing phthalic anhydride were prepared fresh every 1 to 11/2 weeks at appropriate doses. The diets were routinely stored at 5degree Celsius until used.
Analytical analyses indicated that when phthalic anhydride was mixed withLab Meal at a concentration of 15,000 ppm and stored at room temperaturefor 2 weeks, the loss was 2.59% (372 ppm) per day.
ANIMAL MAINTENANCE
Polycarbonate cages; sterilizable lab meal ad libitum replenished at least 3
times per week; water acidified to pH=2.5 ad libitum; air in the animal room:
22-24° C, relative humidity: 45-55 %, 15 changes of room air per hour;
fluorescent lighting on a 12 hour-per day cycle
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each mouse was weighed once per month, daily observations for sick,tumour bearing and moribund animals, twice daily checked for deaths
NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied;gross and microscopic examination of:skin, lungs and bronchi, trachea, bone marrow (femur), spleen, lymph
nodes (mesenteric and submandibular), thymus, heart, salivary glands(patrotid, sublingual, and submaxillary), liver, pancreas, esophagus,
stomach (glandular and nonglandular), small and large intestines, kidneys,urinary bladder, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic islets,
testis, prostate, mammary gland, uterus, ovary, brain (cerebrum, andcerebellum), and all tissue masses. Peripheral blood smears were madefor all animals, whenever possible.

Result:yes, concurrent no treatment
other: see freetext ME
1979
no dataother TS: purity 98.8 %DOSING:
groups of 20 control or 50 treated animals of each sex were exposed via
the diet at levels of 0, 25000, or 50000 ppm for the first 32 weeks of a 104
week treatment period (approx. 3570 or 7140 mg/kg bw/day). Because ofexcessive bodyweight loss the exposure levels in males were reduced to12500 or 25000 ppm (approx. 1785 or 3570 mg/kg bw/day), respectively,
and the doses for the females were reduced to 6250 and 12500 ppm(approx. 890 or 1780 mg/kg bw/day), respectively, for the remainder of thestudy.
DOSING:The time-weighted average doses for the males were either 16346 or
32692 ppm (approx. 2340 or 4670 mg/kg bw/day), and those for thefemales were either 12019 or 24038 ppm (approx. 1717 or 3430 mg/kg
bw/day). The observation that the testcompound is unstable (2.59% loss ofactivity per day at room temperature) has to be noted, although this is ofminor relevance because the diet was prepared fresh every 1 to 1-1/2
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
weeks and the diet was stored at 5 degree Celsius, consequently thehydrolysis is assumed to be lower than 26%.
BODY WEIGHTS and CLINICAL SIGNS:
Mean body weights of dosed male and female mice were lower than thoseof corresponding controls throughout the bioassay, and depressions in theamount of body weight gains were dose related. Tissue masses wereobserved at low incidences and were common to the dosed and control
groups. Fluctuation in the growth curves may be due to mortality; as thesize of a group diminishes, the mean body weight may be subject tovariation (data only given as figures, no precise values).
SURVIVAL and WEIGHT GAIN:
Treatment did not affect survival in either sex of mice, but there was adose-related inhibition of weight gain; decreases at the end of the study
were 12% and 25% in the males and 12% and 27% in the females.
Survival male mice: high-dose group 47/50 (94 %), low-dose group 37/50(74 %), and control group 17/20 (85 %)Survival female mice: high-dose group 40/50 (80 %), low-dose group 45/50(90 %), and control group 16/20 (80 %)PATHOLOGY:
Although NCI (1979) concluded that there were no treatment-related
nonneoplastic pathological effects in the mice, examination of the incidence
data by the US EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) reports
significantly increased incidences of lung and kidney lymphocytosis in the
low-\and high-dose males and females, chronic bile duct inflammation in
the high-dose males and females and dose-related adrenal atrophy andmineralization of the thalamus in the low-\and high-dose males.
Increased lymphocytosis (incidence in controls, low-dose and high-dosegroups, respectively):
Males:
lung (30%, 38%, and 61%)kidneys ( 0, 30, and 76%)
Females:lung (10, 65, 71%)
kidney (0, 46, 54%)
chronic bile duct inflammation:
Males (5, 14, 35%)
Females (50, 63, and 75%)
adrenal atrophy in males (0, 47, 83%)
mineralization of the thalamus in males (0, 36, 23%)

Reliability:

Flag
02.03.2006:

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

160

Thus, the LOAEL in female mice is 12,019 ppm (approx. 1717 mg/kg/day)and in males 16,346 ppm (approx. 2340 mg/kg/day)(2) valid with restrictions
no hematology, clinical chemistry or urinalyses performed
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(214) (215) (213) (216)Sub-acuterabbitmale
no datainhalation
14 d
4 h/d
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
Method

:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:no10 mg/lnoother: 4 g of phthalic anhydride was heated up to 110-150° C, 1 rabbit was
used
1954
no
other TS: no data on purity not specified
Animal was covered with phthalic anhydride dust. Slightly reduced
breathing.
(4) not assignableNo histopathology

18.01.2005

(141)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acuterabbitno datano datainhalation
several days
4 h/d
no10 mg/lno data specified

RemarkResultReliability:::

No. of animals: no data.
Exposure produced 25 % fatality.
(4) not assignable
Secondary literature1964
noother TS: no data on purity

22.03.2004

(137)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acuterabbitno datano dataoral unspecified
no data
3-4 times
no data
500 mg/kg
no data specified

RemarkResultReliability:::

No. of animals: no data.
Enteritis, increased urea, death after 3-4 doses.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

22.03.2004
Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.

(8)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acute
catmaleother: no data
inhalation
14 d
4 h/d
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Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
Method

:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Result:Reliability:no10 mg/lnoother: 4 g of phthalic anhydride was heated up to 110-150° C, 1 cat was
used
1954
no
other TS: data on purity not specified
Animal was covered with phthalic anhydride dust. Slightly reduced
breathing.
(4) not assignableNo histopathology

18.01.2005

(141)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acutecatno datano datainhalation
7d
6 h/d
no
3.7 mg/l
no data specified

RemarkResult::Reliability:

No. of animals: no data.
Cats became drowsy with loss of appetite and vomited; liverand kidney injury was observed.
(4) not assignable
Secondary literature

1964
no

22.03.2004

(137)

Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acutecatno datano dataoral unspecified
no data
up to 24 times
no data
200 mg/kg
no data specified

RemarkResult::Reliability:

No. of animals: no data.
A dose of 200 mg/kg was tolerated up to 24 times without
effects.
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient for assessment

22.03.2004
Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
162

(8)
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-chronic
guinea pig
male/female
no dataother: inhalation of dust
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DATE: 04.05.2006

Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.

::

Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:8 months
3 h/d on 4 following days, every application period was followed by a 10 dbreaknosee freetext ME
yesother: see freetext ME
1956
noother TS: see freetext ME
Test substances:
1) Phthalic anhydride (P): pure (no further data)
2) Phthalic anhydride (K2): containing up to 0.3 % naphthoquinon and 0.1% maleic acid as impurities
3) Phthalic acid (K7): containing up to 1 % naphthoquinon and 0.5 %maleic acid as impurities.
Applied doses:
P : 0.0085 mg/l
K2: 0.066 mg/l
K7: 0.055 mg/l
Controls: air only
Number of animals in the test groups: 8 animals/group; 20 control animals.
Dead animals were replaced by animals of a further control-group 836
animals).

Result:During each break differential blood count was examined, every 6 weeks
animals were weighed.
Histopathologic examination was performed on dead animals.
Signs of intoxication:some animals developed slight rhinitis, and some developed bradypnea.
Respiration rate changed during experimental period; no lacrimation andno excitation was observed.
Body weight:
body weight increased in all groups, exception: just before death significant
decrease in body weight was observed.
Mortality:
P: 5 animals, K2: 14 animals, K7: 2 animals, Controls: 3 animals. Deadanimals were replaced by untreated contorl animals.
Differential blood count (mean values, control-P-K2-K7):
Basophils: 1-1-1-1; eosinophils: 4-7-5-7; juvenile leucos: none; stab cells:
0-0-0-1; segmented neutrophils: 15-21-20-19; monocytes: 2-2-2-2;lymphocytes: 78-70-71-70.

Reliability:

Histopathologic examination:
decedents:
P: putrid bronchitis, pleuritis and pericarditis
K2: putrid pleuritis, pericarditis and pneumonia, alveolary hyperemia
K7: hyperemia of the lungs, hyperemic abdominal cavity
controls: putrid pneumonia, pleuritis and pericarditis
all test-animals:
showed irritation of the conjunctiva and mucosa of the lungs, death andloss of superficial mucosal cells, alveolary hyperemia.
(4) not assignable
No individual animal data, poor documentation, no analytics of test
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atmosphere. Dead animals were replaced by control animals during theexperiment.
(217)

18.01.2005
Type
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Sub-acuteguinea pig
femaleno dataother: inhalation of vapor
4 or 8 d
0.5 h/dnosee freetext ME
yesother: see freetext ME
1956
noother TS: see freetext ME

Method:Test substances:
1) Phthalic anhydride (P): pure (no further data)
2) Phthalic anhydride (K2): containing up to 0.3 % naphthoquinon and 0.1% maleic acid as impurities
3) Phthalic acid (K7): containing up to 1 % naphthoquinon and 0.5 %maleic acid as impurities.
Applied doses:
P : 0.6145 mg/l air
K2: 1.297 mg/l air
K7: 0.9470 mg/l air
Controls: air only
Number of animals: 2 animals/group

Result:exposure time per day: 30 min
exposure period: 2 days and 4 days, respectively
all animals including the control animals showed irritation of conjunctiva,
and irritation of lung mucosa probably because the temperature in thevapor inhalation chamber increased to 60 - 70 degree Celsius during theexperiment.
Controls:
Respiration-rate (decrease of respiration rate, breathing/min)
C 78,5
P 60,6K7 53,7
K2 41,2closed eyelids, transient rhinitis.
Histopathology: no findings in the lung.
P:abdominal respiration.
Histopathology: only 1 animal showed bronchitis, impaired mucous
membranes and increased number of histiocytes.
K2:
increased lacrimation, complete eyelid closure, rhinitis, laboured breathing.
Histopathology: animals showed putrid bronchitis, hyperemia of the lungs.
K7:

164

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Reliability

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

23.11.2004
5.5

signs of irritation, closed eyelids, lacrimation, slight rhinitis,
Cuogh-rate (per 30 min)
C 8
P 201
K7 1117
K2 343
Histopathology: slight bronchitis was seen.
(4) not assignable
Temperature in the vapor inhalation chamber raised to 60 - 70 degree
Celsius, no individual animal data, no analytic of test atmosphere, limited
documentation(217)

GENETIC TOXICITY ‘IN VITRO‘

Type
System of testing
Test concentration:::

Cycotoxic concentr.
Metabolic activation
Result
Method

:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:

1985
no dataother TS: 99 %Method:Preparation of S-9 fraction:
Liver S9-fraction was routinely prepared from male Sprague-Dawley rats
and male Syrian hamster that were injected,i.p., with Aroclor 1254. 5 days
after injection, the animals were sacrificed and the livers were removed
aseptically. Liver homogenates were prepared aseptically at 0-4° C: firstrinsed, then minced, homogenized, centrifuged and finally distributed intofreezing ampules and stored at -70° C.

Ames test
S. typhimurium TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537
Trial1, +/-S9-mix (Hamster + Rat liver): 0.0, 3.3, 10.0, 33.0, 100.0, 333.0,
1000.0, 3333.0 ug/plate (solvent:DMSO)
Trial2, +/-S9-mix (Hamster + Rat liver): 0.0, 1.0, 3.3, 10.0, 33.0, 67.0,
100.0, 333.0, 666.0 ug/plate (solvent:DMSO)High dose was limited by solubility and/or toxicity
with and without
negative
other: preincubation protocol according to Ames,1975, Mutat. Res.31, 347,
S9 from male Sprague-Dawley rat and male Syrian Hamster livers,
described in Haworth (1983) Environ. Mutagen. 5 [Suppl.1], 3-142, (seealso freetext ME)

Dose Setting ExperimentPhthalic anhydride was solubilized in DMSO and checked for toxicity to
TA100 up to a concentration of 10 mg/plate or the limit of solubility, both in
the presence and absence of S-9 mix.
Positive Controls
Positive control chemicals were tested concurrently.
-in the presence of rat and hamster S-9-2-aminoanthracene (all strains)-without S-9mix-4-Nitro-o-phenylenediamine (Strain TA98)-Sodium azide (Strain TA100 and TA1535)-9-Aminoacridine (Strain TA1537)
Data Evaluation
A positive response was indicated by a reproducible, dose-related increase
wether it was twofold over the background or not.
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RemarkResult::Reliability:

Flag
23.11.2004:

Type
System of testing
Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.
Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Ames test
S. typhimurium TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537
tested quantitatively with TA 100 up to 3 umol/plate (no further information)
no datawith and without
negative
other: according to Ames, Mutation Res. 31, 347 (1975)1980
no dataother TS: no information on purity

Reliability:(4) not assignable
Test description insufficient for assessment

Rat and hamster liver S-9 mix
Positive and negative controls gave the expected results, phthalicanhydride was not mutagenic in the absence and presence of S-9 extracts.
(2) valid with restrictions
Only 4 strains used
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(218) (219) (220)18.03.2004

(221)

Type
System of testing
Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.

:
:
:
:

Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:other: Chromosome aberrations test
CHO cells
0, 30,100,300 µg/ml DMSO
dose selection was based on preliminary growth inhibition test (no details
reported)
with and without
negative
other: Galloway, Environ. Mutagen. 7, 1-51 (1985) see also freetext ME1987
yesother TS: no data on purity
Cloned Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-W-B1) were cultured. Test
chemicals were supplied under code by the National Toxicology Program
chemical repository (Radian Corp., Austin, TX) and were dissolved
immediately before use in water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, or
acetone, in that order of preference.
Dose Selection
Originally, doses were chosen for the aberration test based on apreliminary test of cell survival 24 h after treatment
Chromosome Aberration Test
Cells were exposed to phthalic anhydride for 2 hours in the presence of
metabolic activation (S9), and further incubated for 8-12 hours. In the tests
without metabolic activation, the cells were exposed to phthalic anhydride
throughout the incubation period. This treatment yielded cells in their firstmitosis.
Cells were collected by mitotic shake-off. Slides were stained with Giemsa
and coded, and 100 cells were scored from each of the three highest dosegroups having sufficient metaphases for analysis and from positive(triethylenemelamine, mitomycinC, or cyclophosphamid) and solvent
control. All types of aberrations were recorded separately, but for data
analysis they were grouped into categories of "simple" (breaks and terminal
deletions), "complex" (exchanges and rearrangements), "other" (includes
pulverized chromosomes), and "total." Gaps and endoreduplications were

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recorded but were not included in the totals.
Positive Controls
without S9-mix: Mitomycin-C;
with S9-mix: Cyclophosphamide

Result:Data Evaluation
Armitrage test: Significance of percent cells with aberrations tested bylinear regression trend test versus log of the dose
The highest concentration was selected as a cytotoxic level on the basis ofa preliminary study.
No chromosome aberrations were recorded at any dose tested (10 - 300µg/ml).
Without S9-mix:
Dose Cells Percent cells with aberrations:
µg/ml
no.
total simple complex
0
100
4
3
1
30
100
5
4
1
100
100
4
4
0
300
100
5
3
2
Positive control: TEM
0.15 100 27
21

7With S9-mix:
Dose Cells Percent cells with aberrations:µg/ml no.
total simple complex
0
100
3
2
1
30
100
4
2
1
100
100
6
5
1
300
100
5
4
1

Reliability:

Flag
28.04.2006:

Type
System of testing
Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.

:
:
:
:

Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:

Method:Positive control: CP
0.15
100 2515
12(2) valid with restrictions
no data on compound purity, low sensitivity because only 100 metaphases
scoredCritical study for SIDS endpoint(222)
Sister chromatid exchange assay
CHO cells
0, 10, 30, 100, 300 ug/ml DMSO
dose selection was based on preliminary growth inhibition test (no details
reported)
with and without
negative1987
yesother TS: no data on purity
CHO cells were incubated with test compound, positive control or solvent(Dimethylsulfoxide=DMSO).
Originally, doses were chosen based on a preliminary test of cell survival
24 h after treatment.
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A) Cells were incubated for 2 hours at 37 °C in the absence of S9-mix.
BrdU was added and incubation was continued for 23.5 hours. Cells were
washed, fresh medium containing BrdU and colcemid was added andincubation was continued for 2 to 3 hours. Cells were then collected bymitotic shake-off, fixed, air-dried and stained.
B)Cells were incubated for 2 hours at 37°C in the presence of S9-mix and12 hours in the absence. Cells were washed and medium containing BrdU
was added. Cells wee incubated for further 25,5 hours with colcemid
present for the final 2 to 3 hours. Cells were collected by mitotic shake-off,
fixed, air-dried and stained.
Positive Controls
in the presence of S9-mix: Cyclophosphamide
in the absence of S9-mix: Mitomycin C

Result:Data Evaluation
Significance of relative SCEs/chromosome tested by linar regression
versus log of the dose
The highest concentration was selected as a cytotoxic level on the basis ofa preliminary study.
Without S9-mix:
Dose total chromos. Total SCE per µg/ml SCE cell
no.
0
2098
1012
10,13
10
1047
472
9,47
30
1047
518
10,39
100
1051
495
9,89
300
1049
497
9,95
Positive control: TEM
0.015 1049
1607

32,14

With S9-mix:
Dose total chromos. Total SCE per µg/ml SCE cell
no.
0
1042
470
9,47
10
1044
459
9,23
30
1048
472
9,46
100
1048
458
9,18
300
1043
501
10,09
Positive control: CP
1
1047

Reliability:

Flag01.03.2006:

Type
System of testing
Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.
Metabolic activation

:
:
:
:
:

168

1043

20,86

No significant increase in sister chromatid exchanges was observed at any
concentration investigated.
(2) valid with restrictions
No data on purity of the compound
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(222)
other: Chromosome aberrations test
CHO and RL4 cells
no datano datano data
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DATE: 04.05.2006

Result
Method

:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

ResultReliability::

Negative results, no further data
(4) not assignable
Documentation insufficient. No evaluation possible because details are not
given
(223)

Type
System of testing
Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.
Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: alkaline elution/rat hepatocyte assay
primary rat hepatocytes
1, 3 or 10 mM in DMSO
not given
without

Method:Primary rat hepatocytes were incubated in the presence of the test
compound at 37° C under 5 % CO2 for 3 h.

24.02.2004

other: CHO and RL4 cells were exposed for 2 h to medium containing
phthalic anhydride. Cells were treated afterwards with colcemid for 22-24 h.
Metaphase arrested cells (100) were scored.
1986
no dataother TS: no data on purity

other: see freetext ME
1996
no dataother TS: highest purity commercially available

Positive controls
1) double-strand break cells harvested from untreated control plates at theend of the 3-h incubation were irradiated on ice with 40 Gy of gamma
radiation,2) the alkaline elution assay:
cells treated with 0.2 uM aflatoxin B1 for 3 h or irradiated with 3 Gy of
gamma radiation on ice.
Chemical treatments were carried out in duplicate,solvent negative controls in quadruplicate plates.
Alkaline elution assay:
Cells were lysed in lyris-buffer (pH 9.6). The lysed cells were loaded onto
polycarbonate filter columns and the DNA was sequentially eluted from thecolumn by addition of different elution buffers.
DNA content of the different elution fractions was determined and an
elution profile (slope) was established.

Result:Cytotoxicity:
the conventional trypan blue dye exclusion assay performed after the 3-htreatment (TBDE-0), trypan blue dye exclusion performed after replating
treated cells in normal, compound-free medium and incubating them for an
additional 3 h to allow for recovery from cytotoxic injury (TBDE-3), cellularadenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and potassium (K+) content,
tetrazolium dye (MMT) reduction, light microscopic evaluation of cell
blebbing and DNA degradation (double-strand breaks) measured bypulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Alkaline elution assay:
very weak evidence of dose-related cytotoxicity, no
consistent dose-related increases in the alkaline elution assay.
Cytotoxicity:
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Reliability
24.02.2004:

Type
System of testing
Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.
Metabolic activation
Result
Method

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Year
GLP
Test substance:::

Method:Cytotoxicity (% of control) at 10 mM phthalic anhydride:
TBDE-0: 93 %; TBDE-3: 91 %; MTT: 101 %; ATP: 84 %; K+: 84 %(2) valid with restrictions(224) (225)Ames test
Salmonella typhimurium TA100, TA1535, TA98, TA1537, E. coli WP2uvrA
0, 20, 39, 78, 156, 313, 625, 12502500, 5000 ug/plate dissolved in DMSO
2500 ug/platewith and without
negative
other: preincubation method according to OECD TG 471; highest doses
used: cytotoxic, positive controls, solvent control (see also freetext ME)
1996
yesother TS: purity: 99.5 %positive controls:
without S9-mix:
2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylamide (Salmonella typhimurium TA100,
TA98, Escherichia coli WP2uvrA, WP2uvrA/pKM101)
Sodium azide (Salmonella typhimurium TA1535)
4-Nitroquinoline-N-oxide (Salmonella typhimurium TA1538)
9-Aminoacridine (Salmonella typhimurium TA1538)
Bleomycin (Salmonella typhimurium TA102)
Pyruvic aldehyde (Salmonella typhimurium TA104)
with S9-mix
2-Aminoanthracene (for all strains)
Preparation of S9 fraction:
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the preparation of liver fractions.
Sodium phenobarbital and 5,6-benzoflavone were used as an inducer ofthe rat metabolic activation system. Sodium phenobarbital was injected
intraperitoneally into the rats 4 days before killing and 1, 2 and 3 days
before killing 5,6 benzoflavone was injected intraperitoneally. From theserats liver S9 fraction was prepared according to Ames et al. (1975)
Methods for detecting carcinogens and mutagens in the Salmonella/mammalian microsome mutagenicity test. Mutat. Res. 31, 347-364. S9
was dispensed into freezing ampules and stored at -80° C. Once the stock
S9 had been thawed, remained S9 was not reused.

Result:Reliability
Flag
23.11.2004

:
:

Type
System of testing

:
:

170

Evaluation criteria:
The chemicals are considered to be mutagenic when dose-related increase
in revertant colony count is observed and the number of revertant colonies
per plate with the test substance is more than twice that of the negative
control (solvent control) and when a reproducibility of the test result isobserved.
Phthalic anhydride was tested up to 5000 µg/plate. Cytotoxic effects wereobserved in the absence or in the presence of metabolic activator atconcentrations equal or higher than 5000 or 313 µg/plate, respectively.
Phthalic anhydride did not induce mutations in the bacterial mutation test,
neither in the absence, nor in the presence of metabolic activator.
Positive and negative controls gave the expected values.
(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(226)
Chromosomal aberration test
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO)cells
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DATE: 04.05.2006

Test concentration
Cycotoxic concentr.
Metabolic activation
Result
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

6, 8, 10 mM in DMSO
see freetext Results

Method:CHO cells and test compounds, e.g. phthalic anhydride were incubated at
37° C for 3 h in the presence or absence of S9. Cells were then washed,further incubated and harvested at 20 hours from the beginning of thetreatment. Colcemid (0.1 µg/ml) was added 2-3 hours before chromosome
aberration and cytotoxicity was tested.
Cytotoxicity was measured by cell counting in a Coulter counter.

positive
other: see freetext ME
1998
no dataother TS: no data on purity

In general, 200 cells from each point were scored for aberrations on coded
slides. Gaps (achromatic lesions equal to or less than the width of achromatid) were noted but not included in aberration totals.
- Criteria for positivity:
statistically significant increase over concurrent controls
in the percentages of cells with chromosomal aberrations at
two separate concentrations of test article, with about 50 % cytotoxicity, ora reproducible increase at one dose level.
- scoring: 200 cells with 19-23 chromosomes per point

Result:- statistics: Fisher's exact test, with the P values adjusted for multiple
comparisons against a common control by the method of Dunnett (J. Am
Stat Assoc 50, 1096-1121, 1955).
Phthalic anhydride (PA) caused a decrease in pH when added to culture
medium and was immediately neutralized with 1N NaOH. In the rangefinding experiment with PA, there was no statistically significant increase inaberrations at 10 mM with and without S-9 activation. Without S-9, cellcounts were reduced to 59 % of controls at 10 mM. With S-9 there was little
toxicity, and precipitate was visible at 8 and 10 mM. (no further data).
In a second experiment increase in aberrations to 18.5 % compared with acontrol of 3 %, at the top dose without S-9, and only a borderline,
nonsignificant increase at 10 mM with S-9.
Conclusion: The positive result with PA was found at a concentration thatcaused visible precipitate.
The study is of limited reliability because:
Effects were observed only at the highest compound concentration whichwas "very toxic" (remaining cell counts 29%) and gave precipitate. Only asmall, not statistically sigificant, increase in aberration was observed at aslightly lower concentration (8 mM compared to 10 mM) which showed
lower cytotoxicity (remaining cell counts 54%) and no precipitate. The
authors stated in the discussion: "Although the results we present here arefor only two compounds, phthalic anhydride and ethion-amide, the dataclearly show not only that precipitate can be present in medium yet notvisible even under darkfield microscopy, but also that aberrations induced
above the precipitate level can be false-positives, i.e., found with
nonmutagenic, noncarcinogens."
Limited documentation e.g.
- no data on precise number of cells scored
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171

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006- no data on precise number and type of aberrations- no positive control included into the experiment

Reliability:

Flag
28.04.2006:

detectedControl values in the phthalic anhydride experiment (3%) mentioned in the
Results section of the publication were out of the control values describedin the Materials and Methods section. "The control levels of aberrations for
CHO cells ranged from 0.00-2.25% cells with aberrations, with a mean of
1.50%". No explanation for these increased control values in the phthalicanhydride experiment is given.
(2) valid with restrictions
No concurrent positive control
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(227)

5.6

GENETIC TOXICITY ‘IN VIVO‘

5.7

CARCINOGENICITY

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
ResultControl group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

rat
male/female
Fischer 344
oral feed
105 w
daily
no
7500, 15000 ppm = ca. 500, 1000 mg/kg bw/dnegative
yes, concurrent no treatment
other: see freetext ME
1979
no dataother TS: purity: 98.8 %Method:ANIMALS
Age: 6 weeks
50 males and 50 females/dose group
20 males and 20 females as controls
TEST DIET
Test diets containing phthalic anhydride were prepared fresh every 1 to 11/2 weeks at appropriate doses. The diets were routinely stored at 5degree Celsius until used.
Analytical analyses indicated that when phthalic anhydride was mixed withLab Meal at a concentration of 15,000 ppm and stored at room temperaturefor 2 weeks, the loss was 2.59% (372 ppm) per day.
ANIMAL MAINTENANCE
Polycarbonate cages; sterilizable lab meal ad libitum replenished at least 3
times per week; water acidified to pH=2.5 ad libitum; air in the animal room:
22-24° C, relative humidity: 45-55 %, 15 changes of room air per hour;
fluorescent lighting on a 12 hour-per day cycle
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each rat was weighed once per month, daily observations for sick, tumor
bearing and moribund animals, twice daily checked for deaths
NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied;gross and microscopic examination of:

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ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
skin, lungs and bronchi, trachea, bone marrow (femur), spleen, lymph
nodes (mesenteric and submandibular), thymus, heart, salivary glands(patrotid, sublingual, and submaxillary), liver, pancreas, esophagus,
stomach (glandular and nonglandular), small and large intestines, kidneys,urinary bladder, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic islets,
testis, prostate, mammary gland, uterus, ovary, brain (cerebrum, andcerebellum), and all tissue masses. Peripheral blood smears were madefor all animals, whenever possible

Result:STATISTIC ANALYSIS
product-limit procedure of Kaplan and Meier
Method of Cox
Tarone's extensions of Cox methods
one-tailed Fisher exact test
Bonferrone inequality test
Cochran-Armitrage test
time-adjusted analysis
life-table methods
F344 rats (50/sex/group) were fed diets contenting 7500 or 15,000 ppm
phthalic anhydride for 105 weeks (approx. 500 and 1,000 mg/kg bw/day).
The observation that the test compound is unstable (2.59% loss of activity
per day at room temperature) has to be noted, although this is of minor
relevance because the diet was prepared fresh every 1 to 1-1/2 weeks andthe diet was stored at 5 degree Celsius, consequently the hydrolysis is
assumed to be lower than 26%.
Survival and non-carcinogenic effects see robust summary chapter
repeated dose toxicity.
Animal disposition summary
Control low-dose high dose
Animals initial in study: males (females)
20(20)
50(50)
50(50)Natural death
3(2)
4(6)
9(2)
Moribund sacrifice
3(1)
2(2)
5(7)
Terminal sacrifice14(17)
44(42)
36(41)
Tumor summary:
Total animals with primary tumors
19(13)
47(37)
46(36)
Total primary tumors
37(18) 101(58)84(53)
Total animals with benign tumors
18(12)
45(27)
43(32)
Total benign tumors
28(15)
77(38)
63(44)
Total animals with malignant tumors
7(3)20(16)
21(8)Total malignant tumors
7(3)24(20)
21(9)Total animals with secondary tumors
0(0)
0(1)
3(1)
Total secondary tumors
0(0)
0(1)
3(1)
Total animals with tumors uncertain
benign or malignant
2(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Total uncertain tumors
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ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
2(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Total animals with tumors uncertain
primary or metastatic
0(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Total uncertain tumors
0(0)
0(0)
0(0)
PATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
By inspection, there appeared to be no difference between the dosed andcontrol groups in frequency or distribution of neoplasms, except for
malignant lymphoma in the female rats. The incidence of malignant
lymphoma in the control females was 1/20 (5%) in low-dose females, 11/50(22%), and in high-dose females, 4/50 (8%). Due to the high andfluctuating incidence of this type of malignant lymphoma in control F344
rats, the apparent differences incidences of the tumor in the dosed andcontrol groups were not considered to be compound related. Statisticalanalysis revealed that a departure from linear trend (P = 0.019) is found in
the incidence of lymphoma in female rats, due to the relatively large
proportion of 11/50 (22%) in the low-dose group compared with 4/50 (8%)
in the high-dose group and 1/20 (5%) in the control group. The results of
the Fisher exact test are not significant.
Current historical records at this laboratory indicate an incidence oflymphoma in female rats of 14/285 (4.9%), and, although the majority of
the control groups had incidences of less than 5%, one control group wasobserved to have an incidence as high as 4/20 (20%). Since the results of
the Fisher exact test were not significant and since the historical data
concerning lymphoma indicates the possibility of an occasional highspontaneous rate of lymphoma, the evidence of association of thelymphomas in the dosed group of female rats with the chemical isquestionable.
Further statistical analysis:
In female rats, the result of the Cochran-Armi tage test positive doserelated trend in the incidence of alveolar/ bronchiolar adenomas issignificant (P = 0.020), but the results of the Fisher exact test are notsignificant. The results of the statistical tests on the incidences ofalveolar/bronchiolar carcinomas and of alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas or
carcinomas are not significant. In male rats, the results of the statisticaltests on the incidences of lung tumors are not significant.
A significant dose-related trend (P = 0.037) in the negative direction isobserved in the incidence of pheochromocytomas of the adrenal in malerats.
Incidence of primary tumors (%) in selected tissues:
Organcontrol

low-dosehigh-dose

Male rats
Lung: Alveolar/Bronchiolar Adenoma
1/20 (5%)
4/50 (8%)
1/50 (2%)
Hematopoietic System: Lymphomas
4/20 (20%)
11/50 (22%) 12/50 (24%)
Hematopoietic System: Lymphomas or Leukemias
5/20 (25%)
12/50 (24%) 15/50 (30%) Adrenal:
Pheochromocytoma
6/20 (30%)
8/48 (17%) 5/49 (10%)
Female rats
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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Lung: Alveolar/Bronchiolar Adenoma
0/50 (0%) 5/50 (10%)
Carcinoma 1/20 (5%)
3/50 (6%) 1/50 (2%)
Carcinoma or Adenoma
1/20 (5%)
3/50 (6%) 6/50 (12%)
Hematopoietic System: Lymphomas
1/20 (5%)
11/50 (22%) 4/50 (8%)
Adrenal: Pheochromocytoma
0/20 (0%)
0/49 (0%) 3/49 (6%)

0/20 (0%)

Severe chronic inflammatory, degenerative, or proliferative lesions
frequently seen in aged rats occurred with approximately equal frequency
and severity in the dosed and control groups of animals.
Conclusion: No tumors occurred in the rats of either sex at incidences that
could be clearly related to the administration of the test compound. It is
concluded that under the conditions of this bioassay, phthalic anhydride
was not carcinogenic for F344 rats of either sex.
(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(214) (215) (213)

Reliability
Flag
24.11.2004::

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
ResultControl group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

mouse
male/female
B6C3F1oral feed
32 w, thereafter 72 w with lower doses
daily
no

Method:ANIMALSage: 6 weeks
50 males and 50 females/dosegroup
20 males and 20 females as controls

negative
yes, concurrent no treatment
other: see freetext ME
1979
no dataother TS: purity: 98.8 %TEST DIET
Test diets containing phthalic anhydride were prepared fresh every 1 to 11/2 weeks at appropriate doses. The diets were routinely stored at 5degree Celsius until used.
Analytical analyses indicated that when phthalic anhydride was mixed withLab Meal at a concentration of 15,000 ppm and stored at room temperaturefor 2 weeks, the loss was 2.59% (372 ppm) per day.
DOSING:
Animals were exposed via the diet at levels of 0, 25000, or 50000 ppm forthe first 32 weeks of a 104 week treatment period (approx. 3570 or 7140
mg/kg bw/day). Because of excessive bodyweight loss the exposure levels
in males were reduced to 12500 or 25000 ppm (approx. 1785 or 3570
mg/kg bw/day), respectively, and the doses for the females were reduced
to 6250 and 12500 ppm (approx. 890 or 1780 mg/kg bw/day), respectively,
for the remainder of the study. The time-weighted average doses for the
males were either 16346 or 32692 ppm (approx. 2340 or 4670 mg/kg
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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Remark:Result:bw/day), and those for the females were either 12019 or 24038 ppm(approx. 1717 or 3430 mg/kg bw/day).
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each mouse was weighed once per month, daily observations for sick,tumor bearing and moribund animals, twice daily checked for deaths
NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied;gross and microscopic examination of:skin, lungs and bronchi, trachea, bone marrow (femur), spleen, lymph
nodes (mesenteric and submandibular), thymus, heart, salivary glands(parotid, sublingual, and submaxillary), liver, pancreas, esophagus,
stomach (glandular and nonglandular), small and large intestines, kidneys,urinary bladder pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic islets,
testis, prostrate, mammary gland, uterus, ovary, brain (cerebrum, andcerebellum), and all tissue masses. Peripheral blood smears were madefor all animals, whenever possible
STATISTIC ANALYSIS
product-limit procedure of Kaplan and Meier
Method of Cox
Tarone's extensions of Cox methods
one-tailed Fisher exact test
Bonferrone inequality test
Cochran-Armitrage test
time-adjusted analysis
life-table methods
Reduction of dose because of excessive depressions in the amount ofbody weight gained
The observation that the test compound is unstable (2.59% loss of activity
per day at room temperature) has to be noted, although this is of minor
relevance because the diet was prepared freshly every 1 to 1-1/2 weeks
and the diet was stored at 5 degree Celsius, consequently the hydrolysis is
assumed to be lower than 26%.
Body weight and Clinical Signs:
Mean body weights of dosed male and female mice were lower than thoseof corresponding controls throughout the bioassay, and depressions in theamount of body weight gains were dose related. In male mice, 47/50 (94%)
of the high-dose group, 37/50 (74%) of the low-dose group, and 17/20(85%) of the control group survived to the end of the bioassay. In females,
40/50 (80%) of the high-dose group, 45/50 (90%) of the low-dose group,and 16/20 (80%) of the control group survived to the end of the bioassay.
Survival and non-carcinogenic effects see robust summary chapter
repeated dose toxicity.
Animal disposition summary
Control low-dose high dose
Animals initial in study, males (females)
20(20)
50(50) 50(50)Natural death
3(4)
7(4)
2(8)
Moribund sacrifice
0(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Accidentally killed
0(0)
6(0)
0(1)
Terminal sacrifice17(16)
37(45) 41(40)Animals missing

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Tumor summary:
Total animals with primary tumors
11(10)
21(20) 18(17)Total primary tumors
13(11)
26(24) 21(19)Total animals with benign tumors
2(3)
6(4)
5(3)
Total benign tumors
2(3)
6(5)
6(3)
Total animals with malignant tumors
10(7)16(16) 15(14)Total malignant tumors
11(8)20(18) 15(15)Total animals with secondary tumors
1(0)
1(0)
0(1)
Total secondary tumors
1(0)
1(0)
0(1)
Total animals with tumors uncertain
benign or malignant
0(0)
0(1)
0(1)
Total uncertain tumors
0(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Total animals with tumors uncertain
primary or metastatic
0(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Total uncertain tumors
0(0)
0(0)
0(0)
Several chronic inflammatory, degenerative, or proliferative lesions
frequently seen in aged laboratory mice occurred with approximately equal
frequency and severity in the dosed and control groups of animals.
The results of the Cochran-Armitage test for positive dose- related trend inincidences of tumors and those of the Fisher exact test comparing theincidence of tumors in the control group with that in each dosed group in
the positive direction are not significant in either sex.
In male mice negative results are observed in the incidence ofalveolar/bronchiolar carcinomas. A significant dose-related trend in thenegative direction (P = 0.025) is also observed in the incidence ofadenomas of the thyroid in the female mice.
Incidence of primary tumors (%) in selected tissues:
Organcontrol

low-dosehigh-dose

Male mice
Lung: Alveolar/Bronchiolar
Carcinoma
6/20 (30%) 2/50 (4%)
Adenoma
7/20 (35%) 6/50 (12%)

6/49 (12%)
9/49 (18%)

Female mice
Lung: Alveolar/Bronchiolar
Carcinoma
1/20 (5%)
3/49 (6%)
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

1/48 (2%)
177OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Adenoma
1/20 (5%)
Thyroid:
Adenoma
2/19 (11%)

6/49 (12%)

2/48 (4%)

0/48 (0%)

0/46 (0%)

Based on the histopathologic examinations, the nature, incidence, orseverity of the lesions observed provided no clear evidence of carcinogenic
effect of the phthalic anhydride on B6C3F1 mice under the conditions of
this bioassay.
Conclusion: No tumors occurred in the mice of either sex at incidences that
could be clearly related to the administration of the test compound. It is
concluded that under the conditions of this bioassay, phthalic anhydride
was not carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice of either sex.
(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(214) (215) (213)

Reliability
Flag
29.11.2004::

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Post exposure period
Doses
ResultControl group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

other: Syrian Hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay

Method:Cell isolation:
Pregnant Syrian golden hamsters were killed and both uterine horns were
removed. After trypsination of the tissue the Syrian golden hamster
embrionic cells (SHE) were cryopreserved.

other: Syrian Hamster embryo cells

24 hours: control, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 ug/ml DMSO;
negativeyesother: see freetext ME
1996
no dataother TS: purity > 99 %Transformation assay:
SHE cells (> 100 colonies) were incubated at pH 6.7 for 7 days in thepresence of the test compound (7 day-treatment) or 24 hours in thepresence of the test compound, followed by a 6 day incubation in theabsence of the test compound (24 h-treatment).
Cells were fixed and stained with Giemsa. Each culture was examined witha stereo microscope and the colonies were counted. Each colony wasevaluated and scored to be either normal or morphologically transformed(MT). Normal colonies contain cells in a monolayer with an organized, often
flowing, pattern of growth with minimal cell stacking, particularly where thecells are at a confluent density. Morphologically transformed colonies
contain cells in an extensive random-oriented, three-dimensional, stacked
growth pattern, with criss-crossing cells at the perimeter and in the centerof the colony.
Controls:
Benzo[a]pyrene as positive control
Solvent control as negative control
An assay was considered valid if the positive control caused a statisticallysignificant increase in transformation frequency.
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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
Evaluation:
Total colony number
Number of morphological transformed cells/total colonies, (relative plating
efficiency (RPE) in %).

Result:Criteria for treatment related effects:
a transformation response was considered treatment related if at least 2
concentrations of phthalic anhydride caused a statistically significant
increase in MT frequency relative to concurrent solvent controls.
Phthalic anhydride did not show transformation activity neither after 24 hincubation nor after 7 days incubation.
24 hours
RPE(%) MTF
Control
100 0.28
50 (µg/ml) 98 0.28
100
95 0.31200
85 0.44300
60 0.52400
48 0.38
7 daysControl
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200

Reliability:

100 0.35
100 0.26
108 0.32
92 0.28
98 0.4479 0.4479 0.53
65 0.91
57 0.70(Benzo[a]pyrene; positive control data from two or more trials)
1.25-10105-95 1.22-1.66(4) not assignable
Positive controls were pooled from several experiments, experimental
study design, no historical data. No generally accepted, valid method.

14.01.2005
5.8.1

(228)

TOXICITY TO FERTILITYType: other
Species: rat
Sex: male/female
Strain: Fischer 344
Route of admin.
: oral feed
Exposure period: 105 w
Frequency of treatm.
: daily
Premating exposure period
Male:Female :Duration of test::
No. of generation
studies
Doses: 7500, 15000 ppm = ca. 500, 1000 mg/kg bw/dControl group: yes, concurrent no treatment
Method: other: see freetext ME
Year: 1979UNEP PUBLICATIONS179OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

GLP
Test substance::no dataother TS: purity: 98.8 %Method:ANIMALS
Age: 6 weeks
50 males and 50 females/dose group
20 males and 20 females as controls
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each rat was weighed once per month, daily observations for sick, tumor
bearing and moribund animals, twice daily checked for deaths

Result:

NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied;gross and microscopic examination of:
all major organs, including reproductive organs; in male rats preputial
gland, prostate, seminal vesicle, testis and epididymis, and the mammary
gland; in female rats mammary gland, uterus, endothelial gland, and ovary.
SURVIVAL:
reduced from week 75 onwards in dosed male and female rats as well as incontrols:
high-dose males: 36/50, and females: 41/50
low-dose males: 44/50, and females: 42/50
control males: 14/20, and females: 17/20
MEAN BODYWEIGHTS (no data given):high dose males lower than controls
high dose females and low dose males and females comparable with
controls
CLINICAL SIGNS:
dosed groups: low incidences: arched back, rough hair coat, ulceration andcorneal opacity (no further details given)
PATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
by inspection: no difference between the dosed and control groups
Nonneoplastic lesions on reproductive organs:Organcontrol (20)low dose (50)high dose (50)
Males:
preputial gland
cyst
0/20
1/50 (2%)
prostate
calculus
0/20
0/48
inflammation, suppurative
0/20
2/48 (4%)
abscess
0/20
0/48
Inflammation, chronic
1/20 (5%)
0/48
inflammation, chronic suppurative
1/20 (5%)
0/48
fibrosis0
1/48 (2%)
hyperblasia, focal
1/20 (5%)
0/48
seminal vesicle inflammation, suppurative
1/20 (5%)
0/50
testishemorrhage
0/20
0/50
infarct
0/20
1/50 (2%)
atrophy
0/20
3/50 (6%)
epididymis inflammation, chronic

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UNEP PUBLICATIONS

0/50
2/45 (4%)
1/45 (2%)
1/45 (2%)
0/45
0/45
0/45
0/45
0/50
1/50 (2%)
0/50
2/50 (4%)

OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
0/20
0/50
1/50 (2%)
mammary gland dilatation/ducts
5/20 (25%) 12/50 (24%) 12/50 (24%)
Females:mammary gland20
dilatation/ducts
13 (65%)galactccele
1 (5%)
inflammation, granulomatous 0
fibrosis0
hyperplasia, Nos
0hyperplasia, focal
1 (5%)
hyperplasia, cystic
050
33 (66%)
4 (8%)
1 (2%)
000050
24 (48%)1 (2%)0
1 (2%)
1 (2%)0
1 (2%)

uterushematoma
dilatation, nos
necrosis, nos

47
0
1 (2%)
050
1 (2%)
00

uterus/endometrium 19
dilatation, nos
0
cysti, nos
0
hyperplasia, epithelial47
1 (2%)
1 (2%)
1 (2%)50
1 (2%)
0
0

endothelial glanddilatation, nos

47
0

50
0

47
3 (6%)0
1 (2%)50
1 (2%)
0019
00
1 (5%)

19
3 (16%)ovary
19
cyst, nos
1 (5%)
inflamation, chronic 1 (5%)
hypoplasia, nos
0

Reliability
Flag
24.11.2004::

NOAEL: 15000 ppm.
(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(214) (215) (213)Type:
Species: rat
Sex: maleStrain: other: white
Route of admin.
: inhalation
Exposure period: 45 w, 24 hours a day
Frequency of treatm.
: daily
Premating exposure period
Male:Female :Duration of test:
No. of generation:
studies
Doses:
Control group: yes, concurrent no treatment
Method: other: see freetext ME
Year: 1970
GLP: no
Test substance: other TS: no data on purity
Method:Groups of 6 male rats were exposed to 0, 0.02, 0.2, 1 mg/m3 phthalicanhydride for 45 days, 24 hours/day. Testes were dissected in the recovery
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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OECD SIDS
5. TOXICITY

ResultPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006:

phase, two weeks after the end of dosing.
The amount of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, RNA and DNA were
investigated in the testes.
Sperm mobility was investigated with a light-microscope.
The amount of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in the testes
decreased in the testes, and the amount of RNA increased in the testes.
Control0.02
0.2
1 mg/m3
Ascorbic acid (mg%)
31,25±1,36 29,51±0.86 24,70±0,57 19,19±0,48
Dehydroascorbic acid
2,39±0,11 1,90±0,13 140±0,140,29±0,05
RNA (mg%)
1,5±0,32
1,78±0,24 1,72±0,25
2,43±0,25
Sperm mobility:

Reliability:

Flag
24.11.2004:

Control: 82 minutes (no further data, no SD given)
0.02 mg/m3: no data
0.2 mg/m3: 60 minutes (no further data, no SD given)
1 mg/m3: 40 minutes (no further data, no SD given)(4) not assignable
Poor documentation, no data on variability of the test systems; no data on
historical data, no data on biological and statistical relevance of theobserved effects, no data on test atmosphere, no data on other endpoints
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(229)

Type
:
Species: mouseSex: male/female
Strain: B6C3F1
Route of admin.
: oral feed
Exposure period: 32 w, thereafter 72 w with lower doses
Frequency of treatm.
: daily
Premating exposure period
Male:Female :Duration of test:
No. of generation:
studies
Doses:
Control group: yes, concurrent no treatment
Result: negative
Method: other: see freetext ME
Year: 1979GLP: no data
Test substance: other TS: purity: 98.8 %Method:ANIMALSage: 6 weeks
50 males and 50 females/dose group
20 males and 20 females as controls
TIME HELD BEFORE STUDY:
2 weeks
DOSING:
Animals were exposed via the diet at levels of 0, 25000, or 50000 ppm forthe first 32 weeks of a 104 week treatment period (approx. 3570 or 7140
mg/kg bw/day). Because of excessive bodyweight loss the exposure levels

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in males were reduced to 12500 or 25000 ppm (approx. 1785 or 3570
mg/kg bw/day), respectively, and the doses for the females were reduced
to 6250 and 12500 ppm (approx. 890 or 1780 mg/kg bw/day), respectively,
for the remainder of the study. The time-weighted average doses for the
males were either 16346 or 32692 ppm (approx. 2340 or 4670 mg/kg
bw/day), and those for the females were either 12019 or 24038 ppm(approx. 1717 or 3430 mg/kg bw/day).
TYPE AND FREQUENCY OF OBSERVATION
Each mouse was weighed once per month, daily observations for sick,tumor bearing and moribund animals, twice daily checked for deaths

Remark:Result:

NECROPSY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:
At the end all animals were killed using CO2 inhalation and necropsied;gross and microscopic examination of all major organs, including
reproductive organs.
Reduction of dose because of excessive depressions in the amount ofbody weight gained
SURVIVAL:
reduced from week 90 onwards in dosed male and female rats as well as incontrols:
high-dose males: 47/50, and females: 40/50
low-dose males: 37/50, and females: 45/50
control males: 17/20, and females: 16/20
MEAN BODYWEIGHTS (no data given):because of excessive depressions in the amount of body weight gained
reduction of dose from week 72 onwards
PATHOLOGIC EXAMINATION:
no findings that could be attributed to treatment
in male mice epididymis; in female mice uterus and ovary.
Male mice:
MatchedReproductive System
Epidymis
20
50
inflamation, chronic 1 (5%) 0
Female mice:
Matchedlow dose
reproductive systemuterusdilatation, nosedema, nospycmetra::high dose control

490high dose control

19
2 (11%)
0048
0
1 (2%)
0uterus/endometrium
19
dilatation, nos
5 (26%)
inflammation, nos
0
inflammation, chronic 0
hyperplasia, papillary 0
hyperplasia, cystic
0

Reliability
Flag
23.03.2004

low dose4600
1 (2%)48
46
29 (60%)20 (43%)
1 (2%)0
1 (2%)00
1 (2%)0
1 (2%)ovary
18
48
cyst, nos
2 (11%)
26 (54%)
hemorrhagic cyst 1 (6%)
1 (2%)(1) valid without restriction
Critical study for SIDS endpoint47
7 (15%)
1 (2%)(214) (215) (213)

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5.8.2

PHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY/TERATOGENICITY

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Duration of test
Doses
Control group
NOAEL maternal tox.
NOAEL teratogen.
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

rat

Method:Pregnant rats were fed a diet containing phthalic acid (99.5% pure).The
administration in the feed was selected because of the necessity to expose
to large amount of phthalic acid and slight solubility of phthalic acid in waterand oil. This method for administration is useful with agents that are to begiven in large amounts or are difficult to dissolve in vehicles that would be
tolerated in other treatment routes. The diet containing phthalic acid was
freshly prepared every week. A pre-determined amount of phthalic acidwas weighed and added to a small aliquot of ground basal diet andhandblended. This premix was then added to a preweighed ground basal
diet and blended with mill for 30 min. The control rats were fed a basal diet
only ad libitum.

Wistaroral feed
GD 7-16daily
10 days0, 1.25, 2.5, 5% (approx. 0, 1000, 1700, 3000 mg/kg bw/day)yes= 1000 mg/kg bw= 1700 ml/kg bw
other: see freetext ME
1997
no dataother TS: phthalic acid, purity 99.5%

Virgin female Wistar rats, about 12 weeks old, were mated overnight withmale rats. The pregnant rats were distributed on a random basis into fourgroups of 11 pregnant rats each and housed individually.
The pregnant rats were fed a diet containing phthalic acid at a dose of 0,
1.25, 2.5, or 5.0% ad libitum on GD 7 - GD 16.

Result184:

The pregnant rats were observed daily for evidence of clinical signs of
toxicity. Maternal body weight and food consumption were recorded daily.
Average daily intake of phthalic acid was calculated. The pregnant rats
were sacrificed on day 20 of pregnancy. The peritoneal cavity and uterus
were opened and the numbers of live and dead fetuses and resorptions
were counted. The gravid uterus was removed and the rats weighed again.
The adjusted weight gain, i.e. maternal weight gain throughout pregnancy
corrected for gravid uterine weight, was calculated. The live fetuses
removed from the uterus were sexed, weighed and inspected for externalmalformations and malformations within the oral cavity. Approximately twothirds of live fetuses in each litter, randomly selected, were fixed in 99%
ethanol, stained alizarin red S and examined for skeletal malformations.
The remaining live fetuses in each litter were fixed in Bouin's solution andexamined for internal malformations.
Maternal toxicity occurred in the 2.5 and 5.0% groups as can be seen bysignificant decreases in the maternal body weight gain and foodconsumption during the administration period. No significant changes inmaternal parameters were found in the 1.25% group. Neither deaths nor
clinical signs of toxicity were noted in any groups. No significant changes
induced by phthalic acid were detected in the incidence of postimplantation
loss and number and sex ratio of live fetuses. Significant decreases in the
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006
weight of male fetuses and number of ossification center of the caudal
vertebrae were found in the 5.0% group. Morphological examinations offetuses revealed no evidence of teratogenesis.
Dose group (%):

O

1.25

2.5

5.0

Maternal findings:
No. of pregnant rats:
No. of dead pregnant rats:
Initial body weight(g):

11
0
242

11
0
243

11
0
243

11
0
244

Body weight gain during pregnancy (g):Days 0-7:
24 26
31 27
Days 7-16:
49 54
40* 20**Days 16-20:
41 40
47 57**
maternal weight gain excluding the gravid uterus:
50 47
42 30**
Food consumption during pregnancy:
Days 0-7:
138 140 145 138
Days 7-16:
198 197 173** 145**
Days 16-20
88 98** 101** 120**
Daily intake of phthalic acid (mg/kg):
01021
Reproductive findings:
No. of litters1111
No. of corpora lutea per
Utter:
14.3
15.3
No. of implantations per
litter13.1
14.0
No. of litters totally resorbed
00No. of resorptions and deadfetuses per litter
1.6
1.3% postimplantation loss per
litter
14.2
9.3
No. of live fetuses per
litter
11.5
12.7
Sex ratio of live fetuses(male/female)
60/66
61/79
Body weight of live fetuses (g)
Male
4.19
4.15
Female
3.92
3.95

1763

2981

11

11

15.7

15.7

14.3
0

13.8
0

0.9

1.3

5.8

8.7

13.4

12.5

83/64

62/76

4.20
3.92

4.03*
3.82

Morphological findings in fetusses:
External examination
No. of fetuses(litters)
examined:
126(11) 140(11) 147(11) 138(11)No. of fetuses(litters) with malformations:0000Skeletal examination
No. of fetuses(litters)
examined:
84(11) 94(11) 97(11) 92(11)No. of fetuses(litters)with malformations:0000
No. of fetuses(litters)with variations:4(3) 5(4) 4(3) 10(6)No. of fetuses(litters) with:
Splitting of thoracic
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DATE: 04.05.2006
vertebral bodies:
1(1) 00
0Asymmetry of stemebrae:
3(3) 4(3) 4(3) 7(6)Splitting of sternebrae:01(1) 05(3)Degree of ossification
No. of ossification centersof caudal vertebraea:
5.5 5.3 5.4 5.1*
No. of stemebrae
5.9 6.0 6.0 5.9
Intemal examination
No. of fetuses(litters)
examined:
42(11) 46(11) 50(11) 46(11)No. of fetuses(litters)with malformations:0000Reliability:

Flag
02.03.2006:

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Duration of test
Doses

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

Method:*, ** Significantly different from the control, P<0.05 and P<0.01,
respectively.
(2) valid with restrictions
No GLP, small number of dams, good documentation
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(230)
mouse
femaleCD-1
i.p.
3d
8.-10. d of pregnancy
highest dose: 0.19 mmol/kg bw/day, as suspension in 0.5%
carboxymethylcellulose
yes, concurrent vehicle
1982
noother TS: purity: > 98 %Animal maintenance:
housing in climate-controlled conditions: 20° C, 50 % humidity, free accessto water and feed
1) Adult lethality testing:administration of the compound to female nonpregnant mice (n=10) on 3
consecutive days as single daily intraperitoneal injections: a geometricprogression of at least 5 doses was used. Deaths were recorded for up to
14 days after final injection. LD01 and LD50 values were reported.
Dosing was started at the 95% confidence limit of the LD01 andprogressing geometrically downward until no effect was observed; doseand number of dose groups not indicated.
2) Teratogenicity testing:Dams were treated daily with intraperitoneal injections on pregnancy days
8-10.
4 or more dose levels with at least 10 dams per group were used.
Vehicle controls were included.
Sacrifice of the mice on day 18, removal of the uteri and determination of
numbers and location of live, dead, and resorbing conceptuses.
All live fetuses were examined gross- and histo-pathologically,
developmental aberrations were recorded. All developmental aberrations

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were recorded, but for the purpose of this study, some minor defects were
not classified as malformations. These included: undescended testes, extralung lobe, and several minor skeletal variants (cervical ribs, extra thoracic
vertebra with pair of ribs).

Result:3) Analysis of data:
The dose-response trends of adult lethality and fetal malformations were
examined by computerized probit analysis. Frequency of fetal malformation
at each dose level was taken as the total number malformed/total numberof live fetuses, and a constant background rate of malformations of 1.08 %was included in the analysis. Results were expressed as doses required toinduce an additional 5 or 50% malformation rate above background (tD05
and tD 50, respectively).
No details of the teratogenic effects of phthalic anhydride were reported.
Maternal lethality
LD01 0.37 mmol/kg bw/day (54.8 mg/kg bw/day), confidence limit: (0.190.43)
LD50 0.51 mmol/kg bw/day (75.5 mg/kg bw/day), confidence limit: (0.440.57) )Reliability:

Teratogenicity
tD05 0.40 mmol/kg bw/day (59.2 mg/kg bw/day), confidence limit: (could
not be calculated by the computer program)
tD50 1.37 mmol/kg bw/day (202.8 mg/kg bw/day), confidence limit: (could
not be calculated by the computer program)(4) not assignable
The study is of limited reliability because of the study design and the poor
documentation.
Study design:
I.p. administration is not a relevant administration route to investigate
developmental toxicity in particular if the compound is an irritant. Observed
effects might be related to irritation at the site of dosing. Additionally,
phthalic anhydride is known to undergo rapid hydrolysis to phthalic acid oncontact with water and it is likely that a similar reaction will occur inbiological systems. Consequently, the parent compound, phthalicanhydride, will not reach the reproductive organs.
Maternal toxicity was investigated in female non-pregnant mice (n=10)
dosed on 3 consecutive days; a geometric progression of at least 5 doses
was used. The only parameter investigated was lethality, and recorded for
up to 14 days after final injection. LD01 and LD50 values (extrapolations)were reported. It is unclear whether the extrapolation from non-pregnant topregnant mice is actually justified.
Documentation:
No data on precise doses and number of dose groups .
No data on positive and negative controls.
No primary data on the phthalic anhydride experiment given in the
publication. LD01, LD50, tD05, and TD50 values are extrapolated without
any information on measerred figures.

Flag

:

No 95% confidence limits could be calculated for teratogenicity of phthalicanhydride, probably because of a "very shallow dose-response curve".
Consequently, the biological relevance of the data presented isquestionable, because of the lack of information on the biological variability
in this test (no negative control values given); the dose-response curves
might be statistically correct but without any biological relevance
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
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DATE: 04.05.2006

06.03.2006(231)

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Duration of test
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

mouse
femaleCD-1
i.p.
3 daysgd 8-10 or gd 11-13
no data
80 mg/kg bw/day
no data specified

Method:Result:Reliability:

Pregnant CD-1 mice (number not given) were dosed with phthalicanhydride by the i.p. route on three consecutive days.
a) GD 8-10 80 mg/kg bw/dayb) GD 11-13 no data givena) 14.4 % or 11,5 % of the viable offspring were malformed. Branched ribs,
fused vertebrae and cleft palatewere the most common defects.
b) Phthalic anhydride was significantly teratogenic; no further data.
(3) invalid
Insufficient information, abstracts only; i.p. application is an exposure routeof unknown relevance for the human situation.
(130) (232) (131)02.03.2006

1978
noother TS: no data on purity given

Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Duration of test
Doses
Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

mouse
femaleCD-1
i.p.
3d
gd 8-10 or gd 11-13

Method:Result:Reliability:

Teratogenicity was evaluated following i.p. administration of TS to pregnant
CD-1 mice on gd 8-10 or 11-13 (no further information)
Phthalic anhydride caused fetal abnormalities, with both dose schedules.
The minimal dose of phthalic anhydride to produce significant increase indefects for treatment days 11-13 was 0.375 mmol/kg bw/d.
(3) invalid
Insufficient information, abstract only; i.p. application is an exposure routeof unknown relevance for the human situation.
(233)

02.03.2006
Species
Sex
StrainRoute of admin.
Exposure period
Frequency of treatm.
Duration of test
Doses
188

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

0.375 mmol/kg = 55.5 mg/kg bw/dno data specified
1978
noother TS: no data on purity given

other: chicken embryoother: white Leghorn
other
11 d
1 injection on day 3
1.4, 0.68, 0.34, 0.17 µmol/egg = 207, 101, 50, 25 µg/egg
UNEP PUBLICATIONSOECD SIDS
5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Control group
MethodYear
GLP
Test substance

:
:
:
:
:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Method:White Leghorn chicken eggs with three day embryos were selected bycandling. The test compound or the solvent (acetone) was injected into theegg in the total volume of 5 µl. Eggs were incubated for 14 days.
The affected embryos were classified into the following categories:
1. Early deaths, embryos, that died before day 5 of the incubation, within
two days of the treatment.
2. Late deaths, non-malformed, externally normal embryos that diedbetween days 5 to 14.
3. Late deaths, malformed, externally malformed embryos that diedbetween days 5 to 14.
4. Malformed survivors, externally malformed embryos alive on day 14 of
the incubation.

Result:Reliability:

24.11.2004

1983
other TS: purity: technical grade

LD50 and ED50 values were calculated.
Dose
Early
Late
Malformed All affected(µmol/egg) deaths deaths
embryos
1.4
20/20
0
0
20/20
0.68
19/30
0
6
25/30
0.34
6/30
0
5
12/30
0.17
0/30
0
3
3/30
acetonecontrol
8/260
9/260
total ED50 for embryotoxicity: 0.38 µmol/egg (corresponds to 56 µg/egg)(4) not assignable
Testsystem not validated to investigate teratogenic effects in mammals.
(234)

5.8.3

TOXICITY TO REPRODUCTION, OTHER STUDIES

5.9

SPECIFIC INVESTIGATIONS

5.10

EXPOSURE EXPERIENCE

Remark07.04.2004:

For humans, phthalic anhydride in the form of vapor, fumeor dust is a primary irritant to mucous membranes and theupper respiratory tract. Initial exposure produces coughing, sneezing,burning sensations in the nose and throat, and increased mucous
secretion. Repeated or continued exposures may result in general
inflammation of the respiratory tract, nasal ulceration and bleeding, atrophyof the mucous membranes (reversible), loss of smell, hoarseness,bronchitis, urticaria, blood changes and symptoms of allergic
hypersensitivity.
It is questionable if phthalic anhydride causes
meat-wrapper's asthma as was claimed.
(235) (236) (237) (238) (239) (240) (241) (203) (242) (243) (206) (244) (245)(246) (247) (248) (249)

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Remark:Reliability:

25.02.2004
RemarkMortality from lung cancer in an acetylene and phthalic anhydride plant: acase-referent study. The study tested the hypothesis that an excess of lungcancer observed in a chemical plant which is producing mainly acetylene,
phthalic anhydride, and their derivatives was attributable to occupational
exposures. Exposures included a large number of chemicals, some ofwhich are known or suspected carcinogens such as soot and phthalates.
The local register of deaths was the source of the cases and referents. The
cases (n=43) were the male residents in the town who had died from lungcancer from 1976 to 1979. The referents were a sample of residents fromthe same town who had died during the same four-year period from causes
other than respiratory cancer. Causes of death were validated throughclinical data and relatives' reports. Information for a complete occupational
history and on smoking habits was collected in interviews of the next of kinof each study subject. After control for age and smoking, the risk of dying
from lung cancer for the subjects previously employed at the chemical plant
relative to those never occupationally exposed was 5.6 (95 % confidence
limits 1.9-16.2). The risk for exposure to lung carcinogens in work
environments other than in the plant was 1.7 (95 % confidence limits 0.93.5). On the whole, occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens
accounted for about one-third of the total number of lung cancer deaths
that occured in the area during the study period.
(4) not assignable
Mixed exposure, no data on exposure
(250)

:

Sensitized people can have serological reactivity to phthalic anhydride,both IgE and IgG, but IgE appears to discriminate cases of asthma fromworkers without asthma better than IgG, because the prevalence of IgG ishigh in exposed workers(251) (252) (253) (254) (193) (255) (166) (195) (172) (202) (175) (205) (256)(257) (258) (132) (249)

Remark

:Prompt healing of corneal burn was reported in 8 individuals within 48 h
after phthalic anhydride exposure by an ophthalmologist.
(259)

Remark:Source:The occupational exposure to phthalic anhydride from 1955 to 1967
resulted in asthmoid bronchitis in three employees. Some of the empolyees
suffered from signs of irritation in skin and eyes
BASF AG Ludwigshafen(260)

Remark:A man developed asthma after grinding epoxy resin moulds made frombisphenol A, with phthalic anhydride as a hardener. He was shown to havea dual asthmatic response after inhalation of phthalic anhydride fumes. It is
postulated that his asthma was caused by the release of phthalic anhydride
during the grinding of cured moldings
(261)

:

During 1977-1993 some 200 personnel were exposed to phthalic anhydridein connection with its manufacture at one plant. Measured exposure levels
were up to 5 mg/m3 (long term, 3.5 hours) and 20 mg/m3 (short term, 1.5
minutes). Medical records showed that in the period just seven employees
reported with symptoms to the same medical practitioner. The autors

22.03.2004

19.03.2004
Remark190

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Source:Type of experience:stated that there was no evidence that symptoms were due to sensitisation
but could have been due to irritating effects.
BP chemicals Ltd.
(262)
other: occupational exposure

19.03.2004(263) (264) (265) (266) (267) (268) (269)Type of experience:other: case report

Remark:Reliability
Flag
19.03.2004::

Case of a 38-year-old female tanker driver suffering from Reactive Airway
Disease Syndrome (RADS)
Patient accidentally inhaled a high concentration of gaseous phthalicanhydride for bout 10 min. she immediately felt a burning of the upper
airways and started coughing. 3 months later she complained of wheezing,
dyspnea at rest as well as chest tightness. One year later she wasasymthonic.
(2) valid with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(270)

Remark:A case of late respiratory systemic syndrome (LRSS) caused by phthalicanhydride is reported: shortness of breath, fever, headache, arthralgia,
myalgia, skin prick test positive. the patient's sensitivity to PA wasconfirmed by PA-bronchoprovocation test.
(271)

:

Phthalic anhydride was detected in welding fume. In the breathing zone of
the welder, the concentration ranged from 10.9 to 20.9 µg/m3 (mean 16.1
µg/m3, SD 3.8, n=5).
(272)

Remark:Reliability:

Flag
19.03.2004:

Acute effects of phthalic anhydride in humans:
After acute intoxication to anhydride dust or vapor a feeling of suffocation,
headache, dizziness, nausea and epigastric burning was described.
(2) valid with restrictions
No information on exposure levels
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(273)

Remark

:Flag
19.03.2004:

Remark:Reliability
Flag

:
:

25.02.2004
Remark
22.03.2004

In case of blistering and ulceration of the skin following contact withphthalic anhydride, transient renal insufficient with anuria was noted in one
person occasionally exposed to phthalic anhydride
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(274)
The first case of asthma and allergic rhinitis found to be due to sensitivity tophthalic anhydride. A chemist (29 years) troubled with stuffiness of thenose and a profuse watery nasal discharge. Skin tests with an extensive
list of substances gave a strong positive reaction to phthalic anhydride in
crystalline form. Neither the solution nor the actual crystals gave positive
scratch reactions in normal controls.
(2) valid with restrictions
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
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DATE: 04.05.2006

19.03.2004(275)

Remark:Reliability:

Flag
19.03.2004:

Remark:Reliability:

Flag
19.03.2004:

Remark:For humans, phthalic anhydride in the form of vapor, fumes, or dust is an
irritant to mucous membranes and the upper respiratory tract. Initial
exposure produces coughing, sneezing, burning sensations in the noseand throat, and increased mucous secretion. Repeated or continued
exposures may result in general inflammation of the respiratory tract, nasal
ulceration and bleeding, atrophy of the mucous membranes (reversible),loss of smell, hoarseness, bronchitis, urticaria, blood changes andsymptoms of allergic hypersensitivity(2) valid with restrictions
No information on exposure levels
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(236) (276)
On moist skin, phthalic anhydride is hydrolyzed to phthalic acid whichcauses irritation; eczema has been observed occasionally also urticaria.
Impurities present in the technical phthalic anhydride, naphthoquinone andmaleic anhydrides, seem to contribute to these symptoms.
(2) valid with restrictions
No information on exposure levels
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(8)
Twenty-three subjects employed on the production of phthalic anhydridewere investigated.
All the workers examined belonged to the bagging department.
In this department, a previous environmental study had found values of PA
of between 1.1 mg/m3 and 14.7 mg/m3.
The subjects were males and with an average age of 53.6 ± 5.9.
The subjects:
1) completed a questionnaire about their history;2) Underwent a clinical examination
3) Underwent respiratory function tests4) Underwent aspecific bronchial stimulation tests5) ) Specific exposure tests with phthalic anhydride:a) Exposure to PA dust using an occupational method: a mixture of dustsof PA for 30 minutes in an inhalation cabin.
b) Exposure for 15 minutes in the same cabin to vapors of PA obtained byevaporating a quantity of pure substance sufficient to produce anatmosphere of 6 mg/m in the cabin, equal to the ACGIH TLV, and meanvalue with reference to the amounts of PA found in the environmental
investigation.
6) Allergometric skin tests7) 7) Detection of specific IgE
RESULTS:
Twenty-three subjects employed on the production of phthalic anhydride
answered a questionnaire as to their history, and underwent a clinicalexamination, broncho-stimulation tests with methacholine and with anultrasonic spray of distilled water, and specific phthalic anhydride exposure
tests.
Rhinitis-type signs and symptoms were found in 12 patients, associated in

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4 cases with conjunctivitis, and associated in 2 cases with real attacks ofasthma. Two patients have only a dry cough on contact with phthalicanhydride.
Where the test with methacholine is concerned, there was a significant
bronchial response in 5 out of 22 cases (22.7%).
As for the distilled water test, which was carried out in 21 of the 23
subjects, 3 significant bronchial responses were obtained.
There were 12 significant nasal responses (60%) out of 20 subjects after
exposure to phthalic anhydride dusts; 8 (42.1%) out of 19 after exposure tovapors; considering the specific tests overall, 15 positive nasal responses
out of 20 were obtained (75%). The mean percentage increase for Rn after
specific exposure tests (with dusts or vapours) was 180.8 ± 254.7.
Agreement with the rhinitis-type signs and symptoms was 91.6% (Table 8).
Detection of specific IgE's for phthalic anhydride was negative in all thesubjects.
The authors conclude that the chemical compound under investigation has
an irritative action on the respiratory tract, and on the nasal mucosa inparticular.
(277)

19.03.2004
Remark:Eye irritation (conjunctivitis) and runny nose (rhinitis) were noted in a groupof 25 persons exposed to phthalic anhydride dust concentrations below 0.2
mg/m3 for 0.3-40 years. Since the workers were exposed to several
anhydrides (i.e., maleic anhydride, isophthalic anhydride, and trimellitic
anhydride, but "to a much lower degree" than phthalic anhydride)
quantitative values cannot be derived from this study.
(278)

Reliability
29.11.2004:(2) valid with restrictions

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

Result:Reliability:

Flag
21.10.2005:

Phthalic anhydride specific immunoglobin E (IgE) was detected by a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) in the serum of a chemical worker withhypersensitivity to phthalic anhydride(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(175)

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

Result:Reliability:

Flag
21.10.2005:

Severe immunoreactions were observed in 2 industrial workers exposed tophthalic anhydride dust for 3 months and for 35 years, respectively. The
phthalic anhydride specific IgE levels in these 2 workers and in 2 otherworkers cross-sensitized with the structurally related anhydrides,
hexahydro phthalic anhydride and himic anhydride, were 10 - 12-foldcompared to a control group of 30 unexposed persons(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(252)

02.03.2006(279)

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ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

RemarkResult::Reliability:

Flag
24.10.2005:

Exposure data see IUCLID 3.2.1
The presence of serum IgE antibodies to phthalic anhydride wasdemonstrated in 4 workers out of 54 exposed occupationally to phthalicanhydride dust in alkyd and/or saturated polyester resin plants(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

Result:Reliability:

Flag
06.03.2006:

Compared to controls, the levels of IgG specific to phthalic anhydride
human serum albumin adducts were increased 4 - 6-fold in exposed
workers e.g. a lab technician testing the quality of phthalic anhydride.
Consistently, in exposed workers, the levels of IgE were also increased 2 6-fold.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(280)

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

RemarkResult::Reliability:

Flag
24.10.2005:

Exposure data see IUCLID 3.2.1
The levels of serum IgE antibodies to phthalic anhydride determined with
RAST were similar in workers exposed to phthalic acid and in controls.
However, the total IgE level in workers of 32 kilounits/liter (ku/l) was twice
the level in controls (15 ku/l). Determined with an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the level of specific antibodies against
phthalic anhydride antigen (IgG) were 0.21 OD in workers, to 0.12 OD incontrols(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(85)

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

Result:Reliability:

Flag
24.10.2005:

In another study, the RAST values of 3 workers exposed to phthalicanhydride were 6, 13, and 34 compared to < 0.3 in controls, indicating highantibody levels against phthalic anhydride in these workers(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint(281)

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

Result:Reliability

:

Flag

:

Baur et al. (1995) examined a group of 96 workers exposed to several acidanhydrides, including phthalic anhydride, in 2 German chemical plants. 9
workers with clinical allergic symptoms and 2 without clinical allergic
symptoms, had IgE levels higher than 0.35 ku/l in an enzyme-allergosorbent test, and 48 symptomatic workers and 42 asymptomatic workers
had IgE levels of less than 0.35 ku/l.
(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

194

(84)

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5. TOXICITYPHTHALIC ANHYDIRDE
ID: 85-44-9
DATE: 04.05.2006

24.10.2005(165)

Type of experience:other: Biological monitoring at the workplace

RemarkResult::Reliability:

Flag
24.10.2005:

Exposure data see IUCLID 3.2.1
In a US factory manufacturing phthalic anhydride, di(2-ehtylhexyl)phthalate,and other phthalates, pronounced increases of urinary phthalate
concentrations occurred only in chemical operators during shift. Since theurine samples were hydrolyzed and determined as dimethylphthalate, itcannot be distinguished between the molecular species potentially present
in urine, e.g. phthalic anhydride, phthalic acid, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, ormono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. However, by additional examinations, neitherdi(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, nor mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate could be
detected in urine samples. There was no correlation between the increasein urinary phthalate concentrations and the workplace air concentrations ofphthalic anhydride and/or of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. The results of thebiological monitoring of total phthalate in urine of three exposure groups
are presented in Table 9. One of the highest post-shift phthalate
concentration occurred in an administrator who was unlikely to be exposed
during work. The pre-shift urinary phthalate concentration of thisadministrator was actually higher than his post-shift value.
Urinary phthalate concentrations in workers of a phthalic anhydride
manufacturing and processing plant (in braketts ± standard deviation)
Preshift:
High exposure, with detectable airborne phthalic anhydride in personal
sample: 26 participants with preshift urinary phthalate concentration (mean,µmol/l) 5.6 ± 3.4;
27 participants with postshift urinary phthalate concentration (mean, µmol/l)
9.9 ± 8.7
High exposure, without detectable airborne phthalic anhydride in personal
sample: 20 participants with preshift urinary phthalate concentration (mean,µmol/l) 4.9 ± 6.1;
19 participants with postshift urinary phthalate
concentration (mean, µmol/l) 6.8 ± 8.1
Control (low exposure): 41 participants with preshift urinary phthalate
concentration (mean, µmol/l) 6.4 ± 6.7; 40 participants with postshift urinary
phthalate concentration (mean, µmol/l) 5.9 ± 5.8(2) valid with restrictions
Basic data given
Critical study for SIDS endpoint
(83)

5.11

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

Type

:

other

Remark02.05.2003:

Review on toxicity

Type

:

other

Remark:Exposed syrian hamster embryo cells: no effect on ornithine
decarboxylase(282) (283)06.02.1998

(284)

Type

:

other

Remark:Formation of in vitro adducts between different classes of xenobiotics(including phthalic anhydride) and the lysine-containing peptide Lys-Tyr
UNEP PUBLICATIONS

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ID: 85-44-9
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was monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography andelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Result: adduct formation was observed

22.03.2004

(285)

Type

:

other

Remark:Chemicals with skin sensitizing potential (including phthalic anhydride)
were incubated with a peptide, glutathione, and resultant mixtures wereanalyzed by mass spectrometry. Eighteen chemicals were assessed, andnew peaks corresponding to chemical-peptide conjugates were detected byMS.
Conjugates were detected for phthalic anhydride. The authors stated that:"The method has advantages as a simple screening assay for assessing
the sensitization potential of chemicals."
(286)

Type

:

other

Remark
Flag
22.03.2004::

Cross reactivity of IgE induced by different anhydrides was reported.
Critical study for SIDS endpoint

Type

:

other: cytotoxicity

Remark:Phthalic anhydride (0.001-1 mM) dissolved in DMSO was added to a
Ascites sarcoma BP8 cell suspension and incubated for 48 hours at 37° C.
The growth rate of the cells was calculated and compared to the averagevalue of 8-10 controls performed in each series of experiments.

19.03.2004

Reliability

(252)

:

Result: 1 mM phthalic anhydride caused 14 % inhibition on cell culture
growth rate (no further information).
(2) valid with restrictions
No GLP

04.03.2004
Type

(287)
:

other: review on phthalic acid

22.03.2004
Remark196(288) (289):

The irritation caused by pure phthalic anhydride in rats and guinea pigs isenhanced by by-products like naphthoquinone and maleic acid and othercompounds of unknown structure(217)

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