TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

August 1998
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE ii

DISCLAIMER

The use of company or product name(s) is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE iii

UPDATE STATEMENT

Toxicological profiles are revised and republished as necessary, but no less than once every three years. For

information regarding the update status of previously released profiles, contact ATSDR at:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch

1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29

Atlanta, Georgia 30333


vi

*Legislative Background

The toxicological profiles are developed in response to the Super-fund Amendments and

Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (Public Law 99-499) which amended the Comprehensive

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Super-fund). Section

211 of SARA also amended Title 10 of the U. S. Code, creating the Defense Environmental

Restoration Program. Section 2704(a) of Title 10 of the U. S. Code directs the Secretary of Defense

to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services of not less than 25 of the most commonly found

unregulated hazardous substances at defense facilities. Section 2704(b) of Title 10 of the U. S. Code

directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to

prepare a toxicological profile for each substance on the list provided by the Secretary of Defense

under subsection (b).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE vii

CONTRIBUTORS

CHEMICAL MANAGER(S)/AUTHOR(S):

Malcolm Williams, Ph.D.

ATSDR, Division of Toxicology, Atlanta, GA

Diana Wong, Ph.D., DABT

Sciences International, Inc., Alexandria, VA

Patricia M. Bittner, M.S.

Sciences International, Inc., Alexandria, VA

Steve Rhodes, Ph.D.

Sciences International, Inc., Alexandria, VA

THE PROFILE HAS UNDERGONE THE FOLLOWING ATSDR INTERNAL REVIEWS:

1. Green Border Review. Green Border review assures consistency with ATSDR policy.

2 Health Effects Review. The Health Effects Review Committee examines the health effects chapter of

each profile for consistency and accuracy in interpreting health effects and classifying end points.

3. Minimal Risk Level Review. The Minimal Risk Level Workgroup considers issues relevant to

substance-specific minimal risk levels (MRLs), reviews the health effects database of each profile,

and makes recommendations for derivation of MRLs.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE ix

PEER REVlEW

A peer review panel was assembled for diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The panel consisted of the following

members:

1. Dr. Arthur Gregory, Private Consultant, Sterling, VA

2. Dr. Rudy Jaeger, President and Principal Scientist, Environmental Medicine, Inc., Westwood, NJ

3. Dr. Norbert Page, Private Consultant, Gaithersburg, MD

These experts collectively have knowledge of diisopropyl methylphosphonate’s physical and chemical

properties, toxicokinetics, key health end points, mechanisms of action, human and animal exposure, and

quantification of risk to humans. All reviewers were selected in conformity with the conditions for peer

review specified in Section 104(i)( 13) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and

Liability Act, as amended.

Scientists from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have reviewed the peer

reviewers’ comments and determined which comments will be included in the profile. A listing of the peer

reviewers’ comments not incorporated in the profile, with a brief explanation of the rationale for their

exclusion, exists as part of the administrative record for this compound. A list of databases reviewed and a

list of unpublished documents cited are also included in the administrative record.

The citation of the peer review panel should not be understood to imply its approval of the profile’s final

content. The responsibility for the content of this profile lies with the ATSDR.









DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 1

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

This public health statement tells you about diisopropyl methylphosphonate and the effects of

exposure.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies the most serious hazardous waste sites in

the nation. These sites make up the National Priorities List (NPL) and are the sites targeted for

long-term federal clean-up. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been found in at least 2 of the

1,416 current or former NPL sites. However, it’s unknown how many NPL sites have been

evaluated for this substance. This is important because exposure to this substance may harm you

and because these sites may be sources of exposure.

When a substance is released from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a container,

such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment. This release does not always lead to

exposure. You are exposed to a substance only when you come in contact with it. You may be

exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance or by skin contact.

If you are exposed to diisopropyl methylphosphonate, many factors determine whether you’ll be

harmed. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how you come

in contact with it. You must also consider the other chemicals you’re exposed to and your age,

sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.

1.I WHAT IS DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE?

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is a colorless liiquid at normal temperatures. It is also known as

methyl-,bis-( l-methyl-ethyl)ester, phosphonic acid, and methyl-diisopropyl ester.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate, or DIMP, is a chemical by-product resulting from the

manufacture and detoxification of GB (also called Sarin), a nerve gas that the Army produced
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 2

from 1953 to 1957. A chemical by-product is a chemical that is formed while making another

substance. You might find diisopropyl methylphosphonate in places where GB has been

produced, stored, or used, for example, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) outside of Denver,

Colorado. The RMA is where GB was produced for loading into chemical warfare munitions.

Production of GB was discontinued in 1957, and it is not likely that GB, or diisopropyl methylphosphonate, will be produced in the United States in the future because of signing of a chemical

treaty that bans not only the use but also the production and stockpiling of poison gases.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is a colorless liquid. A small amount (0. 1%, or 1g of DIMP in

1,000 rnL of water) of it dissolves in water, but some scientists have found it to be more soluble

(8%). Once it is dissolved, little, if any, evaporates into the air. More information on the

chemical and physical properties of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is found in Chapter 3. More

information on the production and use of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is found in Chapter 4.

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE WHEN IT

ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT?

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was released into the environment at the RMA between 1953 and

1957. While most discharged diisopropyl methylphosphonate entered the groundwater at the

RMA, some also entered the surface water and soils. It is unlikely that diisopropyl methylphosphonate

escaped to the air because it does not evaporate easily. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate

does not break down in the environment very quickly and can remain in water and soil for years.

The flow of water during irrigation can carry diisopropyl methylphosphonate through the soil.

Plants can take up diisopropyl methylphosphonate and store or accumulate it in leaves and DIMP

may enter the food chain when animals eat these plants. However, because DIMP is rapidly

changed to isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA) by animals that eat it, it is unlikely that

DIMP will be present further up the food chain. Muman exposure may also occur by consumption

of home-grown fruits and vegetables irrigated by DIMP-contaminated water. For more

information on what happens to diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the environment, see Chapters

4 and 5.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 3

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE?

Exposure of the general population to diisopropyl methylphosphonate is expected to be rare and

even then in small amounts. Only people living near a site where DIMP is found (such as RMA)

may be exposed to this substance.

Drinking or showering with water containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate, or eating vegetables

irrigated with it are the most likely ways that a person can be exposed to it. Water contaminated

with DIMP has been found only at or near the RMA. In 1974 diisopropyl methylphosphonate

was first measured in the groundwater at RMA. The reported amounts ranged from 0.5 parts per

billion (ppb) to 44,000 ppb (1 ppb is equivalent to one part by weight of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in a billion parts by volume of water or soil). In 1989, soil samples from some

areas in the RMA were reported to contain approximately 50 ppb to 240 ppb of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. During the most recent comprehensive groundwater sampling at RMA in

1995, diisopropyl methylphosphonate concentrations in groundwater were reported to range from

less than 0.110 ppb to 965 ppb. It is possible that exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate

might occur by eating plants that absorbed it from water or soil.

Please refer to Chapter 5 for more information on how you might be exposed to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

1.4 HOW CAN DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE ENTER AND LEAVE MY

 BODY?

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate may enter your body after drinking water contaminated with it or

it may enter through your skin. You could be exposed to diisopropyl methylphosphonate if you

drink water that contains the chemical near the RMA. Exposure of the general population to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate is not likely to occur. Studies in animals show that diisopropyl

methylphosphonate enters the bloodstream relatively quickly following oral exposure. Animal
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 4

studies also show that once diisopropyl methylphosphonate is inside the body, it is changed almost

completely into isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA) and leaves the body in the urine.

Chapter 2 has more information on how diisopropyl methylphosphonate can enter and leave the

body.

1.5 HOW CAN DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE AFFECT MY HEALTH?

Scientists use many tests to protect the public from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and to

find ways to treat people who have been harmed.

One way to see if a chemical will hurt people is to learn how the chemical is absorbed, changed,

and released by the body; for some chemicals, animal testing may be necessary. Animal testing

may also be used to identify health effects such as cancer or birth defects. Without laboratory

animals, scientists would lose a basic method to get information needed to make wise decisions to

protect public health. Scientists have the responsibility to treat research animals with care and

compassion. Laws today protect the welfare of research animals, and scientists must comply with

strict animal care guidelines.

Little is known about the human health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Skin rashes

and other signs of irritation have been reported in some people who handled dead animals near a

pond containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate and other chemicals, but it is not known which

substances caused these effects.

Drinking large amounts of diisopropyl methylphosphonate kills animals. The amount needed to

cause death in humans is not known for sure. Animal studies have shown no evidence that

drinking or eating diisopropyl methylphosphonate causes fertility problems or birth defects.

Animal studies have shown that eating diisopropyl methylphosphonate can affect some liver

enzymes (indicating a response by the liver). However, test animals showed no liver disease.

While most animal studies have shown only minimal toxic effects below a certain level of
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 5

exposure, there is some evidence that diisopropyl methylphosphonate can cause effects on the

blood and nervous systems at high levels. Overall, however, it is not a very toxic chemical.

See Chapter 2 for more information about the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

1.6 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN

EXPOSED TO DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE?

Once inside the body, diisopropyl methylphosphonate is rapidly converted to isopropyl methylPhosphonic acid (IMPA), which is rapidly cleared from the blood. Laboratory tests can determine

the amount of IMPA in the blood or urine. However, because IMPA leaves the body rapidly,

these tests are useful only for recent exposure. It is helpful for your doctor to know whether

there are other chemicals to which you have been exposed. See Chapters 2 and 6 for more

information.

1.7 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO

PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH?

The federal government develops regulations and recommendations to protect public health.

Regulations can be enforced by law. Federal agencies that develop regulations for toxic

substances include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Recommendations provide valuable guidelines to protect public health but cannot be enforced by

law. Federal organizations that develop recommendations for toxic substances include the

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Regulations and recommendations can be expressed in not-to-exceed levels in air, water, soil, or

food that are usually based on levels that affect animals, then they are adjusted to help protect

people. Sometimes these not-to-exceed levels differ among federal organizations because of
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 6

different exposure times (an 8-hour workday or a 24hour day), the use of different animal

studies, or other factors.

Recommendations and regulations are also periodically updated as more information becomes

available. For the most current information, check with the federal agency or organization that

provides it. Some regulations and recommendations for diisopropyl methylphosphonate include

the following:

The EPA has issued guidelines concerning recommendations for levels of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate that may be in drinking water, including Health Advisories. It has concluded

that a lifetime of exposure to drinking water containing 0.6 mg/L (1 mg/L = 1 milligram of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in 1 liter of water) of diisopropyl methylphosphonate would not

result in any noncancer harmful health effects. This amount, 0.6 mg/L, is the same as 600 parts

per billion parts of water. The EPA has determined that diisopropyl methylphosphonate is

unclassifiable as to its ability to cause cancer in humans, that is, there are not enough data to

classify the ability of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to cause cancer in humans. For more

information, see Chapter 7.

1.8 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or

environmental quality department or

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Division of Toxicology

1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29

Atlanta, Georgia 30333
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 7

*Information line and technical assistance

Phone: l-800-447-1544

Fax: (404) 639-6315 or 6324

ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics These

clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to

hazardous substances.

*To order toxicological profiles, contact

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Phone (800) 553-6847 or (703) 487-4650

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 9

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and other

interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective on the toxicology of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. It contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological

investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of toxicity and toxicokinetic data to

public health.

A glossary and list of acronyms, abbreviations, and symbols can be found at the end of this profile.

2.2 DISCUSSION OF HEALTH EFFECTS BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE

To help public health professionals and others address the needs of persons living or working near hazardous

waste sites, the information in this section is organized first by route of exposure (inhalation, oral, and

dermal) and then by health effect (death, systemic, immunological, neurological, reproductive, developmental,

genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects). These data are discussed in terms of three exposure periods: acute

(14 days or less), intermediate (15-364 days), and chronic (365 days or more).

Levels of significant exposure for each route and duration are presented in tables and illustrated in figures.

The points in the figures showing no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) or lowest-observed-adverseeffect levels (LOAELs) reflect the actual doses (levels of exposure) used in the studies. LOAELs have been

classified into “less serious” or “serious” effects. “Serious” effects are those that evoke failure in a biological

system and can lead to morbidity or mortality (e.g., acute respiratory distress or death). “Less serious” effects

are those that are not expected to cause significant dysfunction or death, or those whose significance to the

organism is not entirely clear. ATSDR acknowledges that a considerable amount of judgment may be

required in establishing whether an end point should be classified as a NOAEL, “less serious” LOAEL, or

“serious” LOAEL, and that in some cases, there will be insufficient data to decide whether the effect is

indicative of significant dysfunction. However, the Agency has established guidelines and policies that are

used to classify these end points. ATSDR believes that there is sufficient merit in this approach to warrant an

attempt at distinguishing between “less serious” and “serious” effects. The distinction between “less serious”
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 10

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

effects and “serious” effects is considered to be important because it helps users of the profiles to identify

levels of exposure at which major health effects start to appear. LOAELs or NOAELs should also help in

determining whether or not the effects vary with dose anti/or duration, and place into perspective the possible

significance of these effects to human health.

The significance of the exposure levels shown in the Levels of Significant Exposure (LSE) tables and figures

may differ depending on the user’s perspective. Public health officials and others concerned with appropriate

actions to take at hazardous waste sites may want information on levels of exposure associated with more

subtle effects in humans or animals or exposure levels below which no adverse effects have been observed.

Estimates of levels posing minimal risk to humans (Minimal Risk Levels or MRLs) may be of interest to

health professionals and citizens alike.

Estimates of exposure levels posing minimal risk to humans (Minimal Risk Levels or MRLs) have been made

for diisopropyl methylphosphonate. An MRL is defined as an estimate of daily human exposure to a

substance that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects (noncarcinogenic) over a specified

duration of exposure. MRLs are derived when reliable and sufficient data exist to identify the target organ(s)

of effect or the most sensitive health effect(s) for a specific duration within a given route of exposure. MRLs

are based on noncancer health effects only and do not reflect a consideration of carcinogenic effects. MRLs

can be derived for acute, intermediate, and chronic duration exposures for inhalation and oral routes.

Appropriate methodology does not exist to develop MRLs for dermal exposure.

Although methods have been established to derive these levels (Barnes and Dourson 1988; EPA 1990),

uncertainties are associated with these teclrniques. Furthermore, ATSDR acknowledges additional

uncertainties inherent in the application of the procedures to derive less than lifetime MRLs. As an example,

acute inhalation MRLs may not be protective for health effects that are delayed in development or result from

repeated acute insults, such as hypersensitivity reactions, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. As these kinds of

health effects data become available and methods to assess levels of significant human exposure improve,

these MRLs will be revised.

A User’s Guide has been provided at the end of this profile (see Appendix B). This guide should aid in the

interpretation of the tables and figures for Levels of Significant Exposure and the MRLs.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 11

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.1 Inhalation Exposure

No studies were located regarding the following health effects in humans or animals after inhalation exposure

to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

2.2.1.I Death

2.2.1.2 Systemic Effects

2.2.1.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects

2.2.1.4 Neurological Effects

2.2.1.5 Reproductive Effects

2.2.1.6 Developmental Effects

2.2.1.7 Genotoxic Effects

No studies were located regarding genotoxic effects in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.5.

2.2.1.8 Cancer

No studies were located regarding carcinogenic effects in bumans or animals after inhalation exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

2.2.2 Oral Exposure

No data are available regarding health effects in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. However, data are available regarding animals.

Results of these studies are discussed below and presented in Table 2-1 and Figure 2- 1.












DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 24

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.2.1 Death

No studies were located regarding death in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Three of five male Fisher-344 rats dosed once with 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate by gavage

died (DOD 1991b). In a micronucleus assay using this species, 3 of 7 rats dosed on 3 successive days with

800 mg/kg died, but no deaths occurred at the next lower dose, 400 mg/kg (DOD 1991b). A repeat of this

experiment in which rats were dosed with 400,600, or 800 mg/kg for 3 days resulted in the deaths of 2 of

7 high-dose rats (DOD 1991 b). Oral LD50s of 1,125 and 826 mg/kg have been reported for male and female

rats, respectively (Hart 1976). Single doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (430, 632, 928, 1,362, and

2,000 mg/kg) dissolved in polyethylene glycol 400 were administered by gastric intubation to 10 male and 10

female Sprague-Dawley rats at each dose level. The animals were examined for 14 days. By the day

following the administration of the compound, all 10 males in the 1,362-mg/kg group and 9 of 10 males in

the 2,000-mg/kg group had died (the remaining animal in the 2,000-mg/kg group died the following day).

Similarly, all 10 females in the 1,362-mg/kg group and 9 of 10 females in the 2,000-mg/kg group had died

(the remaining female died on day 2). Further, on the first 2 days subsequent to dosing 8 of 10 females but

none of the 10 males in the 928-mg/kg group died. No deaths occurred in males or females administered 430

or 632 mg/kg. Signs of intoxication in both sexes included decreased activity, occasional ataxia, and

prostration (Hart 1976).

Parallel experiments in Swiss Webster mice yielded LD50s of 1,041 and 1,363 mg/kg in males and females,

respectively (Hart 1976). Mortalities included 2 of 10 females in the 430-mg/kg group, 2 of 10 females and

3 of 10 males in the 928-mg/kg group, 3 of 10 females and 9 of 10 males in the 1,362-mg/kg group, and all

10 males and all 10 females in the 2,000-mg/kg group. As is the case with rats, nearly all deaths occurred on

the 1st day following gavage treatment with diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Signs of intoxication included

decreased activity and prostration (Hart 1976). In a range-finding study for a bone marrow micronucleus

assay, 5 of 5 male mice receiving 2,000 mg/kg for 3 days by gavage died, but no deaths occurred in mice

receiving 1,000 mg/kg (DOD 1991a).

An LD50 of 503 mg/kg was calculated from the results of a study in which adult female mink were

administered single doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate by gavage (doses of 75, 150, 300, 450, 500,
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 25

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

550, and 600 mg/kg) (Aulerich et al. 1979). Deaths occurred within a few hours after dosing. Animals that

did not die recovered completely within several hours after administration of the compound.

In a 14-day lethality study of calves dosed with diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or

1,000 mg/kg via gelatin capsules gavaged using a balling gun, both of the two calves in the highest dose

group died (Cysewski et al. 1981; Palmer et al. 1979). No animals in any of the other dose groups died. The

study authors calculated the LD50 to be approximately 750 mg/kg.

An LD50 of 1,490 mg/kg was derived from a study using Mallard ducks in which groups of 10 of each sex

were given a single dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate by gavage at doses that ranged from 1,300 to

1,800 mg/kg and were observed for 14 days (Aulerich et al. 1979). The study authors attributed the deaths of

many ducks to drowning on the copious amounts of saliva that were generated following exposure rather than

true systemic toxicity. Necropsy showed no gross pathological changes.

No mortality occurred, nor were there judged to be any signs of toxicity, in beagle dogs receiving diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet for 2 weeks at 0, 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day (each dose group consisted of one

male and one female) (Hart 1976). In a developmental toxicity study, no deaths occurred in female rats

receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at 0, 10, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day on days 6-15 of gestation

(Hart 1980).

No significant mortality related to diisopropyl methylphosphonate was noted in groups of 5 male and

5 female juvenile pastel mink receiving dietary doses of 0.2, 2, 17, 201, or 1,852 mg/kg/day for 21 days

(Aulerich et al. 1979). A comparison of this study with the LD50 study in mink suggests that diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is more toxic following gavage administration than following administration in the diet.

No mortality was noted in male or female rats that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in drinking water

at 0.0090 or 0.9 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks (males) or 19 weeks (females) (Hardisty et al. 1977). EPA (1989)

indicated that actual doses could not be verified, considered the study inappropriate for human health risk

assessment, and rejected it for use in the development of a hazard advisory. No mortality occurred and no

toxic effects were noted in beagle dogs (4 per sex per dose group) that received diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day) for 13 weeks (Hart 1980).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 26

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

No deaths or evidence of toxicity were attributable to diisopropyl methylphosphonate administered for 26

weeks in the drinking water of rats at concentrations of 0.6 ppb, 6.0 ppb, 10 ppm, and 1,000 ppm (6.6x10-7,

6.6x10-5, 0.011, and 1.1 mg/kg/day, respectively) (Army 1978). It should be noted that there is some

confusion concerning the concentration units used in this study (EPA 1989). EPA (1989) states that

conversions between ppm and mg/L were incorrectly calculated using the air conversion factor. EPA (1989)

also indicates that analysis of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in this study determined that it was

only 65% pure. Therefore, results from the Army (1978) study are considered inappropriate for human

health risk assessment. No deaths of adult rats were recorded in a three-generation study of reproductive

effects in rats receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at 0, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day (Hart 1980).

In a 90-day toxicity study in which 179 mice received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of

0,27,9 1, or 273 mg/kg/day, two deaths occurred in the 91 mg/kg/day male group. Since no deaths were

observed in the 273-mg/kg/day group and no other signs of toxicity were observed, it was concluded that

there was no evidence of toxicity in this 90-day study (Hart 1976). Four male rats died (1 control, 1 lowdose, and 2 high-dose animals) out of a total of 256 animals in a 90-day study, in which rats received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day. The deaths were neither

dose nor duration related and were not considered of toxicologic importance (Hart 1976).

In a reproductive study in which groups of 25 female and 6 male dark variety mink were fed diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at 0, 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day for approximately 49 weeks, an increase in

deaths occurred in females that was statistically significant at the high dose (Aulerich et al. 1979). No control

females died, while 2 of 23, 3 of 24, and 5 of 24 died at the low, middle, and high doses, respectively. The

first death that occurred was in the lowest dose group. No adverse symptoms were noted before the deaths

occurred. Three of the five deaths at the high dose occurred between the time of mating and lactation.

Among males, 1 of 6 controls and 1 of 6 treated at 11 mg/kg/day died. All male mink treated at the higher

doses survived.

Although the increase in deaths in female mink was statistically significant at the high dose, it was not clear if

the deaths were treatment related. In a concurrent study that was conducted to assess the toxicity of

dicyclopentadiene, which used mink from the same lot, the mortality in the untreated female mink was 4 of

24, with 2 mink dying between the time of mating and lactation. It should also be noted that mink have a

relatively high natural mortality (EPA 1989). The natural mortality for 1st-year mink in a commercial fur

ranch operation approaches 6% annually, and up to 15% of lactating females may die in the late gestation
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 27

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

period from “nursing sickness” (Schneider and Hunter 1993). Although it is not clear when the mink in the

Aulerich et al. (1979) study died in relation to lactation, some female mink did die during the time period that

included lactation. Further evidence that the deaths of mink may not have been related to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate treatment comes from a second study in mink (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994). In this 90-day

study, no mortality was observed in male or female mink receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet

at doses of 0, 7, 63, 345, 749, or 1,009 mg/kg/day for males and 0, 9, 82, 455, 908, or 1,264 mg/kg/day for

females. Although the Bucci et al. (1992, 1994) study lacks a breeding period, it was a better controlled

study than the Aulerich et al. (1979) study. In the Bucci et al. (1992, 1994) study, diisopropyl methylphosphonate was measured in the diet, food intake was measured weekly, and the mink were housed in a

laboratory. In the Aulerich et al. (1979) study, diisopropyl methylphosphonate dietary levels were not

measured, food intake was estimated only once every 2 weeks, and the animals were housed outside in pens.

Recently, a two-generation reproductive study in mink was performed by Bucci et al. (1997). In the parental

(F0) generation, groups of 7 male and 35 female brown Ranch Wild mink were fed diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at 0, 15,47, or 285 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 26, 85, or 460 mg/kg/day (females) for

4 weeks (males) or 4 months (females). Two groups of control animals were used. However, the study

authors noted that the DlMP consumption calculated for the F1 generation should be used for extrapolation to

humans, instead of the values obtained for F0 animals, because body weight and food consumption were not

monitored for F0animals until they were brought inside from the farm at 8 months of age. Furthermore, the

F1 data offers a more conservative estimate, because the exposure was over a longer period of time. Although

3.5% (6/175) of the F0 females (1 control, 2 low dose, 2 mid dose, and 1 high dose) died before the scheduled

sacrifice, all of the animals except 1 mid dose animal showed signs of a stress syndrome characterized by

stopping eating, lethargy, and weight loss that are associated with mink.

In the F1 generation, 13 males and 35 females were used per group. Concentrations of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in feed corresponded to 0, 16,45, or 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 20, 57, or

330 mg/kg/day (females) for either 8 months (males) or 13 months (females). Again, two groups of control

animals were used. In the F1 generation, 4.6% (8/175) of the females died before the scheduled sacrifice. Six

of these (1 in each control group, 1 each in the low- and mid-dose groups, and 2 in the high-dose group) died

of a stress syndrome common in minks that was induced by a slight anesthesia overdose. One mid-dose male

also died of the same syndrome. A 7th female from the low-dose group, which was prone to seizures after

being stressed during procedures such as cage cleaning, died unexpectedly after such a seizure. The 8th

animal, a high-dose female who had shown signs of stress syndrome, was found to have a ruptured uterus.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 28

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Because the deaths either occurred early in the study, were randomly distributed among dose groups, or were

associated with a stress syndrome common among mink, they are not believed to result from DIMP exposure.

Thus, it appears that the deaths observed in the previous study by Aulerich et al. (1979) were not treatment

related.

2.2.2.2 Systemic Effects

The highest NOAEL and all LOAEL values from each reliable study for systemic effects in each species and

duration category are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted .in Figure 2-1.

No studies were located regarding musculoskeletal or dermal effects in humans or animals after oral exposure

to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Respiratory Effects. No studies were located regarding respiratory effects in humans after oral exposure

to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

The respiratory system does not appear to be a target of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Exposure has only

occasionally resulted in respiratory effects, and the effects did not appear to be dose or treatment related.

Necropsy of both male and female rats that died as the result of a single dose (928, 1,362, or 2,000 mg/kg) of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate, administered by gastric intubation, revealed some hyperemia of the lungs;

however, most animals displayed no abnormalities (Hart 4976). Changes in the lungs were not observed in

rats that survived treatment at 928 mg/kg or at lower doses (430, 632 mg/kg). No abnormal necropsy

findings were noted in Swiss Webster mice dosed similarlly (430, 632, 928, 1,362, 2,000 mg/kg) in a

companion study (Hart 1976). No important abnormalities were noted in the necropsy of rats receiving

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 90 days (Hart 1976). No

noteworthy deviations were noted in the necropsy or histopathology examination of male or female beagles

receiving dietary doses of 0, 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day for 14 days (Hart 1976). No gross lesions were noted in

rats subsequent to receiving drinking water containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate at doses of 6.6x10-7,

6.6x10-5, 0.011, or 1.1 mg/kg/day (Army 1978). However, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some

confusion concerning the concentration units and purity of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the

Army (1978) study (EPA 1989). Therefore, results from the Army (1978) study are considered inappropriate

for human health risk assessment.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 29

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

In a study of calves dosed with diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg via

gelatin capsules placed with a balling gun, calves at the highest dose level displayed pulmonary emphysema

upon autopsy (Palmer et al. 1979). No respiratory effects were observed at sublethal dose levels.

Male juvenile pastel mink receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 201 or

1,852 mg/kg/day for 21 days demonstrated significantly lower lung weights (toxicity is usually, but not

always, associated with increased lung weight), although there were no significant changes observed during

necropsy (Aulerich et al. 1979). The study autbors concluded that the compound was nontoxic in the 21-day

test. Respiratory effects were not observed in mink treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at

doses of 95 mg/kg/day for 49 weeks (Aulerich et al. 1979).

Cardiovascular Effects. No studies were located regarding cardiovascular effects in humans after oral

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Mean blood pressure was decreased in male and female Mallard ducks given a single dose of 1,500 mg/kg of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate via proventricular intubation (Iones et al. 1992). The proventriculus is a

glandular stomach that precedes the gizzard in birds. However, pulse pressure and heart rate were not

affected. Therefore, it is likely that cardiac output and/or resistance were decreased. The study authors

speculated that diisopropyl methylphosphonate acts in a mechanism similar to that of meprobamate and

glycerol guaiacolate (two psychotropic agents), i.e., by depressing or blocking nerve impulse transmission at

the internuncial neuron level of the spinal cord, brain stem, and subcortical areas of the central nervous

system.

There is no evidence from animal studies that diisopropyl methylphosphonate directly affects the

cardiovascular system except at very high doses (Palmer et al. 1979). No anomalous necropsy or

histopathological effects were noted in rats that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses

of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1976). Similarly, no abnormalities were noted in mice that

received the compound in the diet at doses of 0, 27, 91, or 273 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1976). In this

study, beagle dogs were also treated with the compound in the diet at doses of 0, 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day for

14 days (Hart 1976). No deviation in heart weight or abnormal histopathological findings were reported in

beagles that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0, 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day for

13 weeks (Hart 1980).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 30

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

In a study of calves given a single dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or

1,000 mg/kg via gelatin capsules placed with a balling gun, animals that died at the highest dose level

displayed petechiae in the coronary grooves and ecchymotic hemorrhaging of the gastrointestinal tract upon

autopsy (Palmer et al. 1979). No cardiovascular effects were observed at sublethal dose levels.

No significant changes in heart weight or histopathological findings were noted in mink receiving diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0.2, 2, 17,201, or 1,852 mg/kg/day for 21 days (Aulerich et al

1979). Gross and histopathological examination of mink that received 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day for 49 weeks

revealed no consistent pathological changes (Aulerich et al. 1979).

Gastrointestinal Effects. No studies were located regarding gastrointestinal effects in humans after oral

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

In a study of calves dosed with diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg via

gelatin capsules placed with a balling gun, calves that died at the highest dose level displayed acute

gastroenteritis and ecchymotic hemorrhaging upon necropsy (Palmer et al. 1979). No gastrointestinal effects

were observed at sublethal dose levels.

Hematological Effects. No studies were located regarding hematological effects in humans after oral

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Hematological effects were noted in several animal studies. A few instances of significant differences were

noted in the hematocytology (red blood cell [BBC] count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, leukocyte count,

and differential leukocyte count) in rats that had received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses

of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day for 90 days. However, because the differences were so scattered and lacked

clear dose response, they were considered of no toxicological importance (Hart 1976). Beagles that had been

treated with the compound in the diet at doses of 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day for 14 days demonstrated values that

were within normal limits for hemoglobin, hematocrit, BBC count, total leukocyte count, and differential

leukocyte count (Hart 1976). In a 3-month study of beagles receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the

diet at concentrations that provided doses of 0, 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day, no clear dose-related adverse

toxicological changes were noted in erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count,

hemoglobin, packed cell volume, clotting time, blood glucose, or albumin (Hart 1980). Based on the NOAEL
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 31

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

of 75 mg/kg/day for hematological effects in dogs, an intermediate-duration oral MRL of 0.8 mg/kg/day was

derived as described in the footnote in Table 2-l a

In a study of calves given a single dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or

1,000 mg/kg via gelatin capsules placed with a balling gun, no hematological effects were observed at any

dose level (Palmer et al. 1979).

Juvenile pastel mink that ingested 201 or 1,852 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in food for 21

days showed a significantly depressed hematocrit (Aulerich et al. 1979). A significantly lower percentage of

lymphocytes in peripheral blood was also noted in mink after ingestion of 2,201, or 1,852 mg/kg/day in the

diet for 21 days. Mink that received food containing the compound at 17 mg/kg/day did not demonstrate a

change in lymphocytes. The decreased hematocrit probably resulted from RBC damage and subsequent RBC

clearance. This would explain the increase in reticulocytes and Heinz bodies noted in other studies. Increased

hematocrit was noted in male dark variety mink treated with 37 or 95 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate

in feed for 49 weeks, but not in males treated with 11 mg/kg/day or in females in any of the treatment

groups. No differences in hemoglobin concentration or mean corpuscular hemoglobin were noted in either

sex in any of the treatment groups (Aulerich et al. 1979).

Compared to controls, male dark brown Ranch Wild mink that were fed standard ranch diet containing

diisopropyl methylphosphonate at doses of 1,009 mg/kg/day for 90 days had a significantly lower hematocrit

at week 13, and lower hemoglobins at weeks 3, 7, and 13 (Bucci et al. 1994). Females that consumed 908 or

1,264 mg/kg/day had significantly lower hematocrit than the controls starting at week 3. There were no

significant changes in mean erythrocyte cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, or mean cell hemoglobin

concentration. The mean number of reticulocytes in females treated at 1,264 mg/kg/day and in males at

747 mg/kg/day was significantly increased compared to the controls. The females that received 908 or

1,264 mg/kg/day had a significant increase in platelets (averaged across all time points) compared to the

controls. Inconsistent changes in erythrocyte morphology were noted in the 3 highest dose groups (345, 747,

1,009 mg/kg/day for males; 455, 908, 1,264 mg/kg/day for females). All erythrocyte anomalies were normal

by week 3 after treatment. Both males and females in the highest dose groups demonstrated a significant

increase in Heinz bodies from week 3 through week 13, and at week 13 the females receiving 908 mg/kg/day

showed a significant increase in Heinz bodies. Although not statistically significant, the number of Heinz

bodies in males at 345 mg/kg/day and in females at 455 mg/kg/day was increased relative to the controls.

Heinz bodies are inclusions in the RBCs resulting from the irreversible denaturation and precipitation of
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 32

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

hemoglobin. An increase in Heinz bodies causes the cells to be less deformable, have a reduced lifespan, and

be vulnerable to splenic phagocytes and thus induces a predisposition for the RBCs to become trapped in the

splenic sinuses and destroyed by phagocytes. The Heinz body data suggest that diisopropyl

methylphosphonate may cause oxidative damage to the tertiary structure of hemoglobin, thus reducing the

lifespan of RBCs, which in turn ultimately induces hematopoiesis. A marginal increase in the incidence and

severity of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis was observed in male mink exposed to 1,009 mg/kg/day of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet for 90 days (Bucci et al. 1994). The RBC data and the reticulocyte

data are consistent with a hematopoietic response to increased RBC destruction. The study authors indicated

that the observed hematological changes suggested that diisopropyl methylphosphonate or its metabolites had

oxidant properties that resulted in the denaturation of hemoglobin and shortened RBC lifespan (Bucci et al.

1992).

Similar results were observed in a two-generation study of Ranch Wild brown mink. Males were fed 0, 16,

45, or 262 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 8 months, and females were fed 0, 20, 57, or

330 mg/kg/day diisopropyf methylphosphonate for 13 months (Bucci et al. 1997). In the F0 generation, no

changes in hematologicaf parameters were observed in males. However, in F0-generation females fed

330 mg/kg/day, RBC counts were significantly decreased, and reticulocyte counts, Heinz body counts, and

mean cell volume were significantly increased. In the F1-generation females fed 330 mg/kg/day diisopropyl

methylphosphonate, Heinz body counts were increased at 6 and 13 months. Males fed this dose also had

increased Heinz body counts. High-dose F1 male kits bad significantly decreased RBC counts at 6 weeks of

age, but this effect was not observed at the age of 4.1 weeks. The increased Heinz body counts observed in

this study correlated with a decrease in RBC survival, which was shown by the decreased RBC count. These

effects also correlate with the histopathological findings in the spleen of these animals, in which evidence of

RBC replacement was observed. Based on the NOAEL of 57 mg/kg/day for hematological effects in mink in

this study, a chronic-duration oral MRL, of 0.5 mg/kg/day was derived as described in the footnote in

Table 2- 1.

Mallard ducks fed up to 10,000 ppm diisopropyl methylphosphonate in feed for up to 24 weeks showed no

significant effects on blood hemoglobin levels, leukocyte count, and hematocrit (Aulerich et al. 1979). Doses

could not be calculated in mg/kg/day because food intake and body weights were not measured in this study.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 33

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Hepatic Effects. No studies were located regarding hepatic effects in humans after oral exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

There is no evidence that diisopropyl methylphosphonate causes toxic effects in the liver or biliary systems.

No changes of toxicologic significance were noted in serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT),

serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, liver weight, or liver histopathology in

rats treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day for 90

days (Hart 1976). No hepatic histopathological abnormalities or significant changes in liver weight were

found in mice that received doses of 0, 27, 91, or 273 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in food for

90 days (Hart 1976). No abnormal hepatic lesions or changes in SGPT, SGOT, or alkaline phosphatase were

found in beagles treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0,4,13, or 38 mg/kg/day

for 14 days (Hart 1976). Rats pretreated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (450 mg/kg/day for

4 days) showed a marked decrease in sleep time subsequent to the administration of hexobarbital, which is

consistent with the induction of the P-450 mixed-function oxidase system. Liver weights, however, were not

increased (Hart 1976). No changes in SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, liver histopathology, or liver

weight were reported in male or female beagles that received 0, 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in food for 90 days (Hart 1980).

Juvenile male pastel mink that ingested 1,852 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 21 days showed

a significant decrease in liver weight; however, no associated lesions were noted (Aulerich et al. 1979). The

study authors indicated that the decreases in organ weights noted in this high-dose group may be related to

significantly reduced food consumption and were not necessarily a toxic response. Since a pair-fed control

was not maintained for this study, the causes of the organ weight differences were not easily identifiable.

Finally, the authors considered the compound nontoxic in this 21-day study (Aulerich et al. 1979). No gross

or histopathological hepatic lesions or decreases in liver weight were noted in male and female dark variety

mink that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in feed at doses of 0, 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day for

49 weeks (Aulerich et al. 1979). No lesions were noted in the livers of Ranch Wild mink in a 90-day dietary

study in which males received doses of 0, 7, 63, 345, 747, or 1,009 mg/kg/day and females received doses of

0, 9, 82, 455, 908, or 1,264 mg/kg/day (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994). The absence of hepatic lesions and the

healthy appearance of the animals throughout the 90-day study are in agreement with the results reported by

Aulerich et al. (1979).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 34

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Renal Effects. No studies were located regarding renal effects in humans after oral exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

In a study of calves given a single dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or

1,000 mg/kg via gelatin capsules placed with a balling gun, animals at the 500-mg/kg and higher dose levels

displayed mild congestion of the renal cortex upon necropsy (Palmer et al. 1979). All calves at 1,000 mg/kg

died.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not appear to cause renal effects in laboratory animals. In a study of

mink that were fed 1,852 mg/kg/day for 21 days, significant kidney weight loss but no renal pathology

occurred (Aulerich et al. 1979). The study authors indicated that the decreases in organ weights noted in this

high-dose group may be related to significantly reduced food consumption and were not necessarily a function

of toxicity. In a 90-day study, small but significant increases in blood urea nitrogen were observed in Ranch

Wild mink fed diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at 747 and 1,009 mg/kg/day for males and 908 and

1,264 mg/kg/day for females, with no increase at 345 mg/kg/day in males and 455 mg/kg/day in females

(Bucci et al. 1992). Microscopic examination of the kidneys of the mink did not reveal any treatment-related

lesions (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994).

No deviations from normal were noted in the urinalyses (color, specific gravity, pH, sugar albumin, ketones,

and microscopic examination of sediment), weights, or histopathology of kidneys in rats given diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1976). No

abnormal renal lesions (gross or histopathological) or changes in kidney weight were noted in mice fed chow

with 0, 27, 91, or 273 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 90 days (Hart 1976). In beagle dogs

given 0, 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet for 14 days, urinalyses (pH,

specific gravity, glucose, ketones, and total protein) resulted in values within normal limits, and no gross or

histopathological renal lesions were noted (Hart 1976). No toxicologically significant anomalies in kidney

weight, kidney-body weight ratios, or pathology of the kidneys were noted in dogs that received dietary

diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 90 days at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day (Hart 1980). No gross diisopropyl

methylphosphonate-related renal lesions were noted in rats that had received the compound in drinking water

(6.6x10-7, 6.6x10-5, 0.011, 1.1 mg/kg/day) for 26 weeks (Army 1978). However, as discussed in Section

2.2.2.1, there is some confusion concerning the concentration units and purity of the diisopropyl

methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA 1989), and therefore the results are considered

inappropriate for human health risk assessment.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 35

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Ocular Effects. No studies were located regarding ocular effects in humans after oral exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

An ophthalmic examination was performed during week 12 of a 13-week study of rats that received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in food (0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day); 12 of 64 animals displayed some

opacity of the lens (Hart 1976). Although the finding was considered by the pathologist to be normal for the

rat, the study author suggested that lens opacity may deserve attention in longer studies. No changes were

noted in the eyes of beagle dogs that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their food (0, 4, 38, or

75 mg/kg/day) for 90 days (Hart 1980). Bucci (1997) reported no clinical observations related to treatment

in mink exposed to up to 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 330 mg/kg/day (females) diisopropyl methylphosphonate

in feed. The eyes were specifically examined at necropsy.

Body Weight Effects. No studies were located regarding body weight effects in humans after oral

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Decreased body weight was observed in several animal studies; however, the decreases appeared related to

the unpalatability of the food and to decreased food consumption rather than to a direct toxic effect. Rats that

received diisopropyl methylphosphonate (0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) in their diet for 90 days showed

occasional significant changes in weight; however, the changes were inconsistent and judged not to be of

toxicological significance (Hart 1976). Although individual weights of mice were not recorded, the study

author indicated that it seemed “clear that growth was alike in all groups” of mice that had ingested

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 27, 91, or 273 mg/kg/day) for 90 days (Hart 1976). Calves

given a single dose of 500 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate by gelatin capsule showed no significant

body weight effects during the 14-day observation period (Palmer et al. 1979). Body weights of beagles fed

diisopropyl methylphosphonate (0, 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day) for 14 days fluctuated within the confines of what

was considered to be normal for adult dogs (Hart 1976). Rats receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

drinking water (0, 0.009, or 0.9 mg/kg/day) showed no apparent changes in weight after 10 weeks (Hardisty

et al. 1977). However, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion regarding the actual doses

used in this study. Therefore, results from Hardisty et al. (1977) are considered inappropriate for human

health risk assessment. No changes in growth rate as measured by weight were noted in rats that received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in drinking water for 26 weeks (Army 1978), but as previously noted in

Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion concerning the concentration units and purity of the diisopropyl
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 36

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA 1989). Therefore, results from this study are

considered inappropriate for human health risk assessment. Pregnant female rats that were administered

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 10, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) during days 6-15 of gestation

showed no difference in mean body weight compared to controls (Hart 1980). No differences were noted in

the body weight of rats in the first generation of parents in a three-generation study, after the rats received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day) for a reproductive cycle and the

12 weeks preceding the cycle. However, second-generation parents that received 300 mg/kg/day diisopropyl

methylphosphonate had a significant decrease in body weight lasting from week 4 to week 9 (Hart 1980). No

significant differences were reported among beagle dogs that were fed chow containing diisopropyl

methylphosphonate (0,4,38, or 75 mg/kg/day) for 90 days (Hart 1980).

Significant weight loss was noted in male and female pastel mink that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate

in their feed at a dose of 1,851 mg/kg/day for 21 days (Aulerich et al. 1979). A significant reduction

in food consumption was also noted in this high-dose treatment group. Subsequent to treatment (during the

recovery period), the group displayed increased food consumption suggesting that the weight loss may have

been due to decreased food consumption resulting from a palatability problem and was not a function of

toxicity. To determine if palatability of the feed was the cause of the weight loss, an attempt was made to

“pair feed” a control group to match voluntary food consumption (Bucci et al. 1994). Similar to the findings

of Aulerich and coworkers (1979), male and female mink receiving feed containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate at doses of 1,009 mg/kg/day for males and 1,264 mg/kg/day for females for 21 days consumed

significantly less food than did the controls and demonstrated decreased body weight throughout the study.

Although only partially successful, the pair-feed data for the high-dose male group (1,009 mg/kg/day)

provided substantial evidence that the weight loss was the result of decreased food consumption rather than

diisopropyl methylphosphonate toxicity (Bucci et al. 1994). No differences in body weight or in the

percentage change in body weight were found in mink receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in feed at

doses of 0, 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day for 49 weeks (Aulerich et al. 1979). Similarly, no significant changes in

food consumption or mean body weight were observed in any generation of mink fed 0, 16, 45, or

262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day (females) diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet

compared to controls for up to 8 or 13 months, respectively, in a two-generation reproductive study (Bucci et

al. 1997). However, it should be noted that F0 females consumed almost 50% more feed than F1 females in

this study. The study authors suggested that there may have been food wastage in the F0 generation or that

because the F0 generation was 8 months old when they arrived in the laboratory from the ranch they may
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 37

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

have retained more of their ranch leanness, whereas because the F1 animals were housed in the laboratory

throughout their lives they may have become heavier on less food (Bucci et al. 1997).

Aulerich et al. (1979) reported a 14.8% weight loss in Mallard ducks given a single gavage dose of 1,800

mg/kg of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Twelve-day-old Mallard ducklings dosed with 1,796 or 2,062

mg/kg/day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their feed for 5 days, followed by a 3-day normal feed

period, showed significant decrease in body weight gain and food consumption (Aulerich et al. 1979).

However, the study authors speculated that this decrease was due to the animals refusing to eat the feed that

contained very high percentages of the chemical instead of from a loss of appetite from toxic effects.

Following the dosing period, animals consumed an amount inversely proportional to the decreases in food

consumption observed during the dosing period, indicating a lack of residual effects on appetite. Female

Mallard ducks that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate (beginning 10 weeks prior to egg production) in

their feed at a concentration of 1,000 ppm or more lost significantly less weight than the controls. Food

intake and body weights were not measured in this study, and therefore, mg/kg/day doses could not be

calculated.

2.2.2.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects

No studies were located regarding immunological or lymphoreticular effects in humans after oral exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Histological changes in the spleen related to diisopropyl methylphosphonate intake were not observed in male

or female rats exposed to 1 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their drinking water for 26 weeks

(Army 1978). As discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion concerning the concentration units

and purity of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA 1989), and therefore

results from the Army (1978) study are considered inappropriate for human health risk assessment. No

changes in spleen weight were noted in male or female mink exposed to 1,851 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet for 21 days (Aulerich et al. 1979). Similarly, spleen weight measurements and

gross and histopathological examinations did not reveal any significant immunological or lymphoreticular

effects in male or female mink exposed to 95 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet for 12

months (Aulerich et al. 1979). A marginal increase in the incidence and severity of splenic extramedullary

hematopoiesis was observed in male mink exposed to 1,009 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

the diet for 90 days (Bucci et al. 1994). No adverse effects were observed in mink exposed to 747
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 38

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

mg/kg/day. Similarly, female mink fed 330 mg/kg/day, but not 57 mg/kg/day, diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet for 4 months exhibited significant increases in absolute and relative spleen

weight and the ratio of spleen-to-brain weight (Bucci et al. 1997). This was accompanied by splenic

hematopoietic cell proliferation. The splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in both studies is probably due to

erythrocyte damage and shortened survival of erythrocytes rather than a direct lymphoreticular effect.

2.2.2.4 Neurological Effects

No studies were located regarding neurological effects in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Single-dose oral toxicity studies in both rats and mice indicated that signs of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

intoxication included decreased activity, occasional ataxia, and prostration within 1-4 hours after dosing

(Hart 1976). Acute toxicity studies on Mallard duclcs (Aulerich et al. 1979) treated orally with doses of up to

1,800 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate demonstrated that the most notable clinical sign was salivation.

Acute studies in female minks at doses up to 600 mg/kg (Aulerich et al. 1979) indicated clinical signs

included salivation, lethargy, myasthenia, immobilization, vomiting, and death. Male B6C3F1 mice treated

with 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 3 days were lethargic or comatose after each treatment,

but recovered within an hour (DOD 1991a). Calves that received a single dose of 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in a gelatin capsule suffered neurological effects including depression, ataxia, tympanitis,

engorgement of the meningeal vessels, excess fluid in cerebral ventricles, and prostration followed by death

within 2 hours after treatment (Palmer et al. 1979). Mink that received 1,852 mg/kg/day diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the feed for 21 days displayed aggressive behavior (Aulerich et al. 1979). However,

the study authors concluded that this behavior was probably due to hunger resulting from the unpalatability of

the feed.

Inconsistent fluctuations were observed in RBC or plasma cholinesterase activity in rats that received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 90 days (Hart 1976). The most

significant difference was a decrease in plasma cholinesterase activity in the high-dose female group at

13 weeks. The study author pointed out, however, that the control group value was exceptionally high

compared to that of other time intervals (Hart 1976). In a 90-day study of dogs using diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day), a slight increase in plasma cholinesterase was

observed; however, problems with the experimental protocol (failure to measure cholinesterase at 4 and 8
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 39

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

weeks) make any interpretations difficult (Hart 1980). Dark brown Ranch Wild mink that ingested 375, 742,

or 1,009 mg/kg/day (males) or 455, 908, or 1,264 mg/kg/day (females) demonstrated decreased plasma

cholinesterase compared to the controls, although the change was rapidly reversible. No effect was noted in

erythrocyte cholinesterase activity. The study authors indicated that plasma cholinesterase is labile and

sufficiently unrelated to the nervous system and that, therefore, the observed changes in the low-dose groups

were toxicologically unimportant. Further, they noted that, even in the high-dose groups with large decreases

(61%) in plasma cholinesterase, there was no reduction in erythrocyte cholinesterase or signs of

acetylcholinesterase inhibition (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994). Similar results were also observed in a twogeneration reproductive study using brown Ranch Wild mink that ingested 0, 16, 45, or 262 mg/kg/day

(males) or 0, 20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day (females) (Bucci et al. 1997). No changes in brain acetylcholinesterase were observed in either the F1 or F2 offspring. Decreases (42%) in plasma cholinesterase were

observed in F0 females at 4 months, and F1 females at 4 (22%), 8 (21 %), and 13 (31%) months of age at high

doses. These effects were not observed in males or F2 kits. No significant changes or biological significance

(>20%) were observed in RBC or whole blood cholinesterase in any group or generation. There were no

clinical signs of acetylcholinesterase inhibition observed in any generation or treatment group in this study.

Based on the studies discussed, it appears that diisopropyl methylphosphonate may inhibit plasma

cholinesterase but not RBC cholinesterase.

Consistent decreases in plasma cholinesterase may not have been observed in rats and dogs because they were

treated with lower doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. In general, depression of plasma cholinesterase,

also known as pseudocholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase, is considered a marker of exposure rather than

an adverse effect. Depression of cholinesterase activity in red blood cells (acetylcholinesterase) is a

neurological effect thought to parallel the inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity. It is considered an

adverse effect. Acetylcholinesterase is found mainly in nervous tissue and erythrocytes. Diisopropyl

methylphosphonate was not found to inhibit RBC cholinesterase at doses at which plasma cholinesterase was

significantly inhibited. Thus, although the 330-mg/kg/day dose in females appears to be a lowest-observableeffect level (LOAEL) for plasma cholinesterase inhibition and 57 mg/kg/day females or 262 mg/kg/day in males

appears to be a no-observable-effect level (NOAEL) for this end point based on the study by Bucci et al.

(1997), it is not a biologically significant change.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 40

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2.2.2.5 Reproductive Effects

No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

In a single-generation reproductive study, male and female rats received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

the drinking water for 10 weeks at doses of 0, 0.009, or 0.9 mg/kg/day (Hardisty et al. 1977). Dosing

continued during gestation and lactation in females. There were no differences in male fertility (calculated by

the number of females that became pregnant) among the treatment groups and controls. No differences were

noted in the litter sizes among those treated and the controls. No differences were noted in the number of

stillborn pups or in pup weights. The study authors concluded that there was no evidence of adverse

diisopropyl methylphosphonate-induced reproductive effects. However, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1,

there is some confusion regarding the actual doses to which the animals were exposed in the Hardisty et al.

(1977) study. Therefore, results from this study are considered inappropriate for human health risk

assessment.

In a three-generation reproductive study, male and female rats received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

their feed (0, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 11 weeks before being mated with animals of the same dose group in

the 12th week (Hart 1980). Dosing continued during gestation and lactation. A week after lactation of the

F1A pups, the F0 females were remated with a different male. A week after lactation of the F1B pups, the F0

parents were sacrificed and necropsied. Male and female F1B animals were selected and mated as above.

Similarly F2B offspring were mated, yielding third-generation (F3A and F3B) offspring. No differences in male

virility or female fertility were noted in the F0 and F1 parents, and no differences in newborn viability or pup

weights were noted in the F1 and F2 offspring. A significant number of pup losses were noted in the F3A

offspring from the 300-mg/kg/day group; however, since the Posses were not observed in the second mating

(F3B offspring), the losses were probably not related to treatment. Further, pup appearance and gross

examination at necropsy did not reveal any evidence of diisopropyl methylphosphonate-related effects in the

F3A or F3B pups, although the histopathological changes were apparently not evaluated. No significant

differences in body weight and food consumption among the F0 (parent), F1B and F2B generations were

observed. Necropsy observations did not indicate any dose-dependent relationships of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the feed at doses of 30 or 300 mg/kg/day in the rat in 3 successive generations with

2 matings per generation (Hart 1980).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 41

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Reproductive toxicity in mink was assayed in a 49-week feed study (Aulerich et al. 1979). Male and female

dark variety mink received feed containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate at doses of 0, 11, 37, or

95 mg/kg/day. Male fertility, estimated by the presence of sperm in post-coital vaginal aspirations, was not

adversely affected. Further, no significant differences were noted in whelping dam and kit performance, kit

mortality, kit weight, or the body weight of lactating females at 4 weeks post-par-turn (Aulerich et al. 1979).

h-r the study, an increase in deaths occurred in females that was statistically significant at the high dose. No

control females died, while 2 of 23, 3 of 24, and 5 of 24 died at the low, middle, and high doses, respectively.

However, the deaths may not be treatment related. In a concurrent study conducted to assess the toxicity of

dicyclopentadiene which used mink from the same lot, the mortality in the untreated female mink was 4 of 24,

with 2 mink dying between the time of mating and lactation. The conclusion that female deaths in the

Aulerich et al. (1979) study were probably not DIMP treatment-related was supported by a two-generation

reproductive study performed using Ranch Wild mink fed 0, 16, 45, or 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 20, 57,

or 330 mg/kg/day (females) diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (Bucci et al. 1997). The F0 males and

females were exposed for 1 and 4 months, respectively, and the F1 males and females for 8 and 13 months,

respectively. No treatment-related effects were observed in kits/litter, live kits/litter, litter weights at birth or

at 28 days, or kit development. No dose-related deaths was observed in females in either the F0 and F1

generations. Ovarian follicles were counted in control and high-dose F1 females to examine possible ovarian

toxicity. There was a significant (p<0.01) increase in the mean follicle count of high-dose females (645 ± 157)

compared to controls (329 ± 153 or 460 ± 148). Only the control and high-dose animals’ ovaries were

examined. However, it is not clear whether this end point represents an adverse effect because the treated

dams of both the F0 and F1 generations produced as many offspring as controls. The study authors noted that

the effect could be representative of disrupted follicle maturation with retention of ova. Semen quality in F0

and F1 males, as measured by sperm motility, epididymal sperm count, and incidence of head/tail

abnormalities, was unaffected by treatment.

Another study was performed in which both male and female Mallard ducks received feed containing 1,000,

3,200, or 10,000 ppm diisopropyl methylphosphonate from 40 weeks prior to the beginning of egg

production (Aulerich et al. 1979). The dosing continued through the egg production period and for an

additional 10 weeks after egg production levels reached 50%. No significant changes in maternal death or in

gonad weight in either males or females were reported at any dose level. Food intake and body weights were

not measured in this study, and therefore mg/kg/day doses could not be calculated.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 42

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.2.6 Developmental Effects

No studies were located regarding developmental effects in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was administered to pregnant female rats in the diet at doses of 0, 10, 30,

100, or 300 mg/kg/day on day 6 through day 15 of gestation (Hart 1980). No deaths occurred among the

rats. No differences were noted in mean body weight or food consumption. Observations of the uterine

contents indicated no compound-related effects” Gross examination revealed no abnormalities of the internal

organs. There was a slight increase in the abnormal-normal fetus ratio in the 300-mg/kg/day group; however,

the effect was not statistically significant. Further, the changes noted did not suggest a specific area of

involvement. The study author concluded that the administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the

diet at these concentrations produced no effect on dams and no compound-induced terata, embryo toxicity, or

inhibition of fetal growth and development. In a single-generation study, male and female rats received

diisopropyf methylphosphonate in the drinking water (0, 0.009, 0.9 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks (Hardisty et al.

1977). Dosing continued through gestation and lactation in females. No skeletal or visceral anomalies were

found among the rats that were examined. However, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion

regarding the actual dosages that the animals were exposed to in this study. Therefore, results from the

Hardisty et al. (1977) study are considered inappropriate for human health risk assessment.

Decreased red blood cell counts were observed in F2 male, but not female, kits at 6 weeks of age in a twogeneration reproductive study in which Ranch Wild mink were fed 0, 16,45, or 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0,

20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day (females) diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Bucci et al. 1997). This effect was not

observed in F1 kits at 11 weeks.

Both male and female Mallard ducks received feed containing 1,000, 3,200, or 10,000 ppm diisopropyl

methylphosphonate beginning 10 weeks prior to the beginning of egg production (Aulerich et al. 1979). The

dosing continued through the egg production period and for an additional 10 weeks after egg production

levels reached 50%. No significant difference was reported between dosed animals and controls in number of

cracked shells, shell thickness, egg incubation parameters (viability, fertile versus nonfertile eggs, survival in

shell), incidence of developmental abnormalities, or 14-day survival in chicks. Food intake and body weights

were not measured in this study, and therefore mg/kg/day doses could not be calculated.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 43

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.2.7 Genotoxic Effects

No studies were located regarding genotoxic effects in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Genotoxicity studies in animals are discussed in Section 2.5.

2.2.2.8 Cancer

No studies were located regarding carcinogenic effects in humans or animals after oral exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

2.2.3 Dermal Exposure

Limited data are available concerning health effects in humans and animals following dermal exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Results of these studies are discussed below and presented in Table 2-2.

2.2.3.1 Death

No studies were located regarding death in humans after dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three dose groups, each consisting of four animals

(Hart 1976). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was applied neat, in single doses (200, 630, or 2,000 mg/kg) to

areas of the back that had been closely clipped. Three rabbits that received 2,000 mg/kg were found dead the

morning after application, and a fourth animal that had received 630 mg/kg was found dead on the third

morning. Based on these results, a dermal LD50 of 1,100 mg/kg was calculated. The study author noted that

there was “no antemortem indication of systemic intoxication based on the general appearance and behavior”

of the animals. In fact, the body weights of the surviving animals increased during the 2-week observation

period. Further, no edema or eschar formation of the skin was observed, and the hair growth appeared normal

in the shaved areas. No treatment-related abnormalities were noted during necropsy (Hart 1976).

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 45

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.3.2 Systemic Effects

No studies were located regarding respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological,

musculoskeletal, hepatic, or renal effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Dermal Effects. Skin irritation was noted in wildlife officers at the RMA after they handled sick or dead

ducks without gloves (NIOSH 1981). Although the investigators concluded that diisopropyl

methylphosphonate contributed to the local effects, a number of other compounds were present. Analysis of

the pond water indicated the presence of a number of organic and inorganic contaminants, including

diisopropyl methylphosphonate (11.3 ppm); aldrin (0.368 ppm); dieldrin (0.0744 ppm); dicyclopentadiene,

bicycloheptadiene, diethyl benzene, dimethyl disulfide, methyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, and

sodium (49,500 ppm); chloride (52,000 ppm); arsenic (1,470 ppm); potassium (180 ppm); fluoride (63

ppm); copper (2.4 ppm); and chromium (0.27 ppm). Because of the presence of numerous compounds, it is

unclear whether diisopropyl methylphosphonate was related to the irritation.

Only minimal indications of skin irritation were noted in New Zealand White rabbits that received a single

dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (200, 630, or 2,000 mg/kg) on intact or abraded skin (Hart 1976). In

the same series of studies, the sensitization potential for diisopropyl methylphosphonate was evaluated in

guinea pigs. Eight albino guinea pigs received 10 intracutaneous injections (3 times per week to a total of 10)

of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in corn oil on one side and of the corn oil vehicle on the other side. Four

positive control guinea pigs received intracutaneous injections of a known sensitizer (2,4-dinitro-1-

chlorobenzene. Following a 2-week period, the animals received one or more challenges, applied in the same

manner as the initial material, and were graded for sensitization. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was not

judged by the study author to be a strong sensitizer in guinea pigs; however, this was considered a

preliminary study (Hart 1976).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 46

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Ocular Effects. No studies were located regarding ocular effects in humans after dermal exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

The potential of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to cause eye irritation was evaluated with the Draize Test

(Hart 1976). The compound was directly applied to the conjunctival sac of one eye in each of nine New

Zealand White rabbits. Significant irritation of the conjunctivae was observed in all rabbits, and the cornea1

surface was characterized by a diffuse opacity. The opacity was temporary and cleared within 8 days.

Irrigation with lukewarm water following application of diisopropyl methylphosphonate reduced but did not

prevent irritation (Hart 1976).

No studies were located regarding the following health effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

2.2.3.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticuiar Effects

2.2.3.4 Neurological Effects

2.2.3.5 Reproductive Effects

2.2.3.6 Developmental Effects

2.2.3.7 Genotoxic Effects

Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.5.

2.2.3.8 Cancer

No studies were located regarding cancer in humans or animals after dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

2.3 TOXICOKINETICS

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is rapidly absorbed following oral administration in animals and is widely

distributed throughout the body. Two metabolites of diisopropyl methylphosphonate are isopropyl

methylphosphonic acid (IMPA) and methylphosphonic acid (MPA). Excretion of these metabolites in

animals occurs primarily through the urine.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 47

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.3.1 Absorption

2.3.1.1 Inhalation Exposure

No studies were located regarding absorption in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

2.3.1.2 Oral Exposure

No studies were located regarding absorption in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of mink, rats, mice, dogs, and

cattle after oral administration of the [14C]-radiolabeled compound as indicated by the appearance of the

radiolabel in the blood after exposure (Bucci et al. 1992; Hart 1976; Ivie 1980). Quantitative measurements

of absorption can only be approximated (Hart 1976; Ivie 1980).

Single doses (225 mg/kg) of [14C]-radiolabeled diisopropyl methylphosphonate dissolved in polyethylene

glycol were administered by gavage to fasted male mice, rats, and dogs (Hart 1976). Plasma concentrations

of the labeled diisopropyl methylphosphonate were monitored after 5, 15, and 30 minutes and after 1, 2, 4, 6,

and 24 hours in the mice, rats, and dogs as well as at 48 and 72 hours in the mice and rats. The plasma data

indicated that there were species differences in absorption In mice, the highest level of radioactivity (172

μg/mL) was noted in the blood at 15 minutes. In rats, plasma concentrations peaked at 151 μg/mL about 2

hours after compound administration, suggesting slower movement through the gastrointestinal tract and

uptake by the mucosa. In dogs, peak plasma concentrations also occurred at 2 hours post-administration at a

concentration of 276 μg/mL. This value suggests that movement through the gastrointestinal tract in dogs

was comparable to that in rats. However, for each measurement taken in the first 2 hours, the plasma levels

of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in dogs were higher than those in rats. This suggests that the total amount

of intestinal uptake in the dogs exceeded that for the rats.

Studies in mink (Bucci et al. 1992) and rats (Weiss et al. 1994) indicate that absorption following oral

exposure to a single dose of [14C]-radiolabeled diisopropyl methylphosphonate is rapid. Male and female rats
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 48

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

were treated with a gavage dose of 66 or 660 mg/kg, and mink were treated with a gavage dose of 27 or

270 mg/kg. Blood levels of radioactivity peaked in 2-3 hours in rats and at 2 hours in mink, except in highdose male mink, in which the peak was observed at 4 hours. In male rats, 86-97% of the radioactivity was

recovered in the urine. Recovery in the urine of female rats (67-72%) and mink (70-91%) was lower, but

this was thought to be a result of difficulties in urine collection during blood sampling rather than a difference

in the absorption or disposition of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Plasma levels of diisopropyl methylphosphonate were measured in a single lactating Jersey cow after the

sixth day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate oral administration (10 mg/kg/day) by gelatin capsule (Ivie

1980). For the first 5 days the cow was given unlabeled compound and fed hay ad libitum. The diisopropyl

methylphosphonate administered on the 6th day was labeled with carbon 14. Based on measurements of

label in the plasma, absorption in the cow paralleled that in rats and dogs, with the highest concentration

detected in the plasma at 2 hours after administration.

After doses of 10 mg/kg/day in a cow and 225 mg/kg in male mice, rats, and dogs (fasted for 18 hours prior

to administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate), approximately 90% of the diisopropyl

methylphosphonate was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This estimate is based on the small

percentage of the label found in the feces in the 2-3-day period after dosing and the 84-97% excreted in the

urine (Hart 1976; Ivie 1980).

2.3.1.3 Dermal Exposure

No studies were located regarding absorption in humans after dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Some dermal uptake of diisopropyl methylphosphonate through the skin of rabbits can be inferred based on

the death of 3 of 4 animals treated with 2,000 mg/kg neat applied to shaved abraded or unabraded skin for a

24-hour period (Hart 1976).

Snodgrass and Metker (1992) reported that male pigs dermally treated with [14C]-radiolabeled diisopropyl

methylphosphonate dissolved in 95% ethanol (1-mL dose volume over a 100-cm2

 area) absorbed less than

7% of the percutaneously-applied dose regardless of dose level. The remaining dermally-applied diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is assumed to have volatilized or been lost along with exfoliated skin.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 49

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.3.2 Distribution

2.3.2.1 Inhalation Exposure

No studies were located regarding distribution in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

2.3.2.2 Oral Exposure

No studies were located regarding distribution in humans after oral exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

In animals, diisopropyl methylphosphonate absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is rapidly distributed to

the tissues as indicated by the decay in peak plasma levels after absorption (Hart 1976; Ivie 1980). In mice,

plasma radioactivity declined slowly from 15 minutes to 1 hour after exposure and then dropped rapidly

during the next 2 hours. At the end of 24 hours, the label in the blood was 0.63 μg/mL or 0.3% of the 173-

μg/mL peak concentration (Hart 1976). The radiolabel in the plasma of rats after 24 hours was nearly

identical to that in mice (0.61 μg/L) and was 0.4% of the peak concentration. Clearance of label was slower

in dogs with 1.3% of the 276-μg/mL peak concentration present after 24 hours.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is initially distributed to the liver by way of the portal circulation after

absorption from the intestines, and then to the kidneys for excretion (Hart 1976). High concentrations of

radiolabel were detected in the urinary bladder itself, exclusive of any urine of mice at 15 minutes and

persisted for up to 6 hours. A similar pattern of distribution to the liver, kidney, and urinary bladder was seen

in rats over the first 6 hours after oral administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Tissue levels of diisopropyl methylphosphonate radiolabel in dogs were determined at 4 and 24 hours on the

day of compound administration (Hart 1976). When the liver, kidney, and bladder values for dogs at 4-hours

are compared to those for mice and rats, it appears that clearance from the body is slower in canine species.

At 24 hours, the organ concentrations of radiolabel in the dogs’ tissues were generally 4-8 times higher than

those in mice and rats, but tissue:blood concentration ratios were lower (Hart 1976).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 50

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Based on a single-dose study and tissue:blood concentration ratios, diisopropyl methylphosphonate is taken

up by the lungs of mice, rats, and dogs (Hart 1976). The ltmgzblood concentration ratios are 4.5 for mice,

3.6 for rats, and 2.0 for dogs. There is also some uptake of the [14C]-label by the testes where the

testes:blood concentration ratios are 2.7 for mice, 2.3 for rats, but only 1.1 for dogs.

Fat tissues do not appear to highly concentrate diisopropyl methylphosphonate or its metabolites.

Tissue:blood ratios for adipose deposits range from 1.3 to 3.6 in the species studied (Hart 1976). There was

a surprisingly high concentration of radiolabeI in the skin for mice with a tissue:blood ratio of 14.6 (Hart

1976). It has been suggested, however, that the skin samples were contaminated with urine. Values for rats

and dogs were much lower (Hart 1976).

In a single-dose oral study in male and female rats (Bucci et al. 1992), only 0.5% of the radioactivity from a

dose of 660 mg/kg [14C]-radiolabeled diisopropyl methylphosphonate was found in the tissues 120 hours

after dosing. The investigators indicated that no important tissue depot for diisopropyl methylphosphonate or

its metabolites could be identified from the data obtained.

The study of diisopropyl methylphosphonate distribution in a lactating Jersey cow was the only study that

used multiple doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Ivie 1980). In this single cow, radioactivity was

detected in the blood 2 hours after dosing with [14C]-radiolabeled compound but not in the tissues. The

animal had received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in one gelatin capsule for 5 days before the radiolabeled

dose was administered. If tissue uptake in the cow was similar to that in dogs, measurements made 2 hours

after dosing may not have provided an opportunity to measure tissue uptake of label. After 24 hours, 0.1% of

the administered label was found in the cow’s milk (Ivie 1980).

2.3.2.3 Dermal Exposure

No studies were located regarding distribution in humans or animals after dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 51

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.3.3 Metabolism

Metabolism of diisopropyl methylphosphonate can be inferred based on the identification (Hart 1976; Ivie

1980) and quantification of its urinary metabolites in various animal species (Bucci et al. 1992; Hart 1976;

Ivie 1980; Snodgrass and Metker 1992; Weiss et al. I994). Hydrolysis of one of the two phosphate ester

bonds liberates isopropanol and converts diisopropyl metbylphosphonate to IMPA. The locations of the

enzymes capable of catalyzing diisopropyl methylphosphonate phosphate ester hydrolysis have not been

identified.

At low doses, the metabolism of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to IMPA in the body is rapid and nearly

complete. After oral exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate, the principal metabolite isolated from both

urine (93-99%) and feces (≥97%) in mink, mice, rats, dogs, and cattle is IMPA (Bucci et al. 1992; Hart

1976; Ivie 1980). Less than 0.5% of the radiolabel was detected in the exhaled air of rats and mice as carbon

dioxide after diisopropyl methylphosphonate ingestion (Hart 1976). Thus, complete metabolism of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate occurs only to a minor extent.

A sex difference in the rate of conversion of DIMP to its primary metabolite was observed after intravenous

administration of 14C-DIMP in rats (Bucci et al. 1992). The males appeared to convert DIMP to IMPA more

actively than the females. The apparent plasma elimination half-life of DIMP was about 45 minutes in males

and up to 250 minutes in females. Both the rate and total excretion of the administered dose in urine were

also higher in male rats. However, this sex difference was not observed for orally-administered DIMP in

minks (Bucci et al. 1992; Weiss et al. 1994).

In studies in rats and mink that used more than one dose, the area under the plasma-IMPA concentration time

curves indicated that at high doses the principal pathway for the conversion of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate to IMPA was saturated (Bucci et al. 1992). In rats, metabolism was saturated at an oral

dose of 660 mg/kg, but not at 66 mg/kg; in mink, an oral dose of 270 mg/kg caused metabolic saturation

which did not occur at 27 mg/kg.

The second ester bond in diisopropyl methylphosphonate is more stable to hydrolysis than the first, and

IMPA undergoes relatively little decomposition to MPA. After intraperitoneal administration of 160 mg/kg

[

32P]-labeled IMPA to a single male rat, the IMPA was excreted unmodified in the urine with no evidence of

further metabolism (Hoskin 1956).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 52

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Support for the limited metabolism of IMPA to MPA with resultant retention of the MPA is provided by

distribution studies of Sarin (GB). Twenty-four hours after intravenous injection of [3

H]-labeled Sarin,

unextractable label was present in all tissues except the plasma and kidney. At least some unextractable label

was presumed by the study authors to be protein-bound MPA (Little et al. 1986, 1988). The concentration of

bound MPA was found to be 20-65% of bound IMPA in different mouse brain areas, with the highest

concentration found in the hypothalamus.

2.3.4 Elimination and Excretion

2.3.4.1 Inhalation Exposure

No studies were located regarding excretion in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

2.3.4.2 Oral Exposure

No studies were located regarding excretion in bumans after oral exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Urine is the principal excretory route for elimination of diisopropyl methylphosphonate after oral

administration to mice, rats, pigs, mink, or dogs (Hart 1976; Snodgrass and Metker 1992; Weiss et al. 1994).

However, the rate of excretion differs among species. Peak urinary excretion of a single oral dose of

225 mg/kg [14C]-radiolabeled diisopropyl methylphosphonate occurred at 6 hours in mice, 24 hours in rats,

and 72 hours in dogs (Hart 1976). Over the 72-hour period after dosing, a total of 96% of the recovered label

was found in the urine of mice, 86% of the recovered label was found in the urine of rats, and 97% was found

in the urine of dogs. Fecal excretion was low in some species (3-30%). Only 0.06% of the label was found

in the bile of dogs; biliary excretion in mice and rats was not determined. Minimal label (<0.5%) was

removed from the body with exhaled air. Dose administration and recovery in the Hart (1976) study may not

have been very accurate as total recovery of radioactivity was 126% in mice, 108% in rats, and 90% in dogs.

In rats given 66 or 660 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate, peak radioactivity in the blood was at 2-3

hours in both sexes at both doses; however, radioactivity was still detectable in the blood 24 hours postadministration in the 66-mg/kg group (Weiss et al. 1994). After intravenous administration of 66 mg/kg, the

elimination half-life of diisopropyl methylphosphonate was estimated at 45 minutes in males and 250 minutes
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 53

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in females; the rate of excretion was greater in males than in females. Urine and feces together accounted for

86-97% of administered radioactivity in males and 57-62% in females.

Mink fasted overnight and given 27 or 270 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate by gavage exhibited peak

radioactivity in the blood at 2-4 hours in both sexes (Weiss et al. 1994). In male and female mink given 270

mg/kg, urinary excretion accounted for 83.3% and 83.6%, respectively, of the total radioactivity

administered. In male and female mink given 27 mg/kg, urine accounted for 86.9% and 91.5%, respectively,

of the administered radioactivity. In male and female mink given 270 mg/kg, feces accounted for only 1.7%

and 2.5%, respectively, of the total radioactivity administered. In male and female mink given 27 mg/kg,

feces accounted for only 3.1% and 3.7%, respectively, of the total radioactivity administered. The study

authors indicated that total recoveries may have been low because of difficulties in urine collection, especially

while blood samples were being taken.

In a single lactating Jersey cow, 30% of a [14C]-radiolabeled dose of 10 mg/kg/day was excreted in the urine 4

hours after dosing, and 84% was excreted in a 96-hour period (Ivie 1980). The amount of label after

96 hours was 7% in the feces and less than 1% in the cow’s milk. Before being given the radiolabeled

material, the cow had been administered unlabelled diisopropyl methylphosphonate in a gelatin capsule for 5

consecutive days.

2.3.4.3 Dermal Exposure

No studies were located regarding excretion in humans after dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Yorkshire cross pigs were treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate percutaneously and subcutaneously

(Snodgrass and Metker 1992). In animals treated subcutaneously with 40 mg labelled diisopropyl

methylphosphonate, 9 1% of the injected dose was recovered in the urine within 24 hours, with a total of 94%

recovered in urine and 6% recovered in feces by 7 days. In animals exposed percutaneously to 0.4, 4, or

40 mg diisopropyl methylphosphonate (dissolved in ethanol and applied to a loo-cm2 clipped area on the

back), percentages of the total radioactivity administered (including nonabsorbed diisopropyl

methylphosphonate) in urine were 7%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. Radioactivity in feces was very low,

ranging from 0.31% to 0.45%. As the total percentage of administered radioactivity absorbed was only 7%,

3%, and 4% for the three dose levels, almost all radioactivity absorbed was accounted for in urine or feces.
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2.3.5 Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK)/Pharmacodynamic (PD) Models

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models use mathematical descriptions of the uptake and

disposition of chemical substances to quantitatively describe the relationships among critical biological

processes (Krishnan et al. 1994). PBPK models are also called biologically based tissue dosimetry models

PBPK models are increasingly used in risk assessments, primarily to predict the concentration of potentially

toxic moieties of a chemical that will be delivered to any given target tissue following various combinations

of route, dose level, and test species (Clewell and Andersen 1985). Physiologically based pharmacodynamic

(PBPD) models use mathematical descriptions of the dose-response function to quantitatively describe the

relationship between target tissue dose and toxic end points.

PBPK/PD models refine our understanding of complex quantitative dose behaviors by helping to delineate

and characterize the relationships between: (1) the external/exposure concentration and target tissue dose of

the toxic moiety, and (2) the target tissue dose and observed responses (Andersen and Krishnan 1994). These

models are biologically and mechanistically based and can be used to extrapolate the pharmacokinetic

behavior of chemical substances from high to low dose, from route to route, between species, and between

subpopulations within a species. The biological basis of PBPK models results in more meaningful

extrapolations than those generated with the more conventional use of uncertainty factors.

The PBPK model for a chemical substance is developed in four interconnected steps: (1) model

representation, (2) model parametrization, (3) model simnllation, and (4) model validation (Krishnan and

Andersen 1994). In the early 1990s, validated PBPK models were developed for a number of toxicologically

important chemical substances, both volatile and nonvolatile (Krishnan and Andersen 1994; Leung 1993).

PBPK models for a particular substance require estimates of the chemical substance-specific physicochemical

parameters, and species-specific physiological and biological parameters. The numerical estimates of these

model parameters are incorporated within a set of differential and algebraic equations that describe the

pharmacokinetic processes. Solving these differential and algebraic equations provides the predictions of

tissue dose. Computers then provide process simulations based on these solutions.

The structure and mathematical expressions used in PBPK models significantly simplify the true complexities

of biological systems. If the uptake and disposition of the chemical substance(s) is adequately described,

however, this simplification is desirable because data are often unavailable for many biological processes. A
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simplified scheme reduces the magnitude of cumulative uncertainty. The adequacy of the model is, therefore,

of great importance, and model validation is essential to the use of PBPK models in risk assessment.

PBPK models improve the pharmacokinetic extrapolations used in risk assessments that identify the maximal

(i.e., the safe) levels for human exposure to chemical substances (Andersen and Krishnan 1994). PBPK

models provide a scientifically-sound means to predict the target tissue dose of chemicals in humans who are

exposed to environmental levels (for example, levels that might occur at hazardous waste sites) based on the

results of studies where doses were higher or were administered in different species. Figure 2-2 shows a

conceptualized representation of a PBPK model.

If PBPK models for diisopropyl methylphosphonate exist, the overall results and individual models are

discussed in this section in terms of their use in risk assessment, tissue dosimetry, and dose, route, and

species extrapolations.

No data were located regarding PBPK/PD modeling to explain the biological basis for the dose-response

relationship in humans or animals after exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

2.4 MECHANISMS OF ACTION

2.4.1 Pharmacokinetic Mechanisms

Absorption. No studies were located regarding the mechanism of absorption in humans or animals after

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Both facilitated transport and

diffusion through the lipophilic portions of the membrane could be involved in absorption processes. No data

were found regarding lipid solubility or partition coefficients.

Distribution. No studies were located regarding the mechanism of distribution in humans after inhalation,

oral, or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

In animals, radiolabel distribution studies demonstrate rapid movement of the label to the liver. Average

plasma concentrations of label were greater than average blood concentrations in mice, rats, and dogs after

oral administration of a single dose of 225 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Hart 1976). This suggests

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greater solubility of the radiolabeled compound in the plasma or protein adsorption rather than adsorption to

the cellular components of the blood.

There may be some hydrolysis of IMPA to MPA in the liver or in other tissues, but the MPA that is liberated

is apparently bound to other molecules and is not immediately excreted. Most of the IMPA is rapidly

removed from the blood by the kidneys and excreted by way of the urinary bladder. In mice, the

concentrations of radiolabel in the empty urinary bladder from a single 225-mg/kg dose were greater than

1,000 μg/mL in all samples taken between 30 minutes and 4 hours after compound administration (Hart

1976). In rats, concentrations of the label were 1,000 μg/mL or greater for all measurements taken between 2

and 6 hours after dosing (Hart 1976).

Storage. No studies were located regarding storage of the parent compound or its metabolites in humans

after inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Animal data suggest that there is no storage of diisopropyl methylphosphonate, IMPA, or MPA in the body,

although portions of the [3

H]-label may become incorporated in biomolecules leading to some retention of

label in the form of an unextractable labeled compound (Little et al. 1986, 1988).

The concentrations of [14C]-radiolabel were very low in the adipose deposits of mice, rats, and dogs at 1,2,

and 3 days after administration of a single dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Hart 1976). This

demonstrates lack of storage in body lipids.

Excretion. No studies were located regarding the mechanism of excretion in humans after inhalation, oral,

or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Based on the data from animal studies, diisopropyl methylphosphonate is principally excreted in the urine as

the metabolite IMPA (Hart 1976; Ivie 1980). Chromatographic behavior of urinary metabolites does not

change after the urine is treated with glucuronidase and sulfatase, so there is no conjugation of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate or IMPA by microsomal enzymes (Hart 1976). There was minimal excretion of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate metabolites in bile (Hart 1976) or in the milk of a lactating cow (<l %)

(Palmer et al. 1979).
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2.4.2 Mechanisms of Toxicity

Effects of Metabolism on Toxicity. Whether the toxic effects seen after exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate are caused by the parent compound or its metabolites is unknown. Studies of IMPA

show that acute-duration exposure to IMPA results in reduced motor activity, prostration, and ataxia-effects

also seen after exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate (EPA 1992). Other studies (Little et al. 1986,

1988) show that IMPA, the major metabolite of diisopropyl methylphosphonate, has an affinity for both lung

and brain tissues and will bind to proteins in these tissues-effects that were not seen after exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate (EPA 1992; Little et al. 1988). These data and other data on the toxicity of

IMPA neither support nor contradict the data found in the diisopropyl methylphosphonate studies, so it is not

possible to attribute the effects after exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate to IMPA. Metabolites of

IMPA other than MPA have not been identified.

Target Organ Toxicity. The mechanism of toxicity for diisopropyl methylphosphonate on the red blood

cells is not understood. However, it has been suggested that its toxicity in general may be due to the ability of

the chemical to inhibit the enzyme cholinesterase (NIOSH 1981). However, no quantitative data exist to

support this hypothesis, and Bucci et al. (1992, 1994) indicated that there were no signs of

acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mink that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at

concentrations of 2,700, 5,400, or 8,000 ppm (400, 827, or 1,136 mg/kg/day) for 90 days. The effects of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure in acute animal toxicity studies range from ataxia and decreased

activity to coma and death at higher doses (Aulerich et al. 1979; Hart 1976). These effects suggest that

diisopropyl methylphosphonate, like a number of other organophosphorous compounds, affects the nervous

system. This mechanism, however, is speculative, and biologically significant changes in brain cholinesterase

activity have not been measured. Neurotoxicity data for diisopropyl methylphosphonate are limited;

therefore, the mechanism of nervous system toxicity is not known.

Carcinogenesis. There are no human or animal data concerning the carcinogenic effects of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been classified by the EPA as a Group D

substance, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity (EPA 1994).
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2.4.3 Animal-to-Human Extrapolations

No studies were located regarding toxicokinetic data in humans. Limited information is available regarding

the toxicokinetic differences among animal species. Rats, mice, mink, and dogs showed rapid absorption,

wide distribution, and over 90% urinary excretion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate or its metabolites.

However, the rates of absorption and patterns of distribution varied (Hart 1976; Weiss et al. 1994). The

mechanism of toxicity is also undetermined. From the limited data available, it is not possible to determine

the degree of correlation between humans and animals

The use of data derived from mink for human bealth assessment, and in particular the mink diisopropyl

methylphosphonate data, has been recommended by Calabrese (1990). His recommendation is primarily

based on the documentation of “the biology of the mink” available in the scientific literature (including

information concerning “nutrition, reproduction and breeding, physiology and biochemistry, disease and

parasitism, anatomy and embryology, genetics, behavior, ecology, paleontology and taxonomy”) and on the

development of a historical database and quantitative assessment of natural background mortality. Calabrese

indicated that mink have been used for toxicological research into a number of compounds (e.g., lead,

mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, selenium, and dioxin). It should be noted, however, while mink can be

used as a predictive animal model for animal-to-human extrapolations, the database of mink studies being

developed has far fewer data than are available for rodents, rabbits, and dogs, species that have traditionally

been used for toxicity studies.

2.5 RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH

No animal or human data were available for inhalation exposure. There are no data regarding effects in

humans after oral exposure. Information is available in animals regarding health effects following acute,

intermediate, and chronic oral ingestion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The animal data obtained after

oral exposure indicate that diisopropyl methylphosphonate is moderately toxic after acute bolus exposure but

has a lower order of toxicity after intermediate and chronic exposures in food. No data were found on the

toxicity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate after exposure in drinking water. Further, diisopropyl methylphophonate is rapidly metabolized and excreted and does not accumulate. It does not appear to have

reproductive or developmental effects. At the doses tested, it does not appear to be an acetylcholinesterase

inhibitor, although this issue has not been resolved yet. Limited data are available for dermal exposure in

humans and animals. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not appear to be a skin irritant; dermal
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absorption data on pigs (Snodgrass and Metker 1992) indicated skin absorption in humans is expected to be

less than 10%. It does appear to be an eye irritant. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is not a strong sensitizer

in animals, although this conclusion is based on a preliminary study. Animals have shown hematological

effects to diisopropyl methylphosphonate after oral exposure.

Minimal Risk Levels for Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate

Inhalation MRLS

Minimal risk level (MRL) values were not derived for acute, intermediate, or chronic inhalation exposures to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate because no toxicity data were identified concerning the inhalation of the

compound.

Oral MRLs

• An intermediate-duration MRL of 0.8 mg/kg/day was derived from a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg/day

(3,000-ppm concentration in the diet) at which no hematological or other effects were noted in

beagle dogs (Hart 1980). The NOAEL was divided by an uncertainty factor of 100 (10 each for

interspecies and intraspecies variability).

Purebred beagles, 4 males and 4 females, received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at

doses of 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1980). A control group of four males and four

females was also maintained. At the outset of the study and at 4, 8, and 13 weeks, hemograms and

clinical chemistry parameters were determined for all of the dogs. The dogs appeared in good

condition throughout the study. No hematological effects were ascribed to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. At the termination of the study, a gross necropsy was performed on all of the

dogs and no meaningful changes were observed. In addition, the liver, brain, thyroid, kidneys,

adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, heart, and spleen were removed and weighed. No significant weight

changes were noted. Microscopic examination of major organs did not reveal any adverse effects.

Although this study (Hart 1980) did not identify an effect level, the NOAEL is below the LOAEL

found in all studies examining the toxicity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The LOAEL for

diisopropyl methylphosphonate is 262 mg/kg/day for male mink and 330 mg/kg/day for female

mink
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(Bucci et al. 1997), doses at which statistically significant decreases in plasma cholinesterase

(butyrylcholinesterase) but not RBC cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase) activity were

observed (Bucci et al. 1997). In general, a decrease in plasma cbolinesterase activity is

considered to be a marker of exposure rather than a marker of adverse effect, while a decrease

in RBC acetyl-cholinesterase activity is a neurological effect thought to parallel the inhibition of

brain acetyl-cholinesterase activity and is thus considered an adverse effect. Diisopropyl

methylphosphonate was not found to inhibit red blood cell cholinesterase at doses at which

plasma cholinesterase was significantly inhibited. No effects were observed in males at 45

mg/kg/day (Bucci et al. 1997) or at 63 mg/kg/day (Bucci et al. 1994), and no effects were

observed in females at 82 mg/kg/day (Bucci et al. 1994), or at 57 mg/kg/day (Bucci et al. 1997).

Adverse effects (shortened RBC survival, increased Heinz body formation, increased number of

reticulocytes, and reduced blood cell counts) were observed at 747 mg/kg/day in males and

907 mg/kg/day in females (average 827 mg/kg/day) (Bucci et al. 1994). Although not

statistically significant, the number of Heinz bodies was increased relative to the controls and to

the rats treated at 400 mg/kg/day. The observed effects are consistent with a direct effect on

RBC and a decrease in their survival.

EPA derived a reference dose (RfD) of 0.08 mg/kg/day based on the same NOAEL (75

mg/kg/day) from the Hart (1980) study. The RfD, however, utilized an additional uncertainty

factor of 10 to extrapolate to chronic exposure.

• A chronic-duration MRL of 0.6 mg/kg/day was derived from a NOAEL of 57 mg/kg/day

(490-ppm concentration in the diet) at which no hematological or other effects were noted in

female mink (Bucci et al. 1997). The NOAEL was divided by an uncertainty factor of 100 (10

for extrapolations from animals to humans and 10 for human variability).

In a two-generation reproductive study, Ranch Wild mink received diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0, 16, 45, or 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 20, 57, or

330 mg/kg/day (females) (Bucci et al. 1997). F1 -generation females were treated for up to 13

months, while other generations and F1 males were treated for 8 months or less. Two groups of

control animals were used. In addition to standard examinations (body and organ weights,

hematology, clinical chemistry, gross and
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histopathological parameters), plasma and whole blood cholinesterase, and brain acetylcholinesterase

were measured. Ovarian follicles were also counted in high-dose females.

No effects were observed in F1 females at 57 mg/kg/day that were attributable to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate after 13 months of exposure. However, at 330 mg/kg/day, Heinz body counts

were increased in F1 females. There was a 31% decrease in plasma cholinesterase in animals fed

330 mg/kg/day for 13 months, but this is not considered to be biologically significant. There was

also a significant increase in ovarian follicles among animals at this concentration (the only level

examined). However, because treated dams of both generations produced as many offspring as the

control animals, the biological significance of these findings is unclear.

This study is supported by intermediate-duration NOAELs for hematological effects of 75 mg/kg/day

in a dog study (Hart 1980) and 45 mg/kg/day (males) and 57 mg/kg/day (females) in a mink study

(Bucci et al. 1997). In the Bucci et al. (1997) mink study, the next highest level, 262 or

330 mg/kg/day in males and females, respectively, produced hematological changes that included

increased Heinz body counts, reticulocytes, mean cell volume, and decreased RBC counts.

No MRL was derived for acute oral exposure to diisopropyl methyl phosphonate because the data were

considered too limited to determine an appropriate threshold and derive an MRL.

Death

No studies were located regarding death in humans after inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Oral LD50s of 1,125 and 826 mg/kg have been reported for male and female rats, respectively (Hart 1976).

Swiss Webster mice yielded oral LD50s of 1,041 and 1,363 mg/kg for males and females, respectively (Hart

1976). No deaths occurred in female rats receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 10 days in the diet at

doses of 10, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day on days 6-15 of gestation (Hart 1980). An oral LD50 of approximately

750 mg/kg for calves was estimated in a study of pairs of calves given 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in a gelatin capsule (Palmer et al. 1979). All animals at the highest dose

died. No deaths of adult rats were recorded in a three-generation study of reproductive effects in rats

receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at 0, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day (Hart 1980). Four male rats
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died (1 control, 1 low dose, and 2 high dose) out of a total of 256 animals in a 90-day study in which rats

received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 30, 100, or 3,000 mg/kg/day. The study

author concluded that the deaths were not treatment related and that there was no evidence of toxicity (Hart

1976). Similarly, the 3 deaths in the 91-mg/kg/day group were not considered evidence of toxicity since no

deaths occurred in the low- or high-dose groups among 180 mice receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

the diet at doses of 27, 91, or 273 mg/kg/day (Hart 1976). No mortality occurred, nor were there judged to be

any signs of toxicity in beagle dogs receiving dietary doses of 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks (Hart

1976). No deaths or evidence of toxicity were attributable to diisopropyl methylphosphonate administered

for 26 weeks in the drinking water of rats at doses of 6.6x10-7, 6.6x10-5, 0.011, or 1.1 mg/kg/day (Army

1978). However, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion concerning the concentration units

and purity of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA 1989), and therefore

results from the Army (1978) study are considered inappropriate for human health risk assessment.

Adult female mink dosed by gavage with single doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (75, 150, 300, 450,

500, 550, and 600 mg/kg) yielded an LD50 of 503 mg/kg (Aulerich et al. 1979). No mortality related to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate was noted in juvenile pastel mink receiving dietary doses of 0.2, 2, 17, 201,

or 1,852 mg/kg/day in a 21-day feed study. The calculated doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate suggest

that it is not a cumulative toxin since the amounts ingested with food exceed the LD50 found in a companion

study. The effects may also have been lessened because it was mixed with food (Aulerich et al. 1979).

During a 90-day study, no mortality occurred in male or female mink receiving diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 7, 63, 345, 747, or 1,009 mg/kg/day for males and 9, 82, 455, 908,

or 1,264 mg/kg/day for females (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994). No treatment-related mortality was observed in

parental or F1 animals in a two-generation reproductive study in mink in which animals consumed 16, 45, or

262 mg/kg/day (males) or 20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day (females) of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet

for up to 13 months (Bucci et al. 1997). A slight though significant increase in mortality (5/24) was noted

among female dark variety mink in the high-dose group in a reproductive study approximately 49 weeks in

duration in which the animals received doses of 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

the diet (Aulerich et al. (1979). It is not clear if the deaths in the Aulerich et al. (1979) study were actually a

result of diisopropyl methylphosphonate treatment. No symptoms of toxicity were noted before the mink

died. In a concurrent study conducted to assess the toxicity of dicyclopentadiene, which used mink from the

same lot, the mortality in the untreated female mink was 4 of 24; 2 died between the time of mating and

lactation. It should also be noted that mink have a relatively high natural mortality (EPA 1989). The natural

mortality for 1st year mink in a commercial fur ranch operation approaches 6% annually, and up to 15% of
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lactating females may die in the late gestation period from “nursing sickness” (Schneider and Hunter 1993).

Although it is not clear when in relation to lactation the mink in the Aulerich et al. (1979) study died, some

female mink did die during the period that included lactation. The Bucci et al. (1994, 1997) studies, which

did not observe deaths in mink that were fed higher doses, provide further evidence that the deaths of mink in

the Aulerich et al. (1979) study probably were not related to diisopropyl methylphosphonate treatment.

Four out of 12 rabbits died after a single dermal administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (dose

range, 200 to 2,000 mg/kg), yielding a dermal LD50 of 1,100 mg/kg. The author notes that there was “no

antemortem indication of systemic toxicity based on general appearance and behavior.” In fact, the body

weights of the surviving animals increased during the 2-week observation period. Further, no edema or

eschar formation of the skin was observed, and the hair growth appeared normal in the shaved areas. No

treatment-related abnormalities were noted during necropsy (Hart 1976). Based on the available animal data,

it is highly improbable that people living near the RMA will be exposed to lethal exposures of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in their drinking water.

Systemic Effects

Respiratory Effects. No studies were located regarding respiratory effects in humans after inhalation, oral,

or dermal exposure or in animals after dermal or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Oral ingestion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not appear to induce respiratory effects. Necropsy of

both male and female rats that died as the result of a single dose (928, 1362, or 2,000 mg/kg) of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate administered by gastric intubation revealed some hyperemia of the lungs; however, most

animals displayed no abnormalities (Hart 1976). No abnormal necropsy findings were noted in Swiss

Webster mice dosed similarly in a companion study (Hart 1976). No important abnormalities were noted in

the necropsy of rats receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (0, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 90

days (Hart 1976). A study in pairs of calves given 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in a gelatin capsule (Palmer et al. 1979) showed that animals at the highest dose

displayed pulmonary emphysema; however, no effects were seen at non-lethal doses. No noteworthy

deviations were noted in the necropsy or histopathology examination of male or female beagles receiving

dietary doses of 38 mg/kg/day (Hart 1976). No gross lesions were noted in rats subsequent to receiving

drinking water containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate at doses of 6.6x10-7, 6.6x10-5, 0.011, or

1.1 mg/kg/day (Army 1978). However, as described in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion concerning
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the concentration units and purity of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA

1989), and therefore results from Army (1978) are considered inappropriate for human health risk

assessment. Available animal data indicates that no respiratory effects will be expected in the population

living near the RMA.

Cardiovascular Effects. No studies were located regarding cardiovascular effects in humans after

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after dermal or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Ingestion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not appear to induce cardiovascular effects. No anomalous

necropsy or histopathological effects were noted in rats receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet

at doses of 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1976). Similarly, no abnormalities were noted in

mice receiving the compound in the diet at doses of 27, 91, or 273 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1976). A

study in pairs of calves given 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate in a

gelatin capsule (Palmer et al. 1979) showed that animals at the highest dose displayed petechiae in the

coronary grooves and ecchymosis in the gastrointestinal tract. However, no effects were seen at non-lethal

doses. Gross necropsy and histopathological examination revealed hemorrhage and erythrophagocytosis in

the mesenteric lymph node, although the incidences in the treated and control groups did not indicate a

relation with the treatment. In no instance was the tissue or organ examined different from corresponding

tissue or organ in the same or other treatment groups or in the controls in beagle dogs receiving the compound

in the diet at doses of 4, 13, or 38 mg/kg/day for 14 days (Hart 1976). No deviation in heart weight or

abnormal histopathological findings were reported in beagles that received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

the diet at doses of 4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1980).

No significant changes in heart weight or histopathological findings were noted in mink receiving diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at doses of 0.2, 2, 17, 201, or 1,852 mg/kg/day (Aulerich et al 1979). Gross

and histopathological examination of mink that received 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day revealed no consistent

pathological changes (Aulerich et al. 1979). Persons living near the RMA who are exposed to low levels of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate are not expected to experience cardiovascular effects.

Gastrointestinal Effects. No studies were located regarding gastrointestinal effects in humans after

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after dermal or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.
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A study in pairs of calves given 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate in a

gelatin capsule (Palmer et al. 1979) showed that animals at the highest dose displayed acute gastroenteritis

and ecchymotic hemorrhaging. However, no effects were seen at non-lethal doses. It is not expected that

persons living near the RMA and exposed to low levels of diisopropyl methylphosphonate would experience

gastrointestinal effects.

Hematological Effects. No studies were located regarding hematological effects in humans after inhalation,

oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after dermal or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

No significant differences were noted in the hemocytology of ducks, rats, calves, or dogs subsequent to

ingestion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in acute or intermediate protocols (Aulerich et al. 1979; Hart

1976, 1980; Palmer et al. 1979). However, increase in activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was

observed in calves dosed orally with DIMP in an acute study (Palmer et al. 1979). Alternatively, mink

ingesting diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 90 days demonstrated significant changes in hemocytology.

Such changes included depressed hematocrits, increased numbers of reticulocytes, and an increase in Heinz

bodies (Bucci et al. 1994, 1997). The increase in Heinz bodies suggests that diisopropyl methylphosphonate

may cause oxidative damage to the tertiary structure of hemoglobin, thus reducing the lifespan of RBCs,

which in turn ultimately induces hematopoiesis. The RBC data and the reticulocyte data are consistent with a

mechanism for this hematopoietic response. A marginal increase in the incidence and severity of splenic

extramedullary hematopoiesis was observed in male mink exposed to diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the

diet at 1,009 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Bucci et al. 1994) and in female mink exposed to 330 mg/kg/day in the

diet for 4 months (Bucci et al. 1997). This effect was not observed in the male mink exposed to

747 mg/kg/day in the Bucci et al. (1994) study, or in the female mink exposed to 57 mg/kg/day in the Bucci

et al. (1997) study. Results of groundwater monitoring near the RMA in 1997 indicated the maximum

detected concentration of DIMP is 1,500 μg/L; and DIMP is not detected in surface soil. The exposure dose

associated with the maximum concentration of DIMP in the groundwater is below the chronic MRL of

0.6 mg/kg/day for hematological effect. Therefore, no hematological effects are expected to occur in persons

exposed to diisopropyl methylphosphonate while living near the RMA.

Hepatic Effects. No studies were located regarding hepatic effects in humans after inhalation, oral, or dermal

exposure or in animals after dermal or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 67

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No changes of toxicological significance were noted in SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, liver weight, or

liver histopathology in rats, mice, or dogs receiving diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their feed in acute or

intermediate protocols (Hart 1976). However, rats pretreated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet

(450 mg/kg/day for 4 days) showed a marked decrease in sleep time subsequent to the administration of

hexobarbital, which is consistent with the induction of the P-450 mixed-function oxidase system. Liver

weights, however, were not increased (Hart 1976).

Juvenile male pastel mink that ingested 1,852 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 21 days showed

a significant decrease in liver weight. However, no associated hepatic lesions were noted. The study authors

indicated that the decreases in organ weights noted in this high-dose group may be related to significantly

reduced food consumption and were not necessarily a function of toxicity. It was noted that, since a pair-fed

control was not maintained for this study, the causes of the organ weight differences were not easily

identifiable. Finally, the study authors considered the compound nontoxic in this 21-day study (Aulerich et

al. 1979).

The available animal data suggest that diisopropyl methylphosphonate is not a hepatotoxin, at least in the

doses and time courses studied. Therefore, exposure of persons living near the RMA is not expected to cause

hepatic effects.

Renal Effects. No studies were located regarding renal effects in humans after inhalation, oral, or dermal

exposure or in animals after dermal or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Renal toxicity data are limited. In rats, dogs, and mice, no deviations from normal were noted in urinalyses

(color, specific gravity, pH, sugar albumin, ketones, and microscopic examination of sediment), weights, or

histopathology of kidneys after administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (Hart 1976) or

drinking water (Army 1978). As discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, however, there is some confusion concerning

the concentration units and purity of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA

1989). Therefore, results from the Army (1978) study are considered inappropriate for human health risk

assessment. A study in pairs of calves given 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in a gelatin capsule (Palmer et al. 1979) showed that animals at the 500-mg/kg dose and

above displayed mild congestion of the renal cortex; however, no effects were seen at the lower doses.
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Significant kidney weight loss, but no renal pathology, was found in mink that ingested 1,852 mg/kg/day for

21 days. The study authors indicated that the decreases in organ weights noted in this high-dose group may

be related to significantly reduced food consumption and were not necessarily a function of toxicity (Aulerich

et al. 1979). No renal pathology was noted in a similar study (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994). The absence of renal

lesions and the healthy appearance of the animals throughout the 90-day study are in agreement with Aulerich

et al. (1979). Further, the decrease in kidney weight that was attributed to decreased food intake suggests that

the renal toxicity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate may be limited. However, the available data are

inadequate to draw firm conclusions.

Dermal Effects. No studies were located regarding dermal effects in humans after inhalation or oral

exposure or in animals after oral or inhalation exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Skin irritation was noted in wildlife officers at the IWA who handled dead or sick ducks without gloves.

Analysis of the pond water indicated the presence of a number of organic and inorganic contaminants,

including diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Although the investigators concluded that diisopropyl

methylphosphonate contributed to the effects, a number of other compounds were identified in the pond, the

presence of which makes it unclear whether diisopropyl methylphosphonate was related to the irritation

(NIOSH 1981).

Only minimal indications of skin irritation were noted in New Zealand White rabbits that received a single

dose of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (200, 630, or 2,000 mg/kg) applied to intact or abraded skin (Hart

1976). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was not considered a strong sensitizer in guinea pigs (Hart 1976).

These studies, however, do not conclusively predict the human risk of skin irritation or sensitivity, but it is

not believed that levels found in water near the IWA would cause dermal effects.

Ocular Effects. No studies were located regarding ocular effects in humans after inhalation, oral, or dermal

exposure or in animals after inhalation exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

An ophthalmic examination was performed during week 12 of a 13-week study of rats that received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their feed (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day); 12 of 64 animals displayed some

opacity of the lens (Hart 1976). Although the finding was considered normal, the study author suggested that

lens opacity may deserve attention in longer studies. No changes were noted in the eyes of beagles that

received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their food (at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day) for 90 days (Hart 1980)
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 69

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or in mink that received dietary concentrations up to 330 mg/kg/day in a two-generation reproductive study

(Bucci et al. 1997).

The potential of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to cause eye irritation was evaluated by direct application of

the compound to the conjunctival sac of one eye in each of nine New Zealand White rabbits. Significant

irritation of the conjunctivae was observed in all rabbits, and the cornea1 surface was characterized by diffuse

opacity. The opacity was temporary and cleared within 8 days. Irrigation with lukewarm water following

application of diisopropyl methylphosphonate reduced but did not prevent irritation (Hart 1976). These data

indicate that diisopropyl methylphosphonate is probably an eye irritant in humans at sufficiently high

concentrations. However, eye irritation is not expected to occur as a result of groundwater contamination in

persons living near the RMA.

Body Weight Effects. No studies were located regarding body weight effects in humans after inhalation,

oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after inhalation or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

No toxicologically important compound-related weight loss in rats (Army 1978; Hardisty et al. 1977; Hart

1976), pregnant rats (Hart 1980), calves (Palmer et al. 1979), or dogs (Hart 1980) was noted subsequent to

acute (Hart 1980) or intermediate (Army 1978; Hardisty et al. 1977; Hart 1976, 1980) oral administration of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. However, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion

concerning the concentration units of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) and

Hardisty et al. (1977) studies (EPA 1989), and the actual doses received may be lower. Therefore, results

from the Army (1978) and Hardisty et al. (1977) studies are considered inappropriate for human health risk

assessment. In addition, the purity of the compound was only 65% in the Army (1978) study. Significant

weight loss and decreased food consumption were noted in male and female pastel mink that received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their feed at a dose of 1,852 mg/kg/day. However, subsequent to

treatment (during the recovery period), the group displayed increased food consumption, suggesting that the

weight loss may have been due to decreased food consumption resulting from a palatability problem and not a

function of toxicity (Aulerich et al. 1979). To determine if unpalatability of the feed was the cause of the

weight loss, an attempt was made to “pair feed’” a control group to match voluntary food consumption.

Similar to the findings of Aulerich and coworkers (1979), mink that received feed containing diisopropyl

methylphosphonate at doses of 1,009 mg/kg/day for males and 1,264 mg/kg/day for females consumed

significantly less feed than did the controls and demonstrated decreased body weight throughout the study.

Although only partially successful, the pair-feed data for the male high-dose group provided substantial
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 70

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evidence that the weight loss was the result of decreased food consumption rather than diisopropyl methylphosphonate toxicity (Bucci et al. 1994). No weight loss was noted in mink subsequent to oral

administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 49 weeks (Aulerich et al. 1979) or up to 13 months in a

two-generation reproductive study (Bucci et al. 1997). Mallard ducks exposed to a single dose of 1,800

mg/kg by gavage or fed 1,796 mg/kg/day for 5 days exhibited decreased weight gain, although this may have

been because of refusal to eat feed containing a very high concentration of the chemical (Aulerich et al.

1979). As a whole, these data suggest that intermediate-duration oral administration of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate does not cause serious toxicity.

Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects. No studies were located regarding immunological and

lymphoreticular effects in humans after inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after inhalation or

dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Histological changes in the spleen related to diisopropyl methylphosphonate intake were not observed in male

or female rats exposed to 1.1 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their drinking water for 26

weeks (Army 1978). However, as stated in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion concerning the

concentration units and purity of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate used in the Army (1978) study (EPA

1989). Therefore, results from the Army (1978) study are considered inappropriate for human health risk

assessment. No changes in spleen weight were noted in male or female mink exposed to 1,852 mg/kg/day of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet for 21 days (Aulerich et al. 1979). Similarly, spleen weight

measurements and gross and histopathological examinations did not reveal any significant immunological or

lymphoreticular effects in male or female mink exposed to 95 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

in the diet for 49 weeks (Aulerich et al. 1979). A marginal increase in the incidence and severity of

hematopoiesis in the spleen was observed in male mink exposed to 1,009 mg/kg/day of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet for 90 days (Bucci et al. 1994). An increase in hematopoiesis was not

observed in male mink exposed to 747 mg/kg/day. Splenic hematopoiesis accompanied by increased spleen

weights also were observed in female mink fed 330 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet for

4 months (Bucci et al. 1997). However, in both of these studies the splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis

was probably a compensatory effect due to damage to erythrocytes and not a direct lymphoreticular effect.

Data are insufficient to determine if diisopropyl methylphosphonate affects the function of the immune

system.
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Neurological Effects. No studies were located regarding neurological effects in humans after inhalation,

oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after inhalation or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Single-dose oral toxicity studies in rats, mice, and cattle indicate that signs of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

intoxication include decreased activity, ataxia, tympanitis, and prostration within l-4 hours after dosing

(Hart 1976; Palmer et al. 1979). Mink that received 1,852 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their

feed displayed aggressive behavior. However, it was concluded that this behavior was probably due to

hunger resulting from the unpalatability of the feed (Aulerich et al. 1979).

Inconsistent fluctuations were observed in RBC and plasma cholinesterase activity in rats that received

diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 90 days. The most significant

difference was a decrease in plasma cholinesterase activity in the 300-mg/kg/day female group at 13 weeks

(Hart 1976). The study author pointed out, however, that the control group value was exceptionally high

compared to those at other time intervals (Hart 1976). In a go-day study of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

in the diet (4, 38,75 mg/kg/day) of dogs, a slight increase in plasma cholinesterase was observed; however,

problems with the experimental protocol (failure to measure cholinesterase at 4 and 8 weeks) make any

interpretations difficult (Hart 1980). Dark brown Ranch Wild mink that ingested 345, 747, or

1,009 mg/kg/day for males and 455, 908, or 1,284 mg/kg/day for females demonstrated decreased plasma

cholinesterase compared to the controls, although the change was rapidly reversible. No effect was noted in

erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity. Similarly, in a two-generation reproductive study using the same

species fed 16, 45, or 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day (females) of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet for up to 13 months, high-dose females of the parental and F1 generations

showed decreased plasma cholinesterase compared to controls (Bucci et al. 1997). The study authors

indicated that plasma cholinesterase is labile and sufficiently unrelated to the nervous system, and that

therefore any changes in the low-dose groups were toxicologically unimportant. Further, they noted that even

in the high-dose groups with large decreases (61%) in plasma cholinesterase, there was no reduction in

erythrocyte or brain cholinesterase and no signs of acetylcholinesterase inhibition (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994,

1997). Based on the studies discussed, it appears that diisopropyl methylphosphonate may inhibit plasma

cholinesterase but not RBC cholinesterase. Consistent decreases in plasma cholinesterase may not have been

observed in rats and dogs because they were treated with lower doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

These data do suggest that at the doses tested, the main effect of diisopropyl methylphosphonate appears to

be on the red blood cells, and not on acetylcholinesterase inhibition. In the absence of other systemic effects,

it may be speculated that the neurotoxic effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate may be the cause of death
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 72

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in those animals receiving sufficient amounts of the compound. However, it is not expected that persons

living near the RMA would experience these effects.

Reproductive Effects. No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in humans after inhalation,

oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after inhalation or den-oaf exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

No toxicologically important dose-related reproductive responses were noted in a single-generation

reproductive study in which male and female rats received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the drinking

water (0.009 or 0.9 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks (Hardisty et al. 1977), in a three-generation reproductive study

(with 2 matings per generation) in which male and female rats received diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

feed at doses of 30 or 300 mg/kg/day (Hart 1980), or in reproductive studies in which mink received feed

containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate at doses of 11, 37, or 95 mg/kg/day (Aulerich et al. 1979) or up to

262 mg/kg/day (males) or 330 mg/kg/day (females) (Bucci et al. 1997). However, in the Bucci et al. (1997)

study, there was a significant increase in ovarian follicles in high-dose F1 females, the only treated animals

examined, compared to controls. Because there was no difference in the actual breeding outcome (number of

offspring) in F0 or F1 females, the study authors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that

the increase in ovarian follicles represented an adverse effect. However, the authors also reported that it is

possible that these data represent a disrupted follicular maturation process. Because only the high-dose

animals in this study were examined for this end point, a NOAEL could not be established for it.

As discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion regarding the actual doses the animals were exposed

to in the Hardisty et al. (1977) study. Therefore, results from Hardisty et al. (1977) are considered

inappropriate for human health risk assessment. A study in Mallard ducks revealed no changes in gonad

weight or maternal death in animals given up to 10,000 ppm diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their feed

beginning 10 weeks prior to egg production and terminating 10 weeks after egg production reached 50%

(Aulerich et al. 1979). Doses (mg/kg/day) could not be calculated for this study. Reproductive effects are

not expected to occur in persons living near the RMA who are exposed to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.
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Developmental Effects. No studies were located regarding developmental effects in humans after

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure or in animals after inhalation or dermal exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was administered in the diet at doses of 10, 30, and 300 mg/kg/day to

pregnant female rats on day 6 through day 15 of gestation Observations of the uterine contents indicated no

compound-related effects. Gross examination revealed no abnormalities of the internal organs. There was a

slight increase in the abnormal-normal fetus ratio in the 300-mg/kg/day group; however, the effect was not

statistically significant. Further, the changes noted did not suggest a specific area of involvement. The study

author concluded that the administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at these concentrations

produced no effect on development (Hart 1980). Up to 10,000 ppm diisopropyl methylphosphonate, given in

the feed of Mallard ducks for 10 weeks prior to egg production through 10 weeks after egg production

reached 50%, produced no increases in incubation parameters, shell thickness, number of cracked shells,

developmental abnormalities, or chick 14-day survival (Aulerich et al. 1979). Doses (mg/kg/day) could not

be calculated for this study. Developmental effects are not expected to occur after exposure to low levels of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate near the RMA.

Genotoxic Effects. No studies were located regarding genotoxic effects in humans after inhalation, oral,

or dermal exposure or in animals after inhalation or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

In a micronucleus assay using male B6C3F1 mice dosed with 0, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl

methylphosphonate, a small but significant increase in micronuclei were observed at mid- and high-dose

levels (DOD 1991a). However, the maximum response was found to be within the laboratory historical

control limits. The assay was repeated and the increase in micronuclei was not observed, therefore, it is

believed that diisopropyl methylphosphonate did not cause micronuclei induction in this experiment.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was also negative for the induction of micronuclei in the rat bone marrow

after administration of up to 800 mg/kg (DOD 1991b).

Treatment of male B6C3F1 mice with 1,000 mg/kg diisopropyl methylphosphonate for 13 days did not result

in a significant increase in DNA damage to either liver parenchymal cells or leukocytes in a single cell assay

(DOD 1991 f). However, the same assay performed using Fischer-344 rats showed DNA damage to

leukocytes but not liver parenchymal cells (DOD 1991g). However, since no increase in damage in the

positive controls was found, the liver cell results are questionable.
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The mutagenic potential of diisopropyl methylphosphonate was investigated using the Ames assay. The

compound was obtained from two different sources and tested on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA-1535,

TA-1537, TA-1538, TA-98, and TA-100, both with and without S-9 activation. The compound did not

demonstrate mutagenic activity in any of the assays (Hart 1980). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was also

negative for gene mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Hart 1980).

No DNA damage or increases in sister chromatid exchange were evident using Chinese hamster ovary cells

treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate either with or without activation (DOD 1991c, 1991e).

Exposure of Chinese hamster ovary cells to diisopropyl methylphosphonate did increase clastogenic damage

at levels of 5 and 15 μL/mL in the absence and presence of S-9 activation, respectively (DOD 1991d).

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate tested negative in the L5178Y TK+/- mouse lymphoma mutagenesis assay

with S-9 activation, but without activation equivocal results were observed (DOD 1991h).

The results of these genotoxicity studies are summarized in Table 2-3 and Table 2-4.

Cancer. No quantitative data for carcinogenic effects in humans or animals were located involving

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

2.6 BIOMARKERS OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECT

Biomarkers are broadly defined as indicators signaling events in biologic systems or samples. They have

been classified as markers of exposure, markers of effect, and markers of susceptibility (NAS/NRC 1989).

Due to a nascent understanding of the use and interpretation of biomarkers, implementation of biomarkers as

tools of exposure in the general population is very Limited. A biomarker of exposure is a xenobiotic

substance or its metabolite(s) or the product of an interaction between a xenobiotic agent and some target

molecule(s) or cell(s) that is measured within a compartment of an organism (NAS/NRC 1989). The

preferred biomarkers of exposure are generally the substance itself, substance-specific metabolites in readily

obtainable body fluid(s), or excreta. However, several factors can confound use and interpretation of

biomarkers of exposure. The body burden of a substance may be the result of exposures from more than one

source. The substance being measured may be a metabolite of another xenobiotic substance (e.g., high

urinary levels of phenol can result from exposure to several different aromatic compounds). Depending on the

properties of the substance (e.g., biologic half-life) and environmental conditions (e.g., duration and route of


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exposure), the substance and all of its metabolites may have left the body by the time samples can be taken.

It may be difficult to identify individuals exposed to hazardous substances that are commonly found in body

tissues and fluids (e.g., essential mineral nutrients such as copper, zinc, and selenium). Biomarkers of

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate are discussed in Section 2.6.1.

Biomarkers of effect are defined as any measurable biochemical, physiologic, or other alteration within an

organism that, depending on magnitude, can be recognized as an established or potential health impairment or

disease (NAS/NRC 1989). This definition encompasses biochemical or cellular signals of tissue dysfunction

(e.g., increased liver enzyme activity or pathologic changes in female genital epithelial cells), as well as

physiologic signs of dysfunction such as increased blood pressure or decreased lung capacity. Note that these

markers are not often substance specific. They also may not be directly adverse, but can indicate potential

health impairment (e.g., DNA adducts). Biomarkers of effects caused by diisopropyl methylphosphonate are

discussed in Section 2.6.2.

A biomarker of susceptibility is an indicator of an inherent or acquired limitation of an organism’s ability to

respond to the challenge of exposure to a specific xenobiotic substance. It can be an intrinsic genetic or other

characteristic or a preexisting disease that results in an increase in absorbed dose, a decrease in the

biologically effective dose, or a target tissue response. If biomarkers of susceptibility exist, they are

discussed in Section 2.8, Populations That Are Unusually Susceptible.

2.6.1 Biomarkers Used to Identify or Quantify Exposure to Diisopropyl

Methylphosphonate

No studies were located regarding the parent compound as a biomarker of exposure in humans. Animal

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate can be determined by measuring the parent compound in urine.

However, since less than 3% of the parent compound was excreted in the urine of mice and rats,

concentrations of the parent compound may be below detection levels (Hart 1976). No accumulation of the

parent compound in tissues was identified. Elimination of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from the body

occurs rapidly. Excretion is primarily in the urine as the metabolite IMPA.

IMPA, the major metabolite of diisopropyl methylphosphonate, has been suggested as a possible biomarker

of exposure for diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The excretion of IMPA is not unique to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate exposure; IMPA is also a major metabolite of GB (Sarin) (Little et al. 1986). Thus,
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 78

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IMPA in the urine may be an accurate biomarker of recent diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure. IMPA

can be detected in the blood as well as in the urine. However, since IMPA is cleared from the blood rapidly,

its detection may only be useful for monitoring recent exposure.

2.6.2 Biomarkers Used to Characterize Effects Caused by Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate

No biomarkers have been identified to characterize the effects associated with exposure to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. At high doses in animals, diisopropyl methylphosphonate affects RBC and the nervous

system. However, because the effects are not unique to diisopropyl methylphosphonate, they would not serve

as useful biomarkers of effects. No clinical signs or symptoms in humans have been positively linked to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure.

2.7 INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

No studies were located regarding interactions with other substances in humans or animals after exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. However, the potential for multiple chemical interactions does exist.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been identified in the RMA in the presence of many other chemicals

(such as endrin, dieldrin, dicyclopentadiene, bicycloheptdiene, diethyl benzene, and diethyl disulfide). The

nervous system is a target of many of these compounds found at the RMA, including diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. Therefore, there is potential for interaction, and studies examining multiple exposures

would be useful in predicting risk to humans. Workers at the RMA reported skin irritation after dermal

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate at concentrations around 11.3 ppm in water. However, several

other chemicals were also in the area (NIOSH 1981). Therefore, it is not clear if diisopropyl

methylphosphonate contributed to the effects.

2.8 POPULATIONS THAT ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE

A susceptible population will exhibit a different or enhanced response to diisopropyl methylphosphonate than

will most persons exposed to the same level of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the environment. Reasons

may include genetic makeup, age, health and nutritional status, and exposure to other toxic substances (e.g.,

cigarette smoke). These parameters may result in reduced detoxification or excretion of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate, or compromised function of organs affected by diisopropyl methylphosphonate.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 79

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Populations who are at greater risk due to their unusually high exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate

are discussed in Section 5.6, Populations With Potentially High Exposures.

No populations that are unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate have

been identified. At high doses, the RBC is an important target of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in animals.

Therefore, persons with more fragile blood cells, possibly those at high altitudes, or individuals with sickle

cell anemia may be at greater risk for the hematological effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate following

exposure at high doses. Persons with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis or other

degenerative conditions may also be at greater risk based on the neurological effects observed in animals.

2.9 METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXIC EFFECTS

This section will describe clinical practice and research concerning methods for reducing toxic effects of

exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. However, because some of the treatments discussed may be

experimental and unproven, this section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposures to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. When specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical

toxicologists should be consulted for medical advice. The following texts provide specific information about

treatment following exposures to chemical substances. Bronstein and Currance 1988; Ellenhorn and

Barceloux 1988; Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1997; Stutz and Ulin 1992. However, exposure to

diisopropylmethyl phosphonate is rare; therefore, these texts do not provide information regarding

overexposure that is specific to this chemical, but do provide generalized information on procedures to be

followed after various types of exposure.

2.9.1 Reducing Peak Absorption FoIllowing Exposure

No studies were located for reducing absorption in humans or animals exposed to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. Standard methods such as cathartics or activated carbon could be used. However,

exposure would have to be identified within 4-6 hours since diisopropyl methylphosphonate is rapidly

absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988).

Common methods for reducing dermal absorption of diisopropyl methylphosphonate include removing

contaminated clothes and washing contacted skin with soap and water (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988).

Following eye contact with diisopropyl methylphosphonate, eyes should be flushed with copious amounts of
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 80

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water. In rabbits, rinsing the eyes immediately after direct exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate has

been shown to reduce effects (Hart 1976).

2.9.2 Reducing Body Burden

In studies of mice, rats, and dogs, diisopropyl metbylphosphonate was rapidly absorbed into plasma (Hart

1976). The plasma data indicate that all three species rapidly absorbed diisopropyl methylphosphonate,

although the exact rate was species specific. Although no studies were located regarding human absorption,

diisopropyl methylphosphonate is also likely to be absorbed rapidly into the plasma of humans. The ability

of porous polymeric sorbents, activated carbon, and dialysis to remove diisopropyl methylphosphonate from

human plasma has been studied (McPhillips 1983). The grafted butyl-XAD-4 was found to be the most

efficient sorbent for the removal of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from human plasma. Hemoperfusion of

plasma over synthetic XAD-4 or butyl-XAD-4 sorbent resin was more efficient than dialysis/ultrafiltration

for the removal of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from human plasma; the smaller surface of the packed

resins provided less area to minimize damage to molecular constituents of the plasma. These methods are

useful in reducing diisopropyl methylphosphonate concentrations in the plasma. However, since diisopropyl

methylphosphonate and its metabolites are not retained by the body, the need for methods to reduce body

burden is uncertain.

2.9.3 Interfering with the Mechanism of Action for Toxic Effects

The mechanism of the toxic action of diisopropyl metbylphosphonate is unclear. Therefore, therapies that

could interfere with its mechanism are unknown.

2.10 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the

Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate

information on the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is available. Where adequate information

is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the National Toxicology Program (NTP), is required to assure

the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing

methods to determine such health effects) of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 81

2.HEALTH EFFECTS

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would

reduce the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean that

all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will be evaluated

and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.

2.10.1 Existing Information on Health Effects of Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate

The existing data on health effects of inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure of humans and animals to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate are summarized in Figure 2-3. The purpose of this figure is to illustrate the

existing information concerning the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Each dot in the figure

indicates that one or more studies provide information associated with that particular effect. The dot does not

necessarily imply anything about the quality of the study or studies, nor should missing information in this

figure be interpreted as a “data need.” A data need, as defined in ATSDR’s Decision Guide for Zdentifying

Substance-Specific Data Needs Related to Toxicological Profiles (ATSDR 1989), is substance-specific

information necessary to conduct comprehensive public health assessments. Generally, ATSDR defines a

data gap more broadly as any substance-specific information missing from the scientific literature.

No studies were found on the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in humans following inhalation

or oral exposure. The results of the one study that was located in which humans were exposed dermally to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate was confounded by concurrent exposure to other chemicals. Limited animal

data are available on the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate following oral and dermal

exposures.

2.10.2 Identification of Data Needs

The following are topical sections that identify gaps in the present state of knowledge concerning the

toxicology of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Each of the sections identifies specific areas in which

additional data may be helpful to gain a greater understanding of the toxicity of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate as well as of the biochemical mechanisms of toxicity.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 83

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Acute-Duration Exposure. Acute oral LD50 data are available for mice and rats (Hart 1976) and for

ducks (Aulerich et al. 1979). Acute oral toxicity studies, including histopathological observations, are

available for ducks, mice, rats, dogs, and mink (Aulerich et al. 1979; Hardisty et al. 1977; Hart 1976, 1980).

Limited acute dermal toxicity are available for rats (Hart 1976). These data suggest a relatively low toxicity.

However, a clear relationship between dose and effect has not been elucidated. Inhalation data of any kind

were not identified, and dermal data were very limited.

Intermediate-Duration Exposure. No human or annimal data were located concerning the toxicity of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate after exposure via inhalation. Animal data are available for intermediate

exposures by ingestion. Aulerich et al. (1979) reported deaths in mink treated with diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. However, it is not clear if the deaths were truly treatment related. A more recent study

by Bucci et al. (1997) did not find any treatment-related death in mink due to diisopropyl methylphosphonate

after intermediate-duration exposure. Bucci et al (1992, 1994) found effects consistent with shortened RBC

survival in mink treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at 747 mg/kg/day for males and

908 mg/kg/day for females, with no significant effects at lower doses. Plasma cholinesterase activity was

significantly decreased at 345 mg/kg/day for males and 455 mg/kg/day for females, but not at lower doses.

No change in RBC cholinesterase activity was observed. A change in plasma but not RBC cholinesterase is

not considered adverse. Decreased weight gain was observed in ducks fed diisopropyl methylphosphonate at

high doses. Additional intermediate-duration studies in rats and dogs did not find evidence of toxicity

(Hardisty et al. 1977; Hart 1976, 1980), and a NOAEL in a dog study was used to derive an

intermediateduration oral MRL (Hart 1980).

Chronic-Duration Exposure and Cancer. No studies were located regarding the health effects of

chronic-duration exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate by inhalation or dermal route of exposure.

There was no treatment-related lethality, changes in body weight, or other effects observed in mink fed

57 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate compared to controls for up to 13 months in a two-generation

reproductive study (Bucci et al. 1997) although effects were observed at higher doses. However, F0 females

consumed almost 50% more feed than F1 females, which was not completely explained by the study authors.

This NOAEL was used to derive an chronic-duration oral MRL. Additional data are needed regarding all

routes of exposures in various species to determine what, if any, toxicity exists. Future studies should focus

on the understanding of the toxicity and the mechanism of toxicity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The

design and protocol should be to study DIMP toxicity in an integrated manner, not to focus on a single
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 84

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

endpoint. In addition, better understanding of the metabolism of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in longterm

studies will also be helpful in elucidating its mechanism of action.

Genotoxicity. Several in vitro (DOD 1991c, 1991d, 1991e, 1991h; Hart 1980) and in vivo (DOD 1991a,

1991b, 1991f, 1991g) studies addressed the genotoxicity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Further in vivo

studies may be useful to clarify any questions concerning the genotoxicity of the compound since equivocal

results were sometimes observed.

Reproductive Toxicity. Significant amounts of work have been conducted in the reproductive toxicity of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Aulerich et al. 1979; Bucci et al. 1997; Hart 1980). It seems fairly clear that

diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not have reproductive effects, at least in the range of the doses tested.

In addition, as discussed in Section 2.2.2.1, there is some confusion regarding the actual doses that the

animals were exposed to in Hardisty et al. (1977). In addition, in the two-generation reproductive study by

Bucci et al. (1997), an increase in ovarian follicles was found in high-dose F1 animals compared to controls.

The biological significance of these data are not clear, since there was no effect observed on breeding

outcome. Nonetheless, further study is needed to determine whether this effect represents disrupted follicle

maturation and to identify a NOAEL/LOAEL for this end point.

Developmental Toxicity. A single rat study, which found no adverse effects, addressed the

developmental effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Hart 1980). Additional data that utilize a greater

range of doses in a few different species may be heIpfu1.

Immunotoxicity. Limited data that addressed the immunological and lymphoreticular effects were

available. No adverse responses were noted in the spleen of male or female rats (histopathological

examination) (Army 1978) or in the spleen of mink (spleen weight, gross and histopathological examination)

(Aulerich et al. 1979; Bucci et al. 1994, 1997). Additional data concerning various exposure pathways and a

range of doses may be useful to corroborate the negative findings.

Neurotoxicity. The primary neurological concern with organophosphorous compounds is the potential for

acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase measurements have been made in rats

and mink (Bucci et al. 1992, 1994, 1997; Hart 1976,1980). Even when large decreases (61%) in plasma

cholinesterase were demonstrated, there were no decreases in erythrocyte cholinesterase nor were there any

clinical signs of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The data strongly suggest that diisopropyl methylphos-
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 85

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

phonate is not an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. Additional chronic studies in which higher doses are used

may be useful in determining the toxicological importance of long-term plasma cholinesterase depression.

Measurements of acetylcholinesterase at lethal doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate may also illuminate

its mechanism of action In addition, quantitation of the distribution of DIMP and its metabolites (IMPA and

MPA) among different brain areas and its correaation with the degree of cholinesterase inhibition found in a

given brain area may help to understand its mechanism of action.

Epidemiological and Human Dosimetry Studies. No epidemiological studies were located.

Elowever, prior to conducting any large-scale studies, animal studies are needed to determine what, if any,

chronic health effects occur after exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. In addition, appropriate

cohorts would be very difficult to identify.

Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect

Exposure. Few studies were found regarding the measurement of diisopropyl methylphosphonate or its

metabolites as indicators of exposure. IMPA in urine or plasma has been suggested as a biomarker of acute

exposure. It would be useful to more fully explore urinary excretion of IMPA to determine dose relationships

and its utility as a bioindicator of diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure.

Effect. No biomarkers have been identified to characterize the effects associated with exposure to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Toxicity data for diisopropyl methylphosphonate are limited. No specific

clinical signs or symptoms in humans have been positively linked to diisopropyl methylphosphonate

exposure. Further research is needed to identify the mechanism of neurological effects and the clinical

symptoms of diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure.

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. There are no data available on the

absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in humans. Limited

animal data suggest that diisopropyl methylphosphonate is absorbed following oral and dermal exposure. Fat

tissues do not appear to concentrate diisopropyl methylphosphonate or its metabolites to any significant

extent. Nearly complete metabolism of diisopropyl metbylphosphonate can be inferred based on the

identification and quantification of its urinary metabolites; however, at high doses the metabolism of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate appears to be saturated. Animal studies have indicated that the urine is the

principal excretory route for removal of diisopropyl methylphosphonate after oral and dermal administration.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 86

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Because in most of the animal toxicity studies administration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is in food, a

pharmacokinetic study with the compound in food would be especially useful. It could help determine if the

metabolism of diisopropyl methylphosphonate becomes saturated when given in the diet and if the levels of

saturation are similar to those that result in significant adverse effects.

Comparative Toxicokinetics. There are no data on the kinetics of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

humans. Studies in animals suggest that metabolism and urinary metabolite profiles are qualitatively similar

among species. Additional studies would be useful in understanding the differences in metabolic rates in

species and in determining which animal species is the most appropriate model for human exposure.

Interactions With Other Substances. Little information is available regarding the interactions of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate with other substances. As diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been

identified at the RMA in the presence of many other chemicals, further studies of mixed chemical interactions

should be done using chemicals found at the RMA to determine if the response to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is altered after multichemical exposure. Although the synergistic action of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate and multiple pesticides has been suggested by one study (NIOSH 1981), the potential

interaction of this substance with commonly-used antidotes for organophosphate poisoning (atropine and

pralidoxime) might be explored. Subtle differences in the structure of organophosphates can result in

different effects as well as different interactions with antidotes.

Methods for Reducing Toxic Effects. Little information is available regarding reducing the toxic

effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate following exposure. Recommended treatments include general

hygienic procedures for rapid decontamination. The ability of porous polymeric sorbents, activated carbon,

and dialysis to remove diisopropyl methylphospbonate from human plasma has been studied. However,

since diisopropyl methylphosphonate and its metabolites are not retained by the body, the need for methods to

reduce body burden is uncertain.

2.10.3 On-going Studies

No on-going studies on diisopropyl methylphosphonate were located.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 87

3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION

3.1 CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Information regarding the chemical identity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is located in Table 3-1.

3.2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Information regarding the physical and chemical properties of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is located in

Table 3-2.



DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 91

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL

4.1 PRODUCTION

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is an organophosphate compound that was first produced in the United

States as a by-product of the manufacture of the nerve gas isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GB, or

Sarin) (ATSDR 1996; EPA 1989; Robson 1977, 1981). It is not a nerve gas and is not a metabolite or

degradation product (Roberts et al. 1995). DiisopropyI methylphosphonate constitutes approximately 2-3%

of the crude GB product, but it is neither a metabolite nor a degradation product of GB (EPA 1989;

Rosenblatt et al. 1975b). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is not normally produced except for its use in

research. One method of producing diisopropyl methylphospbonate is to combine triisopropyl phosphite and

methyl iodide. The mixture is then boiled, refluxed, and distilled, yielding diisopropyl methylphosphonate

and isopropyl iodide (Ford-Moore and Perry 1951). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate may also be prepared

from sodium isopropyl methylphosphonate by a reaction at 270° C, but a portion of the resulting diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is converted to trimethylphosphine oxide at this temperature (EPA 1989).

The only actual production of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate-containing GB nerve gas occurred during

the years 1953-1957 at the RMA near Denver, Colorado. Beginning in 1957, the RMA became a storage

site for unused chemical warfare agents. Then, beginning in 1973, the GB manufacturing facility was used to

detoxify the stored GB nerve agent (Robson 1977, 1981). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate and other

industrial effluents have been released at the RMA as a result of both the manufacturing and detoxification

activities conducted at the site (ATSDR 1996; Robson 1977, 1981). Actual volumes of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate at the RMA from GB manufacture and detoxification are unknown. No chemical agents

are currently stored at the RMA (EPA 1989). DiisopropyI methylphosphonate is not known to occur

naturally in the environment, and it does not appear to have any current uses that would result in its further

production (EPA 1989).

4.2 IMPORT/EXPORT

No information could be found regarding import or export volumes of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 92

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT/EXPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL

4.3 USE

There are no known commercial uses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The military has used diisopropyl

methylphosphonate as a chemical simulant in training and in experiments to determine the toxicity,

persistence, and fate of GB nerve gas in the environment (Van Voris et al. 1987) and the movement and

permeation of GB nerve gas through porous media and protective clothing (Jenkins et al. 1994; Pal et al.

1993; Vo-Dinh and Pal 1992). Simulants such as diisopropyl methylphosphonate were used because they

possess some properties which resemble those of more hazardous compounds. The simulants can be used to

mimic and study specific attributes of the more hazardous compounds when training personnel and

developing chemical defense material (Van Voris et al. 1987). Because diisopropyl methylphosphonate does

not appear to be a cholinesterase inhibitor, it was used as a simulant for the more toxic GB (Sarin) nerve

agent. No information was found concerning the approximate amounts of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

used as a simulant.

4.4 DISPOSAL

The Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-145) directed the Secretary of

Defense to destroy all lethal unitary chemical munitions and agents by September 30, 1994, including

organophosphate nerve agents such as GB. The act was amended in 1988 (Public Law 100-456) to allow for

complete disposal of chemical munitions by April 1997.

One method for disposing of diisopropyl methylphospbonate is microwave decomposition, in which nearly

100% decomposition of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is obtained in a microwave plasma discharge (Bailin

et al. 1975). Another method for disposing of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is ultraviolet and infrared

laser-induced photodestruction, resulting in the production of simple hydrocarbon gases in a phosphorousbearing acid (Radziemski 1981). Chemical oxidation coupled with ultraviolet radiation catalyzation can be

used to successfully remove diisopropyl methylphosphonate from industrial effluents (Zappi et al. 1990).

Granular activated carbon has been shown to significantly reduce the concentration of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in contaminated groundwater (Calgon 1977).

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate has not been shown to be amenable to biodegradation. Little if any

degradation by indigenous bacteria occurred in soil “dosed” with radiolabelled diisopropyl

methylphosphonate (Williams et al. 1989). Biodegradation by aquatic microorganisms has been shown to be
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 93

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT/EXPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL

equally ineffective (Spanggord et al. 1979; Van Voris et al. 1987), rendering it inappropriate as a means for

the disposal of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 95

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.1 OVERVIEW

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been identified at 2 of the 1,416 hazardous waste sites that have been

proposed for inclusion on the EPA National Priorities List (NPL) (HazDat 1997). One site, identified in

Figure 5-1, is the RMA located near Denver, Colorado. As diisopropyl methylphosphonate was never made

commercially, the EPA neither expects nor routinely looks for this chemical at hazardous waste sites unless

site history indicates it might be present.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was released at the RMA near Denver, Colorado, during 1953-1957 as a

byproduct in the effluent from the manufacture of the nerve agent GB (Sarin). It is not a nerve gas and is not a

metabolite or degradation product (Roberts et al. 1995). Contamination was confined primarily to the

groundwater and, to a lesser extent, surface water and soil. Because of its low volatility, diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is not likely to contaminate the atmosphere, and diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not

undergo any significant photolysis (direct or indirect) in water. Biotransformation of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate has not been detected in natural waters. Biotransformation of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is very slow in soil and is temperature dependent. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is

relatively mobile in soil. The presence of a nonreactive carbon-phosphorous (C-P) bond contributes to the

environmental persistence of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Bioconcentration has been demonstrated in

plants, primarily in leaves. Consequently, it is possible that diisopropyl methylphosphonate may enter the

food chain via animal feed. Exposure of the general population to diisopropyl methylphosphonate is

expected to be low. If exposure does occur, it is most likely to arise from drinking or showering with

diisopropyl methylphosphonate-contaminated water at or near the RMA, or through ingestion of fruits and

vegetables that have been irrigated with such contaminated water.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 97

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.2 RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Releases of diisopropyl methylphosphonate are not required to be reported under SARA Section 313;

consequently, there are no data for these compounds in the 1995 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) (TRI95

1997).

5.2.1 Air

No specific information was found on the releases of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to air. However,

diisopropyl methylphosphonate is unlikely to be an atmospheric contaminant because of its very low

volatility (Rosenblatt et al. 1975b). There is the possibility that exposure to airborne diisopropyl

methylphosphonate could occur if the compound was sorbed to soil and subsequently entrained by wind.

5.2.2 Water

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was discharged in industrial effluent during the manufacture of the nerve

agent GB (Sarin) during 1952-1957 at the RMA (EPA 1989; Robson 1977). Prior to 1956, the effluent

from the production of Sarin was disposed of in five unlined surface ponds. Effluent percolated through the

bottom of these ponds, entered the groundwater in a shallow alluvial aquifer, and resulted in groundwater

contamination. In 1974, chemical analyses of the groundwater revealed the presence of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in a 73-km2

 area to the northwest of the arsenal and within 1.6 km (1 mile) of municipal

water wells supplying the city of Brighton, Colorado (Robson 1977, 1981). The concentration of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the groundwater ranged from 0.5 μg/L (the analytical detection limit) to 44,000 μg/L

near one of the abandoned waste disposal ponds.

Groundwater samples collected over the last 10 years from monitoring and private water wells in the offpost

area of RMA have provided data regarding the extent of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The data indicate

that diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the alluvial aquifer extends from the RMA northwest to the South

Platte River. In the 1995 sampling event, diisopropyl methylphosphonate concentrations ranged from less

than 0.392 μg/L, the detection limit, to just over 600 μg/L in this area. The highest reported concentrations

were present upstream of the Peoria Street Treatment Plant. The lowest or non-detect concentrations are
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 98

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

closer to the South Platte River. The treatment facility was installed in 1993 to intercept the contaminated

groundwater north of RMA.

In 1996, chemical analyses of groundwater revealed the presence of DlMP in a 19.4 km2 area located north

and northwest of RMA, and within 11 km of South Adams County Water and Sanitation District (SACWSD)

municipal water wells supplying the city of Commerce City (Harding Lawson Associates 1996).

DIMP contamination levels in the groundwater of Adams County around the RMA are decreasing due to

treatment by the Army. The highest DIMP level in a well in 1997 was 1,500 μg/L. This well is in the

vicinity of the offpost groundwater treatment system, operated by the Army, and will be intercepted and

treated by the system. Downstream of the system, the highest diisopropyl methylphosphonate level was

660 μg/L in 1997. The Onpost Record of Decision in June 1996 provided that well owners with wells

contaminated above 0.392 ppb could be connected to a municipal water supply. All well owners that

accepted will be connected to the municipal supply by the summer of 1998. The Record of Decision also

provides for wells to be connected in the future if diisopropyl methylphosphonate concentrations exceed

values promulgated in the Colorado Basic Standards for Groundwater. Offpost surface water studies have

not been conducted in 1998. In 1997, surface water near the RMA contained approximately less than the

analytical reporting limit of 0.2 μg/L to 7.7 μg/L diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

5.2.3 Soil

No specific information was found on the releases of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to soil. However,

diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been detected in soils at the RMA (Williams et al. 1989). Concentrations

of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in five surface soil samples at the RMA ranged from <0.05 to 0.24 mg/kg

(Williams et al. 1989). Concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in surface soil samples measured

during the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at RMA ranged from less than the analytical

limit of 0.114 mg/kg to 11 mg/kg (Ebasco Services 1991). The most recent sampling conducted in 1995

indicated the concentrations of diisoproply methylphosphonate in the onpost surface soil samples were less

than the analytical reporting limit of 0.342 mg/kg (D.P. Associates 1995).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 99

5. POTENTlAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

5.3.1 Transport and Partitioning

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is slightly soluble in water (0.1-0.3 g/L at 25o) and has been demonstrated in

laboratory studies to quickly diffuse between the surface microlayer into the water column after deposition as

aerosols on fresh water (Van Voris et al. 1987). The solubility of diisopropyl methylphosphonate was 80 g/L

(8%) and remained in solution even when the temperature was lowered to freezing (Bucci et al. 1997). In

addition, there was no significant loss of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from the water column to the

atmosphere, in either the presence or absence of a light wind over the water surface. Human exposure

resulting from the vaporization of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from surface water is considered

insignificant (EPA 1989).

Laboratory studies on the deposition of diisopropyl methylphosphonate to soils suggest that soil acts as a

sink for this chemical (Van Voris et al. 1987). Deposition velocities of diisopropyl methylphosphonate for

soil were approximately 0.87-1.2 cm/second when mass loading rates ranged from 300 to 3,000 μg/cm2

.

Results of soil lysimeter studies indicate that the movement of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in soil occurs

with irrigation water flow (O’Donovan and Woodward 1977a, 1977b). Moreover, the movement of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate through various types of soil depends on the volume of irrigation water

applied to their surfaces. Radioactive tracer experiments indicate that evaporation of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate from dry soil is not significant (O’Donovan and Woodward 1977a, 1977b). Dry soils

containing diisopropyl methylphosphonate retained over 95% of the initial radioactivity after approximately

250 hours of treatment. The moist soil samples retained somewhat less activity (approximately 78%).

Bioconcentration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate by various plants was studied in soil and in hydroponic

cultures (O’Donovan and Woodward 1977a, 1977b). The hydroponic studies used corn, beans, radish, wheat,

tomato, carrot, sugar beet, meadow fescue, rose, and juniper. The soil studies included carrot, wheat, alfalfa,

sugar beet, and bean. The concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the irrigation water used in the

soil tests were 0, 1, 8, 20, 50, 100, 300, 500, 700, and 1,000 ppm. Hydroponic cultures contained 0, 1, 10,

100, and 1,000 ppm diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Results of the hydroponic studies demonstrated that

bioconcentration occurred in most plants, with peak bioconcentration occurring primarily in the 1st month of

growth. In general, the leaves of the plants displayed the highest concentration of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate, which was up to 20 times greater than concentrations contained in the solutions. Other
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 100

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

plant parts typically did not concentrate diisopropyl methylphosphonate or did so in a very limited manner.

Bioconcentration also occurred in plants when diisopropyl methylphosphonate was added to soil. When

measured at 65 days after exposure, the concentration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in plant tissues (in

particular, the leaves) generally increased with increasing diisopropyl methylphosphonate concentrations in

the irrigation solution.

5.3.2 Transformation and Degradation

5.3.2.1 Air

No information was found on the transformation of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the atmosphere. Based

on the results of environmental fate studies of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in distilled water and natural

water, photolysis (either direct or indirect) is not important in the transformation of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in aquatic systems (Spanggord et al. 1979). The ultraviolet and infrared laser-induced

photodegradation of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in both the vapor or liquid phase has been demonstrated

(Radziemski 1981). Light hydrocarbon gases were the principal decomposition products. Hydrogen, carbon

monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water were also detected.

5.3.2.2 Water

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate does not undergo direct or indirect photolysis in aquatic systems, as

demonstrated by the stability of the compound in distilled water or in a natural water sample after 232 hours

of reaction time with the mercury lamp filtered to exclude all wavelengths below 290 nm (Spanggord et al.

1979).

Biodegradation of diisopropyl methylphosphonate was not observed in acclimated cultures of bog water

obtained from the RMA, even after the addition of extra carbon sources and an incubation period of up to 12

weeks (Spanggord et al. 1979). In addition, no biodegradation of diisopropyl methylphosphonate was

observed in waters obtained from the Palo Alto sewage plant aeration tank or from a pond near Searsville

Lake in Woodside, California.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 101

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.3.2.3 Sediment and Soil

The biodegradation of diisopropyl methylphosphonate by microorganisms was studied in soil obtained from

the RMA (Spanggord et al. 1979). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate was degraded to CO2 by soil

microorganisms, but the biodegradation was very slow, with only 13.4% of the original activity being evolved

as 14CO2 after 34 weeks of incubation. It was determined that soil biodegradation was not a function of the

concentration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. However, temperature can affect the soil biodegradation of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate with transformation being very slow at 25° C (15-20%) and almost

completely halted at 10° C (<0.1 %) (Spanggord et al. 1979). A half-life in excess of 2 years was predicted

for diisopropyl methylphosphonate in soil. In another study of the microbial degradation of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in soil, 14C-diisopropyl methylphosphonate was converted to 14C02, to the extent of 6.4%

and 6.0% in soils, uncontaminated and contaminated, respectively, obtained from the RMA (Williams et al.

1989). Results of a mass balance study revealed that the majority of the 14C-diisopropyl methylphosphonate

was recovered as the undegraded parent compound.

5.4 LEVELS MONITORED OR ESTIMATED IN THE ENVIRONMENT

5.4.1 Air

No information was found on levels monitored or estimated in the air. However, because of its very low

volatility, diisopropyl methylphosphonate is unlikely to be an atmospheric contaminant (EPA 1989). A rate

constant for diisopropyl methylphosphonate has not been determined.

5.4.2 Water

There are no measurements of the actual concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in groundwater at

the RMA during the years of active production of the nerve gas Sarin (i.e., 1953-l 957) (EPA 1989). The

first actual measurements of the concentration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the groundwater on the

arsenal and surrounding property to the north and west were made in 1974 (Robson 1981). The

concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the groundwater ranged from 0.5 μg/L (analytical

detection limit) to as much as 44,000 μg/L near the abandoned waste disposal ponds. Diisopropyl

methylphosphonate was discharged into a lined reservoir at the RMA in 1956 and was still present 20 years

later in concentrations of about 400,000 μg/L (Robson 1977).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 102

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

During the most recent comprehensive groundwater sampling at RMA in 1995, diisopropyl methylphosphonate

concentrations in groundwater were reported to range from less than 0.110 μg/L to 965 μg/L . The

highest concentrations were reported near the areas of prior waste disposal. In 1997, offpost groundwater

near the RMA contained less than the analytical reporting limit of 0.2 μg/L to 1,500 μg/L diisopropyl

methylphosphonate (USGS 1998). In 1997, offpost surface water near the RMA contained less than the

analytical reporting limit of 0.2 μg/L to 7.7 μg/L diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

In 1997, concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in onpost groundwater samples at the RMA

ranged from less than the analytical reporting limit of 0.2 μg/L to 1,500 μg/L (USGS 1998). Concentrations

of diisoproply methylphosphonate in onpost surface water samples at the RMA ranged from less than the

analytical reporting limit of 0.2 μg/L to 0.581 μg/L.

5.4.3 Sediment and Soil

The concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in 5 surface soil samples obtained at the RMA ranged

from <0.05 to 0.24 mg/kg (Williams et al. 1989).

The most recent onpost surface soil sampling was conducted in 1995. Concentrations of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in surface soil samples measured in 1995 at RMA were less than the analytical reporting

limit of 0.342 mg/kg, (D.P. Associates 1995). The most recent onpost subsurface soil sampling occurred in

1993. Concentrations of Diisoproply methylphosphonate in 1993 at RMA ranged from less than the

analytical reporting limit of 0.114 mg/kg to 0.864 mg/kg (Harding Lawson Associates 1994).

The most recent onpost sediment sampling occurred in 1990. All concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in sediment samples measured during the RI at RMA were less than the analytical reporting limits,

which ranged from 0.05 mg/kg to 1.0 mg/kg (Ebasco Services Inc. 1992). Diisopropyl methylphosphonate

has not been detected in sediment samples near the RMA. The most recent sampling for diisopropyl

methylphosphonate occurred in 1990 and all the results were less than the analytical reporting limit of

1.0 mg/kg (Harding Lawson Associates 1992).
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 103

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.4.4 Other Environmental Media

No information was located regarding concentrations of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in other

environmental media.

5.5 GENERAL POPULATION AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Exposure of the general population to diisopropyl methylphosphonate is expected to be highly unlikely and to

occur at extremely low levels, but data are insufficient for exposure estimates. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate

has been detected in the groundwater and, to a lesser extent, in the surface water and soil at or

near the RMA. If exposure of the general population to diisopropyl methylphosphonate were to occur, water

would be the most likely source.

Although workers in facilities manufacturing diisopropyl methylphosphonate may have been exposed to the

chemical during the active years of production, no occupational monitoring studies for diisopropyl

methylphosphonate were located.

5.6 POPULATIONS WITH POTENTIALLY HIGH EXPOSURES

Populations living near the RMA may be at risk of exposure to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Individuals

with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in their domestic wells are receiving their drinking water from

alternative sources. According to the On-post Record of Decision (June 1996), well owners with wells

contaminated above 0.392 μg/L of diisopropyl methylphosphonate could be connected to a municipal water

supply.

5.7 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the

Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate

information on the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is available. Where adequate information

is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the NTP, is required to assure the initiation of a program of

research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine such

health effects) of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 104

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

The following categories of possible data needs have beeu identified by a joint team of scientists from

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would

reduce the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean that

all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will be evaluated

and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.

5.7.1 Identification of Data Needs

Physical and Chemical Properties. The physical and chemical properties of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate are sufficiently well defined to allow assessment of its fate following release to the

environment (EPA 1989; HSDB 1994; Robson 1981; Rosenblatt et. al. 1975b). The solubility of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate under various conditions is not well defined. No additional information is

needed.

Production, import/Export, Use, Release, and Disposal. The risk for exposure of the general

population to substantial levels of diisopropyP methylphosphonate is quite low. GB (Sarin) and diisopropyl

methylphosphonate have not been produced in the United States since 1957, and there is no indication that

U.S. production of these chemicals will resume (EPA 1989). No information exists regarding the import or

export of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate has no known commercial uses,

but has been used by the military as a simulant for chemical warfare agents (Van Voris et al. 1987).

Methods for disposing of diisopropyl methylphosphonate include microwave decomposition, ultraviolet and

infrared laser-induced photodestruction, chemical oxidation coupled with ultraviolet radiation catalyzation,

and adsorption using granular activated carbon (Bailin et al. 1975; Calgon 1977; Radziemski 1981; Zappi et

al. 1990). However, no information is available regarding the amounts of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

disposed of by each method.

Environmental Fate. The environmental fate of diisopropyl methylphosphonate has been investigated in

several studies (O’Donovan and Woodward 1977a, B977b; Radziemski 198 1; Robson 1977, 1981;

Spanngord et al. 1979; Van Voris et al. 1987; Williams et al. 1989). This chemical is relatively unreactive

and degrades slowly in environmental media. Diisopropyl methylphosphonate is a by-product of production

at the RMA and is confined to the RMA and surrounding areas. Municipal water will be supplied to

consenting drinking water well owners within the DIMP plume. Thus, potential exposure of the general
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 105

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

population is low. Additional monitoring studies of the contaminated plumes will be useful to assess the

transport of this chemical from the RMA.

Bioavailability from Environmental Media. Oral absorption of DIMP from water was found to be

rapid in both the rats and minks (Bucci et al. 1992). DermaI absorption of DIMP in swine was reported to be

between 3 and 7% through 7 days (Snodgrass and Metkler 1992). However, no studies were located

regarding the bioavailability of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from other environmental media. Studies that

investigate the bioavailability of diisopropyl methylphosphonate from soils would be useful in estimating

exposure of persons who live near the RMA.

Food Chain Bioaccumulation. Bioconcentration of diisopropyl methylphosphonate occurs primarily in

the leaves of plants (O’Donovan and Woodward 1977a, 1977b). However, DlMP also bioconcentrates in the

edible root portions of radishes and carrots, and in the fruit of tomato plants at lower levels. Exposure may

occur through the ingestion of fruits and vegetables that have been irrigated with DlMP contaminated water.

Additional studies are needed to assess the potentiaP for bioconcentration in plants. While it is possible that

diisopropyl methylphosphonate may enter the food chain via animal feed, DIMP is rapidly changed to IMPA

by animals that eat it. Therefore, it is unlikely that DIMP will be bioaccumulated in animals and be present

further up the food chain.

Exposure Levels in Environmental Media. Monitoring data were not located for diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in ambient air. This chemical has been detected in surface and groundwater receiving

effluent from the RMA (ATSDR 1996). It has also been detected in soil at the RMA. Since this chemical is

not expected to be prevalent in the environment and exposure of the general population is not expected to be

of concern, monitoring of ambient environmental media does not appear to be required. However, monitoring

of environmental media such as groundwater and soil in the vicinity of the RMA has been conducted to help

determine the potential for exposure.

Exposure Levels in Humans. This information is necessary for assessing the need to conduct health

studies on these populations. No occupational studies were located regarding exposure levels of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in humans. Workers conducting wildlife toxicity studies at the RMA reported effects that

could be associated with exposure to diisopropyl methylphospbonate; however, the workers were also

exposed to a number of other toxic chemicals. One study that attempted to determine levels of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate or its metabolite IMPA in the urine of residents of communities adjacent to the RMA was
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 106

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

unsuccessful because urine components may have reduced sensitivity to target analytes by producing

interferences (ATSDR 1996). Additional monitormg of populations at the RMA or living in the vicinity of

the RMA would help assess the effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate on the general population.

Exposure Registries. No exposure registries for diisopropyl methylphosphonate were located. This

substance is not currently one of the compounds for which a subregistry has been established in the National

Exposure Registry.

5.7.2 On-going Studies

ATSDR, EPA, the state of Colorado, and Shelf Oil are developing a medical monitoring plan for the

remediation of the RMA. Exactly what chemicals will be monitored has not yet been determined.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 107

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the analytical methods that are available for detecting, measuring,

and/or monitoring diisopropyl methylphosphonate, its metabolites, and other biomarkers of exposure and

effect to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The intent is not to provide an exhaustive list of analytical

methods. Rather, the intention is to identify well-established methods that are used as the standard methods

of analysis. Many of the analytical methods used for environmental samples are the methods approved by

federal agencies and organizations such as EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

(NOSH). Other methods presented in this chapter are those that are approved by groups such as the

Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Additionally, analytical methods may be included that modify previously used methods to obtain lower

detection limits and/or to improve accuracy and precision

6.1 BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

Methods exist for measuring diisopropyl methylpbosphonate and its metabolites in biological materials.

Metabolites of diisopropyl methylphosphonate bave been analyzed in plasma, urine, and fecal samples of

mink and rats (Weiss et al. 1994). Cold acetonitrile is added to each sample, with fecal samples first being

homogenized with distilled water. Each sample is then centrifuged, and the supernatant is separated and

fractionated by reverse phase, high performance liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography. Gas

chromatography (GC), combined with detection by mass spectrometry (MS), and proton nuclear magnetic

resonance are then used to identify the fractions (Weiss et al. 1994). Attempts to develop verifiable

analytical techniques for the detection of IMPA, the major metabolite of diisopropyl methylphosphonate,

were unsuccessful in one study (ATSDR 1996).

GC, utilizing flame ionization detection FID), has been used to measure diisopropyl methylphosphonate in

meat, grain, or milk (Caton et al. 1994). Sample preparation steps include homogenization, filtration,

dialysis, and extraction on a solid sorbent. Two common solid phase extractants, Tenax GC and

octadecylsilane bonded silica gel (C18 Silica), were compared by Caton et al. (1994). They reported 70%

recovery when using Tenax GC and 85% recovery wlren using C18 Silica. Sensitivity was not reported.

Equilibrium experiments indicate that 8-10 mg of Tenax GC are required to achieve maximum recovery of

each μg of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Caton et al. 1994). By extrapolating these results to a complex
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 108

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

mixture sample in which several chemical species would be competing for sorption sites, the study authors

estimated that 0.1-0.5 mg of Tenax GC should be used for each mg of plant or animal tissue. An alternative

approach to measure diisopropyl methylphosphonate in meat or milk is based upon thermal desorption into

an ion trap mass spectrometer (TDITMS) (Buchanan et al. 1995). Preparation of beef tissue samples

requires combination of centrifugation, filtration, and absorption on solid sorbents. Milk samples did not

require centrifugation and filtration. Overall recovery for diisopropyl methylphosphonate from the sorbent

Tenax was found to be in the range of 20-50% (Buchanan et al. 1995). Small initial sample sizes are

required to reach detection limits of 50-100 ppb, suggesting that it may be possible to extract small tissue

samples from livestock by needle biopsy. This would eliminate the requirement of animal sacrifice for

analysis Further, the time needed for sample preparation and analysis using TDITMS is shorter than

conventional EPA methods, allowing for a greater number of samples to be included in the analysis. A

summary of the analytical methods for various biological media is presented in Table 6-l.

6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES

Methods exist for determining levels of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in air, soil, and water. These

methods include separation by GC coupled with FID and flame photometric detection (FPD), determination

by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, separation by ionization mass spectrometry, determination utilizing

piezoelectric crystals, and determination by gas-sensitive microsensors. Table 6-2 summarizes the methods

that have been used to analyze environmental samples for diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Methods used for analyzing diisopropyl methylphospbonate in air include real-time analyses utilizing

interdigitated gate electrode-field effect transistors (IGEFET), coated and uncoated piezoelectric crystal

detectors, gas chromatographs, and mass spectrometers. The IGEFET method utilizes electron-beam

evaporated thin films of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) to obtain a microelectronic integrated circuit sensor

that can selectively detect parts-per-billion (ppb) concentration levels of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

(Kolesar and Wiseman 1989; Kolesar et al. 1992). At specific frequencies, the interaction between adsorbed

diisopropyl methylphosphonate and the thin film of CuPc produces a distinct change in the film’s electrical

resistance and reactance, allowing the IGEFET to selectively identify diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

A number of studies (Kristoff and Guilbault 1983; Milanko et al. 1992) have investigated the use of coated

and uncoated piezoelectric crystals in the detection and analysis of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in air

samples. Piezoelectric crystals have a natural resonant frequency of oscillation that can be utilized to detect




DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 113

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

chemical contaminants such as diisopropyl methylphosphonate. A thin coating of an appropriate substance is

applied to a crystal. The film selectively adsorbs the diisopropyl methylphosphonate, which increases the

mass of the piezoelectric crystal, thereby decreasing the oscillation frequency (Brothers 1990). Although

piezoelectric crystals are very sensitive, there is a major problem with this sensitivity. The chemically

sensitive coating must be extremely selective in its adsorption of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Otherwise,

other contaminants may also adsorb to the crystal, altering its mass and causing the piezoelectric sensor to be

unable to measure the diisopropyl methylphosphonate (Brothers 1990). Piezoelectric crystal coatings include

Triton X- 100 (polyethylene glycol p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl ether), Aerosol-OT (sodium

dioctylsulphosuccinate), dibutyl phthalate, and collodion (Milanko et a1.1992). Kristoff and Guilbault (1983)

investigated the diisopropyl methylphosphonate detection ability of uncoated piezoelectric crystals with

various metal electrodes (gold, silver, and nickel). They found that sensitivity increased and selectivity

decreased in the following order: gold, silver, nickel. Sensitivity was found to decrease with increasing

temperature (20-50° C) for the gold-plated crystal. Water vapor at 50% relative humidity was not a serious

interference. The smallest weight of diisopropyl methylphosphonate detected at 10 μg L-1 was approximately

0.5 ng (Kristoff and Guilbault 1983).

Gas chromatography with a flame photometric detector (Sass and Parker 1980) and multiphoton ionization

mass spectrometry (MI/MS) (Syage et al. 1988) have also been used to analyze diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in air samples.

Soil samples of diisopropyl methylphosphonate are detected and quantified mainly by GC, FID, FPD, and

MS (Sawyer et al. 1992; Spanggord et al. 1979; Tomes et al. 1991). A number of different preparation

methods exist. In a study designed to determine chemical warfare agents in samples from a battlefield

environment, a solid-phase extraction method was described that extracts soil samples by shaking them in

distilled water (Tomes et al. 1991). The extract is then filtered to remove particulate matter and immediately

passed through a cartridge containing 200 mg C18 sorbent wetted with methanol and water. The diisopropyl

methylphosphonate is then eluted from the sample witb chloroform, an internal standard is added, and the

sample is analyzed by GC using a 30m x 0.242 mm I.D. capillary column and FID (Tomes et-al. 1991).

Percent recovery was 66 ± 7% from soil samples contaminated with 1 mg of diisopropyl methylphosphonate;

no sample detection limit was given. Sawyer et al. (1992) described a method in which extraction is

accomplished using ultrasonic vibrations prior to analysis by GC using a 15-m column and FID, FPD, and

MS. No sample detection limits or percent recovery data were reported. In a study on the environmental fate

of diisopropyl methylphosphonate at the RMA, Spanggord et al. (1979) described a method in which soil
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 114

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

samples are extracted with three volumes of ethyl acetate, filtered or separated, dried over anhydrous

NA2SO4, and concentrated using rotary evaporation Triethyl phosphate (TEP) is added as an internal

standard, and the sample is analyzed by GC using a 50-m SP2100 glass capillary column and alkali-flame

ionization detection (AFID). Retention time for diisopropyl methylphosphonate was 9.82 minutes at a flow

rate of 0.5 mL/minute N2 at 110° C isothermal Altbough a detection limit was not specified, a detection

level of 0.05 ppm was reported for soil extracts (Spanggord et al. 1979).

The most common method for analyzing water samples for diisopropyl methylphosphonate is GC with FID

or FPD. One method described by Rosenblatt et al. (1975b) involves extraction of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate from water with chloroform prior to GC analysis using a 5-foot-long, 0.25inch-diameter

glass chromatographic column filled with OV-17/Reoplexon 400 CRG. A 1-ppm solution of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in chloroform was used as a standard (Rosenblatt et al. 1975b). Methods described by

Tornes et al. (1991) and Spanggord et al. (1979) for analysis of diisopropyl methylphosphonate in soils are

also applicable to diisopropyl methylphosphonate analysis in water samples. Tomes et al. (1991) reported an

87 ± 10% recovery rate from 30-mL water samples contaminated with 1 mg of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate. Fasano et al. (1982) described a method for the quantification of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in water in the presence of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and trimethyl

phosphate (TMP). Samples are extracted with methylene chloride, dried, concentrated, and analyzed using a

10-foot-long, 2-mm-diameter I.D. glass GC column packed with 10% Carbowax 20M on 100/120 mesh

Supelcoport. A sample detection limit of 9.05 μg/L was reported for diisopropyl methylphosphonate in water

in the presence of 10 mg/L of DMMP (Fasano et al. 1982).

6.3 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the

Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate

information on the health effects of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is available. Where adequate information

is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the NTP, is required to assure the initiation of a program of

research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine such

health effects) of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 115

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

reduce the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean that

all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will be evaluated

and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.

6.3.1 Identification of Data Needs

Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect

Exposure. No biomarkers of exposure were identified that were specific to diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

Although standard procedures exist for identifying diisopropyl methylphosphonate’s primary metabolite

(IMPA) in plasma, urine, and feces (Weiss et al 1994), the detection of IMPA is not unique to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate exposure. IMPA is also a major metabolite of GB (Sarin) (Little et al. 1986). In

addition, IMPA is cleared from the body rapidly, making it a useful indicator for recent exposure only.

Effect. No biomarkers of effect were identified that were specific to diisopropyl methylphosphonate. No

specific target organs of diisopropyl methylphosphonate are known, and no toxic effects in humans can be

positively linked to diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure.

Methods for Determining Parent Compounds and Degradation Products in Environmental

Media. Methods exist to detect diisopropyl methylphosphonate and its degradation products in air (Kolesar

et al. 1992; Kristoff and Guilbault 1983; Milanko et al. 1992; Sass and Parker 1980; Syage et al. 1988), soil

(Sawyer et al. 1992; Spanggord et al. 1979; Tomes et al. 1991), and water (Calgon 1977; Fasano et al. 1982;

Spanggord et al. 1979; Tomes et al. 1991). These methods are relatively sensitive and reliable and have

varying degrees of selectivity.

6.3.2 On-going Studies

No on-going analytical methods studies were located.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 117

7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES

The national and state regulations and guidelines regarding diisopropyl methylphosphonate in water and other

media are summarized in Table 7-l. No international regulations or guidelines were located regarding

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. No NTP or IARC cancer classifications have been reported for diisopropyl

methylphosphonate (IARC 1997). No regulations or guidelines were located regarding diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in air.

ATSDR has derived an intermediate-duration oral MRL of 0.8 mg/kg/day based on the lack of effects

including hematological effects in dogs treated with diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet at a dose of

75 mg/kg/day for 90 days (Hart 1980). The NOAEL was divided by an uncertainty factor of 100 to

extrapolate from animals to humans and to account for human variability. ATSDR also has derived a

chronic-duration oral MRL of 0.6 mg/kg/day based on the lack of effects, including hematological effects, in

mink treated with 57 mg/kg/day of diisopropyI methylphosphonate for 13 months (Bucci et al. 1997). In this

derivation, the NOAEL was divided by an uncertainty factor of 100 to extrapolate from animals to humans

and for human variability. EPA has determined an RfD for diisopropyl methylphosphonate of 0.08

mg/kg/day with an uncertainty factor of 1,000 (10 for extrapolation of dose levels from laboratory animals to

humans, 10 for uncertainty in the threshold for sensitive humans, and 10 for uncertainty in the effect of

duration when extrapolating from subchronic to chronic exposure), based on the same 90-day dog feeding

study (IRIS 1995). Based on this RfD and on the assumptions that a 70-kg person drinks 2 L of water/day

and that 20% of the diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure would occur through drinking water, EPA has

recommended a lifetime drinking water health advisory of 0.6 mg/L (EPA 1996).

In contrast to federal government agencies, the state of Colorado has chosen a more conservative approach.

Based on the Aulerich et al. (1979) study, it calculated a safe oral intake of 0.001 mg/kg/day based on a

LOAEL of 11 mg/kg/day for death of female mink and an uncertainty factor of 10,000 (10 each for

interspecies variation, intraspecies variation, less than Iifetime exposure, and extrapolation from a LOAEL).

Using the assumptions of a 70-kg person drinking 2 L of water/day, with 20% of exposure resulting from

drinking water, a groundwater and surface water standard of 0.008 mg/L has been derived (Colorado 1993a,

1993b). This standard is enforceable throughout the state of Colorado.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 119

7 . REGULATlONSANDADVlSORlES

The two-generation study in mink (Bucci 1997) has been completed and will hopefully help resolve the

differences between the federal agencies’ recommendation and those of the state of Colorado.

DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 121

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*Andersen ME, Krishnan K. 1994. Relating in vitro to in vivo exposures with physiologically based tissue

dosimetry and tissue response models. In: Salem H, ed. Animal test alternatives: Refinement, reduction,

replacement. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 9-25.

*Army. 1978. Toxicity study in rats dosed with diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) in their drinking

water. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: Army Armament Research and Development Command. NTIS No.

AD-A054-733.

*ATSDR. 1989. Decision guide for identifying substance-specific data needs related to toxicological profiles.

Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

*ATSDR. 1996. The rocky mountain arsenal pilot exposure study; Part II: Analysis of exposure to

diisopropylmethylphosphate, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, isodrin and chlorophenylmethsulfone. Atlanta, GA: U.S.

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Registry.

*Aulerich RJ, Coleman TH, Polin D, et al. 1979. Toxicology study of diisopropyl methylphosphonate and

dicyclopentadiene in mallard ducks, bobwhite quail, and mink. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University,

Department of Poultry Science. NTIS No. AD-A087-257.

*Bailin LJ, Sibert ME, Jonas LA, et al. 1975. Microwave decomposition of toxic vapor simulants.

Environmental Science and Technology 9(3):254-258.

Balog PP, Stanford TB, Nordstrom RJ, et al. 1986. Feasibility assessment of piezoelectric crystals as

chemical warfare agent sensors. Final report. AMD-TR-86-003. Columbus, GH: Batelle-Columbus

Laboratories. NTIS No. AD-A174-065

*Barnes DG, Dourson M. 1988. Reference dose (RfD): Description and use in health risk estimates. Regul

Toxicol Pharmacol 8:471-486.

Bentley RE, Leblanc GA, Hollister TA, et al. 1976. Acute toxicity of diiospropylmethyl phosphonate and

dicyclopentadiene to aquatic organisms. Wareham, MA: E.G. and G. Bionomics. NTIS No. AD-A037-750.

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C.V. Mosby Company.

_____________________

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*Brothers CP. 1990. Evaluation of an interdigitated gate electrode field-effect transistor for detecting

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*Bucci TJ, Mercieca MD, Perman V. 1997. Two-generation reproductive study in mink fed DIMP: Final

report, study No. TP-001. Prepared by Pathology Associates International, Jefferson, AR.

*Bucci TJ, Parker RM, Wustenberg W. 1992. A 90-Day oral toxicity study and a 5-day metabolism study of

diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) in mink. Jefferson, AR: Pathology Associates, Inc. NTIS No.

AD-A257-397.

*Bucci TJ, Wustenberg W, Perman V, et al. 1994. Subchronic oral toxicity study of diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in mink. Fundam Appl Toxicol22(2):220-230.

*Buchanan MV, Hettich RL, Xu JH. 1995. Low level detection of chemical agent simulants in meat and milk

by ion trap mass spectrometry. Journal of Hazardous Materials 42:49-59.

*Burrows WD. 1978. Development of guidelines for contaminated soil and groundwater at U.S. Army

installations. 4th Jt. Conf. Sens. Environ. Pollut., 80-82.

Butler MA, Ricco AJ. 1992. Fibre-optic micro-mirror studies of the interaction of thin copper films with an

organophosphonate. Anal Chem 64(17): 1851- 1854.

*Calabrese E. 1990. Health effects assessment of diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Prepared for State of

Colorado, Department of Health, November 12, 1990.

*Calgon Corporation. 1977. Removal of trace organics from groundwater using granular activated carbons.

Denver, CO: Calgon Corporation. Government Reports Announcements and Index (GRA&I) Issue 07. NTIS

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Casazza JP, Felver ME, Veech RL. 1984. The metabolism of acetone in rats. J Biol Chem 259(1):23 l-236.

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biological matrixes. Anal Lett 27(2):35 l-362.

*Clewell HJ LII, Andersen ME. 1985. Risk assessment extrapolations and physiological modeling. Toxicol

Ind Health 1(4):111-131.

*Colorado. 1993a. The basic standards for ground water 3.11.0. Colorado Department of Health, Water

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*Colorado. 1993b. The basic standards and methodologies for surface water 3.1.0. (SCCR 1002-8).

Colorado Department of Health, Water Quality Commission

*Cysewski SJ, Palmer JS, Crookshank HR, et al. 1981. Toxicologic evaluation of diisopropyl

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DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 131

9. GLOSSARY

Acute Exposure -- Exposure to a chemical for 8 duration of 14 days or less, as specified in the Toxicological

Profiles.

Adsorption Coefficient (Koc) -- The ratio of the amount of a chemical adsorbed per unit weight of organic

carbon in the soil or sediment to the concentration of the chemical in solution at equilibrium.

Adsorption Ratio (Kd) -- The amount of a chemical adsorbed by a sediment or soil (i.e., the solid phase)

divided by the amount of chemical in the solution phase, which is in equilibrium with the solid phase, at a

fixed solid/solution ratio. It is generally expressed in micrograms of chemical sorbed per gram of soil or

sediment.

Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) -- The quotient of the concentration of a cRemica1 in aquatic organisms at a

specific time or during a discrete time period of exposure divided by the concentration in the surrounding

water at the same time or during the same period.

Cancer Effect Level (CEL) -- The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or group of studies, that produces

significant increases in the incidence of cancer (or tumors) between the exposed population and its

appropriate control.

Carcinogen -- A chemical capable of inducing cancer.

Ceiling Value -- A concentration of a substance that should not be exceeded, even instantaneously.

Chronic Exposure -- Exposure to a chemical for 365 days caused death in humans or animals.

Lethal Concentration(50)(LC50) -- A calculated concentration of a chemical in air to which exposure for a

specific length of time is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.

Lethal Dose(LO)( LDLO) -- The lowest dose of a chemical introduced by a route other than inhalation that is

expected to have caused death in humans or animals.

Lethal Dose(50) ( LD50) -- The dose of a chemical which has been calculated to cause death in 50% of a

defined experimental animal population.

Lethal Time(50)( LT50) -- A calculated period of time within which a specific concentration ofa chemical is

expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.

Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) -- The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or group of

studies, that produces statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse

effects between the exposed population and its appropriate control.

Malformations -- Permanent structural changes that may adversely affect survival, development, or function.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 132

9. GLOSSARY

Minimal Risk Level -- An estimate of daily human exposure to a dose of a chemical that is likely to be

without an appreciable risk of adverse noncancerous effects over a specified duration of exposure.

Mutagen -- A substance that causes mutations A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a body cell.

Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.

Neurotoxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the nervous system following exposure to chemical.

No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) - The dose of chemical at which there were no statistically

or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects seen between the exposed

population and its appropriate control. Effects may be produced at this dose, but they are not considered to

be adverse.

Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (Kow) -- The equilibrium ratio of the concentrations of a chemical in

n-octanol and water, in dilute solution.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) -- An allowable exposure level in workplace air averaged over an Sllow shift.

q1* -- The upper-bound estimate of the low-dose slope of the dose-response curve as determined by the

multistage procedure. The q1,* can be used to calculate an estimate of carcinogenic potency, the incremental

excess cancer risk per unit of exposure (usually μg/L for water, mg/kg/day for food, and μg/m3 for air).

Reference Dose (RfD) -- An estimate (with uncertamty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude) of the daily

exposure of the human population to a potential hazard that is likely to be without risk of deleterious effects

during a lifetime. The RfD is operationally derived from the NOBEL (from animal and human studies) by a

consistent application of uncertainty factors that reflect various types of data used to estimate RfDs and an

additional modifying factor, which is based on a professional judgment of the entire database on the chemical.

The RfDs are not applicable to nonthreshold effects such as cancer.

Reportable Quantity (RQ) -- The quantity of a hazardous substance that is considered reportable under

CERCLA. Reportable quantities are (1) 1 pound or greater or (2) for selected substances, an amount

established by regulation either under CERCLA or under Sect. 311 of the Clean Water Act. Quantities are

measured over a 24 hour period.

Reproductive Toxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the reproductive system that may result from

exposure to a chemical. The toxicity may be directed to the reproductive organs and/or the related endocrine

system. The manifestation of such toxicity may be noted as alterations in sexual behavior, fertility,

pregnancy outcomes, or modifications in other functions that are dependent on the integrity of this system.

Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) -- The maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for

up to 15 mm continually. No more than four excursions are allowed per day, and there must be at least 60

min between exposure periods. The daily TLV-TWA may not be exceeded.

Target Organ Toxicity -- This term covers a broad range of adverse effects on target organs or

physiological systems (e.g., renal, cardiovascular) extending from those arising through a single limited

exposure to those assumed over a lifetime of exposure to a chemical.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE 133

9. GLOSSARY

Teratogen -- A chemical that causes structural defects that affect the development of an organism.

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) -- A concentration of a substance to which most workers can be exposed

without adverse effect. The TLV may be expressed as a TWA, as a STEL, or as a CL.

Time-Weighted Average (TWA) -- An allowable exposure concentration averaged over a normal g-hour

workday or 40-hour workweek.

Toxic Dose (TD50) -- A calculated dose of a chemical, introduced by a route other than inhalation, which is

expected to cause a specific toxic effect in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.

Uncertainty Factor (UF) -- A factor used in operationally deriving the RfD from experimental data. UFs

are intended to account for (1) the variation in sensitivity among the members of the human population, (2)

the uncertainty in extrapolating animal data to the case of buman, (3) the uncertainty in extrapolating from

data obtained in a study that is of less than lifetime exposure, and (4) the uncertainty in using LOAEL data

rather than NOAEL data. Usually each of these factors is set eqlual to 10.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE A-1

APPENDlX A

ATSDR MlNlMAL RlSK LEVEL

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) [42 U.S.C. 9601

et seq.], as amended by the Super-fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) [Pub. L. 99-4991,

requires that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) develop jointly with the US.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in order of priority, a list of hazardous substances most commonly

found at facilities on the CERCLA National Priorities List (NPL); prepare toxicological profiles for each

substance included on the priority list of hazardous substances; and assure the initiation of a research

program to fill identified data needs associated with the substances.

The toxicological profiles include an examination, summary, and interpretation of available toxicological

information and epidemiologic evaluations of a hazardous substance. During the development of

toxicological profiles, Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) are derived when reliable and sufficient data exist to

identify the target organ(s) of effect or the most sensitive health effect(s) for a specific duration for a given

route of exposure. An MRL is an estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardous substance that is

likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse noncancer health effects over a specified duration of exposure.

MRLs are based on noncancer health effects only and are not based on a consideration of cancer effects.

These substance-specific estimates, which are intended to serve as screening levels, are used by ATSDR

health assessors to identify contaminants and potential health effects that may be of concern at hazardous

waste sites. It is important to note that MRLs are not intended to define clean-up or action levels.

MRLs are derived for hazardous substances using the no-observed-adverse-effect 1eveVuncertainty factor

approach. They are below levels that might cause adverse health effects in the people most sensitive to such

chemical-induced effects. MRLs are derived for acute (1-14 days), intermediate (15-364 days), and chronic

(365 days and longer) durations and for the oral and inhalation routes of exposure. Currently, MRLs for the

dermal route of exposure are not derived because ATSDR has not yet identified a method suitable for this

route of exposure. MRLs are generally based on the most sensitive chemical-induced end point considered to

be of relevance to humans. Serious health effects (such as irreparable damage to the liver or kidneys, or birth

defects) are not used as a basis for establishing MRLs. Exposure to a level above the MRL does not mean

that adverse health effects will occur.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE A-2

APPENDIX A

MRLs are intended only to serve as a screening tool to help public health professionals decide where to look

more closely. They may also be viewed as a mechanism to identify those hazardous waste sites that are not

expected to cause adverse health effects. Most MRLs contain a degree of uncertainty because of the lack of

precise toxicological information on the people who might be most sensitive (e.g., infants, elderly,

nutritionally or immunologically compromised) to the effects of hazardous substances. ATSDR uses a

conservative (i.e., protective) approach to address this uncertainty consistent with the public health principle

of prevention. Although human data are preferred, MRLs often must be based on animal studies because

relevant human studies are lacking. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, ATSDR assumes that humans

are more sensitive to the effects of hazardous substance than animals and that certain persons may be

particularly sensitive. Thus, the resulting MRL may be as much as a hundredfold below levels that have been

shown to be nontoxic in laboratory animals.

Proposed MRLs undergo a rigorous review process: Health Effects/MRL Workgroup reviews within the

Division of Toxicology, expert panel peer reviews, and agencywide MRL Workgroup reviews, with

participation from other federal agencies and comments from the public. They are subject to change as new

information becomes available concomitant with updating the toxicological profiles. Thus, MRLs in the

most recent toxicological profiles supersede previously published levels. For additional information

regarding MRLs, please contact the Division of Toxicology, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease

Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-29, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE A-3

APPENDIX A

MINIMAL RISK LEVEL WORKSHEET

Chemical Name: Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate

CAS Number: 144-75-6

Date: March 1998

Profile Status: Draft 2 - Postpublic Comment

Route: [ ] Inhalation [X] Oral

Duration: [ ] Acute [X] Intermediate [ ] Chronic

Graph Key: 27

Species : Dog

Minimal Risk Level: 0.8 mg/kg/day

Reference: Hart 1980

Experimental design: Purebred beagles, four males and four females, received diisopropyl

methylphosphonate in the diet at concentrations of 150, 1,500, and 3,000 ppm (4, 38, or 75 mg/kg/day) for

90 days. A control group of four males and four females was also maintained. At the outset of the study and

at 48, and 13 weeks, hemograms and clinical chemistry parameters were determined for all of the dogs. The

dogs were examined daily for general condition. Food consumption and body weights were determined

weekly. At the termination of the 90-day study each dog was necropsied and selected tissues preserved and

examined for histopathological changes.

Effects noted in studv and corresponding doses:

The dogs appeared in good condition throughout the study. No hematological effects were ascribed to

diisopropyl methylphosphonate. The authors concluded that the ingestion of diisopropyl methylphosphonate

produced no toxic effects at the concentrations that the dogs received over the 90-day period of the study.

At the termination of the study a gross necropsy was performed on all of the dogs and no meaningful changes

were observed. In addition, the liver, brain, thyroid, kidneys, adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, heart, and spleen

were removed and weighed. No significant weight changes were noted. The liver, brain, thyroid, kidneys,

adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, heart, spleen, spinal cord, lungs, pancreas stomach, small intestines, colon,

urinary bladder, prostate, eyes with optic nerve, pituitary, marrow of the femur, rib junction, mesenteric

lymph node, mammary tissue, skin, sciatic nerve, muscle, uterus, gall bladder, and any gross lesion of the

3000 ppm group and the control group were examined histologically and no clear or meaningful changes were

noted.

Dose and end uoint used for MRL derivation:

[X] NOAEL [ ] LOAEL

75 mg/kg/day (3,000 ppm dietary concentration)
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE A-4

APPENDIX A

Uncertainty Factors used in MRL derivation:

[X] 10 for human variability

[X] 10 for extrapolation of from animals to humans

75 mg/kg/day ÷ 100 = 0.75 mg/kg/day

Was a conversion used from num in food or water to a mg/bodv weight dose? If so. exolain:

The doses of diisopropyl methylphosphonate that the dogs received in the diet (1.50, 1,500, and 3,000 ppm)

were calculated using the recommended reference value of 0.025 kg food/kg body weight/day as follows:

(3,000 ppm) (0.025 kg/kg/day) = 75 mg/kg/day

Other additional studies or pertinent information which lend supoort to this MRL:

Although this study (Hart 1980) did not identify an effect level, the NOAEL in this study is below the lowestObservable-effect level (LOAEL) found in all studies examining the toxicity of diisopropyl methylphosphonate.

The LOAEL for diisopropyl methylphosphonate is 345 mg/kg/day for male mink, and 455 mg/kg/day for

female mink (average 400 mg/kg/day), doses at which statistically significant decreases in plasma

(butyrylcholinesterase) but not RBC cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase) activity was observed (Bucci et al.

1994). No effects were observed at 63 mg/kg/day in males and 82 mg/kg/day in females (average 73

mg/kg/day). A decrease in plasma cholinesterase activity is considered to be a marker of exposure rather than

a marker of effect, while decreases in RBC acetylcholinesterase activity is thought to reflect decreases in

brain acetylcholinesterase activity and is considered adverse.

Adverse effects, shortened RBC survival, increased Heinz body formation, increased number of reticulocytes,

and reduced blood cell counts were observed at 747 mg/kg/day in males and 907 mg/kg/day in females

(average 827 mg/kg/day). Although not statistically significant, the number of Heinz bodies was increased

relative to controls at 400 mg/kg/day. The observed effects are consistent with a direct effect on RBC

decreasing survival of the cells.

Metabolism studies in mink (Bucci et al. 1992) indicate that diisopropyl methylphosphonate is readily

absorbed, metabolized to isopropylmethyl phosphonate, and excreted in the urine. After comparison with a

metabolism study in dogs (Hart 1976), Bucci et al. (1992) concluded that mink handled the compound in a

similar manner to dogs providing support for the use of mink when estimating risk to humans following

diisopropyl methylphosphonate exposure. The metabolism study in mink (Bucci et al 1992) suggested that at

high doses (>270 mg/kg) the principal pathway of metabolism of diisopropyl methylphosphonate is

saturable. In the metabolism study the animals were treated by gavage; therefore, the dose rates in the gavage

and dietary dosing studies may not be directly comparable. Purther metabolism studies using dietary

treatment are required to determine if the metabolism of diisopropyl methylphosphonate was saturated at the

high doses (>827 mg/kg/day) at which adverse effects on RBC were observed.

The Environmental Protection Agency derived a reference dose (RfD) of 0.08 mg/kg/day based on the same

NOAEL from the Hart (1980) study. The RfD, however, utilized an additional uncertainty factor of 10 to

extrapolate to chronic exposure.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE A-5

APPENDIX A

MINIMAL RISK LEVEL WORKSHEET

Chemical Name: Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate

CAS Number: 144-75-6

Date: March 1998

Profile Status: Draft 2 - Postpublic Comment

Route: [ ] Inhalation [X] Oral

Duration: [ ] Acute [ ] Intermediate [X] Chronic

Graph Key: 45

Species : Mink

Minimal Risk Level: 0.6 mg/kg/day

Reference: Bucci et al. 1997

Experimental design: In a 2-generation reproductive study, Ranch Wild mink received 0, 16, 45, or

262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day (females) diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet.

These dosages were calculated for F1 animals by the study authors using actual concentrations in the feed of

0, 168, 490, and 2,774 ppm diisopropyl methylphosphonate. F1generation females were treated for up to

13 months, while other generations and F1 males were treated for up to 8 months. Two groups of control

animals were used. Animals were observed twice/day for clinical signs and were weighed weekly. In addition

to standard examinations of body and organ weights, hematology, clinical chemistry, parental animals from

both generations and representative kits underwent gross histopathological examination, which included

reproductive organs in males and gross lesions and developmental defects in the kits. Reproductive

parameters examined were live kits/litter, litter weight at birth and 28 days, and sex ratio. Ovarian follicles

were also counted in high-dose females.

Effects noted in studv and corresponding doses:

No effects were observed in F1 females at 57 mg/kg/day that were attributable to diisopropyl

methylphosphonate after 13 months of exposure. Altbough there was no significant difference in food

consumption or body weight in either generation compared to controls, the F1 females consumed almost 50%

more feed than the F0 females, but this may have resulted from feed wastage. There was no treatment related

change in litter size, percentage live births, kit weight or sex distribution in either generation. However, at

330 mg/kg/day, Heinz body counts were increased in F1 females after 6 and 13 months and high-dose males

of this generation had increased Heinz body counts. There was a 31% decrease in plasma cholinesterase in

animals fed 330 mg/kg/day for 13 months, but this is not considered to be biologically significant. There was

also a significant increase in ovarian follicles among animals at this concentration (the only level examined).

However, because treated dams of both generations produced as many offspring as the control animals, the

biological significance of these findings is unclear.

This study is supported by intermediate-duration NOAELs for hematological effects of 75 mg/kg/day in dogs

(Hart 1980) and 73 mg/kg/day in mink (Bucci et al. I994). In the Bucci et al. (1997) mink study, the next

highest level, 262 or 330 mg/kg/day, produced hematological changes that included increased Heinz body

counts, reticulocytes, mean cell volume, and decreased red blood cell counts.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE A-6

APPENDIX A

Dose and end point used for MRL derivation:

[x] NOAEL [ ] LOAEL

57 mg/kg/day (490 ppm dietary concentration)

Uncertainty Factors used in MRL derivation:

[X] 10 for human variability

[X] 10 for extrapolation of from animals to humans

57 mg/kg/day ÷ 100 = 0.57 mg/kg/day

Was a conversion used from ppm in food or water to a m&odv weight dose? If so. explain:

The doses were calculated by the study authors.

Other additional studies or pertinent information which lend support to this MRL:

The critical study identified a NOAEL that was accompanied by a LOAEL. This study is supported by

intermediate-duration NOAELs for hematological effects of 75 mg/kg/day in a dog study (Hart 1980) and

73 mg/kg/day in a mink study (Bucci et al. 1994). In the Hart (1980) study, beagle dogs received 0, 4, 38, or

75 mg/kg/day diisopropyl methylphosphonate in the diet for 90 days. No toxic effects, including

hematological effects, were noted over the study period. In the Bucci et al. (1997) 2-generation reproductive

study in mink, animals were fed 0, 16, 45, or 262 mg/kg/day (males) or 0, 20, 57, or 330 mg/kg/day

(females) diisopropyl methylphosphonate for up to 12 months. While no hematological effects were found at

the low- or mid-dose in either sex, high-dose males had increased Heinz body counts and high-dose females

had decreased RBC counts and increased MCV, reticulocytes, and Heinz bodies. No hematological changes

were found in the F1 kits after 11 weeks, but F2 high-dose male F, kits had significantly decreased RBC

counts at 6 weeks of age. High-dose F0 females also had significant increases in absolute and relative spleen

weight and spleen-to-brain weight ratio. There was a treatment-related hematopoietic cell proliferation

apparent in the spleen of these animals; the spleen showed evidence of RBC replacement. The next highest

level, 262 or 330 mg/kg/day in males and females, respectively, produced hematological changes that

included increased Heinz body counts, reticulocytes, mean cell volume, and decreased red blood cell counts.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE B-1

APPENDIX B

USER’S GUIDE

Chapter 1

Public Health Statement

This chapter of the profile is a health effects summary written in non-technical language. Its intended

audience is the general public especially people living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste site or chemical

release. If the Public Health Statement were removed from the rest of the document, it would still

communicate to the lay public essential information about the chemical.

The major headings in the Public Health Statement are useful to find specific topics of concern. The topics

are written in a question and answer format. The answer to each question includes a sentence that will direct

the reader to chapters in the profile that will provide more information on the given topic.

Chapter 2

Tables and Figures for Levels of Significant Exposure (LSE)

Tables (2-1,2-2, and 2-3) and figures (2- 1 and 2-2) are used to summarize health effects and illustrate

graphically levels of exposure associated with those effects. These levels cover health effects observed at

increasing dose concentrations and durations, differences in response by species, minimal risk levels (MRLs)

to humans for noncancer end points, and EPA’s estimated range associated with an upper- bound individual

lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000. Use the LSE tables and figures for a quick review of

the health effects and to locate data for a specific exposure scenario. The LSE tables and figures should

always be used in conjunction with the text. All entries in these tables and figures represent studies that

provide reliable, quantitative estimates of No-Observed-Adverse- Effect Levels (NOAELs),

Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Levels (LOAELs), or Cancer Effect Levels (CELs).

The legends presented below demonstrate the application of these tables and figures. Representative

examples of LSE Table 2-l and Figure 2-l are shown. The numbers in the left column of the legends

correspond to the numbers in the example table and figure.

LEGEND

See LSE Table 2-1

(1) Route of Exposure One of the first considerations when reviewing the toxicity of a substance using

these tables and figures should be the relevant and appropriate route of exposure. When sufficient data

exists, three LSE tables and two LSE figures are presented in the document. The three LSE tables

present data on the three principal routes of exposure, i.e., inhalation, oral, and dermal (LSE Table 2- 1,

2-2, and 2-3, respectively). LSE figures are limited to the inhalation (LSE Figure 2-l) and oral (LSE

Figure 2-2) routes. Not all substances will have data on each route of exposure and will not therefore

have all five of the tables and figures.

(2) Exposure Period Three exposure periods - acute (less than 15 days), intermediate (15-364 days), and

chronic (365 days or more) are presented within each relevant route of exposure. In this example, an

inhalation study of intermediate exposure duration is reported. For quick reference to health effects

occurring from a known length of exposure, locate the applicable exposure period within the LSE table

and figure.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE B-2

APPENDIX B

(3) Health Effect The major categories of health effects included in LSE tables and figures are death,

systemic, immunological, neurological, developmental, reproductive, and cancer. NOAELs and

LOAELs can be reported in the tables and figures for all effects but cancer. Systemic effects are

further defined in the “System” column of the LSE table (see key number 18).

(4) Key to Figure Each key number in the LSE table links study information to one or more data points

using the same key number in the corresponding LSE figure. In this example, the study represented by

key number 18 has been used to derive a NOAEL and a Less Serious LOAEL (also see the 2 “18r” data

points in Figure 2-l).

(5) Species The test species, whether animal or human, are identified in this column. Section 2.5,

“Relevance to Public Health,” covers the relevance of animal data to human toxicity and Section 2.3,

“Toxicokinetics,” contains any available information on comparative toxicokinetics. Although

NOAELs and LOAELs are species specific, the levels are extrapolated to equivalent human doses to

derive an MRL.

(6) Exposure Frequency/Duration The duration of the study and the weekly and daily exposure regimen

are provided in this column. This permits comparison of NOAELs and LOAELs from different

studies. In this case (key number 18), rats were exposed to 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane via inhalation for

6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. For a more complete review of the dosing regimen refer

to the appropriate sections of the text or the original reference paper, i.e., Nitschke et al. 1981.

(7) System This column further defines the systemic effects. These systems include: respiratory,

cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, musculoskeletal, hepatic, renal, and dermal/ocular.

“Other” refers to any systemic effect (e.g., a decrease in body weight) not covered in these systems. In

the example of key number 18, 1 systemic effect (respiratory) was investigated.

(8) NOAEL A No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) is the highest exposure level at which no

harmful effects were seen in the organ system studied. Key number 18 reports a NOAEL of 3 ppm for

the respiratory system which was used to derive an intermediate exposure, inhalation MRL of 0.005

ppm (see footnote “b”).

(9) LOAEL A Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) is the lowest dose used in the study that

caused a harmful health effect. LOAELs have been classified into “Less Serious” and “Serious”

effects. These distinctions help readers identify the levels of exposure at which adverse health effects

first appear and the gradation of effects with increasing dose. A brief description of the specific

endpoint used to quantify the adverse effect accompanies the LOAEL. The respiratory effect reported

in key number 18 (hyperplasia) is a Less serious LOAEL of 10 ppm. MRLs are not derived from

Serious LOAELs.

(10) Reference The complete reference citation is given in chapter 8 of the profile.

(11) CEL A Cancer Effect Level (CEL) is the lowest exposure level associated with the onset of

carcinogenesis in experimental or epidemioaogic studies. CELs are always considered serious effects.

The LSE tables and figures do not contain NOAELs for cancer, but the text may report doses not

causing measurable cancer increases.
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE B-3

APPENDIX B

(12) Footnotes Explanations of abbreviations or reference notes for data in the LSE tables are found in the

footnotes. Footnote “b” indicates the NOAEL of 3 ppm in key number 18 was used to derive an MRL

of 0.005 ppm.

LEGEND

See Figure 2-1

LSE figures graphically illustrate the data presented in the corresponding LSE tables. Figures help the reader

quickly compare health effects according to exposure concentrations for particular exposure periods.

(13) Exposure Period The same exposure periods appear as in the LSE table. In this example, health

effects observed within the intermediate and chronic exposure periods are illustrated.

(14) Health Effect These are the categories of bealtb effects for which reliable quantitative data exists. The

same health effects appear in the LSE table.

(15) Levels of Exposure concentrations or doses for each bealth effect in the LSE tables are graphically

displayed in the LSE figures. Exposure concentration or dose is measured on the log scale “y” axis.

Inhalation exposure is reported in mg/m3 or ppm and oral exposure is reported in mg/kg/day.

(16) NOAEL In this example, 18r NOAEL is the critical endpoint for which an intermediate inhalation

exposure MRL is based. As you can see from the LSE figure key, the open-circle symbol indicates to a

NOAEL for the test species-rat. The key number 18 corresponds to the entry in the LSE table. The

dashed descending arrow indicates the extrapolation from the exposure level of 3 ppm (see entry 18 in

the Table) to the MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote “b” in the LSE table).

(17) CEL Key number 38r is 1 of 3 studies for which Cancer Effect Levels were derived. The diamond

symbol refers to a Cancer Effect Level for the test species-mouse. The number 38 corresponds to the

entry in the LSE table.

(18) Estimated Upper-Bound Human Cancer Risk Levels This is the range associated with the upper-bound

for lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000 These risk levels are derived from the EPA’s

Human Health Assessment Group’s upper-bound estimates of the slope of the cancer dose response

curve at low dose levels (q1*).

(19) Key to LSE Figure The Key explains the abbreviations and symbols used in the figure.


DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE B-6

APPENDIX B

Chapter 2 (Section 2.5)

Relevance to Public Health

The Relevance to Public Health section provides a health effects stunrnary based on evaluations of existing

toxicologic, epidemiologic, and toxicokinetic information This summary is designed to present interpretive,

weight-of-evidence discussions for human health end points by addressing the following questions.

1 . What effects are known to occur in humans?

2 . What effects observed in animals are likely to be of concern to humans?

3 . What exposure conditions are likely to be of concern to humans, especially around hazardous waste

 sites?

The section covers end points in the same order they appear within the Discussion of Health Effects by Route

of Exposure section, by route (inhalation, oral, dermal) and within route by effect. Human data are presented

first, then animal data. Both are organized by duration (acute, intermediate, chronic). In vitro data and data

from parenteral routes (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, etc.) are also considered in this section. If

data are located in the scientific literature, a table of genotoxicity information is included.

The carcinogenic potential of the profiled substance is qualitatively evaluated, when appropriate, using

existing toxicokinetic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic data. ATSDR does not currently assess cancer potency or

perform cancer risk assessments. Minimal risk levels (MRLs) for noncancer end points (if derived) and the

end points from which they were derived are indicated and discussed.

Limitations to existing scientific literature that prevent a satisfactory evaluation of the relevance to public

health are identified in the Data Needs section.

Interpretation of Minimal Risk Levels

Where sufficient toxicologic information is available, we have derived minimal risk levels (MRLs) for

inhalation and oral routes of entry at each duration of exposure (acute, intermediate, and chronic). These

MRLs are not meant to support regulatory action; but to acquaint health professionals with exposure levels at

which adverse health effects are not expected to occur in humans. They should help physicians and public

health officials determine the safety of a community living near a chemical emission, given the concentration

of a contaminant in air or the estimated daily dose in water. MRLs are based largely on toxicological studies

in animals and on reports of human occupational exposure.

MRL users should be familiar with the toxicologic information on which the number is based. Chapter 2.5,

“Relevance to Public Health,” contains basic information known about the substance. Other sections such as

2.7, “Interactions with Other Substances,” and 2.8, “Populations that are Unusually Susceptible” provide

important supplemental information.

MRL users should also understand the MRL derivation methodology. MRLs are derived using a modified

version of the risk assessment methodology the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides (Barnes

and Dourson 1988) to determine reference doses for lifetime exposure (RfDs).

To derive an MRL, ATSDR generally selects the most sensitive endpoint which, in its best judgement,

represents the most sensitive human health effect for a given exposure route and duration. ATSDR cannot
DIISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE B-7

APPENDIX B

make this judgement or derive an MRL unless information (quantitative or qualitative) is available for all

potential systemic, neurological, and developmental effects. If this information and reliable quantitative data

on the chosen endpoint are available, ATSDR derives an MRL using the most sensitive species (when

information from multiple species is available) with the highest NOAEL that does not exceed any adverse

effect levels. When a NOAEL is not available, a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) can be used

to derive an MRL, and an uncertainty factor (UF) of 10 must be employed. Additional uncertainty factors of

10 must be used both for human variability to protect sensitive subpopulations (people who are most

susceptible to the health effects caused by the substance) and for interspecies variability (extrapolation from

animals to humans). In deriving an MRL, these individual uncertainty factors are multiplied together. The

product is then divided into the inhalation concentration or oral dosage selected from the study. Uncertainty

factors used in developing a substance-specific MRL are provided in the footnotes of the LSE Tables.