United States Office of Science and EPA-822-R-05-011 

Environmental 

Protection Agency 

Technology 

Washington, D.C. 

November 15, 2005 

EPA Office of Water 

DRINKING WATER CRITERIA DOCUMENT

 FOR BROMINATED TRIHALOMETHANES

Prepared for 

Health and Ecological Criteria Division 

Office of Science and Technology 

Office of Water 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Washington, D.C. 20460 

under 

EPA Contract No. 68-C-02-206 

Work assignment 3-16 

by 

Syracuse Research Corporation 

6225 Running Ridge Road 

North Syracuse, NY 13212 

Under subcontract to 

The Cadmus Group, Inc. 

135 Beaver Street 

Waltham, MA 02452 
FOREWORD 

Section 1412 (b) (3) (A) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended in 1986, requires 

the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish Maximum Contaminant 

Level Goals (MCLGs) and promulgate National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for each 

contaminant, which, in the judgment of the Administrator, may have an adverse effect on public 

health and which is known or anticipated to occur in public water systems. The MCLG is 

nonenforceable and is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse health effects in 

humans occur and which allows for an adequate margin of safety. Factors considered in setting 

the MCLG include health effects data and sources of exposure other than drinking water. 

This document provides the health effects basis to be considered in establishing the 

MCLGs for brominated trihalomethanes found in chlorinated drinking water. To achieve this 

objective, data on pharmacokinetics, human exposure, acute and chronic toxicity to animals and 

humans, epidemiology and mechanisms of toxicity were evaluated. Specific emphasis is placed 

on literature data providing dose-response information. Thus, while the literature search and 

evaluation performed in support of this document was comprehensive, only the reports 

considered most pertinent in the derivation of the MCLGs are cited in this document. The 

comprehensive literature search in support of this document includes information published up 

to January, 2005; however, more recent information may have been added during the review 

process. 

When adequate health effects data exist, Health Advisory values for less than lifetime 

exposure (One-day, Ten-day and Longer-term, approximately 10% of an individual's lifetime) 

are included in this document. These values are not used in setting the MCLGs, but serve as 

informal guidance to municipalities and other organizations when emergency spills or 

contamination situations occur. 

Ephraim King 

Director, Office of Science 

and Technology 

Office of Water 
Acknowledgments 

This document is derived and updated/expanded of the Draft for the Drinking Water Criteria 

Document on Trihalomethanes (U.S. EPA, 1994), Summary of New Health Effects Data on 

Drinking Water Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (D/DBPs) for the Notice of 

Availability (NODA) (U.S.EPA, 1997), and Draft Drinking Water Criteria Document on 

Brominated Trihalomethanes (U.S. EPA, 2003). This document includes and evaluation of 

literature on brominated trihalomethanes resulting from full literature searches conducted up to 

January 2005 for toxicity data. In addition, few newer studies identified after the literature 

search date have been included as available at the time of document preparation. 

Contracting Officer 

Renita Tyus 

Cincinnati, OH, USEPA 

Project Officer 

Jane Holtorf 

Office of Water, USEPA 

Work Assignment Manager 

Nancy Chiu 

Office of Science and Technology, USEPA 

Authors 

Lori Moilinen, Ph.D., DABT

Syracuse Research Corporation

Nancy Chiu, Ph.D. 

Office of Science and Technology, USEPA

Julie Stickney, Ph.D., DABT

Syracuse Research Corporation

Other Contractor Technical Support 

Frank Letkiewicz, B.S. 

The Cadmus Group, Inc. 

Karen Ferrante, M.S. 

The Cadmus Group Inc. 

Madhulika Nataraja, M.S.E 

The Cadmus Group Inc. 
Reviewers 

This document has been peer reviewed by both EPA scientists and by scientists external to EPA. 

Internal EPA Reviewers 

Bob Beliles, Ph.D. 

National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research & Development, USEPA

Jennifer Jinot, Ph.D. 

National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research & Development, USEPA

Bob Sonawane, Ph.D. 

National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research & Development, USEPA

External Peer Reviewers 

Hudy Buelke-Sam, M.A.

Toxicology Services, Greenfield, Indiana

Annette Loch Bunge, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado

John Reif, M.Sc., D.V.M.

Department Head, Department of Environmental Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and

Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

External Peer Reviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I - 1

II. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II - 1

A. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II - 1

B. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II - 2

III. TOXICOKINETICS ................................................. III - 1

A. Absorption ................................................... III - 1

B. Distribution .................................................. III - 3

C. Metabolism .................................................. III - 5

D. Excretion ................................................... III - 15

E. Bioaccumulation and Retention .................................. III - 15

F. Summary ................................................... III - 15

IV. HUMAN EXPOSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 1

A. Occurrence in Drinking Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 1

1. National Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 2

2. Other Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 8

3. Estimates of Tap Water Ingestion Exposure to Brominated

Trihalomethanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 13

B. Exposure from Sources Other Than Drinking Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 17

1. Dietary Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 17

2. Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 20

3. Concentrations and Exposures Associated with Swimming Pools and Hot

Tubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 27

4. Soil Concentrations and Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 30

C. Overall Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 30

D. Body Burden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 31

1. Blood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 31

2. Mother's Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 35

E. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 35

V. HEALTH EFFECTS IN ANIMALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 1

A. Acute Exposures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 1

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 1

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 6

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 7

B. Short-Term Exposures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 8

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 14

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 22

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3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 25

C. Subchronic Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 28

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 31

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 33

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 34

D. Chronic Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 35

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 37

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 41

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 42

E. Reproductive and Developmental Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 43

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 43

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 59

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 62

F. Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 70

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 70

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 78

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 84

G. Carcinogenicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 90

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 90

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 101

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 104

H. Other Key Health Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 108

1. Immunotoxicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 108

2. Hormonal Disruption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 110

3. Structure-Activity Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 117

I. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 118

1. Health Effects of Acute and Short Term Exposure of Animals . . . V - 118

2. Health Effects of Longer-term Exposure of Animals . . . . . . . . . . V - 118

3. Reproductive and Developmental Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 119

4. Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 120

5. Carcinogenicity and Related Studies in Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 120

6. Other Key effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 121

VI. HEALTH EFFECTS IN HUMANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 1

A. Clinical Case Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 1

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 1

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 1

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 1

B. Epidemiological Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 1

1. Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 12

2. Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 27

3. Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 30

C. High Risk Populations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 31

D. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 32

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VII. MECHANISM OF TOXICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 1

A. Role of Metabolism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 1

B. Biochemical Basis of Toxicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 1

C. Mode of Action of Carcinogenesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 2

D. Interactions and Susceptibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 5

1. Potential Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 5

2. Greater Childhood Susceptibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 6

3. Other Potentially Susceptible Populations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 14

E. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII - 16

VIII. QUANTIFICATION OF TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS .................. VIII - 1

A. Bromodichloromethane ....................................... VIII - 1

1. Noncarcinogenic effects ................................ VIII - 1

2. Carcinogenic Effects .................................. VIII - 27

B. Dibromochloromethane ...................................... VIII - 34

1. Noncarcinogenic effects ............................... VIII - 34

2. Carcinogenic Effects .................................. VIII - 48

C. Bromoform ................................................ VIII - 55

1. Noncarcinogenic effects ............................... VIII - 55

2. Carcinogenic Effects .................................. VIII - 69

D. Summary ................................................. VIII - 75

IX. REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX - 1

APPENDIX A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 1

APPENDIX B (Electronic Format) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B - 1

APPENDIX C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 1

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LIST OF TABLES

Table I-1 Summary of Quantification of Toxicological Effects for Brominated 

Trihalomethanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I - 16

Table II-1 Physical and Chemical Properties of the Brominated Trihalomethanes . . . . II - 1

Table III-1 Recovery of Label 8 Hours after Oral Administration of 14C-Labeled 

Brominated Trihalomethanes to Male Sprague-Dawley Rats or Male 

B6C3F1 Mice ................................................. III - 1

Table III-2 Cumulative Excretion of Label after Oral Administration of 14C-Labeled

Bromodichloromethane to Male F344 Rats .......................... III - 2

Table III-3 Over view of Tissue Collection for Analysis of Bromodichloromethane in

Sprague-Dawley Rat Tissues and Fluids (CCC, 2000c) ................ III - 4

Table IV-1 Brominated Trihalomethane Concentrations Measured in U.S. Public 

Drinking Water Systems Serving 100,000 or More Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 7

Table IV-2 NRWA Brominated Trihalomethane Results for Small Surface Water 

Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 8

Table IV-3 Bromodichloromethane Concentrations in Drinking Water from the U.S. 

EPA TEAM Study (:g/L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 9

Table IV-4 Dibromochloromethane Concentrations in Drinking Water from the U.S. 

EPA TEAM Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 10

Table IV-5 Bromoform Concentrations in Drinking Water from the U.S. EPA

TEAM Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 11

Table IV-6 Estimated Drinking Water Exposures to Brominated Trihalomethanes in 

U.S. Public Drinking Water Systems Serving More than 100,000 Persons IV - 14

Table IV-7 Estimated Distribution of Drinking Water Exposures to Brominated

Trihalomethanes for Populations in U.S. EPA TEAM Study . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 16

Table IV-8 Selected Concentration Data for Individual Brominated Trihalomethanes 

(ppt) in Outdoor Air as Summarized in Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) . . . . IV - 22

Table IV-9 Mean Bromodichloromethane Concentrations in Blood Following Three 

Types of Water Use Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 33

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Table IV-10 Median Tap Water Trihalomethane Levels (ppb) in Cobb County and 

Corpus Christi Homes, Water Treatment Plants, and Distribution 

Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 34 

Table IV-11 Between Site Comparison of Median Blood Levels (ppt) and Changes in 

Blood Levels (ppt) after Showering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV - 35 

Table V-1 Summary of LD50 Values for Brominated Trihalomethanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 1 

Table V-2 Summary of Acute Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes . . . . V - 2 

Table V-3 Summary of Short Term Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes V - 9 

Table V-4 Summary of Subchronic Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes V - 29 

Table V-5 Summary of Chronic Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes . . V - 36 

Table V-6 NTP (1998) Study Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 47 

Table V-7 Summary of Experiments Conducted by Bielmeier et al. (2001) . . . . . . . . V - 49 

Table V-8 Mean Consumed Doses (mg/kg-day) of Bromodichloromethane in the 

Range Finding Study Conducted by CCC (2000c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 52 

Table V-9 Summary of Reproductive Studies of Brominated Trihalomethanes . . . . . V - 65 

Table V-10 Summary of Mutagenicity, Genotoxicity, and Neoplastic Transformation 

Data for Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 76 

Table V-11 Summary of Mutagenicity, Genotoxicity, and Neoplastic Transformation 

Data for Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 83 

Table V-12 Summary of Mutagenicity, Genotoxicity, and Neoplastic Transformation 

Data for Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 89 

Table V-13 Tumor Frequencies in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice Exposed to 

Bromodichloromethane in Corn Oil for 2 Years - Adapted from 

NTP (1987) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 92 

Table V-14 Hepatic and Renal Tumors in Male F344/N Rats Administered 

Bromodichloromethane in the Drinking Water for Two Years 

(George et al., 2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 95 

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Table V-15 Frequencies of Liver Tumors in B6C3F1 Mice Administered

Dibromochloromethane in Corn Oil for 105 Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 102

Table V-16 Tumor Frequencies in the Large Intestine of F344/N Rats Exposed to 

Bromoform in Corn Oil for 2 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V - 105

Table V-17 Summary of Hormone Profile Experiments (Bielmeier et al., 2001) . . . . V - 111

Table V-18 Summary of Bielmeier et al. (2004) Study in Female F344 Rats . . . . . . . V - 113

Table VI-1 Epidemiological Studies Investigating an Association Between Chlorinated

Drinking Water and Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 2

Table VI-2 Epidemiological Studies Investigating an Association Between Chlorinated

Drinking Water and Adverse Pregnancy, Altered Menstrual Function, or 

Sperm Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 4

Table VI-3 Means and Adjusted Differences in Menstrual Cycle and Follicular Phase 

Length by Quartile of Individual and Summed Brominated 

Trihalomethanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI - 22

Table VIII-1 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA for

Bromodichloromethane ....................................... VIII - 4

Table VIII-2 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for

Bromodichloromethane ...................................... VIII - 10

Table VIII-3 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA for

Bromodichloromethane ...................................... VIII - 17

Table VIII-4 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD for

Bromodichloromethane ...................................... VIII - 22

Table VIII-5 Summary of Preliminary BMD Modeling Results for the 

Bromodichloromethane RfD .................................. VIII - 25

Table VIII-6 Tumor Frequencies in Rats and Mice Exposed to Bromodichloromethane 

in Corn Oil for 2 Years ...................................... VIII - 32

Table VIII-7 Summary of Cancer Risk Estimates for Bromodichloromethane ...... VIII - 34

Table VIII-8 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA for

Dibromochloromethane ...................................... VIII - 35

vi 
Table VIII-9 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for 

Dibromochloromethane ...................................... VIII - 36

Table VIII-10 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA for

Dibromochloromethane ...................................... VIII - 40

Table VIII-11 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD for

 Dibromochloromethane ..................................... VIII - 44

Table VIII-12 Results of Preliminary BMD Modeling of Selected Data from NTP (1985)

Studies ................................................... VIII - 46

Table VIII-13 Frequencies of Liver Tumors in Mice Administered 

Dibromochloromethane in Corn Oil for 105 Weeks ................ VIII - 52

Table VIII-14 Carcinogenic Risk Estimates for Dibromochloromethane ........... VIII - 53

Table VIII-15 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for 

Bromoform ................................................ VIII - 57

Table VIII-16 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA 

for Bromoform ............................................. VIII - 61

Table VIII-17 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD for 

Bromoform ................................................ VIII - 65

Table VIII-18 Tumor Frequencies in Rats Exposed to Bromoform in Corn Oil for 2 

Years .................................................... VIII - 73

Table VIII-19 Carcinogenic Risk Estimates for Bromoform ..................... VIII - 74

Table VIII-20 Summary of Advisory Values for Bromodichloromethane,

Dibromochloromethane, and Bromoform ........................ VIII - 75

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane . A - 3

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dibromochloromethane A - 15

Table A-3 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . A - 24

Table A-4 Model Equations used in BMD Calculations for Health Advisories . . . . . . A - 29

Table A-5 Benchmark Dose Modeling Results for Bromodichloromethane . . . . . . . . A - 42

Table A-6 Benchmark Dose Modeling Results for Dibromochloromethane . . . . . . . . A - 50

vii 
Table A-7 Benchmark Dose Modeling Results for Bromoform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 56

Figure III-1 Proposed Oxidative and Reductive Metabolic Pathways for Brominated

Figure III-2 Proposed GSTT1-1-Catalyzed Glutathione Conjugation of 

Table C-1 DBCM Concentrations Measured in U.S. Public Drinking Water Systems Serving

100,000 or More Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 4

Table C-2 Selected Concentration Data for Individual Brominated Trihalomethanes 

(ppt) in Outdoor Air as Summarized in Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) . . . . . . C - 5

Table C-3 Results of RSC Calculations for DBCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 17

Trihalomethanes ............................................... III - 6

Bromodichloromethane ......................................... III - 9

viii 
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Brominated trihalomethanes are volatile organic liquids that have a number of industrial 

and chemical uses. The chief reason for health concern is that they are generated as by-products 

during the disinfection of drinking water. The brominated trihalomethanes occurring in water 

are bromoform, dibromochloromethane, and bromodichloromethane. These compounds are 

formed when hypochlorous acid oxidizes bromide ion present in water to form hypobromous 

acid, which subsequently reacts with organic material to form the brominated trihalomethanes. 

Toxicokinetics 

No human data on absorption of brominated trihalomethanes are available. 

Measurements in mice and rats indicate that gastrointestinal absorption of brominated 

trihalomethanes is rapid (peak levels attained less than an hour after administration of a gavage 

dose) and extensive (63% to 93%). Most studies of brominated trihalomethane absorption have 

used oil-based vehicles. A study in rats found that the initial absorption rate of 

bromodichloromethane was higher when the compound was administered in an aqueous vehicle 

than when administered in a corn oil vehicle. 

Data for distribution of brominated trihalomethanes in human organs and tissues are 

limited. Bromoform was found primarily in the stomach and lungs of a human overdose victim, 

with lower levels detected in intestine, liver, kidney and brain. Dibromochloromethane was 

found in 1 of 42 samples of human breast milk collected from women living in urban areas. 

Radiolabeled brominated trihalomethanes or their metabolites were detected in a variety of 

tissues following oral dosing in rats and mice. Approximately 1 to 4% of the administered dose 

was recovered in body tissues when analysis was conducted 8 or 24 hours post-treatment. The 

highest concentrations were detected in stomach, liver, blood, and kidneys when assayed 8 hours 

after administration of the compounds. Bromodichloromethane was detected at a concentration 

of 0.38 :g/g in the milk of one of three female rats exposed to approximately 112 mg/kg-day 

during a reproductive/developmental study. Bromodichloromethane was not detected in 

placentas, amniotic fluid, or fetal tissue collected on gestation day 21 from rats exposed to doses 

up to approximately 112 mg/kg-day or in plasma collected from postpartum day 29 weanling 

pups. Bromodichloromethane was detected at concentrations slightly above the limit of 

detection in placentas from two litters born to rabbits exposed to 76 mg/kg-day. 

Bromodichloromethane was detected in one fetus from a rabbit exposed to 76 mg/kg-day “...at a 

level below the limit of detection”. Bromodichloromethane was not detected in placentas from 

female rabbits exposed to doses of approximately 32 mg/kg-day, or in amniotic fluid or the 

remaining fetuses from rabbits exposed to doses of approximately 76 mg/kg-day. 

Brominated trihalomethanes are extensively metabolized by animals. Metabolism of 

brominated trihalomethanes occurs via at least two pathways. One pathway predominates in the 

presence of oxygen (the oxidative pathway) and the other predominates under conditions of low 

oxygen tension (the reductive pathway). In the presence of oxygen, the initial reaction product is 

trihalomethanol (CX3OH), which spontaneously decomposes to yield the corresponding 

dihalocarbonyl (CX2O). The dihalocarbonyl species are reactive and may form adducts with 

I - 1 November 15, 2005 
cellular molecules. When intracellular oxygen levels are low, the trihalomethane is metabolized 

via the reductive pathway, resulting in a highly reactive dihalomethyl radical (•CHX2), which 

may also form covalent adducts with cellular molecules. The metabolism of brominated 

trihalomethanes and chloroform appear to occur via the same pathways, although in vitro and in 

vivo data suggest that metabolism via the reductive pathway occurs more readily for brominated 

trihalomethanes. Both oxidative metabolism and reductive metabolism of trihalomethanes 

appear to be mediated by cytochrome P450 isoforms. The identity of cytochrome P450 isoforms 

that metabolize brominated trihalomethanes has been investigated in several studies which used 

bromodichloromethane as a substrate. The available data suggest that the cytochrome P450 

isoforms CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2, and CYP1A2 metabolize bromodichloromethane in rats. The 

human isoforms CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 show substantial activity toward 

bromodichloromethane in vitro and low but measurable levels of CYP2A6 activity have also 

been detected. Based on the available data, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 are the only isoforms active 

in both rats and humans. CYP2E1 shows the highest affinity for bromodichloromethane in both 

species and the metabolic parameters Km and kcat are similar for rat and human CYP2E1. In 

contrast, the metabolic parameters for CYP1A2 differ in rats and humans. The pattern of results 

for isozyme activity obtained from an inhalation study of bromodichloromethane was similar to 

the pattern reported for male F344 rats treated with bromodichloromethane by gavage. 

Recent studies suggest that metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes may occur via a 

glutathione-S-transferase (GST) theta-mediated pathway. Based on the existing data, the related 

trihalomethane chloroform is not metabolized to any significant extent via the GST theta 

pathway. These data suggest that common pathways of metabolism (and mode of action for 

health effects) cannot be assumed for chloroform and the brominated trihalomethanes. 

The lung is the principle route of excretion in rats and mice. Studies with 14C-labeled 

compounds indicate that up to 88% of the administered dose can be found in exhaled air as 

carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and parent compound. Excretion in the urine generally 

appears to be 5% or less of the administered oral dose. Data from one study suggest that fecal 

excretion accounts for less than 3% of the administered dose. 

Human Exposure 

Brominated trihalomethanes are found in virtually all water treated for drinking; 

however, concentrations of individual forms vary widely depending on the type of water 

treatment, locale, time of year, sampling point in the distribution system, and source of the 

drinking water. Occurrence data for brominated trihalomethanes are available from 13 national 

surveys and 9 additional studies that are more restricted in scope. The procedures used for 

sampling, processing and storage, and calculation of summary statistics should be carefully 

considered when evaluating and comparing brominated trihalomethane occurrence data. Some 

methods restrict trihalomethane formation by refrigeration or the use of quenching agents, 

whereas others maximize trihalomethane formation by storage at room temperature. Approaches 

to data summarization vary in their treatment of data below the analytical detection level or 

minimum reporting level. 

I - 2 November 15, 2005 
When all available national survey data are considered, bromodichloromethane concentrations in drinking water range from below the detection limit to 183 :g/L (ppb), while 

dibromochloromethane and bromoform concentrations range from below the detection limit to 

280 :g/L (ppb). When data for the three brominated trihalomethanes are compared, the 

frequency of detection and measured concentrations of bromodichloromethane in drinking water 

supplies tend to be higher than those for dibromochloromethane. Bromoform is detected less 

frequently and at lower concentrations than the other two brominated trihalomethanes, except in 

some ground waters. Concentrations of all trihalomethanes in drinking water were generally 

lower when the raw water was obtained from ground water sources rather than surface water 

sources. The most recent national survey data are those collected by the U.S. EPA under the 

Information Collection Rule (ICR). Monitoring data were collected over an 18-month period 

between July 1997 and December 1998 from approximately 300 water systems operating 501 

plants and serving at least 100,000 people. Summary occurrence data stratified by raw water 

source (groundwater or surface water) are available for finished water, the distribution system 

(DS) average, and the DS high values. The mean, median, and 90th percentile values for surface 

water DS average concentrations in the ICR survey are 8.6, 70.2, and 20.3 :g/L, respectively, for 

bromodichloromethane (range of individual values 0 - 65.8 :g/L); 2.4, 4.72, and 13.2 :g/L, 

respectively, for dibromochloromethane (range 0 - 67.3); and 0, 1.18, and 3.10, respectively, for 

bromoform (range 0 - 3.43). 

Exposure to brominated trihalomethanes via ingestion of drinking water was estimated 

using data obtained for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts under the Information 

Collection Rule (ICR). ICR data offer several advantages over other national studies for 

purposes of estimating national exposure levels of adults in the United States to brominated 

trihalomethanes via ingestion of drinking water. First, they are recent and reflect relatively 

current conditions. Second, data of very similar quality and quantity were collected 

systematically from a large number of plants (501) and systems (approximately 300), including 

both surface and ground water systems. Third, the mean, median, and 90th percentile value were 

estimated on the basis of all samples taken, not just the sample detects. Thus, these descriptive 

statistics are representative of the exposures of the entire populations served by those systems, 

not just the populations served by systems with higher concentrations of these compounds. 

However, this study can not be considered representative of smaller public water supplies or 

water supplies from the most highly industrialized or contaminated areas. 

Exposure was calculated by multiplying the concentration of individual brominated 

trihalomethanes in drinking water by the average daily intake, assuming that each individual 

consumes two liters of water per day. The annual median, mean, and upper 90th percentile 

values are presented for both surface and ground water systems. Assuming that the DS High 

value actually represents the average exposure level of persons served by one plant distribution 

pipe with the longest water-residence time, the DS High value might be used to estimate a highend exposure level. 

For bromodichloromethane, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures 

from surface water systems are estimated to be 17, 20, and 40 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromodichloromethane from ground water systems are 

I - 3 November 15, 2005 
lower – 3.6, 8.1, and 22 :g/person/day, respectively. For dibromochloromethane, the median, 

mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from surface water systems are estimated to be 

4.8, 9.4, and 26 :g/person/day, respectively. The corresponding values for populations exposed 

to dibromochloromethane from groundwater system are lower, with estimates of 2.7, 6.2, and 18 

:g/person/day, respectively. For bromoform, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population 

exposures from surface water systems are estimated to be near 0, 2.4, and 6.2 :g/person/day, 

respectively. The same values for populations exposed to bromoform from ground water 

systems are higher, with estimates of 0.65, 3.8, and 9.6 :g/person/day, respectively. 

For purposes of comparison, estimates of ingestion exposure to bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in drinking water were also estimated from data 

collected in other, older studies. Ingestion from ground water supplies was estimated from the 

median levels found in the Ground Water Supply Survey conducted by U.S. EPA in 1980-81. 

Based on the range of median levels (1.4–2.1 :g/L (ppb)) and a consumption rate of two liters 

per day, the median ingestion exposure to bromodichloromethane may range from 2.8 to 4.2 

:g/day. Similarly, median exposure to dibromochloromethane may range from 4.2 to 7.8 :g/day, 

and for bromoform, median exposure may range from 4.8 to 8.4 :g/day. Exposure to 

bromodichloromethane from surface water supplies can be estimated based on the range of 

median values observed under different conditions in the National Organics Monitoring Survey 

conducted by U.S. EPA in 1976-1977, which mainly sampled surface water systems. Based on a 

range of 5.9 to 14 :g/L (ppb), exposure to bromodichloromethane from surface water is 

estimated to be between 12 and 28 :g/day. Similarly, based on the range of medians reported 

for dibromochloromethane concentrations, the median exposure is estimated to be up to 

6 :g/day. The median levels of bromoform in the surface water supplies have been found to be 

less than the EPA Drinking Water minimum reporting levels (MRLs) of 0.5 to 1 :g/L (ppb). An 

estimate of exposure based on the MRLs will be overly conservative because the actual 

concentration of bromoform is not detectable. Based on the range of MRLs, 0.5 to 1 :g/L (ppb), 

the exposure to bromoform is estimated to range from 1 to 2 :g/day for surface water supplies. 

Ingestion exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water can also be 

estimated from the concentrations found at the tap in the U.S. EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment 

Methodology (TEAM) study. Estimates of the average of the population intakes for ingestion of 

bromodichloromethane from drinking water range from 0.42 to 42 μg/person/day. The upper 

90th percentile estimates range from <2.0 to 90 μg/person/day. Estimates of the average 

population intake of dibromochloromethane from drinking water range from 0.2 to 56 

μg/person/day. The upper 90th percentile estimates range from < 0.9 to 86 μg/person/day. 

Estimates of the average of the population intakes of bromoform, for those areas in which 

bromoform was measurable in a majority of the samples, range from 1.6 to 16.2 μg/person/day. 

The upper 90th percentile estimates range from 2.4 to 26 μg/person/day. Four of the six locations 

in the TEAM study, however, had a low frequency (less than 10%) of detection of bromoform in 

measurable quantities. 

Sources of uncertainty in these estimates of ingestion exposure include use of different 

analytical methods, failure to report quantitation limits, using measures near the detection limit, 

failure to report how nondetects are handled when averaging values (e.g., set to zero or one half 

I - 4 November 15, 2005 
the detection limit), and failure to report sample storage method and duration. In addition, many 

environmental factors influence the concentrations of these compounds in drinking water at the 

tap and in vended or bottled waters used for drinking. These factors include season and 

temperature, geographic location, source of water, residence time in distribution system, and 

others. 

Relatively few studies have analyzed non-beverage foods for the occurrence of 

brominated trihalomethanes. In the few studies available, bromodichloromethane has been 

detected in non-beverage foods (i.e., in one sample of butter at 7 ppb, in three samples of icecream at 0.6 to 2.3 ppb, in 6 of 10 samples of bean curd at 1.2 to 5.2 ppb, and in one sample of 

bacon). In addition, bromodichloromethane was detected in one sample each of eleven foods out 

of 70 tested in 14 Market Baskets for the FDA Total Diet Study. The detected concentrations 

ranged from 10 to 37 ppb for individual food items. Studies that analyzed non-beverage foods 

for dibromochloromethane and bromoform detected neither compound in any of the tested 

samples. Brominated trihalomethanes have been detected in up to a third or one half of the types 

of prepared beverages examined in some studies, being detected most frequently in colas and 

other carbonated soft drinks. Bromodichloromethane has been found most frequently of the 

three compounds and bromoform the least frequently. Bromodichloromethane was detected in 

approximately half of the prepared beverages examined by McNeal et al. (1995) in the United 

States and in all of 13 soft drinks that they analyzed. One sampled soft drink contained 

bromodichloromethane at a concentration of 12 ppb; the remainder of the samples contained less 

than 4 ppb. Bromodichloromethane was detected in one sample of fruit juice at 5 ppb. 

Some data on the occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes in foods and beverages are 

available from studies conducted in Italy, Japan, and Finland. These studies were also limited in 

scope to examination of relatively few food or beverage items. Bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform concentrations measured in foods and beverages in 

Italy, Japan and Finland ranged from undetectable to 40 ppb, undetectable to 13.9 ppb, and 

undetectable to 10.7 ppb, respectively. Because of possible differences in water disinfection or 

food processing practices, these data may not be representative of concentrations in foods and 

beverages produced in the U.S. 

Measured concentrations of brominated trihalomethanes in outdoor air are variable from 

site to site. When data from several urban/suburban and source-dominated sites in Texas, 

Louisiana, North Carolina and/or Arkansas were combined, the resulting average outdoor air 

concentrations were 110 ppt (0.74 :g/m3

) for bromodichloromethane, 3.8 ppt (0.032 :g/m3) for 

dibromochloromethane, and 3.6 ppt (0.037 :g/m3

) for bromoform. A regional study conducted 

at several sites in southern California found bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and 

bromoform in 35%, 17%, and 31% of the samples, respectively. The maximum concentrations 

observed were 40 ppt (0.27 :g/m3

) for bromodichloromethane; 290 ppt (2.5 :g/m3) for 

dibromochloromethane; 310 ppt (3.2 :g/m3

) for bromoform. Bromodichloromethane was 

detected in 64% (n=11) and 17% (n=6) of personal air samples collected in Texas and North 

Carolina. The detected concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 4.36 :g/m3

 (0.017 to 0.65 ppb). 

Dibromochloromethane was not detected. 

I - 5 November 15, 2005 
Mean concentrations in indoor air ranged from 0.38 to 0.75 :g/m3

 for bromodichloromethane; 0.44 to 0.53 :g/m3

 for dibromochloromethane, and 0.29 to 0.35 :g/m3 for bromoform, 

as determined from 15 minute samples collected in 48 New Jersey residences. It was not clear 

whether these values were based exclusively on detected concentrations. In a separate study, 

levels of brominated trihalomethanes in indoor air were locally increased (e.g., in shower/bath 

enclosures and vanity areas) during showering and bathing events. The levels of individual 

brominated trihalomethanes in air were reported to be consistent with the levels in tap water. 

Bromoform and dibromochloromethane have been identified in soil and sediment 

samples collected at NPL hazardous waste sites. Soils and other unconsolidated surficial 

materials may become contaminated with bromoform and dibromochloromethane by chemical 

spills, the landfilling of halomethane-containing solid wastes, or the discharge of chlorinated 

water. However, no data were located to suggest that land releases are a significant source of the 

chemicals in the environment (ATSDR, 2003). 

The chemical and physical properties of the brominated trihalomethanes indicate that 

they should volatilize readily from wet or dry soil surfaces. Bromoform and 

dibromochloromethane have only a minor tendency to be adsorbed by soils and sediments and 

will tend to be highly mobile. Therefore, ingestion of soil is not expected to be a significant 

route of exposure (ATSDR, 2003). 

Brominated trihalomethanes have been detected in the blood and breast milk of humans. 

The level of individual brominated trihalomethanes in blood increases shortly after exposure to 

these compounds in tap water (by dermal contact and/or inhalation of the volatilized compound) 

during bathing and showering. Dibromochloromethane was detected in one of eight samples of 

breast milk collected from women living in the vicinity of U.S. chemical manufacturing plants or 

user facilities. 

The RSC (relative source contribution) is the percentage of total daily exposure that is 

attributable to tap water when all potential sources are considered (e.g., air, food, soil, and 

water). Ideally, the RSC is determined quantitatively using nationwide, central tendency and/or 

high-end estimates of exposure from each relevant medium. In the absence of such data, a 

default RSC ranging from 20% to 80% may be used. 

The RSC used in the current and previous drinking water regulations for 

dibromochloromethane is 80%. This value was established by use of a screening level approach 

to estimate and compare exposure to dibromochloromethane from various sources. Information 

considered for use during this process is summarized in Appendix C. There are some 

uncertainties in the 80% RSC that are related to the availability of adequate concentration data 

for dibromochloromethane in media other than water. Parallel RSC calculations were not 

performed for bromodichloromethane and bromoform. The EPA has set the regulatory level for 

these chemicals in drinking water at zero because it has been determined that they are probable 

human carcinogens. Therefore, determination of an RSC is not relevant for these chemicals 

because it is the Agency’s policy to perform RSC analysis only for noncarcinogens. 

I - 6 November 15, 2005 
The use of chemicals containing chlorine and bromine to disinfect swimming pools and 

hot tubs results in the formation of brominated trihalomethanes. Swimming pool and hot tub 

users are potentially exposed to brominated trihalomethanes via dermal contact, ingestion, and 

inhalation of compounds released to the overlying air. As a result, swimming pool and hot tub 

users may experience greater overall exposures to brominated trihalomethanes than the general 

population. One study indicated that bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and 

bromoform concentrations in swimming pool and hot tub water ranged from 1 to 105 :g/L (ppb), 

from 0.1 to 48 :g/L (ppb), and from less than 0.1 to 62 :g/L (ppb), respectively. Concentrations 

of the same brominated trihalomethanes in the air two meters above the pool water ranged from 

less than 0.1 to 14 :g/m3

 (0.015 to 2.09 ppb), from less than 0.1 to 10 :g/m3 (0.011 to 1.2 ppb), 

and from less than 0.1 to 5.0 :g/m3

 (0.0097 to 0.48 ppb), respectively. Data from several studies 

confirm the uptake of brominated trihalomethanes from swimming pools, hot tubs, and environs 

by dermal and/or inhalation pathways. 

Health Effects of Acute and Short-term Exposure of Animals 

Large oral doses of brominated trihalomethanes are lethal to mice and rats. Reported 

acute LD50 values range from 450 to 969 mg/kg for bromodichloromethane, 800 to 1200 mg/kg 

for dibromochloromethane, and 1388 to 1550 mg/kg for bromoform. 

Acute oral exposure to sublethal doses of brominated trihalomethanes can also produce 

effects on the central nervous system, liver, kidney, and heart. Ataxia, anaesthesia, and/or 

sedation were noted in mice receiving 500 mg/kg bromodichloromethane, 500 mg/kg 

dibromochloromethane, or 1000 mg/kg bromoform. Renal tubule degeneration, necrosis, and 

elevated levels of urinary markers of renal toxicity have been observed in rats receiving 200 to 

400 mg/kg bromodichloromethane. Elevated levels of serum markers for hepatotoxicity and 

have been observed in rats at doses of bromodichloromethane ranging from approximately 82 to 

400 mg/kg-day, and hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were observed at 400 mg/kg. 

Effects on heart contractility were reported in male rats at doses of 333 and 667 mg/kg 

dibromochloromethane. 

Short-term oral exposure of laboratory animals to brominated trihalomethanes has been 

observed to cause effects on the liver and kidney. Hepatic effects, including organ weight 

changes, elevated serum enzyme levels, and histopathological changes, became evident in mice 

and/or rats administered 38 to 250 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane, 147 to 500 mg/kg-day 

dibromochloromethane, or 187 to 289 mg/kg-day bromoform for 14 to 30 days. Kidney effects, 

characterized by decreased p-aminohippurate uptake, histopathological changes, and organ 

weight changes, became evident in mice and/or rats administered 148 to 300 mg/kg-day 

bromodichloromethane, 147 to 500 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane, or 289 mg/kg-day 

bromoform for 14 days. Evidence for decreased immune function was noted at 

bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane doses of 125 mg/kg-day. 

The inhalation toxicity of bromodichloromethane has been evaluated in wild type and 

p53 heterozygous FVB/N and C57BL/N mice. Dose-related renal tubular degeneration, and 

associated regenerative cell proliferation were seen in all strains at concentrations of 10 ppm and 

I - 7 November 15, 2005 
above after one week of exposure. Dose-related increases in hepatic degeneration and 

regenerative cell proliferation were observed at 30 ppm and above. After three weeks of 

exposure, macroscopic and histologic lesions in the kidney and liver were resolved and cell 

proliferation indices had returned to near baseline levels. Pathological changes were more 

severe in the FVB/N compared to the C57BL/N mice and were more severe in the heterozygotes 

than in the wild type strains. 

Health Effects of Subchronic and Chronic Exposure of Animals 

The predominant effects of subchronic oral exposure to brominated trihalomethanes 

occur in the liver and kidney. The effects produced in these two organs are similar in nature to 

those described for short-term exposures, with liver appearing to be the most sensitive target 

organ for dibromochloromethane and bromoform exposure. Histopathological changes in the 

liver were reported in mice and/or rats administered 200 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane, 50 

to 250 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane, or 50 to 283 mg/kg-day bromoform. 

Histopathological changes in the kidney were reported in mice and/or rats administered 

100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane, or 250 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane. 

As observed for shorter durations of exposure, the predominant effects of chronic oral 

exposure are observed in the liver and kidney. Histopathological signs of hepatic toxicity in 

mice and/or rats were evident at doses of 6 to 50 mg/kg-day for bromodichloromethane, 40 to 50 

mg/kg-day for dibromochloromethane, and 90 to 152 mg/kg-day for bromoform. Signs of 

bromodichloromethane-induced renal toxicity became evident in mice and rats treated with 

doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Reproductive/Developmental Effects in Animals 

Reproductive and developmental studies of brominated trihalomethanes are summarized 

in Table V-9. Signs of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight, body weight gain and/or 

changes in organ weight) were reported in rats administered bromodichloromethane at 25 to 

200 mg/kg-day and in rabbits administered 4.9 to 35.6 mg/kg-day. Signs of maternal toxicity 

were observed in rats or mice administered 17 (marginal) to 200 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane and in mice administered 100 mg/kg-day bromoform. Maternal toxicity was not 

observed in female rats dosed with up to 200 mg/kg-day of bromoform. Several well-conducted 

studies on the developmental toxicity of bromodichloromethane gave negative results at doses 

up to 116 mg/kg-day in rats and 76 mg/kg-day in rabbits when administered in drinking water. 

However, in other studies, slightly decreased numbers of ossification sites in the hindlimb and 

forelimb were observed in fetuses of Sprague-Dawley rats administered 45 mg/kg-day in the 

drinking water on gestation days 6 to 21 and sternebral aberrations were observed in the 

offspring of Sprague-Dawley rats administered 200 mg/kg-day by gavage in corn oil. 

Reductions in mean pup weight gain and pup weight were observed when the pups were 

administered bromodichloromethane in the drinking water at concentrations of 150 ppm and 

above (biologically meaningful estimates of intake on a mg/kg-day basis could not be calculated 

for this study). Full litter resorption has been noted in F344 rats, but not Sprague-Dawley rats, 

treated with bromodichloromethane at doses of 50 to 100 mg/kg-day during gestation. 

I - 8 November 15, 2005 
Additional studies in F344 rats that varied the timing of bromodichloromethane administration 

indicate that gestation days 6-10 are a critical period for induction of full litter resorption. 

Chronic oral exposure of male F344 rats to bromodichloromethane resulted in reduced sperm 

velocities at doses of 39 mg/kg-day. This response was not accompanied by histopathological 

changes in any reproductive tissue examined. Adverse clinical signs and reduced body weight 

and body weight gain were observed in parental generation female rats and F1 male and female 

rats at 150 ppm (approximately 11.6 to 40.2 mg/kg-day) in a two generation drinking water 

study of bromodichloromethane. In the same study, small but statistically significant delays in 

sexual maturation occurred in F1 males at 50 ppm (approximately 11.6 to 40.2 mg/kg-day) and 

F1 females at 450 ppm (approximately 29.5 to 109 mg/kg-day). These delays may have been 

secondary to dehydration caused by taste aversion to bromodichloromethane in the drinking 

water. 

Two studies on the reproductive or developmental toxicity of dibromochloro-methane 

gave negative results when tested at doses of up to 200 mg/kg-day. In another separate study, 

dibromochloromethane administered at 17 mg/kg-day in a multigenerational study resulted in 

reduced day 14 postnatal body weight in one of two F2 generation litters. At 171 mg/kg-day, the 

mid-dose in the study, decreased litter size, viability index, lactation index, and postnatal body 

weight were observed in some F1 and/or F2 generations. 

The developmental and reproductive toxicity of bromoform has been examined in two 

studies. Bromoform administered to Sprague-Dawley rats at 100 mg/kg-day in corn oil by 

gavage resulted in a significant increase in sternebral aberrations in the apparent absence of 

maternal toxicity. In a continuous breeding toxicity protocol, gavage doses of 200 mg/kg-day in 

corn oil resulted in decreased postnatal survival, organ weight changes, and liver histopathology 

in F1 ICR Swiss mice of both sexes. No effects on fertility or other reproductive endpoints were 

noted. 

Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity Studies 

In vitro and in vivo studies of the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform have yielded mixed results. 

Synthesis of the overall weight of evidence from these studies is complicated by the use of a 

variety of testing protocols, different strains of test organisms, different activating systems, 

different dose levels, different exposure methods (gas versus liquid), and, in some cases, 

problems due to evaporation of the test chemical. Overall, a majority of studies yielded more 

positive results for bromoform and bromodichloromethane. The genotoxicity and mutagenicity 

data for dibromochloromethane are inconclusive. Recent studies in strains of Salmonella that 

contain rat theta-class glutathione S-transferase suggest that mutagenicity of the brominated 

trihalomethanes may also be mediated by glutathione conjugation. 

Carcinogenicity and Related Studies in Animals 

The carcinogenic potential of individual brominated trihalomethanes administered in oil 

has been investigated in chronic oral exposure studies in mice and rats. Ingestion of 

I - 9 November 15, 2005 
bromodichloromethane caused liver tumors in female mice, renal tumors in male mice and in 

male and female rats, and tumors of the large intestine in male and female rats. Ingestion of 

dibromochloromethane caused liver tumors in male and female mice, and ingestion of 

bromoform caused intestinal tumors in male and female rats. 

Studies of induction of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) show that bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform given in drinking water significantly increase the 

number and focal area of ACF in the colons of male F344 rats, Eker rats, and strain A/J mice, but 

not in colons of B6C3F1 mice. The biological significance of this induction is unclear, as 

intestinal tumors have not been observed either in the colons of F344 rats treated with 

dibromochloromethane by corn oil gavage or in the colons of rats exposed to 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water for two years. Administration of individual 

brominated trihalomethanes in a high animal fat diet did not significantly increase the number of 

ACF when compared to a diet containing normal levels of fat. 

Exposure of male and female rats Eker rats (a rodent hereditary model of renal cancer) to 

bromodichloromethane did not significantly increase the incidence of urinary bladder epithelial 

hyperplasia, individual cell hypertrophy, renal tumors, hemangioma of the spleen, or 

leiomyomas or mesenchymal cell proliferation in the uterus of females. 

Other Key Health Effects Data from Animal Studies 

The immunotoxicity of brominated trihalomethanes has been investigated in mice and 

rats. Short-term bromodichloromethane exposure resulted in decreased antibody forming cells 

in serum, decreased hemagglutinin titers, and/or suppression of Con A-stimulated proliferation 

of spleen cells at doses of 125 to 250 mg/kg-day. 

No studies have been reported for hormonal effects following exposure to 

dibromochloromethane or bromoform. There is evidence from studies in F344 rats and cultured 

human placental trophoblasts that bromodichloromethane causes hormonal disruption. Rats 

exposed to bromodichloromethane on gestation days 8 or 9 show reduced serum levels of LH 

and progesterone. Serum LH reductions indicate that the mode of action for this strain-specific 

effect involves altered LH secretion; however, a contributing effect on LH signal transduction 

has not been ruled out. 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane alters the function of human placental trophoblasts, 

as shown by reduced CG secretion and by changes in morphological differentiation. The mode 

of action for the observed effects is unknown. Possible mechanisms proposed by the study 

authors for effects on CG secretion include disruption of CG synthesis at the translational or 

post-translational level (e.g., by altering glycosylation of CG subunits or disruption of 

dimerization) or indirect effects on secretion via disruption of gonadotropin releasing hormone 

activity. The significance of these findings for human health is that placental trophoblasts are 

the sole source of CG during normal human pregnancy and play a major role in the maintenance 

of the conceptus. If the observed effect on CG secretion is substantiated in future studies, it may 

help to explain apparent adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with consumption of 

I - 10 November 15, 2005 
chlorinated drinking water in some epidemiological studies (e.g., increased incidence of 

spontaneous abortion as reported by Waller et al., 1998). 

Limited structure-activity data for brominated trihalomethanes and chloroform suggest 

that bromination may influence the proportion of compound metabolized via the oxidative and 

reductive pathways, with brominated compounds being more extensively metabolized by the 

reductive pathway. Additional evidence suggests that a GST-mediated pathway may play an 

important role in metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes. 

Health Effects in Humans 

Limited human health data are available for the brominated trihalomethanes. In the past, 

bromoform was used as a sedative for children with whooping cough. Doses of 50 to 100 

mg/kg-day usually produced sedation without apparent adverse effects. Some rare instances of 

death or near-death were reported, although these cases were generally attributed to accidental 

overdoses. No human toxicological data were available for bromodichloromethane or 

dibromochloromethane. 

Numerous epidemiological studies have examined the association between water 

chlorination and increased cancer incidence. Very few studies have examined the association 

between cancer and exposure to brominated trihalomethanes, and possible increased cancer 

incidence in bladder was suggested. Recent studies have examined the association of 

chlorinated water use with various pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, premature 

birth, intrauterine growth retardation, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and birth defects. An 

association has been reported for exposure to bromodichloromethane (or a closely associated 

compound) and a moderately increased risk of spontaneous abortion during the first trimester. 

An association has also been reported for exposure to bromodichloromethane (or a closely 

associated compound) and 1) stillbirth of fetuses weighing more than 500 g, 2) reduction in birth 

weight (small for gestational age), and 3) increased risk of neural tube defects in women exposed 

to $20 :g/L of bromodichloromethane prior to conception through the first month of pregnancy. 

An association has been reported for total brominated trihalomethanes and reduced menstrual 

cycle and follicular phase length in women of child-bearing age. Among the individual 

brominated trihalomethanes, dibromochloromethane displayed the strongest association with 

altered menstrual function. A study of semen quality in healthy men found an association 

between increased exposure to bromodichloromethane in residential tap water and decreased 

sperm linearity; exposure to dibromochloromethane or bromoform was not associated with 

decrements in semen quality. 

To directly conclude that bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane are 

developmental or reproductive toxicants in humans can be complicated by the fact that there are 

many disinfection byproducts in chlorinated water. Nevertheless, these studies raise significant 

concern for possible human health effects. The methodology used to estimate exposure to 

brominated trihalomethanes in tap water has been examined with the goal of refining estimates 

of intake of these compounds in epidemiological studies. 

I - 11 November 15, 2005 
Susceptible Populations 

There is currently no clear evidence that children or the fetus are at greater risk for 

adverse effects from exposure to bromoform or dibromochloromethane than are adults. 

Associations between concentration of bromodichloromethane (or a co-occurring chemical) and 

spontaneous abortion or still birth have been observed in several epidemiological studies. 

Evidence in rats indicates that exposure to bromodichloromethane causes full litter resorption in 

F344 rats but not Sprague-Dawley rats. Full litter absorption appears to result from a 

maternally-mediated mode of action, rather than from a direct effect on the embryo. A 

mechanism of action for bromodichloromethane-related pregnancy loss is suggested for the rat 

(reduced sensitivity of the corpus luteum to luteinizing hormone), but is not without alternative 

explanation. At present, there is insufficient information on the mode of action leading to full 

litter resorption in rats to fully evaluate the relevance of this outcome to potential reproductive 

and/or developmental toxicity in humans. There is presently no evidence that infants, children, 

or the fetus are at increased risk for brominated trihalomethane toxicity as a result of higher 

levels of metabolizing enzymes. 

Subpopulations with either high levels of glutathione S-transferase or low baseline levels 

of glutathione may potentially be more sensitive than the general population to brominated 

trihalomethane-induced toxicity, but there are currently no epidemiological or animal data to 

confirm this speculation. The functional significance of polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 

isoforms that metabolize brominated trihalomethanes is also unknown. 

Mechanism of Toxicity 

It is generally believed that the toxicity of the brominated trihalomethanes is related to 

their metabolism. This conclusion is based largely on the observation that liver and kidney, the 

chief target tissues for these compounds, are also the primary sites of their metabolism. In 

addition, treatments which increase or decrease metabolism also tend to increase or decrease 

trihalomethane-induced toxicity in parallel. 

Metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes is believed to occur via oxidative and 

reductive pathways. Limited structure-activity data for brominated trihalomethanes and the 

structurally-related trihalomethane chloroform suggest that bromination may influence the 

proportion of compound metabolized via the oxidative and reductive pathways, with brominated 

compounds being more extensively metabolized by the reductive pathway. Additional evidence 

suggests that a GSH-mediated pathway may also play an important role in metabolism of 

brominated trihalomethanes. These data raise the possibility that brominated trihalomethanes 

may induce adverse effects (toxicity and carcinogenicity) via several different pathways. 

The precise biochemical mechanisms which link brominated trihalomethane metabolism 

to toxicity have not been characterized, but many researchers have proposed that toxicity results 

from the production of reactive intermediates. Reactive intermediates may arise from either the 

oxidative (dihalocarbonyls) or the reductive (free radicals) pathways of metabolism. Such 

reactive intermediates are known to form covalent adducts with various cellular molecules, and 

I - 12 November 15, 2005 
may impair the function of those molecules and cause cell injury. Free radical production may 

also lead to cell injury by inducing lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes. Direct evidence 

showing a relationship between the level of covalent binding intermediates generated by either 

pathway and the extent of toxicity is not available for the brominated trihalomethanes. 

Manipulation of cellular glutathione levels suggests that this compound may play a protective 

role in brominated trihalomethane-induced toxicity. 

Individual brominated trihalomethanes have been shown to induce tumors in laboratory 

animals. The mode of action by which brominated trihalomethanes induce tumors in target 

tissues has not been fully characterized. DNA adducts can be formed by interaction of reactive 

metabolites (resulting from oxidative and reductive metabolism) with DNA. In addition, 

preliminary evidence suggests that DNA adducts can be formed through conjugation with 

glutathione and bioactivation of the resulting conjugates. The role of cytotoxicity and associated 

regenerative cell proliferation in tumorigenicity of brominated trihalomethanes is presently 

unclear. Comparison of dose-response data for liver and kidney toxicity (including cell 

proliferation) and tumorigenicity in mice and rats suggests that tumor formation occurs at 

concentrations lower than those which stimulate cell proliferation. 

Interaction with agents which increase or decrease the activity of enzymes responsible 

for metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes may modify carcinogenicity/toxicity. 

Pretreatment with inducers of CYP2E1 has been observed to increase the hepatotoxicity of 

bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane in male rats. Pretreatment with m-xylene, an 

inducer of the CYP2B1/CYP2B2 isoforms, increased the hepatotoxicity of 

dibromochloromethane in male rats. Conversely, administration of the cytochrome P450 

inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole prevented bromodichloromethane-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 

Recent findings indicating possible glutathione-mediated metabolism of brominated 

trihalomethanes suggest that treatments or agents which alter glutathione-S-transferase activity 

could potentially modify the toxicity of brominated trihalomethanes. 

The severity of brominated trihalomethane toxicity is potentially affected by the vehicle 

of administration. In a study of vehicle effects on the acute toxicity of bromodichloromethane, a 

high dose (400 mg/kg) of the chemical was more hepato- and nephrotoxic when given in corn oil 

compared to aqueous administration, but this difference was not evident at a lower dose (200 

mg/kg). 

Quantification of Noncarcinogenic Effects 

Candidate health effects endpoints were analyzed by benchmark dose (BMD) modeling 

using a benchmark response of 10% extra risk. The BMDL10 was defined as the 95% lower 

bond on the BMD estimate. For bromodichloromethane, a BMDL10 of 30 mg/kg-day identified 

on the basis of full litter resorption in F344 rats was used to calculate a One-day Health Advisory 

(HA) value of 1 mg/L. A BMDL10 of 18 mg/kg-day for single cell hepatic necrosis, identified in 

a 30-day drinking water study in rats, was used to calculate a Ten-day HA value of 0.6 mg/L. A 

BMDL10 of 18 mg/kg-day for reduced maternal body weight gain on gestation days 6-9, 

identified in a developmental study in rats, was used to calculate a Longer-term HA of 0.6 mg/L 

I - 13 November 15, 2005 
for a 10-kg child. A Longer-term HA value of 2 mg/L was calculated for a 70-kg adult based on 

the same endpoint. The calculations for the Reference Dose (RfD) of 0.003 mg/kg-day and 

Drinking Water Exposure Level (DWEL) of 90 :g/L employed a duration adjusted BMDL10 of 

0.8 mg/kg-day for fatty degeneration of the liver, identified in a 24 month dietary study in rats. 

Because bromodichloromethane is classified as a probable human carcinogen, a Lifetime HA is 

not recommended. 

For dibromochloromethane, no suitable study was located for the calculation of a Oneday HA value. Use of the 10-day HA value as a conservative estimate is recommended. The 

Ten-day HA value of 0.6 mg/L was calculated using a BMDL10 of 5.5 mg/kg-day for hepatic cell 

vacuolization, identified in a 28-day feeding study in rats. A duration-adjusted BMDL10 value of 

1.7 mg/kg-day for hepatic cell vacuolization, identified in a 13-week gavage study in rats, was 

used to calculate Longer-term HA values of 0.2 and 0.6 mg/L for a 10-kg child and a 70-kg 

adult, respectively. A duration-adjusted BMDL10 value of 1.6 mg/kg-day for fatty changes 

identified in a 2 year gavage study in mice was used to calculate a RfD of 0.02 mg/kg-day and a 

DWEL of 700 :g/L. The Lifetime HA for dibromochloromethane is 60 :g/L. This value was 

calculated using the default RSC value of 80% for exposure via ingestion of drinking water. 

Because this compound is classified as a possible human carcinogen, the derivation of the 

Lifetime HA incorporated an uncertainty factor of 10. 

For bromoform, an estimated dose of 54 mg/kg-day that caused sedation in children was 

used to calculate a One-day HA value of 5 mg/L. A BMDL10 of 2.3 mg/kg-day for hepatic 

vacuolization, identified in a one month dietary study in rats, was used to calculate a value of 

0.2 mg/L for the Ten-day HA for the 10-kg child. This value was also recommended for use as 

the Longer-term HA for a 10 kg child. A duration-adjusted BMDL10 value of 2.6 mg/kg-day for 

hepatic vacuolization, identified in a 13 week gavage study in rats, was also used to calculate a 

value of 0.9 mg/L for the Longer-term HA for the 70-kg adult. The BMDL10 value of 2.6 mg/kgday was also used to calculate an RfD of 0.03 mg/kg-day and a DWEL of 1000 :g/L. Because 

bromoform is classified as a probable human carcinogen, a Lifetime HA is not recommended. 

Quantification of Carcinogenic Effects 

Chronic oral exposure studies performed by the National Toxicology Program in rats and 

mice provide adequate data to derive quantitative cancer risk estimates for the three brominated 

trihalomethanes, although the chemicals were administered in a corn oil vehicle. For bromodichloromethane, a unit risk of 1.0 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 was derived, based on the incidence of renal 

tumors in male mice. The oral slope factor and concentration for excess cancer risk of 10-6 were 

3.5 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 and 1.0 :g/L, respectively. For dibromochloromethane, a unit risk of 

1.2 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 was derived, based on liver tumors in female mice. The oral slope factor and 

concentration for excess cancer risk of 10-6 were 4.3×10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 and 0.8 :g/L, 

respectively. For bromoform, a unit risk of 1.3 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1 was derived, based on tumors of 

the large intestine in female rats. The oral slope factor and concentration for excess cancer risk 

of 10-6 were 4.6×10-3 (mg/kg-day)-1 and 8 :g/L, respectively. These values were calculated using 

an animal-to-human scaling factor of body weight3/4 in accordance with proposed U.S. EPA 

guidance (U.S. EPA, 1992b; 1999). 

I - 14 November 15, 2005 
In a previous assessment of the carcinogenicity of brominated trihalomethanes, the 

Carcinogenic Risk Assessment Verification Endeavor (CRAVE) group of the U.S. EPA assigned 

bromodichloromethane and bromoform to Group B2: probable human carcinogen. CRAVE 

assigned dibromochloromethane to Group C: possible human carcinogen. Under the proposed 

1999 U.S. EPA Guidelines for Cancer Assessment, bromodichloromethane and bromoform are 

likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. This descriptor is appropriate 

when the available tumor data and other key data are adequate to demonstrate carcinogenic 

potential to humans. This finding is based on the weight of experimental evidence in animal 

models which shows carcinogenicity by modes of action that are relevant to humans. 

Dibromochloromethane shows suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to 

assess human carcinogenic potential. This descriptor is used when the evidence from human or 

animal data is suggestive of carcinogenicity, which raises a concern for carcinogenic effects but 

is not judged sufficient for a conclusion as to human carcinogenic potential. This finding is 

based on the weight of experimental evidence in animal models which indicate limited or 

equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity. 

IARC has recently re-evaluated the carcinogenic potential of the brominated 

trihalomethanes. IARC classified bromodichloromethane as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly 

carcinogenic to humans. IARC classified dibromochloromethane and bromoform as Group 3: 

not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans. 

Table I-1 summarizes the quantification of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic effects for 

brominated trihalomethanes. 

I - 15 November 15, 2005 
--

Table I-1 Summary of Quantification of Toxicological Effects for Brominated 

Trihalomethanes 

Advisory Value Reference 

Bromodichloromethane 

One-day HA for 10-kg child 1 mg/L Narotsky et al. (1997) 

Ten-day HA for 10-kg child 0.6 mg/L NTP (1998) 

Longer-term HA for 10-kg child 0.6 mg/L CCC (2000d) 

Longer-term HA for 70-kg adult 2 mg/L CCC (2000d) 

RfD 0.003 mg/kg-day Aida et al. (1992b) 

DWEL 100 :g/L Aida et al. (1992b) 

Lifetime HA Not applicable 

Oral Slope Factor c 3.5 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 NTP (1987) 

Concentration for excess cancer risk (10-6) 1.0 :g/L NTP (1987) 

Unit Risk 1x10-6 (:g/L)-1 NTP (1987) 

Dibromochloromethane 

One-day HA for 10-kg child b 0.6 mg/L Aida et al. (1992a) 

Ten-day HA for 10-kg child 0.6 mg/L Aida et al. (1992a) 

Longer-term HA for 10-kg child 0.2 mg/L NTP (1985) 

Longer-term HA for 70-kg adult 0.6 mg/L NTP (1985) 

RfD 0.02 mg/kg-day NTP (1985) 

DWEL 700 :g/L NTP (1985) 

Lifetime HA 60 :g/L NTP (1985) 

Oral Slope Factor c 4.3 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 NTP (1985) 

Concentration for Excess cancer risk (10-6) 0.8 :g/L NTP (1985) 

Unit Risk 1.2 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 NTP (1985) 

Bromoform 

One-day HA for 10-kg child 5 mg/L Burton-Fanning (1901) 

Ten-day HA for 10-kg child 0.2 mg/L NTP (1989a) 

Longer-term HA for 10-kg child a 0.2 mg/L NTP (1989a) 

Longer-term HA for 70-kg adult 0.9 mg/L NTP (1989a) 

RfD 0.03 mg/kg-day NTP (1989a) 

DWEL 1000 :g/L NTP (1989a) 

I - 16 November 15, 2005 
--

c 

Table I-1 (cont.) 

Advisory Value Reference 

Lifetime HA Not applicable 

Oral Slope Factor c 4.6×10-3 (mg/kg-day)-1 NTP (1989a) 

Concentration for Excess cancer risk (10-6) 8 :g/L NTP (1989a) 

Unit Risk 1.3 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1 NTP (1989a) 

a The calculated value for the Longer-term HA was slightly higher than the values for the Ten-day HAs. Therefore, 

use of the Ten-day HA for a 10-kg child is recommended as an estimate of the Longer-term HA for a 10-kg child. b Use of the Ten-day HA recommended as an estimate of the One-day HA for a 10-kg child. 

The oral slope factor was calculated using the Linearized Multistage model (extra risk) and an animal-to-human 

scaling factor of body weight3/4 

Abbreviations: BW, Body weight; DWEL, Drinking water exposure limit; HA, Health advisory; LMS; Linearized 

Multistage Model 

I - 17 November 15, 2005 
--

II. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

A. Properties and Uses 

Bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl2), dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl) and bromoform 

(CHBr3) are clear liquids with higher densities than the structurally-related compound 

chloroform. They have limited solubility in water but are very soluble in organic solvents 

(Windholz, 1976). Some important physical and chemical properties of these brominecontaining trihalomethanes are summarized in Table II-1. Brominated trihalomethanes are 

sufficiently volatile to evaporate from drinking water (Jolley et al., 1978). 

Table II-1 Physical and Chemical Properties of the Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Chemical 

Property 

Bromodichloromethane Dibromochloromethane Bromoform 

Structure 

C 

H 

Cl Cl

Br 

C 

H 

Cl Br

Br 

C 

H 

Br Br

Br 

Chemical Abstracts 

Registry Number 

75-27-4 124-48-1 75-25-2 

Registry of Toxic Effects of PA 5310000 PA 6360000 PB 5600000 

Chemical Substances 

Number 

Synonyms dichlorobromomethane chlorodibromomethane tribromomethane 

Chemical Formula CHBrCl2 CHBr2Cl CHBr3 

Molecular Weight 163.83 208.29 252.77 

Boiling Point 90/C 116C 149 - 150/C 

Melting Point -57.1/C 6-7/C 

Specific Gravity (20/) 1.980 2.38 2.887 

Vapor Pressure 50mm (20/C) 15 mm (10/C) 5.6 mm (25/C) 

Stability in Water volatile volatile volatile 

Water Solubility 3,032 mg/L 1,050 mg/L 3,190 mg/L (30/C) 

(30/C) (30/C) 

Log Octanol:Water Partition 

Coefficient (Kow) 

2.09 2.23 2.37 

Source: U.S. EPA (1992c; 1994b) 

II - 1 November 15, 2005 
Brominated trihalomethanes also occur in drinking water as by-products of chlorination. 

Bromide (Br-

), a common constituent of natural waters, is oxidized by hypochlorous acid 

(HOCl3) to form hypobromous acid (HOBr) in the following reaction: 

Br- + HOCl3 ÿ HOBr + ClHypobromous acid reacts with naturally occurring organic substances in water (e.g., 

humic and fulvic acids) to yield the bromine-containing trihalomethanes bromoform, 

dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane (in increasing order of formation rates) 

(Jolley et al., 1978). 

Trihalomethanes may also be produced by reaction with endogenous organic material in 

the gut. Mink et al. (1983) treated adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with a single oral dose of 

48 mg Cl (as sodium chloroacetate) and 32 mg Br-

 (as potassium bromide). All three brominated 

trihalomethanes were detected in the stomach contents of nonfasted rats following treatment 

(Mink et al., 1983). Bromoform and dibromochloromethane were also detected in the plasma. 

In the past, bromoform, bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane have been 

used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical synthesis, as ingredients in fire-resistant 

chemicals and gauge fluids, and as solvents for waxes, greases, resins, and oils (U.S. EPA, 

1975). However, use patterns have changed over time. At present, the primary use of 

bromodichloromethane is as a chemical intermediate for organic synthesis and as a laboratory 

reagent (ATSDR 1989). Dibromochloromethane is reportedly used in laboratory quantities only 

(ATSDR 1990). Use of bromoform is limited to performance of geological tests, use as a 

laboratory reagent, and use in quality assurance programs in the electronics industry (ATSDR 

1990). 

B. Summary 

Brominated trihalomethanes are volatile organic liquids that occur in drinking water as 

by-products of disinfection with chlorine. The brominated trihalomethanes occurring in water 

are bromoform, dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane. These compounds are 

formed in water when hypochlorous acid oxidizes bromide ions to form hypobromous acid, 

which subsequently reacts with organic material. In the past, individual brominated 

trihalomethanes have been used for a variety of industrial purposes. Currently, these compounds 

are used as laboratory reagents and, in the case of bromodichloromethane, as an intermediate in 

chemical synthesis. 

II - 2 November 15, 2005 
III. TOXICOKINETICS 

This section summarizes available information on the absorption, distribution, 

metabolism and excretion of brominated trihalomethanes. Because the toxicokinetic properties 

of brominated trihalomethanes appear to be generally similar, data in this section are presented 

for this class of compounds as a group, rather than by individual chemical. 

A. Absorption 

Mink et al. (1986) compared the absorption of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in male Sprague-Dawley rats and male B6C3F1 mice. 

The study animals received single oral doses of 14C-labeled compound in corn oil by gavage at 

dose levels of 100 mg/kg (rats) or 150 mg/kg (mice). Total recovery of label in exhaled air, 

urine, or tissues after 8 hours ranged from 62% to 93% (Table III-1), indicating that 

gastrointestinal absorption was high for all three compounds. The level of radiolabeled carbon 

monoxide in exhaled air was not quantified in this experiment. Carbon monoxide has since been 

recognized as a product of brominated trihalomethane catabolism. 

Mathews et al. (1990) administered 14C-bromodichloromethane by gavage in corn oil to 

male Fischer 344 rats at doses of 1, 10, 32, or 100 mg/kg, and monitored the radiolabel in 

exhaled air, urine, feces, and tissues. Absorption was extensive, with at least 86% of the dose 

recovered as expired volatiles, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide. Only small amounts were 

recovered in urine (<5%) or in feces (<3%) within 24 hours of administration, regardless of the 

size of the dose (Table III-2). 

Table III-1 Recovery of Label 8 Hours after Oral Administration of 14C-Labeled 

Brominated Trihalomethanes to Male Sprague-Dawley Rats or Male B6C3F1 Mice 

Chemical 

Percent of Label 

Species Expired 

CO2 

Expired 

Parent Urine Organs Total Recovery 

Bromodichloromethane Rat 14.2 41.7 1.4 3.3 62.7 

Mouse 81.2 7.2 2.2 3.2 92.7 

Dibromochloromethane Rat 18.2 48.1 1.1 1.4 70.3 

Mouse 71.6 12.3 1.9 5.0 91.6 

Bromoform Rat 4.3 66.9 2.2 2.1 78.9 

Mouse 39.7 5.7 4.6 12.2 62.2 

Adapted from Mink et al. (1986) and U.S. EPA (1994b). 

III - 1 November 15, 2005 
Table III-2 Cumulative Excretion of Label after Oral Administration of 14C-Labeled 

Bromodichloromethane to Male F344 Rats 

Dose 

Time 

(hrs posttreatment) 

Percent of Dose 

Expired 

CO2 

Expired 

CO 

Expired 

Volatiles Urine Feces Total Recovery 

1 mg/kg 1 9.5±1.1 NRa 2.1±1.5 NR NR 11.6±1.3 

4 37.0±3.2 1.5±0.7 2.7±1.8 NR NR 41.1±2.8 

8 62.9±2.2 2.7±1.1 NR NR NR 68.±1.7 

16 76.4±3.2 NR NR NR NR 81.8±2.9 

24 77.5±3.3 3.3±1.5 3.0±1.6 4.1±0.2 2.7±1.5 90.7±1.8 

10 mg/kg 1 8.0±2.0 NR 2.0±0.8 NR NR 10.0±1.85 

4 39.9±3.2 1.9±0.4 2.7±1.1 NR NR 44.5±3.0 

8 66.0±4.0 3.4±0.9 NR NR NR 72.1±3.9 

16 81.3±1.7 NR NR NR NR 87.4±1.5 

24 82.1±1.8 4.3±1.0 2.8±1.1 4.3±0.2 0.7±0.2 94.2±1.6 

100 

mg/kg 

1 1.9±0.9 0.1±0 1.5±1.2 NR NR 4.6±1.8 

4 5.5±1.8 0.3±0.1 4.2±1.9 NR NR 10.0±2.9 

8 NR NR NR 0.6±0.4 NR 10.6±3.0 

16 33.4±7.4 2.3±0.7 5.7±2.1 NR NR 42.0±8.3 

24 71.0±1.7 5.2±0.3 6.3±2.1 4.1±0.2 0.7±0.3 87.3±1.6 

Adapted from Mathews et al. (1990) and U.S. EPA (1994b). 

a

Not reported 

III - 2 November 15, 2005 
Lilly et al. (1998) examined the effects of vehicle on the absorption of orally 

administered bromodichloromethane in an experiment designed to develop and validate a 

physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model. Male F344 rats (3 animals/dose/vehicle/assay) 

were gavaged with 0, 50, or 100 mg bromodichloromethane/kg in either corn oil or 10% 

Emulphor®, and bromodichloromethane levels were monitored in blood and exhaled air. The 

dose levels approximated doses previously utilized in two-year cancer bioassays of 

bromodichloromethane (NTP, 1987). Concentrations of bromodichloromethane in blood and 

exhaled air peaked rapidly, reaching maximal concentrations less than one hour after 

administration. The vehicle of administration had significant effects on the blood and exhaled 

air concentrations. Delivery of bromodichloromethane in 10% Emulphor® resulted in faster 

initial uptake, as inferred from higher blood, tissue and breath chamber concentrations, when 

compared to corn oil (data presented graphically). At 6 hours after administration, more than 

90% and 100% of the administered dose had been absorbed from the corn oil and Emulphor® 

vehicles, respectively. 

B. Distribution 

Data on the distribution of brominated trihalomethanes in exposed humans are limited. 

Roth (1904) measured the bromoform content of tissues of a man who died from an accidental 

oral overdose of bromoform and found levels in stomach and lung of 130 and 90 mg/kg wet 

weight, respectively. Lower levels were reported in the intestine, liver, kidney, and brain. 

Pellizzari et al. (1982) measured trihalomethanes in 42 samples of human milk taken from 

women in urban areas. Dibromochloromethane was detected in one sample. Neither the level 

measured nor the detection limit were reported for this study. 

Data on the distribution of brominated trihalomethanes in animals are available from 

studies in rats and mice. Mink et al. (1986) compared the distribution of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in male Sprague-Dawley rats and male B6C3F1 mice. 

Single oral doses of 14C-labeled compound in corn oil were administered by gavage at dose 

levels of 100 mg/kg (rats) or 150 mg/kg (mice). Tissue levels of radioactivity were measured 8 

hours after dose administration. The chemical form of the label measured in the tissues (e.g. 

parent or metabolite, bound or free) was not determined. In the rat, the total organ content of 

label ranged from 1.4% to 3.6% for the various compounds. The stomach, liver, and kidneys 

contained higher levels than bladder, brain, lung, muscle, pancreas, and thymus. In mice, 4% to 

5% of the administered compound was recovered in the organs. However, an additional 10% of 

the label associated with bromoform was recovered in the blood of mice, yielding total organ 

levels of 12% to 14%. The authors attributed this elevated recovery of label to 

carboxyhemoglobin formation. The levels of carboxyhemoglobin were not measured in this 

experiment. 

Mathews et al. (1990) investigated the distribution of bromodichloromethane following 

oral exposure in male Fischer 344 rats. Animals were given a single oral gavage dose of 1, 10, 

32, or 100 mg/kg of 14C-bromodichloromethane dissolved in corn oil. Approximately 3% to 4% 

of the administered dose was detected in tissues after 24 hours. The highest levels (1% to 3%) 

were measured in liver. Repeated doses of 10 or 100 mg/kg-day for 10 days resulted in total 

III - 3 November 15, 2005 
retention of only 0.9% to 1.1% of the administered label, and had no effect on the tissue 

distribution of bromodichloromethane. 

The Chlorine Chemistry Council (CCC, 2000c) sponsored a study which analyzed the 

levels of bromodichloromethane in parental tissues and fluids and F1 generation tissues as part of 

a reproductive and developmental study in Sprague-Dawley rats (see Section V.E.1 for a full 

study description). Data from this study were summarized in Christian et al. (2001b). 

Bromodichloromethane was administered in the drinking water at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 

450, or 1350 ppm. The estimated dosage on a mg/kg-day basis varied with the stage of the study 

(see Table V-7). Plasma and other tissue samples were collected for analysis as described in 

Table III-3. All samples were maintained frozen and shipped to the analytical lab (Lancaster 

Laboratories, Lancaster, PA). Analysis of plasma collected from male and female rats prior to 

mating and from female rats during gestation and lactation did not detect quantifiable levels of 

bromodichloromethane (limit of detection 0.11 :g). Bromodichloromethane was detected at a 

concentration of 0.38 :g/g in the milk from one female in the 1350 ppm group. 

Bromodichloromethane was not detected in placentas, amniotic fluid, or fetal tissue collected on 

GD 21 or in plasma collected from postpartum day 29 weanling pups. 

Table III-3 Over view of Tissue Collection for Analysis of Bromodichloromethane in 

Sprague-Dawley Rat Tissues and Fluids (CCC, 2000c). 

Generation Sex Physiological 

state 

Tissue Day of 

collection 

No. of Samples; 

Collection freq. 

Comments 

P M, F Pre-mating Plasma Day 1 of 

exposure 

3 rats/sex/group; 

3 times/day 

-

P M, F Pre-mating Plasma Day 14 of 

exposure 

3 rats/sex/group; 

3 times/day 

-

P F Pregnant Plasma GD 20 3 rats/group; Rats 

3 times/day continuously 

exposed since 

study day 1 

P F Pregnant Placenta GD 21 3 litters/day Tissues pooled 

amniotic fluid, by litter 

and fetuses 

P F Lactating Plasma LD 15 3 rats/group 3 times/day 

P F Lactating Milk LD 15 3 rats/group 1 IU oxytocin 

admin. by IV 

approx. 5 min. 

before milking 

F1 M, F Weaning Plasma LD 29 3 pups/sex; -

3 litters; 

3 times/day 

Modified from CCC (2000c)

Abbreviations: P, parental; M, male; F, female; GD, gestation day; LD, lactation day

III - 4 November 15, 2005 
The Chlorine Chemistry Council (CCC, 2000a) sponsored a study which analyzed the 

levels of bromodichloromethane in parental tissues and fluids and F1 generation tissues as part of 

a reproductive and developmental study in New Zealand White rabbits (see Section V.E.1 for a 

full study description). Data from this study were summarized in Christian et al. (2001b). 

Bromodichloromethane was administered to groups of rabbits (4/concentration) in the drinking 

water at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 450, or 1350 ppm. The estimated doses at these 

concentrations were 0, 4.9, 13.9, 32.3, or 76.3 mg/kg-day, respectively. Blood samples were 

collected on GD 7 and 28. Amniotic fluid, and placenta samples were collected on GD 29 after 

collection of a third blood sample, and amniotic fluid and placental tissue were pooled by litter. 

Blood samples were collected from three randomly selected fetuses per litter. Bromodichloromethane was detected at concentrations of 0.15 and 0.17 :g/g (limit of detection 0.11 :g/g) in 

placentas from two litters in the 1350 ppm exposure group. Bromodichloromethane was 

detected in one fetus from the 1350 ppm group “...at a level below the limit of detection”. 

Bromodichloromethane was not detected in placentas from does exposed to concentrations up to 

450 ppm, in amniotic fluid from does exposed to concentrations up to 1350 ppm, or in the 

remaining fetuses of does exposed to concentrations as high as 1350 ppm. 

C. Metabolism 

1. Overview 

The toxicity of the brominated trihalomethanes is mediated by cytochrome P450­

mediated bioactivation to reactive metabolites. The pathways for brominated trihalomethane 

metabolism were initially inferred from studies of the structurally-related trihalomethane 

chloroform (U.S. EPA, 1994b). Additional details of brominated trihalomethane metabolism 

have subsequently been elucidated in a number of laboratories using both in vitro and in vivo 

approaches and are described below. Figure III-1 presents a general metabolic scheme for 

chloroform and the brominated trihalomethanes. 

The metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes occurs via at least two pathways (U.S. 

EPA 1994b). The oxidative pathway requires NADPH and oxygen, whereas the reductive 

pathway can utilize NADPH or NADH and is inhibited by oxygen. Both reactions are believed 

to be mediated by cytochrome P450 isoforms. In the presence of oxygen (oxidative 

metabolism), the reaction product is trihalomethanol (CX3OH), which spontaneously 

decomposes to yield a reactive dihalocarbonyl (CX2O) such as phosgene (CCl2O). 

Dihalocarbonyls may undergo a variety of reactions, such as adduct formation with various 

cellular nucleophiles, hydrolysis to yield carbon dioxide, or glutathione-dependent reduction to 

yield carbon monoxide. When oxygen levels are low (reductive metabolism), the metabolic 

reaction products appear to be free radical species such as the dihalomethyl radical (•CHX2). 

These radicals are highly reactive and may also form covalent adducts with a variety of cellular 

molecules. Evidence supporting this metabolic scheme and information on species differences 

in the rate and extent of trihalomethane metabolism are presented below. Additional data 

derived from studies of chloroform are described in U.S. EPA (1994b). 

III - 5 November 15, 2005 
Figure III-1 Proposed Oxidative and Reductive Metabolic Pathways for Brominated Trihalom

RH 

H2O 

2GSH 

Cysteine 

2H2H

Reductive Pathway Oxidative Pathway 

CHX2 CHX3

P-450 P-450 

CX3OH CX2O 

X- NADPH 2NADPH 

O2 H2O HX 

or 

NADH 

2H

X = halogen atom (chlorine or bromine); R = cellular nucleophile (protein, nucleic acid);GSH = reduced glutathione; GSSG = oxidized glutathione; OTZ = oxothiazolidine carboxylic acid; P-450 = cytochrome P-450Adapted from Stevens and Anders (1981); Tomasi et al. (1985)

III - 6 
The metabolism of trihalomethanes (including chloroform and the brominated 

trihalomethanes) has been most intensively studied using chloroform as a substrate. These 

studies indicate that many factors influence metabolism, including strain, species, chloroform 

concentration, and possibly gender. A comprehensive review of chloroform studies is beyond 

the scope of this document. However, because the P450-mediated metabolism of the brominated 

trihalomethanes is expected to be similar to that of chloroform, descriptions of a few 

representative studies of chloroform metabolism are provided to provide additional background 

information on the metabolism of trihalomethanes. 

A key question in hazard characterization is the identity of the P450 isoforms responsible 

for bioactivation of brominated trihalomethanes to reactive metabolites. This is because 

individuals or subpopulations with elevated levels of these enzymes may be at greater risk for 

adverse effects. The identities of the cytochrome P450 isoforms responsible for trihalomethane 

metabolism have been investigated most intensively in studies of chloroform (studies of 

brominated trihalomethanes are described in sections 2 and 3 below). 

Studies by Nakajima et al. (1995) and Testai et al. (1996) indicate that chloroform 

concentration plays a critical role in determining the role of different isoforms and the associated 

effects of metabolic inducers. Nakajima et al. (1995) pretreated male Wistar rats with three 

inducers of specific P450 isoforms and subsequently administered a single dose of chloroform 

by gavage in corn oil. The inducers used were phenobarbital (CYP2B1/2), n-hexane (CYP2E1), 

and 2-hexanone (CYP2B1/2 and CYP2E1). Liver damage (as determined by serum enzyme 

activity and histopathology) was greatest at the mid-dose in the hexane-treated animals. In 

contrast, rats pretreated with phenobarbital or 2-hexanone showed a dose-related increase of 

liver damage at all dose levels. The pattern of damage was consistent in each case with the 

tissue distribution patterns of the induced cytochrome P450 isoform(s). The study authors 

concluded on the basis of these results that CYP2E1 catalyzes chloroform metabolism at low 

doses and that CYP2B1/2 catalyzes chloroform metabolism at higher doses. 

While experimental evidence indicates that CYP2E1 and CYPB1/2 catalyze the oxidative 

pathway, the identities of the cytochrome P450 isoforms which catalyze the reductive pathway 

have not been established. In general, CYP2E1 protein can catalyze reductive as well as 

oxidative reactions (Lieber, 1997) and this isoform has been implicated in the production of 

trichloromethyl radicals from carbon tetrachloride (see Lieber et al. 1997). However, evidence 

for a dual role of either CYP2E1 or CYP2B1/2 in catalyzing the oxidative and reductive 

pathways for trihalomethane metabolism has been contradictory, perhaps as a result of the 

different concentrations of chloroform used in different experiments (summarized in Testai et al. 

1996). To address the issue of concentration, Testai et al. (1996) studied the role of different 

isoforms in chloroform using microsomes prepared from Sprague-Dawley rats pretreated with a 

variety of cytochrome P450 inducers. The microsomes were incubated under varying conditions 

of chloroform concentration, oxygenation, and presence of isoform-specific inhibitors or 

antibodies. Under the conditions utilized in this series of experiments, the authors concluded 

that the cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in oxidative metabolism of brominated 

trihalomethanes do not participate in the reductive pathway. 

III - 7 November 15, 2005 
Studies conducted in Salmonella typhimurium strains that express the rat GST theta gene 

(GSTT1-1) (Pegram et al., 1997, DeMarini et al., 1997; Landi et al., 1999b) and using liver 

cytosols isolated from rats, mice, and humans (Ross and Pegram, 2003) provide evidence for a 

third pathway of metabolism via GST theta-mediated conjugation of bromodichloromethane 

with glutathione (GSH). Rat GSTT1-1 is closely related to human theta-class GSTs, suggesting 

that humans are likely to have the capability to conjugate brominated trihalomethanes via this 

pathway if it is active in vivo (Meyer et al., 1991). 

Ross and Pegram (2003) studied the characteristics of bromodichloromethane 

conjugation with GSH in liver cytosols from mice, rats, and humans. Conjugation of 

bromodichloromethane with GSH in mouse liver cytosol was time- and protein-dependent, was 

not affected by an inhibitor of alpha-, mu-, and pi-class GSTs, and correlated with activity 

toward a GSTT1-1-specific substrate (1,2-epoxy-3-(4'-nitrophenoxy)propane). Conjugation 

activity toward bromodichloromethane in hepatic cytosols of different species followed the rank 

order mouse, followed by rat, then human. The initial conjugate formed was S-chloromethylGSH (GSCHCl2). This compound was unstable and degraded to multiple metabolites including 

S-hydroxymethyl-GSH (GSCH2OH), S-formyl-GSH, and formic acid (HCOOH). These data 

indicate that GSTT1-1-mediated glutathione conjugation of bromodichloromethane occurs in 

mammalian liver cytosol, via reactions consistent with the metabolic scheme presented in 

Figure III-2. 

III - 8 November 15, 2005 
Figure III-2 Proposed GSTT1-1-Catalyzed Glutathione Conjugation of Bromodichloromet

DNA damage 

Cl 

H 

Cl 

SG 

H2O OH Br + GSH GST T1-1 H H SG -HCl Cl -HBR Cl 

GSH Cl 

GSSG 

Cl 

OH 

Cl 

H H 

H SG 

O 

H2O 

GSCH2OH 

-HCl 

-HCl 

HCHO + GSH 

GSH 

GSSG 

H H 

Cl 

GSH/GST -HCl

NA

SG 

H2O GSH-d

H H 

-HCl formald

Cl 

NAD

DNA damage 

aSolid arrows represent pathways that are supported by direct experimental evidence. Dashed arrows indicate pathways that are inferred 

evidence and literature precedents. Proposed scheme is from Ross and Pegram (2003). 

III - 9 
2. In Vitro Studies 

Ahmed et al. (1977) investigated the in vitro oxidative (aerobic) metabolism of 

brominated trihalomethanes to carbon monoxide by the rat liver microsomal fraction. 

Metabolism of bromoform resulted in the highest level of carbon monoxide formation, followed 

by dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane in decreasing order. Glutathione, 

NADPH and oxygen were required for maximal carbon monoxide production. This activity was 

inducible by phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment (agents which are known to 

increase cytochrome P-450 activity) and was inhibited by the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor 

SKF 525-A. Similar results were reported by Stevens and Anders (1979). In addition, Stevens 

and Anders (1979) reported the formation of 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTZ) when 

bromoform was incubated in the presence of cysteine. Dihalocarbonyls react with cysteine to 

form OTZ. Thus, detection of OTZ provides evidence that a dihalocarbonyl intermediate was 

formed during bromoform metabolism. 

Wolf et al. (1977) studied the in vitro metabolism of bromoform and chloroform to 

carbon monoxide under anaerobic conditions using liver preparations from phenobarbitalinduced rats. Bromoform metabolism resulted in much greater levels of carbon monoxide 

production than did the metabolism of chloroform. Gao and Pegram (1992) reported that 

binding of reactive intermediates to rat hepatic microsomal lipid and protein under reductive 

(anaerobic) conditions was more than twice as high for bromodichloromethane as for 

chloroform. These data suggest that reductive metabolism may be a more important pathway for 

metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes than for chloroform. 

Tomasi et al. (1985) studied the anaerobic activation of bromoform, 

bromodichloromethane, and chloroform to free radical intermediates in vitro using rat 

hepatocytes isolated from phenobarbital-induced male Wistar rats. The production of a free 

radical intermediate was measured by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy using the spin 

trap compound phenyl-t-butylnitrone. The intensity of the ESR signal was greatest for 

bromoform, followed by bromodichloromethane and then chloroform. The largest ESR signal 

was detected when hepatocytes were incubated under anaerobic conditions. Incubation in the 

presence of air resulted in a reduction of the signal, as did addition of cytochrome P-450 

inhibitors such as SKF-525A, metyrapone, and carbon monoxide. These data were interpreted to 

indicate that free-radical formation depended on reductive metabolism of the trihalomethanes 

mediated by the cytochrome P450 system. Comparison of the ESR spectra for chloroform, 

deuterated chloroform, and bromodichloromethane indicated that the free radical intermediate 

produced by chloroform metabolism was •CHCl2. The authors speculated that the brominated 

trihalomethanes are also metabolized by transfer of an electron directly from the cytochrome to 

the halocompound with the successive formation of the dihalomethyl radical (•CHX2) and a 

halide ion (X-

). 

III - 10 November 15, 2005 
As noted in IIIC1, recent evidence from studies in Salmonella typhimurium strains that 

express the rat glutathione S-transferase theta 1-1 (GSTT1-1) gene suggests that bioactivation of 

brominated trihalomethanes to mutagenic species is also mediated by one or more glutathione Stransferase-mediated conjugation pathways (Pegram et al., 1997; DeMarini et al., 1997; Landi et 

al., 1999b). Details of these studies are presented in Section V.F. 

3. In Vivo Studies 

Mink et al. (1986) compared the metabolic products of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in male Sprague-Dawley rats and male B6C3F1 mice 

(strain not reported). Animals were given a single oral dose of 14C-labeled compound by gavage 

in corn oil at dose levels of 100 mg/kg for rats and 150 mg/kg for mice. Levels of 14C were 

measured in exhaled carbon dioxide recovered within 8 hours after dose administration. Expired 

carbon dioxide accounted for 4.3% to 18.2% of the administered label in rats (Table III-1), 

suggesting that the parent compound had undergone limited metabolism and oxidation. In mice, 

the fraction of label excreted as carbon dioxide was higher, ranging from 40% to 81%. These 

data indicate that oxidative metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes to carbon dioxide was 

more rapid and extensive (by a factor of four- to ninefold) in mice than in rats. As previously 

noted in Section III.A, production of carbon monoxide, a known metabolite of brominated 

trihalomethanes, was not measured in this study. 

Anders et al. (1978) investigated the formation of carbon monoxide from brominated 

trihalomethanes in corn oil administered to Sprague-Dawley rats at doses of 1 mmol/kg (119 to 

252 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Bromoform produced the highest levels of blood 

carbon monoxide, followed by dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane in decreasing 

order. A dose-response relationship was noted for bromoform following administration of 252, 

506, or 1,012 mg/kg. Carbon monoxide production was inducible by pretreatment with 

phenobarbital, but pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene had no effect. Carbon monoxide 

production was significantly inhibited by SKF-525-A. Administration of 3

H-bromoform resulted 

in decreased carbon monoxide formation when compared to bromodichloromethane and 

dibromochloromethane, indicating that the carbon-hydrogen bond breakage may be the ratelimiting step under aerobic conditions. Similar results were later reported by Stevens and 

Anders (1981). 

Tomasi et al. (1985) studied the in vivo metabolism of chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and bromoform to free radical intermediates in rats. Starved, phenobarbital-induced 

male Wistar rats (number not stated) were given intraperitoneal injections of 1,100 mg/kg 

chloroform, 820 mg/kg bromodichloromethane, or 1,260 mg/kg bromoform dissolved in olive 

oil. The animals were sacrificed and the livers were homogenized. The production of a free 

radical intermediate by the livers was determined by ESR spectroscopy. The authors reported 

detection of free radicals in the livers of all treated rats. The intensity of the ESR signal 

followed a ranking similar to that observed in in vitro experiments (bromoform > 

bromodichloromethane > chloroform), confirming that the reductive formation of free radicals is 

greater for brominated trihalomethanes than for chloroform. 

III - 11 November 15, 2005 
Mathews et al. (1990) studied the metabolism of 14C-bromodichloromethane in male 

Fischer 344 rats. Animals (n = 4) were given a single oral dose of 1, 10, 32, or 100 mg/kg of 

bromodichloromethane dissolved in corn oil. Levels of labeled carbon dioxide and carbon 

monoxide in exhaled air were measured for 24 hours. Approximately 70% to 80% of the dose 

was metabolized and exhaled as 14CO2 and 3% to 5% of the dose as 14CO. However, 14CO2 

production was slower following a single dose of 100 mg/kg than after the administration of a 

single dose of 32 mg/kg or lower, suggesting saturation of metabolism. Repeated doses of 

100 mg/kg-day for 10 days resulted in an increased rate of 14CO2 production, compared with the 

initial rate. The authors concluded on the basis of these data that bromodichloromethane may 

induce its own metabolism. 

Thornton-Manning et al. (1994) evaluated the effect of bromodichloromethane exposure 

on cytochrome P450 isozyme activity in female F344 rats (6/dose). Gavage doses of 75 to 300 

mg/kg-day were administered in a solution of 10% Emulphor® (an emulsifier) for five 

consecutive days. Treatment resulted in decreased activity of the CYP1A and CYP2B isozymes. 

In contrast, there was no effect on CYP2E1 activity. 

Pankow et al. (1997) investigated the metabolism of dibromochloromethane in male 

Wistar rats following single and repeated gavage doses. Rats receiving a single-dose (6 animals 

per group) were treated with 0 (vehicle only), 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 or 3.1 mmol dibromochloromethane/kg dissolved in olive oil. Rats receiving multiple doses were gavaged with 0 (vehicle 

only) or 0.8 mmol dibromochloromethane/kg once a day for 7 days. The blood or plasma 

concentrations of parent compound, bromide, and carbon monoxide (as carboxyhemoglobin, 

COHb) were measured following dibromochloromethane administration. The level of oxidized 

glutathione (GSSG) in the liver of treated animals was also assayed. Oral administration of 

dibromochloromethane resulted in a significant elevation of plasma bromide levels at all doses 

tested. Bromide did not return to baseline levels even after 10 days. Repeated administration of 

0.8 mmol dibromochloromethane/kg resulted in significantly higher plasma levels of bromide 

than were measured following a single dose of 0.8 mmol/kg. COHb was also elevated in a dosedependent manner following either single or repeated administration of dibromochloromethane, 

but returned to baseline levels within 24 hours after treatment. GSSG levels were significantly 

increased at 12- and 24-hour time points following a single 0.8 mmol/kg dose (no other doses 

were examined). Levels of GSSG returned to baseline levels by 48 hours after treatment. 

Pankow et al. (1997) conducted additional experiments to determine whether reduced 

glutathione (GSH) is a requirement for in vivo dibromochloromethane metabolism and to 

identify P450 isozymes involved in the metabolism of dibromochloromethane. Pretreatment of 

rats with buthionine sulfoximine (an agent which depletes GSH) reduced GSH concentrations as 

anticipated and decreased the rate of bromide and COHb production. In contrast, pretreatment 

with butylated hydroxyanisole (which increases GSH levels) increased the rate of bromide and 

COHb production. These results suggest that GSH plays a role in dibromochloromethane 

metabolism. Further studies were conducted to determine which cytochrome P450 isoform(s) 

participate in the in vivo metabolism of dibromochloromethane. Simultaneous exposure to 0.8 

mmol dibromochloromethane/kg and diethyldithiocarbamate (a potent inhibitor of P450 isoform 

CYP2E1) partially inhibited the production of bromide and COHb. In contrast, pretreatment 

III - 12 November 15, 2005 
with isoniazid (an potent inducer of CYP2E1) increased formation of bromide and COHb. 

These experiments indicate that CYP2E1 is at least partially responsible for 

dibromochloromethane metabolism. Pretreatment with phenobarbital, an inducer of cytochrome 

P450 isoforms CYP2B1 and 2B2, increased the concentration of bromide in plasma, suggesting 

that CYP2B1 and 2B2 may also participate in the catabolism of dibromochloromethane. 

Pretreatment with m-xylene, which induces both CYP2E1 and CYP2B1/2, resulted in higher 

bromide levels than inducers of CYP2E1 (isoniazid) or CYP2B1/2 (phenobarbital) administered 

individually. Pankow et al. (1997) concluded on the basis of these multiple experiments that 1) 

bromide and carbon monoxide are metabolites of dibromochloromethane; 2) 

dibromochloromethane is metabolized via the oxidative pathway; 3) the oxidative metabolism of 

dibromochloromethane is catalyzed by CYP2E1 and CYP2B1/2; and 4) dibromochloromethane 

plays a role in the induction of CYP2E1. 

Allis et al. (2001) investigated the effect of inhalation exposure to 

bromodichloromethane on the activity and protein levels of CYP1A2, CYP2B1, and CYP2E1 in 

female F344 rats (6/dose). In addition, the effect of inhalation exposure on the activity level of 

CYP1A1 was assayed. Serum bromide ion concentration, an indicator of the total metabolism of 

bromodichloromethane, was measured in samples drawn from a separate set of animals 

(4/concentration) exposed to the same concentrations. The test animals were exposed for 4 

hours to measured bromodichloromethane concentrations of 0, 106, 217, 419, 812, 1620, and 

3240 ppm. The microsomal isozyme activities assayed were: p-nitrophenol hydrolase (PNP), an 

indicator of CYP2E1 activity; pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (PROD), an indicator of 

CYP2B1/2 activity; ethoxsyresorufin-O- dealkylase (EROD), an indicator of CYP1A1 activity; 

and methoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (MROD), an indicator of CYP1A2 activity. The pattern of 

results for isozyme activity obtained in this inhalation study was similar to that reported for male 

F344 rats treated with bromodichloromethane by gavage. CYP2E1 activity as measured by PNP 

activity was not significantly affected by treatment. MROD, EROD, and PROD activities 

showed modest increases at low exposure concentrations. The increases were statistically 

significant for EROD and MROD at the 106 ppm exposure concentration. Decreases were 

observed at higher exposure concentrations relative to controls. These decreases were 

statistically significant for PROD at 3240 ppm and for EROD and MROD at concentrations of 

800 ppm and greater. The results for isozyme protein levels, as measured by Western blots, 

were generally consistent with the results for isozyme activity. The study authors speculated that 

the most dramatic reductions in isozyme activity (PROD and MROD) were a result of suicide 

inhibition. In addition, they concluded that analyses of the EROD and MROD activity and 

protein level patterns indicates that CYP1A2 is involved in the metabolism of 

bromodichloromethane. The study authors noted that it is not typical for this isozyme to 

metabolize the small molecules (such as chloroform) that are the usual substrates for CYP2E1, 

but observed that the presence of the large bromide ion may make bromodichloromethane a 

suitable substrate for CYP1A2. Blood bromide concentration reached a maximum at 200 ppm, 

indicating that metabolism was saturated a concentrations equal to or greater than 200 ppm. 

Allis et al. (2002) reported additional evidence for metabolism of bromodichloromethane 

by CYP1A2. Induction of CYP1A2 without parallel induction of CYP2E1 or CYP2B1/2 

(accomplished by pretreatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, TCDD), increased 

III - 13 November 15, 2005 
hepatotoxicity in male F344 rats administered a gavage dose of 400 mg/kg 

bromodichloromethane. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measurement of alanine 

aminotransferase (ALT) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. Pretreatment with TCDD 

increased serum bromide levels (a measure of total bromodichloromethane metabolism) in rats 

treated with 200 or 400 mg/kg when compared to uninduced controls. The apparent 

inconsistency between lack of hepatotoxicity and increased total metabolism at 200 mg/kg was 

explained by effective detoxification at this dose, presumably by glutathione. Selective 

inhibition of CYP1A2 activity, by administration of isosafrole to TCDD-induced animals prior 

to treatment with 400 mg/kg bromodichloromethane significantly reduced the hepatotoxic 

response and serum bromide concentrations. 

Allis and colleagues (Allis et al., 2002; Allis and Zhao, 2002; Zhao and Allis, 2002) 

assessed the ability of various rat and human CYP isoenzymes to metabolize 

bromodichloromethane and determined kinetic parameters for those showing measurable 

metabolic activity. Allis and Zhao (2002) tested five rat and six human CYP isoenzymes in vitro 

for metabolism of bromodichloromethane using recombinant systems expressing single isozyme 

activities. The tested recombinant isoenzymes were rat CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2, CYP1A2, 

CYP2C11, AND CYP3A1 and human CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2D6 and 

CYP3A4. The results of this study indicate that the principal metabolizing enzymes in rat are 

those identified previously, namely CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2, CYP1A2. Results for CYP3A1 

suggest that it may have weak metabolic activity, but the level of activity was not sufficient for 

a quantitative assessment. CYP2C11 was not active. Human CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 

showed substantial metabolic activity toward bromodichloromethane. Human CYP2A6 showed 

lower, but measurable, levels of activity. CYP2B6 and CYP2D6 were not active. Based on 

these assays, only CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 metabolize bromodichloromethane in both species. 

CYP2E1 is the high affinity enzyme in both rats and humans, with Km values approximately 27­

fold lower than those for the isoenzymes with the next lowest value (CYP2B1 in rats, CYP1A2 

in humans). The metabolic parameters Km and kcat for rat and human CYP2E1 were similar. In 

contrast, the metabolic parameters for CYP1A2 were not similar across species. The study 

authors concluded that the results of this study appear consistent with observations in vivo for the 

rat (Allis et al., 2002) and with predictions of the existing PBPK model for 

bromodichloromethane in the rat (Lilly et al., 1998). 

Zhao and Allis (2002) determined kinetic constants for metabolism of 

bromodichloromethane by CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 in human liver microsomes. 

Constants for individual isoenzymes were determined by addition of enzyme-specific inhibitory 

antibodies for two isoenzymes to the microsomal preparations while measuring the activity of 

the third. Measurements were performed in microsomes obtained from four donors. CYP2E1 

was found to have the lowest Km (2.9 :M) and the highest catalytic activity. The Km values for 

CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 were approximately 20-fold higher (60 :M) and the catalytic activity was 

lower. Eleven additional human microsomal preparations were characterized for activity of 10 

CYP isoenzymes. The initial rate of metabolism in each preparation measured at 9.7 :M 

bromodichloromethane was compared to the activity of individual isoenzymes. Statistical 

analysis showed a significant correlation only with CYP2E1 activity at the tested concentration. 

At the low concentrations expected from drinking water exposure, the results of this study 

III - 14 November 15, 2005 
suggest that CYP2E1 would dominate metabolism. However, the study authors have noted that 

humans are highly variable in the induction of CYP isoenzymes and that the contributions of the 

three isoenzymes to metabolism of bromodichloromethane in individuals may not be entirely 

predictable. 

D. Excretion 

Mink et al. (1986) compared the excretion of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in male Sprague-Dawley rats and male B6C3F1 mice. 

Animals were given single oral doses of 14C-labeled compound in corn oil by gavage at dose 

levels of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg for rats and mice, respectively. The lung was the principal 

route of excretion in both species, accounting for 45% to 88% of the administered label, either as 

carbon dioxide or as parent compound. Small amounts of label (1.1% to 4.9%) were recovered 

in urine, but the chemical identity of labeled compounds was not investigated. 

Mathews et al. (1990) exposed Fischer 344 rats to either a single oral dose of 1, 10, 32, or 

100 mg/kg, or 10-day repeated doses of 10 or 100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane dissolved 

in corn oil. Approximately 70% to 80% of the administered dose was excreted in exhaled air as 

14C-carbon dioxide, with 3% to 5% as 14C-carbon monoxide. In general, less than 5% of the dose 

was excreted in the urine or feces. 

E. Bioaccumulation and Retention 

No data were located regarding the bioaccumulation or retention of brominated 

trihalomethanes following repeated exposures. However, based on the rapid excretion and 

metabolism of the brominated trihalomethanes and the low levels of the structurally-related 

compound chloroform detected in human post-mortem tissue samples, marked accumulation and 

retention of these compounds are not anticipated. 

F. Summary 

No data on absorption of brominated trihalomethanes were available for humans. 

Measurements in mice and rats indicate that gastrointestinal absorption of brominated 

trihalomethanes is rapid (peak levels attained less than an hour after administration of a gavage 

dose) and extensive (63% to 93%). Most studies of brominated trihalomethane absorption have 

used oil-based vehicles. A study in rats found that the initial absorption rate of 

bromodichloromethane was higher when the compound was administered in an aqueous vehicle 

when compared to administration in a corn oil vehicle. 

Data for distribution of brominated trihalomethanes in human organs and tissues are 

limited. Bromoform was found primarily in the stomach and lungs of a human overdose victim, 

with lower levels detected in intestine, liver, kidney and brain. Dibromochloromethane was 

found in 1 of 42 samples of human breast milk collected from women living in urban areas. 

Radiolabeled brominated trihalomethanes were detected in a variety of tissues following oral 

dosing in rats and mice. Approximately 1 to 4% of the administered dose was recovered in body 

III - 15 November 15, 2005 
tissues when analysis was conducted 8 or 24 hours post-treatment. The highest concentrations 

were detected in stomach, liver, blood, and kidneys when assayed 8 hours after administration of 

the compounds. Analyses of placentas, amniotic fluid and fetuses from female rats and rabbits 

administered bromodichloromethane in drinking water indicate that this compound does not 

accumulate in these tissues or fluids. There are no data which are suggestive of strain specific 

differences in metabolism. 

Brominated trihalomethanes are extensively metabolized by animals. Metabolism of 

brominated trihalomethanes occurs via at least two pathways. One pathway predominates in the 

presence of oxygen (the oxidative pathway) and the other predominates under conditions of low 

oxygen tension (the reductive pathway). In the presence of oxygen, the initial reaction product is 

trihalomethanol (CX3OH), which spontaneously decomposes to yield the corresponding 

dihalocarbonyl (CX2O). The dihalocarbonyl species are quite reactive and may form adducts 

with cellular molecules. When intracellular oxygen levels are low, the trihalomethane is 

metabolized via the reductive pathway, resulting in a highly reactive dihalomethyl radical 

(•CHX2), which may also form covalent adducts with cellular molecules. The metabolism of 

brominated trihalomethanes and chloroform appear to occur via the same pathways, although in 

vitro and in vivo data suggest that metabolism via the reductive pathway occurs more readily for 

brominated trihalomethanes. Both oxidative metabolism and reductive metabolism of 

trihalomethanes appear to be mediated by cytochrome P450 isoforms. The identity of 

cytochrome P450 isoforms that metabolize brominated trihalomethanes has been investigated in 

several studies which used bromodichloromethane as a substrate. The available data suggest that 

the cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2, and CYP1A2 metabolize 

bromodichloromethane in rats. The human isoforms CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 show 

substantial activity toward bromodichloromethane in vitro and low but measurable levels of 

CYP2A6 activity have also been detected. Based on the available data, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 

are the only isoforms active in both rats and humans. CYP2E1 shows the highest affinity for 

bromodichloromethane in both species and the metabolic parameters Km and kcat are similar for 

rat and human CYP2E1. In contrast, the metabolic parameters for CYP1A2 differ in rats and 

humans. The pattern of results for isozyme activity obtained from an inhalation study of 

bromodichloromethane was similar to the pattern reported for male F344 rats treated with 

bromodichloromethane by gavage. 

Recent evidence suggests that brominated trihalomethanes are also metabolized by a 

glutathione-S-transferase theta (GSTT)-mediated pathway. The available evidence indicates that 

this pathway has a low affinity for chloroform, suggesting that the brominated trihalomethanes 

could cause health effects by a different mode of action than those caused by chloroform. 

The lung is the principle route of excretion in rats and mice. Studies with 14C-labeled 

compounds indicate that up to 88% of the administered dose can be found in exhaled air as 

carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and parent compound. Excretion in the urine generally 

appears to be 5% or less of the administered oral dose. Data from one study suggests that fecal 

excretion is less than 3% of the administered dose. 

III - 16 November 15, 2005 
IV. HUMAN EXPOSURE 

A. Occurrence in Drinking Water 

The occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes in U.S. drinking water has been 

determined in both national-scale and localized studies. The occurrence of 

bromodichloromethane and bromoform has been described in eleven national surveys. 

Dibromochloromethane occurrence has been described in twelve national surveys. Nine 

localized studies on the occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes are also described below. 

It is important to note that a variety of sampling and preservation techniques are used for 

collection of occurrence data on brominated trihalomethanes. The addition of chlorine to raw 

water as a disinfectant at water treatment plants results in the formation of hypochlorous acid in 

the processed water. The acid in turn reacts with organic materials to produce chloroform and 

also oxidizes available bromide ions to form hypobromous acid. Hypobromous acid reacts with 

organic materials in the processed water to form the brominated trihalomethanes. Because these 

chemical reactions occur over periods of days in treated waters, the method used to sample 

drinking waters can affect the measured concentrations of trihalomethanes in the water. 

Therefore, appropriate sampling and preservation methods must be selected to ensure that the 

analytical data are representative of the desired endpoint. For example, if an investigator wants 

to know the concentration of trihalomethanes in the water at the time of sampling, a reducing 

agent is added to the sample containers to “quench” or prevent further formation of 

trihalomethanes. If an investigator wants to know the maximum amount of trihalomethanes that 

could occur, no quenching is used and the reactions are allowed to run to completion at room 

temperature. If a concentration similar to that at a household tap is desired (i.e., after the water 

spends several days in the distribution system, the samples generally are not quenched but are 

refrigerated to slow the reactions (Wallace, 1997). Information on sample handling has been 

included in the discussion of individual studies when available in the materials reviewed for this 

document. 

Spatial and temporal variability exist in the occurrence data reported for brominated 

trihalomethanes. Multiple factors contribute to this variability. With respect to spatial 

variability, the geographical distribution of bromide ion in soil is not uniform (Shacklette and 

Boerngen, 1984). Brominated byproducts may predominate or comprise a substantial proportion 

of the disinfection byproduct profile in regions with high soil concentrations. Brominated 

trihalomethanes may continue to form within water distribution systems due to the action of free 

residual chlorine on remaining humic precursors, resulting in substantial intra-system spatial 

variability (Chen and Weisel, 1998). Temporal variability may result from seasonal variation in 

the concentration of brominated trihalomethanes as a result of seasonal fluctuations in precursor 

material (Brett et al., 1979). Short term variability may be introduced by changes in the demand 

cycle to individual homes or neighborhoods. 

IV - 1 November 15, 2005 
1. National Surveys 

The National Organics Reconnaissance Survey (NORS), conducted by U.S. EPA, 

collected drinking water samples from 80 cities nationwide in 1975 (Symons et al., 1975). The 

survey sampled for several organics, including brominated trihalomethanes, at the water 

treatment facilities. The sampling method employed was refrigeration without quenching; 

therefore, brominated trihalomethane concentrations may have increased following collection. 

Bromodichloromethane was found in 98% of the systems sampled. The median concentration 

was 8 :g/L (ppb), and the maximum level was 116 :g/L (ppb). Dibromochloromethane was 

found in 90% of the systems sampled at a median concentration of 2 :g/L (ppb). The detection 

limit for dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane was 0.1 :g/L (ppb). The median 

concentration for bromoform was below the detection limit of approximately 5 :g/L (ppb) 

(Symons et al,. 1975). NORS was performed prior to the promulgation of the total 

trihalomethane regulation; therefore, these results may be higher than current levels. 

The National Organics Monitoring Survey (NOMS) was conducted by the EPA from 

March 1976 to January 1977 (Wallace, 1997). In NOMS, 113 community water supplies were 

sampled. Surface water was the major source for 92 of the systems, and ground water was the 

major source for the remaining 21 systems. The NOMS used three sample storage methods. 

During Phase 1, all samples were refrigerated. In Phase 2, the samples were allowed to stand at 

20 to 25°C for 2 to 3 weeks to maximize trihalomethane formation. Phase 3 had two parts. The 

samples identified as 3T were allowed to stand an additional 2 to 3 weeks. The samples 

identified as 3Q were quenched by addition of sodium thiosulfate. As expected, the highest 

trihalomethane values occurred in Phases 2 and 3T. Bromodichloromethane was detected in 

over 90% of the systems sampled. The median concentration under the various sample storage 

conditions ranged from 5.9 to 14 :g/L (ppb), and the maximum concentration was 183 :g/L 

(ppb). The mean concentrations of bromodichloromethane in Phases 1, 2, 3T, and 3Q were 18, 

18, 17, and 9 :g/L (ppb), respectively. Dibromochloromethane was detected in 73% of the 

systems sampled. The median concentration ranged from below the detection limit to 3 :g/L 

(ppb), and the maximum value was 280 :g/L (ppb). The mean concentrations of 

dibromochloromethane in Phases 1, 2, 3T, and 3Q were 8, 12, 11, and 6 :g/L (ppb), respectively. 

The median bromoform concentration under all sampling conditions was below the detection 

limit of 0.3 :g/L (ppb); the maximum value was 280 :g/L (ppb). The mean concentrations of 

bromoform Phases 1, 2, 3T, and 3Q were 3, 4, 4, and 2 :g/L (ppb), respectively. NOMS was 

conducted before the promulgation of the total trihalomethane regulation; therefore, these results 

may be higher than current levels. 

The Community Water Supply Survey (CWSS) was conducted by the EPA in 1978. The 

survey examined over 1,100 samples, representing over 450 water supply systems (Brass et al., 

1981). The samples were taken at the treatment plants and in the distribution systems. In the 

CWSS, 94% of the surface water supplies and 33% of the ground water supplies were positive 

for bromodichloromethane. For surface water supplies, the mean of the positives and the overall 

median were 12 and 6.8 :g/L (ppb), respectively. The mean of the positives for ground water 

supplies was 5.8 :g/L (ppb), and the overall median was below the minimum reporting limit of 

0.5 :g/L (ppb). For dibromochloromethane, 67% of the surface water supplies and 34% of the 

IV - 2 November 15, 2005 
ground water supplies were positive. For surface water supplies, the mean of the positives and 

the overall median were 5.0 and 1.5 :g/L (ppb), respectively. The mean of the positives for 

ground water supplies was 6.6 :g/L (ppb), and the overall median was below the minimum 

reporting limit of 0.5 :g/L (ppb). For bromoform, 13% of the surface water supplies and 26% of 

the ground water supplies were positive. The mean concentration of the positives in surface 

water supplies was 2.1 :g/L (ppb), and the overall median was less than 1.0 :g/L (ppb). The 

mean of the positives for ground water supplies was 11 :g/L (ppb), and the overall median was 

below the minimum reporting limit of 0.5 :g/L (ppb) (Brass et al., 1981). 

The Rural Water Survey (RWS) was conducted between 1978 and 1980 by the EPA to 

evaluate the status of drinking water in rural America. Samples from over 2,000 households, 

representing more than 600 rural water supply systems, were examined. In the RWS, 76% of the 

surface water supplies and 13% of the ground water supplies were positive for bromodichloromethane, 56% of the surface water supplies and 13% of the ground water supplies were positive 

for dibromochloromethane, and 18% of the surface water supplies and 12% of the ground water 

supplies were positive for bromoform. For the surface water supplies, the mean of the positives 

and the overall median concentrations were 17 :g/L (ppb) and 11 :g/L (ppb) for 

bromodichloromethane, 8.5 :g/L (ppb) and 0.8 :g/L (ppb) for dibromochloromethane, and 8.7 

:g/L (ppb) and <0.5 :g/L (ppb) for bromoform. For the ground water supplies, the mean of the 

positives was 7.7 :g/L (ppb) for bromodichloromethane, 9.9 :g/L (ppb) for dibromochloromethane, and 12 :g/L (ppb) for bromoform. The overall median for ground water supplies was 

below the minimum reporting limit of 0.5 :g/L (ppb) for all three brominated trihalomethanes 

(Brass, 1981). 

The Ground Water Supply Survey (GWSS) was conducted from December 1980 to 

December 1981 by the EPA to develop data on the occurrence of volatile organic chemicals in 

ground water supplies. Out of a total of 945 ground water systems that were sampled, 466 

systems were chosen at random, and the remaining 479 systems were chosen on the basis of 

location near industrial, commercial, and waste disposal activities. Samples were collected at or 

near the entry to the distribution system, and trihalomethane formation was allowed to continue 

without quenching after sample collection. For bromodichloromethane, the median of the 

positives for the randomly chosen systems serving greater than 10,000 people was 1.4 :g/L 

(ppb), and the occurrence rate was 36%. For the randomly chosen smaller systems, the median 

positive concentration was 1.6 :g/L (ppb), and the occurrence rate was 54%. The nonrandomly 

chosen systems had a median positive concentration of 2.1 :g/L (ppb) and an occurrence rate of 

51%. For dibromochloromethane, the median positive concentration and the occurrence rate for 

the randomly chosen systems serving greater than 10,000 people were 2.1 :g/L (ppb) and 31%, 

respectively; these values for the smaller systems were 2.9 :g/L (ppb) and 52%. The 

nonrandomly chosen systems had a median positive concentration of 3.9 :g/L (ppb) and an 

occurrence rate of 46%. For bromoform, the median positive concentration was 2.4 :g/L (ppb) 

for the randomly chosen systems serving greater than 10,000 and 3.8 :g/L (ppb) for the 

randomly chosen systems serving fewer than 10,000 people, with occurrence rates of 16% and 

31%, respectively. The nonrandomly chosen systems had a median positive concentration of 

4.2 :g/L (ppb) and an occurrence rate of 31% (Westrick et al., 1983). 

IV - 3 November 15, 2005 
The National Screening Program for Organics in Drinking Water (NSP), sponsored by 

the EPA, was conducted from June 1977 to March 1981 and sampled 169 systems nationwide. 

Samples were collected at the treatment facilities. For dibromochloromethane, the mean and 

median for 130 positives were 17.2 and 10 :g/L (ppb), respectively. The maximum 

concentration found was 131 :g/L (ppb) (Boland, 1981). 

The Technical Support Center (TSC) of the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water 

(OGWDW) maintains a ground water contaminant database. For both bromodichloromethane 

and dibromochloromethane, the database contains 4,439 samples taken at the treatment facilities 

from nineteen states between 1984 and 1991. For bromodichloromethane, the mean 

concentration was 5.6 :g/L (ppb), and the median was 3 :g/L (ppb). For 

dibromochloromethane, the mean concentration was 3.0 :g/L (ppb), and the median was 1.7 

:g/L (ppb). For bromoform, the database contains 1409 samples from 19 states taken at treatment facilities between 1984 and 1991. The mean and median concentrations were determined 

to be 2.5 :g/L (ppb) and 1 :g/L (ppb), respectively (U.S. EPA, 1991). 

Thirty-five water utilities nationwide, 10 of which were located in California, were 

sampled for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in the clearwell 

effluent. Samples were taken for four quarters (spring, summer, and fall in 1988 and winter in 

1989). The median bromodichloromethane concentration for all four quarters was 6.6 :g/L 

(ppb), with the medians of the individual quarters reported as 6.9, 10, 5.5 and 4.1 :g/L (ppb), 

respectively, and with a maximum value of 82 :g/L (ppb). For all four quarters, 75% of the 

measured concentrations were less than 14 :g/L (ppb). The median dibromochloromethane 

concentration for all four quarters was 3.6 :g/L (ppb), with the medians of the individual 

quarters reported as 2.6, 4.5, 3.8 and 2.7 :g/L (ppb), respectively, and with a maximum value of 

63 :g/L (ppb). For all four quarters, 75% of the data were below 9.1 :g/L (ppb). The median 

bromoform concentration for all four quarters was 0.57 :g/L (ppb), with the medians of the 

individual quarters reported as 0.33, 0.57, 0.88, and 0.51 :g/L (ppb), respectively, and with a 

maximum value of 72 :g/L (ppb). For all four quarters, 75% of the bromoform concentrations 

were below 2.8 :g/L (ppb) (Krasner et al., 1989; U.S. EPA 1989a; 1989b). 

The EPA's Technical Support Center compiled a database from its disinfection 

by-products field studies. The studies included a chlorination by-products survey, conducted 

from October 1987 to March 1989. In this survey, concentrations of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were determined in finished water from the treatment 

plant and in the distribution system. Systems using both surface water sources and ground water 

sources were analyzed. 

Mean concentrations of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform 

in finished water at the treatment plants were determined for surface water systems serving both 

greater than and less than 10,000 people. Forty-two samples were taken from systems serving 

more than 10,000 people, and 20 samples were taken from systems serving fewer than 10,000 

people. The mean concentration of bromodichloromethane was 12.7 :g/L (ppb) in samples from 

systems serving more than 10,000 people (90th percentile, 25.0 :g/L (ppb)) and 17.0 :g/L (ppb) 

for samples from the smaller systems (90th percentile, 29.5 :g/L (ppb)). The mean 

IV - 4 November 15, 2005 
dibromochloromethane concentrations was 4.7 :g/L (ppb) for samples from the larger systems 

(90th percentile, 13.8 :g/L (ppb)) and 6.9 :g/L (ppb) for samples from the smaller systems (90th 

percentile, 24.2 :g/L (ppb)). The mean concentrations for bromoform were 0.7 :g/L (ppb) (90th 

percentile, 1.5 :g/L (ppb)) and 0.9 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 4.9 :g/L (ppb)) in samples from 

the larger systems and samples from the smaller systems, respectively (U.S. EPA, 1992a). 

Mean bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform concentrations in 

distribution systems of these surface water systems also were analyzed. Thirty-nine samples 

were taken from systems serving more than 10,000 people, and 11 samples were from systems 

serving fewer than 10,000 people. The mean bromodichloromethane concentrations in the larger 

systems and the smaller systems were 17.4 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 35.3 :g/L (ppb)) and 

24.8 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 51.0 :g/L (ppb)), respectively. The mean 

dibromochloromethane concentrations were 6.3 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 17.3 :g/L (ppb)) 

and 10.4 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 35.0 :g/L (ppb)), respectively. Mean bromoform 

concentrations were 0.8 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 3.1 :g/L (ppb)) and 1.4 :g/L (ppb) (90th 

percentile, 5.1 :g/L (ppb)), respectively (U.S. EPA, 1992a). 

Ground water systems serving less than 10,000 people were analyzed for 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in seven finished water samples 

and in five distribution system samples. Mean bromodichloromethane concentrations in the 

finished water samples and in the distribution system samples were 1.1 :g/L (ppb) (90th 

percentile, 2.6 :g/L (ppb)) and 2.2 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 5.4 :g/L (ppb)), respectively. 

Mean dibromochloromethane concentrations were 0.6 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 1.0 :g/L 

(ppb)) and 1.8 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 3.6 :g/L (ppb)), respectively. Mean bromoform 

concentrations were 0.6 :g/L (ppb) (90th percentile, 2.6 :g/L (ppb)) and 2.3 :g/L (ppb) (90th 

percentile, 10 :g/L (ppb)), respectively. 

For ground water systems serving more than 10,000 people, dibromochloromethane and 

bromoform were not detected in single samples taken at the plant or from the distribution 

system, based on a detection limit of 0.2 :g/L (ppb). Bromodichloromethane concentrations in 

the plant and distribution system samples were 0.2 and 0.4 :g/L (ppb), respectively (U.S. EPA, 

1992a). 

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted an assessment of volatile organic compounds in 

untreated ambient groundwater of the conterminous United States based on samples collected 

between 1985 and 1995 from 2948 wells. The sampled wells were located in rural and urban 

areas and included wells used for drinking and non-drinking water purposes. A minimum 

reporting level of 0.2 μg/L (ppb) was used for most of the compounds, including 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. In samples from the 406 urban 

wells assessed, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were detected 

in 3.0%, 2.8%, and 2.8% of the wells examined, respectively. In samples from the 2542 rural 

wells examined, these compounds were detected in 0.8%, 0.6%, and 0.4% of the wells, 

respectively. The measured concentration of the compounds in well water were reported in 

summary graphics only. Thus, the values reported here are approximate based on visual 

inspection of the figures. The median concentrations measured in the positive samples from the 

IV - 5 November 15, 2005 
urban wells was approximately 1.0 μg/L (ppb) for all three compounds, while the maximum 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in the urban 

wells were approximately 11, 11, and 13 μg/L (ppb), respectively. The median concentrations 

measured in the positive samples from the rural wells were approximately 0.4 to 0.5 μg/L (ppb) 

for all three compounds, while the maximum concentrations of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in the rural wells were approximately 7, 10, and 18 

μg/L (ppb), respectively. 

The most recent survey of the occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes in public water 

supplies (PWSs) serving at least 100,000 persons resulted from the Information Collection Rule 

(ICR) promulgated in May of 1996 for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts (D/DBPs). The 

rule covered both surface and ground water systems. Monitoring data were collected from about 

300 water systems operating 501 plants over the18-month period between July 1997 and 

December 1998. At each plant, samples were collected monthly and analyzed for a variety of 

D/DBPs on a monthly or quarterly basis. Bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and 

bromoform were among the analytes evaluated quarterly (U.S. EPA, 2001a). Five samples were 

taken each quarter at each plant – one of the finished water and four of the water in the 

distribution system. Of the four samples from the distribution system, one represented a sample 

with the same residence time as a finished water sample held for a specific period of time, two 

represented approximate average water residence times in the system, and one sample was taken 

where water residence time in the system is the longest. For each plant and reporting period, 

EPA compiled several summary statistics. The Distribution System (DS) Average value is the 

average of the four distribution system samples. The DS High Value is the highest concentration 

of the four distribution system samples collected by a plant in a given quarter. The DS High 

Value might be from any of the four samples and could vary from quarter to quarter depending 

on which sample yielded the highest concentrations in each quarter (U.S. EPA, 2001a). Table 

IV-1 summarizes the results of all six of the quarterly reporting periods. 

U.S. EPA set a minimum reporting level (MRL) for bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform of 1.0 μg/L for the ICR. The MRL is a level below 

which systems were not required to report their monitoring results, even if there were detectable 

results. Values below the MRL were assigned a value of zero for the purpose of calculating 

averages; this assignment affects the calculation of mean values for finished water and DS high 

results and calculation of all DS average values. 

Recent data for concentrations of brominated trihalomethanes are now available for 117 

small surface water plants (serving #10,000 people) from the National Rural Water Association 

Survey (NWRA) (U.S. EPA 2001b). Most, but not all, plants that participated in the survey took 

two samples at each of three sampling locations. One sample was taken between November, 

1999, and March, 2000, and the other between July and November, 2000, for a total of 217 THM 

samples. The samples were taken at the finished water location, distribution system average 

residence time location, and maximum residence time location. These data are summarized in 

Table IV-2 below. 

IV - 6 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-1 Brominated Trihalomethane Concentrations Measured in U.S. Public Drinking 

Water Systems Serving 100,000 or More Persons 

Source 

Data Type 

(a) 

Number of 

Samples 

Median (b) Mean (b) 90th 

Percentile Range 

Bromodichloromethane (μg/L) 

Suface 

Water 

Finished 1856 6.6 8.2 17.5 <1.0 - 49 

DS Average 1656 8.6 10.2 20.3 0 - 65.8 

DS High 1656 9.9 11.9 23.3 <1.0 - 73 

Ground 

Water 

Finished 604 < 1.0 7.9 6.80 <1.0 - 27 

DS Average 603 1.80 4.06 11.2 0 - 35.3 

DS High 603 2.8 5.78 16.0 <1.0 - 110 

Dibromochloromethane (μg/L) 

Surface 

Water 

Finished 1853 1.9 4.03 12.0 <1.0 - 55.1 

DS Average 1655 2.40 4.72 13.2 0 - 67.3 

DS High 1655 2.9 5.57 15.0 < 1.0 - 67.3 

Ground 

Water 

Finished 604 < 1.0 1.38 4.10 <1.0 - 33 

DS Average 602 1.35 3.09 8.94 0 - 37.5 

DS High 602 2.1 4.60 12.9 <1.0 - 85 

Bromoform (μg/L) 

Surface 

Water 

Finished 1853 <1.0 0.998 2.88 <1.0 - 34 

DS Average 1653 0 1.18 3.10 0 - 34.3 

DS High 1653 <1.0 1.48 3.90 <1.0 - 40 

Ground 

Water 

Finished 602 <1.0 0.838 2.20 <1.0 - 21 

DS Average 599 0.325 1.92 4.78 0 - 28.8 

DS High 599 1.2 2.95 7.72 <1.0 - 391 

(a) Finished = sample location after treatment, before entering the distribution system (DS); DS Average =

average of four sample locations in the DS; DS High = the highest concentration of the four distribution system

samples collected by a plant in a given quarter. For purposes of calculations, all values below the minimum

reporting level (MRL) of 1.0 μg/L for all three compounds were assigned a value of zero.

(b) Median and mean of all samples including those below the MRL. 

Source: Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (D/DBPs) ICR Data, U.S. EPA (2001a).

IV - 7 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-2 NRWA Brominated Trihalomethane Results for Small Surface Water Plants 

THM 

Sample 

Location Mean Median 

90th 

Percentile Range 

Bromodichloromethane 

(μg/L) 

Finished 11.2 6.5 26.6 0 - 84.4 

DS Average 14.3 9.4 32.2 0 - 100.3 

DS Max 15.9 10.2 34.2 0 - 121.1 

Dibromochloromethane 

(μg/L) 

Finished 5.0 1.1 13.4 0 - 83.1 

DS Average 6.1 1.5 16.3 0 - 99.0 

DS Max 6.7 1.9 17.1 0 - 91.6 

Bromoform (μg/L) Finished 4.0 0 1.2 0 - 333.4 

DS Average 4.6 0 1.2 0 - 340.5 

DS Max 4.5 0 1.3 0 - 349.7 

Median and mean of all samples, including those below the detection limit. 

Source: National Rural Water Association Survey U.S. EPA (2001b)

2. Other Studies 

Several less comprehensive surveys have analyzed drinking water for one or more of the 

brominated trihalomethanes. An overview of these studies is provided below. 

The EPA Region V Organics Survey sampled finished water from 83 sites in a region 

that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Bromoform was 

found at a median concentration of the positives of 1 :g/L (ppb) and a maximum level of 7 :g/L 

(ppb). A total of 14% of the locations sampled contained detectable levels of bromoform (U.S. 

EPA, 1980). Kelley (1985) surveyed 18 drinking water plants in Iowa for trihalomethanes, and 

detected bromoform in five water supplies at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 10 :g/L (ppb). 

The EPA's Five-year Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) study measured 

the personal exposures of a probability-based sample of residents in several U.S. cities to various 

organic chemicals in air and drinking water between 1981 and 1987. As part of the study, 

running tap water samples were collected from residences of nearly 850 study participants 

during the morning and the evening to test for brominated trihalomethane concentrations. The 

samples were quenched with sodium thiosulfate at the time of collection. Tables IV-3, IV-4, and 

IV-5 show bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform concentrations 

found in drinking water from the six cities surveyed. Samples of water were taken from each 

participating residence at the household taps and sodium thiosulfate added as a quenching agent. 

IV - 8 November 15, 2005 
--

-- -- -- --

--

-- -- -- --

--

--

-- -- -- --

-- -- -- --

-- --

Table IV-3 Bromodichloromethane Concentrations in Drinking Water from the U.S. EPA 

TEAM Study (:g/L) 

Location Date 

Sampled 

Sample 

Size 

% 

MeasConcentration :g/L (ppb) 

MedPercentiles 

ured Mean ian Max

25% 75% 90% 95% 

Fall 1981 340 99.7 13.6 13 23 15 16 18 

Elizabeth/ 

Bayonne, 

New Jersey 

Summer 

1982 156 99.8 13.6 12 54 15 18 20 

Winter 

1983 49 100 5.4 5.8 16 7.1 8.3 8.3 

Winter 

1984 117 93 11 12 23 5.1 16 17 20 

Los Angeles, 

California 

Summer 

1984 52 96 20 24 38 7.7 31 33 37 

Winter 

1987 9 89 19 24 31 

Summer 

1987 7 100 26 27 36 

Antioch/ 

Pittsburg, 

California 

Spring 

1984 71 96 21 17 47 2.4 36 45 47 

Devils Lake, 

North Fall 1982 24 73 0.21 0.18 1.0 

Dakota 

Greensboro, 

North Fall 1982 24 93 7.1 7.8 11 9.2 

Dakota 

Baltimore, 

Maryland 

Spring 

1987 10 100 10 10 13 

Adopted from Hartwell, (1987), Wallace et al. (1987), Wallace et al. (1988), and Wallace (1992) by U.S. EPA 

(1994b). Mean and median values of all samples, including those below the quantitation limit. 

IV - 9 November 15, 2005 
--

--

-- -- --

-- --

--

-- -- -- --

-- -- -- --

--

-- -- -- --

Table IV-4 Dibromochloromethane Concentrations in Drinking Water from the U.S. EPA 

TEAM Study 

Location Date 

Sampled 

Sample 

Size 

% 

Measured 

Concentration :g/L (ppb) 

Mean Med- Max 

Percentile 

ian 

25% 75% 90% 95% 

Fall 1981 340 99.7 2.4 2.4 8.4 2.7 3.2 3.4 

Elizabeth/ 

Bayonne, 

New Jersey 

Summer 

1982 156 99.8 2.1 1.9 7.2 2.4 3.1 3.8 

Winter 

1983 49 93 1.4 1.6 3.0 1.8 2.0 2.1 

Winter 

1984 117 89 9.4 11 19 2.4 15 17 18 

Los Angeles, 

Summer 

1984 52 85 28 32 55 15 42 43 48 

California Winter 

1987 9 89 10 12 17 

Summer 

1987 7 100 24.7 18 70 

Antioch/ 

Pittsburg, 

California 

Spring 

1984 71 85 8 6.4 21 0.98 15 18 19 

Devils Lake, 

North Dakota Fall 1982 24 18 0.09 0.06 0.45 0.06 

Greensboro, 

North Dakota Fall 1982 24 93 1.2 1.2 1.9 1.5 

Baltimore, 

Maryland 

Spring 

1987 10 100 2.7 2.6 3.5 

Adopted from Hartwell, (1987), Wallace et al. (1987), Wallace et al. (1988), and Wallace (1992) by U.S. EPA 

(1994b). Mean and median values of all samples, including those below the quantitation limit. 

IV - 10 November 15, 2005 
-- -- -- --

-- -- -- --

Table IV-5 Bromoform Concentrations in Drinking Water from the U.S. EPA 

TEAM Study 

Concentration :g/L (ppb) 

Location Date 

Sampled 

Sample 

Size 

% 

Measured MedPercentile 

Mean ian Max 

25% 75% 90% 95% 

Winter 

1984 117 69 0.78 0.54 12 0.34 0.92 1.2 1.5 

Los Angeles, 

California 

Summer 

1984 52 90 8.08 3.0 78 2.0 5.9 13 53 

Winter 

1987 9 89 3.2 3.2 4.7 

Summer 

1987 7 100 25.5 9.6 113 

Antioch/ 

Pittsburg, 

California 

Spring 

1984 71 69 0.78 0.58 2.0 0.19 1.2 1.8 1.9 

Adopted from Wallace (1992) by U.S. EPA (1994b). Mean and median values of all samples, including those below 

the quantitation limit. Bromoform was measured in fewer than 10% of samples from the other four cities in the 

TEAM study and are not presented here 

Furlong and D'itri (1986) reported that a survey of water treatment plants in Michigan 

detected bromodichloromethane in 35 of 40 plants at a median concentration of 2.7 :g/L (ppb) 

and a maximum of 54.2 :g/L (ppb); the mean of the positive samples was 7.4 :g/L (ppb). 

Dibromochloromethane was also detected in 30 plants at a median concentration of 2.2 

:g/L (ppb) and a maximum of 39.6 :g/L (ppb); the mean of the positives was 5.1 :g/L (ppb). 

Bromoform was detected at three of 40 plants sampled at concentrations of 0.9, 1.3, and 1.6 :g/L 

(ppb). 

Fair et al. (1988) analyzed drinking water from three community water supplies for 

chlorination by-products. Bromodichloromethane concentrations ranged from 7.5 to 30 :g/L 

(ppb) in finished water and from 9.9 to 36 :g/L (ppb) in the distribution systems. 

Dibromochloromethane concentrations ranged from less than 0.5 to 19 :g/L (ppb) in finished 

water at the plant and from less than 0.5 to 23 :g/L (ppb) in the distribution systems. 

Bromoform concentrations ranged from less than 0.5 to 2.5 :g/L (ppb) in finished water and 

from less than 0.5 to 3.1 :g/L (ppb) in the distribution systems. 

IV - 11 November 15, 2005 
Wallace et al. (1982) analyzed tap water for bromodichloromethane as part of a study to 

determine individual exposures to volatile organics during normal daily activities of students at 

the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Bromodichloromethane was detected in 7 of 7 

samples of tap water, at concentrations ranging from 15 to 20 :g/L (ppb), with a mean of 17 

:g/L (ppb). The detection limit was 0.1 :g/L (ppb). 

Chang and Singer (1984) analyzed the bromoform concentration in drinking water 

samples prepared by the desalination of seawater. After pretreatment using either activated 

carbon or ultrafiltration, but prior to reverse osmosis treatment, bromoform concentrations were 

13 ± 14 and 110 ± 59 :g/L (ppb), respectively. After reverse osmosis was completed, the 

finished water product contained bromoform concentrations ranging from 2.0 to 51 :g/L (ppb) 

(mean, 20.17 :g/L (ppb)) when activated carbon was used as a pretreatment and 127 :g/L (ppb) 

when ultrafiltration was used. In the reverse osmosis treatment, three reverse osmosis 

membranes were evaluated. Use of a cellulose triacetate filter resulted in concentrations of 51 

:g/L (ppb), while use of a polyether/urea thin film spiral wound membrane or a polysulfone 

membrane filters which resulted in final concentrations of 5.0 :g/L (ppb) and 2.25 :g/L (ppb), 

respectively. 

Bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were detected in 9.5 to 

12.8% of drinking water samples collected in 1987 in Nassau County, New York. The county 

draws its drinking water from underground aquifers. Bromodichloromethane and 

dibromochloromethane had similar concentration profiles, being detected in approximately 10% 

and 8.5% of the samples, respectively, at concentrations less than 4.9 ppb. The detection limit 

was 1 ppb for each chemical. Bromoform was detected in 8% of the samples at 2 to 4.9 ppb, in 

2.5% of the samples at 5 to 9.9 ppb, and in less than 1% of the samples at 10 to 49.9 ppb. The 

detection limit was 2 ppb. None of the drinking water samples contained more than 50 ppb of 

any of the trihalomethanes, and less than 1% of the samples contained between 10 and 49.9 ppb 

of the brominated compounds (Moon et al., 1990). 

U.S. EPA conducted a study of contaminants in household water in nine residences as 

part of a larger study of health risks due to environmental contamination in the Lower Rio 

Grande Valley (Berry et al., 1997). Samples of water used for drinking were taken once during a 

3-day period in the spring and once during a 2-day period in the summer of 1993. Water used 

for drinking in the nine residences could be traced to one of three sources: the municipal water 

supply of Brownsville, Texas, vended water supplies (municipal water that had undergone 

further treatment), and well water. Samples were collected using U.S. EPA protocols, including 

quality assurance samples and field blanks. The detection and minimum quantitation limits for 

each analyte were documented in other reports. Bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were detected in the household water of seven of the 

nine residences during the spring and in five of the nine residences during the summer (Berry et 

al., 1997). During the spring, the minimum, median, and maximum concentrations of 

bromodichloromethane for the seven positive samples were 3.2, 5.2, and 24.4 μg/L (ppb), 

respectively. For dibromochloromethane, the values were 3.3, 5.1, and 17.3 μg/L (ppb), 

respectively. For bromoform, the values were 1.0, 3.0, and 14.1 μg/L (ppb), respectively. 

During the summer, the minimum, median, and maximum concentrations of 

IV - 12 November 15, 2005 
bromodichloromethane in the five positive samples were 2.3, 7.7, and 34.3 μg/L (ppb), 

respectively. For dibromochloromethane, the values were 1.8, 7.6, and 49.9 μg/L (ppb), 

respectively. For bromoform, the values were 1.6, 7.8, and 31.7 μg/L (ppb), respectively. 

Weisel et al. (1999) examined concentrations of trihalomethanes in the tap water of the 

homes of 49 women in New Jersey. The 49 residences were selected so that approximately half 

would represent the lower extreme of trihalomethane contamination and half the upper extreme 

of trihalomethane contamination identified in a previous study. Samples were stored 

unquenched on ice after collection and were analyzed within 24 hours. The three brominated 

trihalomethanes were detected in all 49 samples. The mean (± standard deviation) 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were 5.7 ± 

8.6, 2.0 ± 2.1, and 0.73 ± 0.90 μg/L (ppb), respectively. The median values for the three 

compounds were 2.6, 1.4, and 0.45 μg/L (ppb), respectively. These values are not representative 

of New Jersey, because of the selection criteria for the residences. The ranges (minimum to 

maximum) of concentrations measured for each compound were 0.06 to 48 μg/L (ppb) for 

bromodichloromethane, 0.14 to 9.7 μg/L (ppb) for dibromochloromethane, and 0.03 to 4.21 μg/L 

(ppb) for bromoform. 

3. Estimates of Tap Water Ingestion Exposure to Brominated Trihalomethanes 

a. Estimates Based on ICR Data for Disinfection Byproducts 

The data from EPA’s ICR for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts (U.S. EPA 

2001a) offer several advantages over the other national studies for purposes of estimating 

national exposure levels of adults in the United States to brominated trihalomethanes via 

ingestion of drinking water. First, they are recent and reflect relatively current conditions. 

Second, data of very similar quality and quantity were collected systematically from a large 

number of plants (501) and systems (approximately 300), including both surface and ground 

water systems. Third, the mean, median, and 90th percentile value were estimated on the basis of 

all samples taken, not just the sample detects. Thus, these descriptive statistics are 

representative of the exposures of the entire populations served by those systems, not just the 

populations served by systems with higher concentrations of these compounds. However, this 

study can not be considered representative of smaller public water supplies or water supplies 

from the most highly industrialized or contaminated areas. 

Table IV-6 presents estimated drinking water exposures to brominated trihalomethanes 

of the adult populations served by large public water systems (serving 100,000 or more persons) 

based on the ICR Occurrence Data (U.S. EPA, 2001a). Exposure was calculated by multiplying 

the concentration of individual brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water by the average 

daily intake, assuming that each individual consumes two liters of water per day. The annual 

median, mean, and upper 90th percentile values are presented for both surface and ground water 

systems. Assuming that the DS High value actually represents the average exposure level of 

persons served by one plant distribution pipe with the longest water-residence time, the DS High 

value might be used to estimate a high-end exposure level. Thus, the 90th percentile of the DS 

High values are also presented in Table IV-6. 

IV - 13 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-6 Estimated Drinking Water Exposures to Brominated Trihalomethanes in U.S. 

Public Drinking Water Systems Serving More than 100,000 Personsa 

Source Medianb Meanb 90th Percentileb 

DS High 90th 

Percentilec 

Bromodichloromethane (μg/person/day) 

Surface Water 17 20 40 47 

Ground Water 3.6 8.1 22 32 

Dibromochloromethane (μg/person/day) 

Surface Water 4.8 9.4 26 30 

Ground Water 2.7 6.2 18 26 

Bromoform (μg/person/day) 

Surface Water 0 2.4 6.2 7.8 

Ground Water 0.65 3.8 9.6 15 

a

 Source: U.S. EPA (2001a). Assumes that each individual consumes 2 liters of water daily. Also assumes that 

concentrations at the drinking water tap are similar to concentrations in the distribution system (DS) sampled at 

locations considered to be representative of average (DS Average) and highest (DS High) retention times (see 

Table IV-1).

b

 Based on concentrations from the DS Average values. 

c

 Based on the 90th percentile of the DS High values to represent a plausible high-end exposure level. 

For bromodichloromethane, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures 

from surface water systems are estimated to be 17, 20, and 40 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromodichloromethane from ground water systems are 

lower – 3.6, 8.1, and 22 :g/person/day, respectively. For dibromochloromethane, the median, 

mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from surface water systems are estimated to be 

4.8, 9.4, and 26 :g/person/day, respectively. The corresponding values for populations exposed 

to dibromochloromethane from groundwater system are lower – 2.7, 6.2, and 18 :g/person/day, 

respectively. For bromoform, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from 

surface water systems are estimated to be near 0, 2.4, and 6.2 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromoform from ground water systems are higher – 

0.65, 3.8, and 9.6 :g/person/day, respectively. 

Average daily intake of dibromochloromethane was also evaluated for determination of 

the Relative Source Concentration. The details of this evaluation are presented in Appendix C. 

Intake for ingestion was calculated using mean intake rates of 1.2 or 0.6 L/day for total and 

direct intake (NRC, 1999), respectively. Direct intake includes consumption of water directly 

from the tap, but does not include intake of tap water used for preparation of heated items such 

tea, coffee, or soup. Based on the ICR distribution system average concentration of 4.72 :g/L 

for dibromochloromethane in surface water, the average daily total and direct and ingestion 

IV - 14 November 15, 2005 
intakes would be 5.7 and 2.8 :g/day, respectively. Absorption of dibromochloromethane from 

tap water was estimated using methodology described in U.S. EPA (1992c), as modified by 

Vecchia and Bunge (2002). The average dermal uptake of dibromochloromethane was estimated 

to be 2 :g per shower or bathing event. Intake via inhalation of dibromochloromethane 

volatilized during household activities (e.g., showering, bathing, dishwashing, toilet flushing, 

etc.) was estimated using a three-compartment model based on McKone (1987). This model 

estimated an average daily inhalation exposure of 7 :g/day for the volatilized compound. 

Parallel calculations were not performed for bromodichloromethane or bromoform, because 

these compounds are probable carcinogens. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. EPA policy, 

RSC analysis was not conducted. 

b. Estimates of Ingestion Exposure Based on Other National Studies 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in drinking 

water from ground water supplies can be estimated from the median levels found in the GWSS. 

Based on the range of median levels (1.4–2.1 :g/L (ppb)) and a consumption rate of two liters 

per day, the median exposure to bromodichloromethane may range from 2.8 to 4.2 :g/day. 

Similarly, median exposure to dibromochloromethane may range from 4.2 to 7.8 :g/day, and for 

bromoform, median exposure may range from 4.8 to 8.4 :g/day. Exposure to 

bromodichloromethane from surface water supplies can be estimated based on the range of 

median values observed under different conditions in NOMS, which mainly sampled surface 

water systems. Based on a range of 5.9–14 :g/L (ppb), exposure to bromodichloromethane from 

surface water is estimated to be between 12 and 28 :g/day. Similarly, based on the range of 

medians reported for dibromochloromethane concentrations, the median exposure is estimated to 

be up to 6 :g/day. The median levels of bromoform in the surface water supplies have been 

found to be less than the EPA Drinking Water minimum reporting levels (MRLs) of 0.5–1 :g/L 

(ppb). An estimate of exposure based on the MRLs will be overly conservative because the 

actual concentration of bromoform is not detectable. Based on the range of MRLs, 0.5–1 :g/L 

(ppb), the exposure to bromoform is estimated to range from 1 to 2 :g/day for surface water 

supplies. 

Ingestion exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water can also be 

estimated from the concentrations found at the tap in the TEAM studies. Table IV-7 presents 

median, mean, 90th percentile, and 95th percentile estimates of daily intakes of 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, based on an assumed drinking 

water ingestion rate of 2 liter per day. Table IV-7 provides estimates for those locations and 

seasons with a sample size of at least 50, with one exception. Devils Lake, ND, with a sample 

size of only 24, is added to represent an area with low concentrations. Thus, the influence of 

small sample size on distributional statistics should be minimized in Table IV-7. The median, 

mean, and 90th percentile values in Table IV-7 for the TEAM study can be compared with the 

corresponding values in Table IV-6 for the ICR Occurrence data. 

IV - 15 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-7 Estimated Distribution of Drinking Water Exposures to Brominated 

Trihalomethanes for Populations in U.S. EPA TEAM Study (a) 

Season 90th 95th 

Location Year Median (b) Mean (b) Percentile (b) Percentile 

Bromodichloromethane (μg/person/day) 

Elizabeth/Bayone NJ summer 82 24 27 36 40 

winter 83 12 11 17 17 

Los Angeles, CA summer 84 48 40 66 74 

winter 84 24 22 34 40 

Antioch/Pittsburg, CA spring 84 34 42 90 94 

Devils Lake, ND fall 82 0.36 0.42 < 2.0 < 2.0 

Dibromochloromethane (μg/person/day) 

Elizabeth/Bayone NJ summer 82 3.8 4.2 6.2 7.6 

winter 83 3.2 2.8 4.0 4.2 

Los Angeles, CA summer 84 64 56 86 96 

winter 84 22 19 34 36 

Antioch/Pittsburg, CA spring 84 13 16 36 38 

Devils Lake, ND fall 82 0.12 0.2 < 0.9 < 0.9 

Bromoform (μg/person/day) 

Los Angeles, CA summer 84 6.0 16.2 26 100 

winter 84 1.1 1.6 2.4 3.0 

Antioch/Pittsburg, CA spring 84 1.2 1.6 3.6 3.8 

(a) Intakes estimated from data in Tables IV-3, IV-4, and IV-5 assuming a water ingestion rate of 2 liters per day. 

Selected locations and seasons with samples sizes over 50. Added Devils Lake, ND, to represent an area with 

low air concentrations. 

(b) Median, mean, and upper percentiles estimated for entire population of city. 

Table IV-7 demonstrates that concentrations of brominated trihalomethanes are lower in 

winter than in summer, as would be expected on the basis of temperature. In this sample of 

geographic locations, estimates of the average of the population intakes of 

bromodichloromethane from drinking water range from 0.42 to 42 μg/person/day. The upper 

IV - 16 November 15, 2005 
90th percentile estimates range from <2.0 to 90 μg/person/day. Estimates of the average 

population intake of dibromochloromethane from drinking water range from 0.2 to 56 

μg/person/day. The upper 90th percentile estimates range from < 0.9 to 86 μg/person/day. 

Estimates of the average of the population intakes of bromoform, for those areas in which 

bromoform was measurable in a majority of the samples, range from 1.6 to 16.2 μg/person/day. 

The upper 90th percentile estimates range from 2.4 to 26 μg/person/day. Four of the six locations 

in the TEAM study, however, had a low frequency (less than 10%) of detection of bromoform in 

measurable quantities. 

c. Sources of Uncertainty in Estimates of Exposure from Drinking Water 

Sources of uncertainty in the estimates of ingestion exposure include use of different 

analytical methods, failure to report quantitation limits, use of measurements near the detection 

limit, failure to report how nondetects were handled when averaging values (e.g., set to zero or 

one half the detection limit), and failure to report sample storage method and duration. In 

addition, many environmental factors influence the concentrations of these compounds in 

drinking water at the tap and in vended or bottled waters used for drinking. These factors 

include season and temperature, geographic location, source of water, residence time in 

distribution system, and others. 

B. Exposure from Sources Other Than Drinking Water 

1. Dietary Intake 

a. Measured Concentrations in Foods and Beverages 

Information on the levels of brominated trihalomethanes in foods and beverages is 

limited. Chlorine is used in food production for applications such as the disinfection of chicken 

in poultry plants and the superchlorination of water at soda and beer bottling plants (Borum, 

1991). Therefore, the possibility exists for contamination of foodstuffs by disinfection byproducts with resulting dietary exposure. The occurrence of bromodichloromethane in foods and 

beverages is the best characterized of the three compounds. Less information is available 

concerning the occurrence of dibromochloromethane or bromoform in foods and beverages in 

the United States. Some information is available from international studies, but may not be 

relevant to U.S. occurrence because of different water treatment and food processing practices. 

The available U.S. and international studies are summarized below. 

Entz et al. (1982) analyzed food samples from Elizabeth, NJ, Chapel Hill, NC, and 

Washington, DC, for bromodichloromethane. A total of 39 different food items from each city 

were collected according to standards set for the FDA's Total Diet Market Basket Study. The 

Adult Market Basket, representing the diet of a teenage male, is divided into 12 food groups. 

Individual foods are prepared as generally consumed in the home and foods from each group are 

blended together in “the proper proportions” to form composites. In this study, foods were 

blended into four composites representing dairy products; meat, fish and poultry; oils, fats and 

shortening; and beverages. The estimated limit of quantitation for bromodichloromethane in 

IV - 17 November 15, 2005 
each of these composites was 2.3, 4.5, 8.3, and 0.5 ng/g, respectively. Five sets of each 

composite were tested for a total of 20 composites. Bromodichloromethane was detected in one 

dairy composite at 1.2 ppb and two beverage composites at 0.3 ppb and 0.6 ppb. Analysis of 

individual foods from the beverage and dairy composites found bromodichloromethane in three 

samples of cola soft drinks at concentrations of 2.3 ppb, 3.4 ppb, and 3.8 ppb and in one sample 

of butter at 7 ppb. 

Uhler and Diachenko (1987) sampled 38 food and beverage products from 15 food 

processing plants in nine states. Plants were chosen on a “worst-case” basis from areas where 

contaminated water would most likely be used in processing. In addition, processing plants were 

chosen for study only if they produced high fat content food that came in contact with water 

during processing or contained a high percentage of added water. Samples containing less than 1 

ng/g were considered nondetects. Bromodichloromethane was detected in 6 out of 37 tested 

food tested at the following levels: two samples of clear sodas at 1.2 and 2.3 ng/g (ppb) and one 

sample of dark cola at l.2 ng/g (ppb) out of fifteen soft drinks, and three of six samples of ice 

cream at 0.6 to 2.3 ng/g (ppb). Bromodichloromethane was not found in any of the eight cheese 

samples analyzed. 

U.S. EPA (1985) reported that bromodichloromethane was identified in bacon. No 

further information on sample size, detection limit, or study methodology was provided. 

Abdel-Rahman (1982) analyzed various soft drinks for bromodichloromethane and found 

average levels ranging from 0.2 to 6.6 :g/L (ppb) for colas and from 0.1 to 0.2 :g/L (ppb) for 

clear soft drinks (Abdel-Rahman, 1982). In Italy, Cocchioni et al. (1996) analyzed 61 samples 

of different commercially prepared beverages and 94 samples of mineral waters for volatile 

organo-halogenated compounds. In the prepared beverages, they found maximum 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform of 40.6, 13.9, 

and 10.7 :g/L (ppb), respectively. The frequencies of detection of these three compounds in 

prepared beverages were 46% (28/61), 43% (26/61), and 11% (7/61), respectively, with 

detection limits for all three compounds of less than 1 :g/L (ppb). In contrast, the maximum 

concentration of any of the halogenated organic compounds identified in mineral water, 

including chloroform, was 5.79 :g/L (ppb). 

McNeal et al. (1995) examined 27 different prepared beverages and mineral waters in the 

United States for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform at detection 

limits of 0.1, 0.1, and 0.2 ng/g (ppb), respectively. Bromoform was not detected in any of the 

samples. Bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane were detected at 12 and 1 ng/g 

(ppb), respectively, in only one of seven types of mineral and sparkling waters examined. The 

positive sample was the only sparkling and flavored water of the group,. Bromodichloromethane 

was found in 1 of 5 flavored noncarbonated beverages examined, a fruit drink, at a concentration 

of 5 ng/g (ppb); dibromochloromethane was not detected in any of these five beverages. 

Bromodichloromethane was found in all 13 of the types of carbonated soft drinks examined, at 

concentrations ranging from 1 to 4 ng/g (ppb) for 12 of the drinks examined and at 12 ng/g (ppb) 

for the thirteenth. Dibromochloromethane was detected in only 4 of the 13 carbonated soft 

IV - 18 November 15, 2005 
drinks examined at levels of 0.5 to 2 ng/g (ppb). None of the brominated trihalomethanes was 

detected in either of the two types of beer examined. 

McNeal et al. (1995) also examined several types of prepared non-beverage foods and 

water from canned vegetables in the United States for bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. None of these compounds was detected in any of the 

samples. The foods examined included two types of canned tomato sauce, canned pizza sauce, 

canned vegetable juice, vegetable waters from two types of canned green beans and one type of 

sweet corn, duck sauces, beef extract, and Lite syrup product. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA, 2000) has analyzed for 18 volatile 

organic hydrocarbons (VOCs), including bromodichloromethane and bromoform, in the Total 

Diet Study since 1995. Bromodichloromethane and bromoform were analyzed in a subset of 70 

food items in 14 Market Baskets. During the period 1995 to 1999, bromodichloromethane was 

detected in one sample each of 11 non-beverage food items (sliced bologna, fried eggs, canned 

pork and beans, smooth peanut butter, homemade cornbread, raw orange, canned pineapple, 

boiled collards, red tomato, green pepper, and fast-food hamburger) (U.S. FDA, 2000). The 

detected concentrations ranged from 10 to 16 ppb, with the exception of fast food hamburger 

which contained 37 ppb. Bromodichloromethane was detected in one sample of bottled apple 

juice at a concentration of 33 ppb. The mean detected concentration of bromodichloromethane 

in three samples of tap water was 18 ppb. Dibromochloromethane was not included in the list of 

VOC analytes for the Total Diet Study. Bromoform was listed as an analyte, but no detections 

were reported in the data summary for 1991 to 1999. The detection limits for 

bromodichloromethane and bromoform were not reported. 

Imaeda et al. (1994) examined bean curd commercially available in Japan for 

trihalomethanes. Neither bromoform nor dibromochloromethane were detected in any of the 

samples at a detection limit of 0.1 ppb. Bromodichloromethane was detected in 6 of 10 samples 

of bean curd at concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 5.2 ppb and in 1 of 10 samples of the water in 

the bean curd packages at 5.2 ppb. 

Kroneld and Reunanen (1990) analyzed for brominated trihalomethanes in samples of 

pasteurized and unpasteurized cow's milk collected in Turku, Finland. The average 

concentration of bromodichloromethane measured in pasteurized milk was 0.008 :g/L (ppb) 

(range, undetectable to 0.03 :g/L (ppb), detection limit not specified). Dibromochloromethane 

was detected in only one sample of pasteurized milk at 5 :g/L (ppb). Traces of bromoform were 

detected but not quantified. Brominated trihalomethanes were not detected in unpasteurized 

milk. Their presence in pasteurized milk was considered to result from use of chlorinated water 

during processing. 

b. Estimated Dietary Intake 

Estimates for dietary intake of brominated trihalomethanes by residents of the United 

States were not identified in the materials reviewed for this document. Furthermore, information 

on the levels in U.S. foods is too limited to independently calculate a reliable estimate. 

IV - 19 November 15, 2005 
However, the available data suggest that the concentrations of brominated trihalomethanes in 

non-beverage foods are likely low. The apparently low concentrations of brominated 

trihalomethanes in non-beverage foods are consistent with the physical and chemical properties 

of these compounds. The levels of individual brominated trihalomethanes in beverages prepared 

in the United States appear to be less than or about equal to levels measured in disinfected 

surface water. 

Toyoda et al. (1990) analyzed the dietary intake of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform for 30 Japanese housewives in Nagoya and Yokohama, 

Japan. Duplicate portions of daily meals were collected for three consecutive days and sampled 

for all three brominated trihalomethanes. The types of food consumed were not reported. This 

omission prevents a meaningful comparison of the studied diet to that consumed by the U.S. 

population. The detection limits for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and 

bromoform were reported to be 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 ppb, respectively. The concentration of 

bromodichloromethane ranged from undetectable to 1.7 ppb (average, 0.3 ± 0.3 ppb SD). The 

mean daily intake of bromodichloromethane was estimated to be 0.6 ± 0.5 :g/day. The 

concentration of dibromochloromethane ranged from undetectable to 0.6 ppb (average, 0.1 ± 

0.2 ppb), and the mean dietary intake was estimated to be 0.3 ± 0.3 :g/day. The concentration of 

bromoform ranged from undetectable to 8.1 ppb (average, 0.5 ± 1.3 ppb). The mean dietary 

intake of bromoform was estimated to be 0.9 ± 1.3 :g/day. 

Brominated trihalomethanes have been detected in a number of beverages. In conducting 

an exposure assessment, the potential exposures from drinking prepared beverages would not be 

added to the default assumption of an adult consuming 2 liters of drinking water per day. 

Instead, the prepared beverages would be considered part of the 2 liters of fluid intake per person 

per day. 

2. Air Intake 

a. Concentrations in Outdoor Air 

Brominated trihalomethanes are usually found in outdoor air at low concentrations when 

all data, including nondetects, are considered. Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) reviewed, 

summarized, and critically evaluated existing data for brominated trihalomethane concentrations 

in ambient outdoor air for several urban/suburban or source dominated locations across the 

United States (Table IV-8). No concentration data were available for rural or remote areas. The 

authors reported mean, median, first and third quartile values, and minimum and maximum 

values by city. In addition, they reported the same measures when the data were grouped by 

type of location (i.e., urban/suburban or source dominated), and when all data were combined. 

Ambient air concentrations were reported for bromodichloromethane at Magnolia, AR, El 

Dorado, TX, Chapel Hill, NC, and Beaumont, TX. Bromodichloromethane was detected at 

mean concentrations of 0.76 ppt, 1.40 ppt, 120 ppt, and 180 ppt for those four cities, 

respectively, where ppt is expressed as parts per trillion by volume. Dibromochloromethane was 

detected in the air samples from Magnolia, AR, El Dorado, TX, Chapel Hill, NC, Beaumont TX, 

and Lake Charles, LA at mean concentrations of 0 ppt, 0.48 ppt, 14 ppt, 14 ppt, and 19 ppt, 

IV - 20 November 15, 2005 
respectively. Bromoform was detected in air samples from Magnolia, AR, El Dorado, TX, and 

Lake Charles, LA, at concentrations of 1.5 ppt, 0.81 ppt, and 50 ppt, respectively. Air 

concentration data from these sites were combined for additional statistical analysis. The study 

authors indicated that a value of 0.0 was entered for samples below the detection limit. Mean (± 

standard deviation) outdoor air concentrations in urban/suburban and source dominated 

locations, respectively, were 160 ± 29 ppt and 1.2 ± 0.4 ppt for bromodichloromethane; 15 ± 4 

ppt and 0.28 ± 0.67 ppt for dibromochloromethane; and 50 ± 29 ppt and 1.1 ± 2.1 ppt for 

bromoform. Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) also calculated overall (grand) means based on data 

from all sites. Grand mean values for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and 

bromoform were 110 ppt (n = 26, with one nondetect), 3.8 ppt (n = 89, with 63 nondetects), and 

3.6 ppt (n = 78, with 60 nondetects), respectively. When expressed on a :g/m3

 basis, the 

corresponding mean values for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform 

are 0.74 :g/m3

, 0.032 :g/m3, and 0.037 :g/m3. 

IV - 21 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-8 Selected Concentration Data for Individual Brominated Trihalomethanes (ppt) in Outdoor A

Brodzinsky and Singh (1983)a,b 

City n Nondetects Mean 

(Std dev.) 

Median 

3rd Quartile Maximum 

Bromodichloromethane Individual Sites Beaumont, TX 11 0 180 (100) 180 180 180 Chapel Hill, NC 6 0 120 (210) 120 120 120 El Dorado, AR 7 1 1.4 (0.35) 1.6 1.6 1.6 PellizMagnolia, AR 2 0 0.76 (0.0) 0.0 0.0 0.76 PellizTotals Urban/Suburban 17 0 160 (29) 180 180 180 Source Areas 9 1 1.2 (0.41) 1.6 1.6 1.6 Grand totals 26 1 110 (82) 120 180 180 Dibromochloromethane Individual Sites Beaumont, TX 11 0 14 (0.0) 14 14 14 Chapel Hill, NC 6 0 14 (0.0) 14 14 14 El Dorado, AR 40 35 0.48 (0.82) 0.0 0.82 2.5 PeLake Charles, LA 4 0 19 (9.6) 21 27 27 Magnolia, AR 28 28 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 0.0 0.0 Pe

IV - 22 
Table IV-8 (cont.) 

City n Nondetects Mean 

(Std dev.) 

Median 3rd Quartile Maximum 

Dibromochloromethane (cont.) Totals Urban/Suburban 21 0 15 (4.2) 14 14 27 Source Areas 68 63 0.28 (0.67) 0.0 0.0 2.5 Grand Totals 89 63 3.8 (6.7) 0.0 2.5 27 Bromoform Individual Sites 

El Dorado, AR 46 35 0.81 (0.95) 0.43 1.3 2.7 Pe

Pelliz

Lake Charles, LA 4 0 50 (29) 62 68 71 Magnolia, AR 28 25 1.5 (3.2) 0.0 0.29 8.3 Pe

Totals 

Urban/Suburban 4 0 50 (29) 62 68 71 Source Areas 74 60 1.1 (2.1) 0.0 1.3 8.3 Grand Totals 78 60 3.6 (12) 0.0 1.5 71 

a Includes only data considered to be of adequate, good, or excellent quality by the study authors. b Concentrations are reported as parts per trillion by volume 

IV - 23 
Shikiya et al. (1984) analyzed ambient air samples collected at four urban/industrial 

locations in the California South Coast Air Basin from November 1982 to December 1983 for 

the presence of halogenated hydrocarbons. Data for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were included in this analysis. The sampling locations were El Monte, 

downtown Los Angeles, Dominguez, and Riverside. The air samples were analyzed using gas 

chromatography with detection by electron capture. The quantitation limit, defined as a level 10 

times greater than the noise level, was 10 ppt by volume for all three brominated 

trihalomethanes. The detection limit was defined as three times the noise level. Summary data 

for each compound included monthly means and composite means. The monthly means were 

calculated as the average of all data at a site that were above the quantitation limit for a single 

month; samples with concentrations below the limit of detection were not included in the 

calculations. The composite means were calculated as the average value of all data for each 

compound above the quantitation limit at each site. Most data in this report were presented 

graphically. A few additional details were presented in a short summary statement for each 

chemical. Thirty-five percent of the samples had bromodichloromethane levels above the 

quantitation limit of 10 ppt (0.067 :g/m3

). Peaks in the concentration of bromodichloromethane 

were observed at various sites in June and July, with downtown Los Angeles and Dominguez 

registering the highest monthly means of approximately 30 ppt (0.20 :g/m3

). The highest 

reported concentration was 40 ppt (0.27 :g/m3

). The highest composite mean of 100 ppt (0.67 

:g/m3) for bromodichloromethane was observed at El Monte. In comparison, the remaining 

three locations had a composite mean of 20 ppt (0.08 :g/m3

). For dibromochloromethane, only 

seventeen percent of the samples had levels above the quantitation limit of 10 ppt (0.085 :g/m3

). 

The highest reported concentration, monthly mean, and mean composite for 

dibromochloromethane were 290 ppt (2.5 :g/m3

), 280 ppt (2.4 :g/m3), and 50 ppt (0.43 :g/m3), 

respectively; all were recorded in downtown Los Angeles in June. Only two monthly means 

were above 160 ppt; the remainder of the monthly means were below 60 ppt. For bromoform, 

thirty-one percent of the samples had concentrations above the quantitation limit of 10 ppt (0.10 

:g/m3). Peaks in the concentration of bromoform were observed at various sites in May and 

June, with the downtown Los Angeles site registering the highest composite mean (40 ppt; 0.41 

:g/m3) and the highest monthly mean (310 ppt; 3.2 :g/m3) in June 1983. Only two monthly 

means were greater than 160 ppt; the remainder of the monthly means were below 60 ppt. 

Atlas and Schauffler (1991) collected replicate air samples at various locations on the 

Island of Hawaii during a month-long field experiment to test an analytical method for 

determining halocarbons in ambient air. Dibromochloromethane was found at a mean level of 

0.27 ppt, and bromoform was found at a mean concentration of 1.9 ppt. Information on sample 

size and detection limit were not provided in the secondary source that reported this study (U.S. 

EPA 1994b). 

Wallace et al. (1982) conducted a pilot study designed to field test personal air-quality 

monitoring methods. Personal air samples were collected from students at two universities: 

Lamar University, Texas, located near a petrochemical manufacturing area, and the University of 

North Carolina (UNC), located in a nonindustrialized area. The samples were analyzed for a 

number of volatile organic compounds, including brominated trihalomethanes. 

Bromodichloromethane was detected in 64% of personal air samples from 11 Lamar students, 

IV - 24 November 15, 2005 
with a mean of 1.23 :g/m3

 (0.18 ppb), a median of 1 :g/m3 (0.15 ppb), and a range of 0.12–3.72 

:g/m3 (0.018–0.56 ppb). The limit of detection was 0.24 :g/m3 (0.036 ppb). At UNC, 17% of 

the samples from 6 students had detectable levels of bromodichloromethane. Concentrations 

ranged from 0.12–4.36 :g/m3

 (0.017–0.65 ppb) (mean, 0.83 :g/m3 (0.12 ppb); median, 

0.12 :g/m3 (0.017 ppb)). Based on the above information, the average daily intake of 

bromodichloromethane from air using an inhalation rate of 20 m3

/day was estimated to be 25 

:g/day for Lamar students and 17 :g/day for UNC students. Dibromochloromethane was not 

present above 0.12 :g/m3 (0.018 ppb) at either site. 

b. Concentrations in Indoor Air 

Relatively few studies have reported the concentrations of trihalomethanes in the indoor 

air of homes. Kostiainen (1995) identified over 200 volatile organic compounds in indoor air of 

26 houses identified by residents as causing symptoms such as headache, nausea, irritation of the 

eyes, drowsiness, and fatigue. Bromoform was detected at low (unspecified) levels in 54 percent 

of the homes, and no mention was made of dibromochloromethane or bromodichloromethane. 

Weisel et al. (1999) measured brominated trihalomethane concentrations in indoor air in 

New Jersey residences selected to examine low and high levels of drinking water contamination 

with trihalomethanes. Descriptive statistics for trihalomethane concentration in water were 

provided for the combined high and low concentration groups, but not for the individual 

categories. One valid 15-minute air sample was collected at each of 48 residences. The indoor 

air concentrations of bromodichloromethane averaged 0.38 ± 0.82 (SD) :g/m3

 (0.057 ± 0.12 

ppb) and 0.75 ± 0.96 :g/m3

 (0.11 ± 0.14 ppb) from the low and high water concentration groups, 

respectively. The detection frequencies were 12/25 and 16 /23 in the low and high water 

concentration groups, respectively. The indoor air concentrations of dibromochloromethane 

averaged 0.44 ± 0.95 :g/m3

 (0.052 ± 0.11 ppb) and 0.53 ± 0.84 :g/m3 (0.062 ± 0.09 ppb) from 

the low and high water concentration groups with detection frequencies of 5/25 and 7/23, 

respectively. For bromoform, the average concentrations from the low and high water 

concentration groups were 0.29 ± 0.93 :g/m3

 (0.028 ±0.089 ppb) and 0.35 ± 0.94 :g/m3 (0.034 ± 

0.091 ppb), with detection frequencies of 8/25 and 4/23, respectively. It was not clear whether 

the averages were based on all measured samples or only those samples that were above the 

detection limit for each compound. 

Kerger et al (2000) evaluated the transfer of bromodichloromethane and 

dibromochloromethane to indoor air in bathrooms during showering and bathing in homes 

supplied with chlorinated tap water. The test sites were three urban homes containing three 

bedrooms, a full bath, and approximately 1000 square feet of living space. The compounds were 

simultaneously measured in hot and cold tap water (drawn from the kitchen sink) and in the 

shower/bath enclosure and bathroom vanity area. Three shower protocols were examined: 6.8 

min unventilated shower; 12 min unventilated shower and 6.8 min ventilated shower. Water 

flow rate and temperature were monitored but not controlled. Airborne vapor samples were 

captured by Summa canister and measured by gas chromatography using electron capture 

detection according to U.S. EPA method TO-14. Air samples were collected before, during and 

after the water use event, for a total of 16 showers and 7 baths. Data for several events were 

IV - 25 November 15, 2005 
eliminated because of technical difficulties. For all shower protocols combined (n = 12), the 

increase in average airborne concentration (± standard error), expressed as :g/m3

, in shower 

enclosure or bathroom air per :g/L in water, was 1.8 ± 0.3 for bromodichloromethane and 0.5 ± 

0.1 for dibromochloromethane. For baths (n = 4), the average concentration increase during the 

bath was 0.59 ± 0.21 for bromodichloromethane and 0.15 ± 0.05 for dibromochloromethane. 

The relative contribution of each chemical was consistent with the relative concentration in 

water and its chemical and physical properties. The average exposures measured in this study 

were approximately 30% lower than results reported by other investigators using EPA analytical 

methods when data were normalized for water concentration, flow rate, shower volume, and 

duration. This difference may have resulted from differences in the air exchange rate between 

residential showers and laboratory test showers. These data are not adequate for characterizing 

levels of individual brominated trihalomethanes in the home because the measurements targeted 

a specific area of the residences and the sample size consisted of only three homes. 

c. Estimates of Exposure from Air 

The data available for occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes in air do not permit 

calculation of a nationally aggregated intake estimate for the U.S. general population. To 

accurately estimate total daily inhalation exposures, factors including location and season, the 

fraction of time spent indoors compared with outdoors, potential exposures of individuals while 

showering or bathing, potential exposure from volatilization of brominated trihalomethanes 

during other household activities (e.g., use of dishwashers, toilet flushing), exposures of 

individuals who spend large amounts of time at indoor pools, and potential for occupational 

exposures (e.g., for laundromat or sewage treatment plant workers) require consideration. 

Although the existing data do not permit such a refined analysis, they may be used to roughly 

estimate intake from air. Based on the grand means calculated for multiple sampling locations 

by Brodzinsky and Singh (1983), exposure to bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane 

and bromoform resulting from inhalation of outdoor air can be roughly estimated assuming an 

inhalation rate of 20 m3

/day, 100% absorption, and exposure to outdoor air for a full 24 hours per 

day. Using the mean ambient air concentration of 110 ppt (0.74 :g/m3

) by volume for all sites 

reported in Brodzinsky and Singh (1983), the daily intake of bromodichloromethane from 

outdoor air would be 21 :g/day. Assuming a mean air concentration of 3.8 ppt (0.032 :g/m3

) for 

dibromochloromethane, daily intake would be 0.64 :g/day,. Assuming a mean air concentration 

of 3.6 ppt (0.037 :g/m3

) by volume or bromoform, the daily intake would be 0.74 :g/day. 

Because these estimates are based on data from urban/suburban and industrial sites only, they 

may represent high end exposures. 

Adequate, nationally aggregated occurrence data are not available for calculating intake 

of brominated trihalomethanes from indoor air. The indoor air concentrations measured by 

Weisel et al. (1999) were not used for intake calculations because it could not be determined 

how the means for each compound were calculated (i.e., whether all measurements were 

averaged or only those above the detection limit). In addition, the data were based on a single 15 

minute air sample collected from each of 48 homes located in a single state. 

IV - 26 November 15, 2005 
While brominated trihalomethane concentrations might be expected to be higher in 

indoor air than in outdoor air due to confined space and additional indoor air sources (e.g. 

volatilization from showering, baths, and other household activities), the available data do not 

allow such a comparison. 

Based on data from personal air monitors, Wallace et al. (1982) estimated daily 

inhalation of bromodichloromethane to be 25 :g/day for 11 students attending a university 

located near a petrochemical manufacturing area and 17 :g/day for 6 students attending a 

university in a nonindustrialized area.. The personal air monitors registered 

bromodichloromethane from both indoor (with the exception of showering and bathing) and 

outdoor exposures. Dibromochloromethane was not detected and no data were available for 

bromoform. 

3. Concentrations and Exposures Associated with Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs 

Numerous studies have reported data for concentrations of brominated trihalomethanes 

and exposures associated with swimming pools and hot tubs. Exposure of swimmers or hot tub 

users to brominated trihalomethanes may result from dermal, ingestion, and inhalation exposure. 

When evaluating these data, it is important to note that additional disinfectants are routinely 

added to water contained in swimming pools and hot tubs; therefore, the levels of brominated 

trihalomethanes present may not be representative of those in tap water. 

Armstrong and Golden (1986) measured bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, 

and bromoform concentrations in the water and surrounding air of four indoor swimming pools, 

five outdoor swimming pools, and four hot tubs. Concentrations in air were measured two 

centimeters from the water surface. The bromodichloromethane concentrations of water in the 

outdoor pools ranged from 1 to 72 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 33 :g/L). Levels in the indoor pools 

ranged from 1 to 90 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 16 :g/L). The levels of bromodichloromethane in the hot 

tubs ranged from #0.1 to 105 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 17 :g/L). Means and ranges of the bromodichloromethane concentration two meters above the water surface for outdoor pools, indoor 

pools, and hot tubs, respectively, were: <0.1 :g/m3

 (<0.015 ppb) (range not reported), 1.7 :g/m3 

(0.25 ppb) (range <0.1–10 :g/m3 (0.015 –1.5 ppb)), and 1.4 :g/m3 (0.21 ppb) (range <0.1–10 

:g/m3 (0.015 –1.5 ppb)). The dibromochloromethane concentration of water in the outdoor 

pools ranged from <0.1 to 8 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 4.2 μg/L (ppb)). Levels in the indoor pools 

ranged from 0.3 to 30 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 9.5 :g/L (ppb)). The level of dibromochloromethane in 

the hot tubs ranged from #0.1 to 48 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 14.4 :g/L (ppb)). Means and ranges of 

the dibromochloromethane concentration two meters above the water surface for outdoor pools, 

indoor pools, and hot tubs, respectively, were: <0.1 :g/m3

 (<0.01 ppb) (range not reported), 0.9 

:g/m3 (0.11 ppb) (<0.1–5 :g/m3 (0.012–0.59 ppb)), and 0.7 :g/m3 (0.08 ppb) (<0.1– 5 :g/m3 

(0.012–0.59 ppb)). The mean bromoform concentration in the outdoor pools was less than 

0.1 :g/L (ppb). Levels in the indoor pools ranged from less than 0.1 to 20 :g/L (ppb) (mean, 

6 :g/L (ppb)). The levels of bromoform in the hot tubs ranged from less than 0.1 to 62 :g/L 

(ppb) (mean, 13 :g/L (ppb)). Means and ranges of the bromoform concentration two meters 

above the water surface for outdoor pools, indoor pools, and hot tubs, respectively, were: <0.1 

IV - 27 November 15, 2005 
:g/m3

 (<9.7 ppt) ( range not reported), 9 :g/m3 (870 ppt) (<0.1–14 :g/m3 (9.7–1360 ppt)), and 8 

:g/m3 ( 770 ppt) (<0.1–14 :g/m3 (9.7–1360 ppt)). 

Cammann and Hübner (1995) compared concentrations of trihalomethanes in swimmers’ 

and bath attendants’ blood and urine before and after swimming or working in indoor swimming 

pools. Water and air concentrations were measure in different locations in the pool environment. 

The purpose was to determine whether blood levels of trihalomethanes would reflect inhalation 

exposure to trihalomethanes in the pool environment and whether those compounds also would 

appear in urine. Measured concentrations of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, 

and bromoform in samples of swimming pool waters collected at a depth of 10 to 20 cm were 

0.69 to 5.64 :g/L (ppb), 0.03 to 6.51 :g/L (ppb), and 0.14 to 2.32 :g/L (ppb) for the three 

compounds, respectively. Averages (± SD) of the 10 pool water measurements presented in 

Table 1 of the report were 2.12 ± 1.52 :g/L (ppb), 1.11 ± 2.07 :g/L (ppb), and 0.42 ± 0.73 :g/L 

(ppb) for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, respectively. 

Average (± 1 SD) concentrations in the four air samples taken (location of sampling not 

specified) were 15.4 ± 7.36 :g/m3

 (2.30 ± 1.10 ppb), 1.94 ± 1.01 :g/m3 (0.228 ± 0.119 ppb), and 

below the quantitation limit (QL) (not specified, although probably 0.02 ppb) for 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, respectively. 

Measurements of bromodichloromethane in 8 bath attendants’ blood before their shifts 

ranged from below QL for 12/18 measurements (67%) to 0.1 :g/L (ppb) (Camman and Hübner, 

1995). After their shifts, the concentrations ranged from below QL in 7/18 measurements (39%) 

to 0.6 μg/L (ppb). Similarly, measurements of bromodichloromethane in swimmers’ blood was 

higher after than before swimming. Before swimming, blood concentrations of 

bromodichloromethane ranged from less than the QL in 10/20 (50%) swimmers to 0.2 :g/L 

(ppb); while after swimming, blood concentrations were above the QL in all 20 swimmers, 

ranging from . 0.02 to 0.4 μg/L (ppb) in 19 of the swimmers. The twentieth swimmer had a 

blood concentration of . 1.5 μg/L (ppb). For all but two of the swimmers, blood concentrations 

of bromodichloromethane had dropped below the QL by the next day (values for the other two 

swimmers were less than 0.1 μg/L (ppb)). Dibromochloromethane and bromoform were not 

detected in the blood of either the bath attendants or swimmers. None of the brominated 

trihalomethanes were detected in the urine of the study subjects. Thus, only exposure to 

bromodichloromethane by inhalation (bath attendants) or inhalation, dermal absorption, and 

ingestion (swimmers) is reflected in increased blood levels of the compound. Blood levels of 

bromodichloromethane usually returned to pre-exposure levels within 24 hours after the 

exposure . 

Aggazzotti et al. (1998) evaluated concentrations of trihalomethanes in the blood and 

breath of five competitive swimmers regularly training in an indoor swimming pool in Italy. 

The group included three males and two females between the ages of 17 and 21 years. All were 

non-smokers. Concurrent sampling of blood, alveolar air, and environmental air occurred at five 

times for each of four sessions: (a) at the University Department two hours before arriving at the 

pool, (b) after one hour sitting near the edge of the pool, (c), after one hour of swimming, (d) 

back at the University one hour after swimming ended, and (e) at the University 1.5 hr after 

swimming ended. While bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane were always found 

IV - 28 November 15, 2005 
in water and environmental air samples at the pool immediately before and after the 1-hr 

swimming session, bromoform was rarely detected in the indoor pool air. None of the three 

brominated trihalomethanes were detected in the air at the University Department or in the 

alveolar air of the swimmers at the Department two hours before arriving at the pool. At the 

pool, prior to the swimming session, the means (± SD) of the four measured ambient air 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were10.5 ± 

3.1 :g/m3

 (1.6 ± 0.46 ppb; 4 detects), 5.2 ±1.5 :g/m3 (0.61 ± 0.17 ppb; 4 detects), and 1 detect of 

0.2 :g/m3

 (0.02 ppb), respectively. At the pool, just after the 1-hr swimming session, the means 

(± SD) of the four measured ambient air concentrations of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were 20.0 ± 4.1 :g/m3

 (2.99 ± 4.1 ppb; 4 detects), 11.4 

±2.1 :g/m3

 (1.34 ± 0.23 ppb; 4 detects), and 1 detect of 0.2 :g/m3 (0.02 ppb), respectively. 

Concentrations of bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane in the alveolar air 

of the swimmers before and after the swimming session indicated inhalation uptake of both 

compounds (Aggazzotti et al., 1998). At the pool, prior to the swimming session, the means (± 

SD) of the 20 measured alveolar air concentrations (5 swimmers assessed at each of 4 sessions) 

of bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane were 2.7 ± 1.2 :g/m3

 (0.40 ± 0.18 ppb) 

and 0.8 ± 0.8 :g/m3

 (0.09 ± 0.09 ppb), respectively. Bromoform was not detected in any of the 

20 samples. At the pool, after the 1-hr swimming session, the means (± SD) of the alveolar air 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane were 6.5 ± 1.3 :g/m3

 (0.97 

± 0.19 ppb) and 1.4 ± 0.9 :g/m3

 (0.16 ± 0.11 ppb), respectively. Bromoform was not detected in 

any of the 20 samples. Blood levels of bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane 

before and after swimming, on the other hand, were below detection limits in most samples, and 

hence showed no trends. 

Aggazzotti et al. (1998) estimated uptake of the trihalomethanes of the resting and active 

swimmers using the following assumptions. At rest, the pulmonary ventilation rate of the 

women was 6 liters per minute (L/min) while that of men was 7.5 L/min. During swimming, the 

ventilation rate of the women was 25 L/min while that of the men 36 L/min. The estimated 

uptake rates of bromodichloromethane for the five swimmers at rest ranged from 2.8 to 3.7 μg 

per hour (μg/h), with a mean value of 3.3 ± 0.41(SD) μg/h for the three males and two females 

combined. The estimated uptake rates for the same individuals actively swimming were 20 to 30 

μg/h, with a mean value of 26 ± 5.1 μg/h. The estimated uptake rates of dibromochloromethane 

for the five swimmers at rest ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 μg/h, with a mean value of 1.8 ± 0.23 μg/h. 

The estimated uptake rates during swimming increased to between 14 and 22 μg/h, with a mean 

value of 18 ± 3.6 μg/h. Occurrence of dermal uptake was acknowledged but not estimated. 

Lindstrom et al. (1997) also assessed exposure of two competitive swimmers to 

bromodichloromethane during training sessions at an indoor pool. The indoor pool air 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane collected over 60- and 119-minute intervals were 2.76 

and 3.02 :g/m3

 (0.41 and 0.45 ppb), respectively. Breath samples were collected from the 

swimmers before, during, and for 3 hours after a training workout. Breath samples collected 

during the workout demonstrated a rapid uptake of bromodichloromethane to maximum alveolar 

concentrations of 5 to 6 :g/m3

 (0.7 to 0.9 ppb), which are higher than the ambient air 

concentrations. The authors concluded that significant (80% of total exposure) dermal 

IV - 29 November 15, 2005 
absorption of the related trihalomethane chloroform from water was occurring, but did not 

estimate the extent of dermal uptake for bromodichloromethane. 

4. Soil Concentrations and Exposure 

Data on the concentration of brominated trihalomethanes in soil were not available in the 

materials reviewed for this document. Based on the measured Henry’s Law constant and vapor 

pressure of the individual compounds, volatilization from both wet and dry soil surfaces should 

be relatively rapid (U.S. EPA 1987). Therefore. exposure from soil ingestion is not considered 

to be a significant route for exposure to the brominated trihalomethanes. 

C. Overall Exposure 

The RSC (relative source contribution) is the percentage of total daily exposure that is 

attributable to tap water when all potential sources are considered (e.g., air, food, soil, and 

water). Ideally, the RSC is determined quantitatively using nationwide, central tendency and/or 

high-end estimates of exposure from each relevant medium. In the absence of such data, a 

default RSC ranging from 20% to 80% may be used. 

The RSC used in the current and previous drinking water regulations for 

dibromochloromethane is 80%. This value was established by use of a screening level approach 

to estimate and compare exposure to dibromochloromethane from various sources. Information 

considered for during this process is summarized in Appendix C. The use of the 80% value for 

the RSC for dibromochloromethane is supported by limited use of this chemical in industrial 

applications with potential for direct release to the environment. The use of the 80% value is 

further supported by apparently low concentrations in foods and soils and the potential for 

human exposure to dibromochloromethane in tap water via three exposure routes: 1) ingestion as 

drinking water; 2) inhalation of volatilized dibromochloromethane during use of tap water for 

household activities; and 3) by dermal exposure during showering, bathing, or other activities. 

The available data for concentrations of outdoor air and food, although limited, suggest that 

exposures via these routes are likely to be low when compared to water. 

Parallel RSC calculations were not performed for bromodichloromethane and 

bromoform. The EPA has set the regulatory level for these chemicals in drinking water at zero 

because it has been determined that they are probable human carcinogens. Therefore, 

determination of an RSC is not relevant for these chemicals because it is the Agency’s policy to 

perform RSC analysis only for noncarcinogens. 

IV - 30 November 15, 2005 
D. Body Burden 

1. Blood and Breath Levels 

Barkley et al. (1980) analyzed blood samples from nine residents of the old Love Canal 

area in 1978 for a variety of volatile organic compounds, including all three of the brominated 

trihalomethanes. Bromodichloromethane was detected in the blood of one individual; its 

concentration was 14 :g/L (ppb). Dibromochloromethane and bromoform were not detected. 

Antoine et al. (1986) analyzed the blood of 250 environmentally sensitive patients for 18 

volatile organic compounds. Bromoform concentrations ranged from undetectable to 3.4 :g/L 

(ppb), with a mean of 0.6 :g/L (ppb). 

Ashley et al. (1994) analyzed samples of whole blood of 600 or more people in the 

United States who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 

(NHANES III) for 32 volatile organic compounds using analytical methods designed to measure 

extremely low concentrations. Bromodichloromethane, with a detection limit of 0.009 :g/L 

(ppb) was detected only in 14% of 1072 samples. Dibromochloromethane, with a detection limit 

of 0.013 :g/L (ppb), was detected in only 12% of 1035 samples. Using unprocessed commercial 

Vacutainer Tubes, Ashley et al. (1994) initially obtained measures of bromoform concentrations 

in blood similar to those reported by Antoine et al. (1986). However, using Vacutainer Tubes 

that had been processed to removed VOCs prior to use, Ashley et al. (1994) detected bromoform 

in less than 10% of samples analyzed at a detection limit of 0.027 :g/L (ppb). Wallace (1997) 

obtained the summary statistics for bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane, which 

were not published in Ashley et al. (1994) . The mean (± SD) of the measured blood 

concentrations were 0.0077 ± 0.0178 and 0.00886 ± 0.00856 :g/L (ppb), respectively. The 

median values were below the limit of detection. The upper 90th percentile values were 0.0122 

and 0.0151 :g/L (ppb), respectively. 

Weisel et al. (1999) measured brominated trihalomethanes in the exhaled breath of 

female subjects after showering. The study authors recruited 49 women who had previously 

participated in a case-control study on neural tube birth defects from locations throughout the 

state of New Jersey (Klotz and Pyrch, 1999). The method used to select the subjects provided a 

wide range of brominated trihalomethane exposures within the home, in contrast to a distribution 

of exposures that might exist within a single water distribution system or within the general 

population. Exposure to brominated trihalomethanes was estimated by collection of duplicate 

cold tap water samples, collection of a 15-minute air sample, and responses to a 48-hour recall 

questionnaire on water use in the home. Post-shower whole breath samples were collected by 

having the subject blow into a Tedlar® sampling bag at the conclusion of a shower. Background 

breath samples were collected at a subsequent home visit by the investigators. Valid samples 

were obtained from 33 of the subjects. However, the time of post-shower sample collection as 

reported by the subjects varied from immediately after the shower to 20 minutes later. As noted 

by the authors, the delay in sample collection is an important determinant in breath 

concentrations because trihalomethane breath concentration declines exponentially after 

exposure ceases. As a result, each subject was assigned to one of three groups: 1) breath sample 

IV - 31 November 15, 2005 
collected within 5 minutes after completion of shower (Group A; n = 13); 2) breath sample 

collected within 5 to 20 minutes after completion of shower (Group B; n=14); or 3) breath 

sample collected more than 20 minutes after showering (Group C; n=6). The breath 

concentrations on individual brominated trihalomethanes for each group were compared to 

measured water concentrations and estimates of exposure (calculated as the product of the water 

concentration and reported duration of the shower; shower duration data and calculated exposure 

estimates were not reported). 

The mean (± standard deviation) concentrations of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform were 5.7 ± 8.6, 2.0 ± 2.1, and 0.73 ± 0.90 μg/L (ppb), 

respectively. The median values for the three compounds were 2.6, 1.4, and 0.45 μg/L (ppb), 

respectively. Bromodichloromethane showed significant correlations for breath and water 

concentration and breath and shower exposure for Groups A and B. Significant correlations for 

dibromochloromethane and bromoform were found for Group A participants. Analytical 

variability related to low concentrations of dibromochloromethane and bromoform (near the 

detection limit) may have obscured trends in the data for Group B. source of in the houses and 

found significant correlations between the water concentration of each brominated 

trihalomethane and the concentration of that trihalomethane in expired air if the air samples were 

collected within 5 minutes of showering. Results of statistical analysis for Group C were not 

reported because the sample size was small and the authors considered the results questionable. 

The observed results were considered consistent with showering being a source of exposure to 

brominated trihalomethanes. 

Backer et al. (2000) examined levels of brominated trihalomethanes in whole blood 

following three types of water use events by adult volunteers: showering for 10 minutes in tap 

water (n=11); bathing for 10 minutes in a tub filled with tap water (n=10); or consumption of one 

liter of tap water over a 10 minute period (n=10). Each participant provided a blood sample 

immediately before exposure, 10 minutes after exposure ended, and 30 minutes (showering and 

bathing) or one hour (ingestion) after exposure. Tap water and blood samples were analyzed by 

purge-and-trap/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with detection capability in the parts per 

quadrillion range. Bromoform was not detected in either tap water or whole blood. Mean tap 

water concentrations of bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane were 6 :g/L and 1.1 

:g/L, respectively. The highest levels of these compounds in whole blood occurred 10 minutes 

after exposure had ended. The second post-exposure measurements showed that blood levels of 

both compounds had decreased, but were still above the pre-exposure baseline levels in subjects 

who took showers or baths. Measurement data are shown in Table IV-9 below. 

IV - 32 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-9 Mean Bromodichloromethane Concentrations in Blood Following Three Types 

of Water Use Events 

Water Use Event 

Median Bromodichloromethane Concentration in Whole Blood (pg/mL) 

Pre-exposure 10 minutes post-exposure 30 or 60 minutes postexposure 

10 Minute Shower 3.3 19.4 10.3 (30 min) 

10 Minute Bath 2.3 17.0 9.9 (30 min) 

Ingestion of 1 L 2.6 3.8 2.8 (60 min) 

The study authors reported that similar relative findings were obtained for 

dibromochloromethane (data shown graphically in the study report). These data indicate a 

dramatic difference between the whole blood levels resulting from ingestion and those resulting 

from bathing or showering (including dermal, inhalation, and possibly ingestion exposure). 

Blood level increases observed for each compound after ingestion of one liter of water were less 

than 10% of those observed after bathing or showering for 10 minutes. The blood level 

increases observed for each compound 10 minutes after bathing or showering were significantly 

increased (p<0.01) when compared to the post-ingestion blood levels. Measurable levels of 

bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane in the pre-exposure whole blood samples 

were attributed to recent prior exposure or to bioaccumulation after repeated exposure to tap 

water. 

In addition to the differences observed in whole blood levels of bromodichloromethane 

and dibromochloromethane among exposure groups, the study authors observed that the blood 

concentration data for each chemical occurred in two clusters within each exposure group. The 

mean increases for the two clusters observed after bathing or showering were significantly 

different for bromodichloromethane. The same individuals who had greater increases of 

bromodichloromethane also experienced greater increases of dibromochloromethane and 

chloroform in the blood after bathing or showering. The underlying basis for the observed 

clustering is unknown, but was not related to gender. The study authors suggested that 

polymorphic expression of a metabolizing enzyme (e.g. glutathione-S-transferase theta) or 

differences in fitness level (resulting in inhalation of larger volumes of air) may have accounted 

for the observed pattern. However, they noted that differences in fitness level would more likely 

be expected to result in a continuous distribution. 

Lynberg et al. (2001) conducted a field study in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Cobb County, 

Georgia, to evaluate exposure measures for disinfection by-products, including brominated 

trihalomethanes. These areas were selected for study based on the following criteria: 1) 

relatively high trihalomethane concentrations relative to national averages; 2) high intrasystem 

differences that would result in a potential exposure gradient across the study population; 3) one 

water distribution system with predominately chlorinated species of trihalomethanes (i.e., 

chloroform) and one water system with predominately brominated trihalomethanes; and 4) a 

IV - 33 November 15, 2005 
water utility service population large enough to allow rapid selection of 25 mothers per 

geographic area who had given birth to healthy babies from June, 1998 through May, 1999. 

Exposure to individual trihalomethanes was assessed by collection of blood and water samples 

and by collection of information on water use patterns and tap water characteristics. Whole 

blood samples were collected before and after showering. Levels of individual trihalomethanes 

were determined for samples collected in the home of participants, in the distribution system, 

and at the water treatment plants. A modified version of the Total Exposure Model (TEM) was 

used to estimate uptake of trihalomethanes into the bloodstream (data for chloroform exposure 

were presented for one individual in Corpus Christi). The results of the study indicate that 

concentration of individual trihalomethanes varied by site and location within the water system 

(Table IV-10). In Corpus Christi water samples, brominated trihalomethanes accounted for 71% 

of the total trihalomethane concentration by weight. In contrast, brominated trihalomethanes 

accounted for only 12% of the trihalomethanes in Cobb County water samples. Significant 

differences (p = 0.0001) in the blood levels of dibromochloromethane and bromoform were 

observed between study locations (Table IV-11). The differences between locations were 

evident both before and after showering. The study authors indicated that there was considerable 

variability in blood levels of trihalomethanes among participants from a single location. For 

example, pre-shower chloroform blood levels in Cobb County ranged from 130 ppt to 1100 ppt. 

No data were presented for the brominated trihalomethanes. The variability was tentatively 

attributed to different patterns of household water use among participants. Significant increases 

(p = 0.0001) in blood levels of all brominated trihalomethanes were observed after showering. 

The increases in dibromochloromethane and bromoform were significantly greater in Corpus 

Christi than in Cobb County. No TEM modeling data were presented for brominated 

trihalomethanes. However, TEM results presented for chloroform exposure for one study 

participant who consumed bottled water indicated that inhalation exposure in the household 

accounted for approximately 98% of the calculated 24-hour chloroform dose, with the remainder 

attributed to the dermal route. Overall, this study demonstrates that blood levels of brominated 

trihalomethanes vary significantly across populations, with water quality characteristics and 

water use activities being important variables. 

Table IV-10 Median Tap Water Trihalomethane Levels (ppb) in Cobb County and Corpus 

Christi Homes, Water Treatment Plants, and Distribution Systems 

Trihalomethane 

Cobb County Corpus Christi 

Home 

(n=25) 

Distribution 

System 

(n=20) 

Water 

Treatment 

Plant 

(n=7) 

Home 

(n=25) 

Distribution 

System 

(n=30) 

Water 

Treatment 

Plant 

(n=20) 

Bromodichloromethane 13.5 12.5 9.5 12.2 8.3 9.5 

Dibromochloromethane 1.7 2.4 1.4 13.5 12.6 14.3 

Bromoform NDa ND ND 8.7 9.7 11.9 

Chloroform 84.8 79 49.5 8.2 4.6 6.7 

a

 ND, not detected (detection limit < 1ppb) 

IV - 34 November 15, 2005 
Table IV-11 Between Site Comparison of Median Blood Levels (ppt) and Changes in Blood 

Levels (ppt) after Showering 

Trihalomethane 

Before Shower After Shower Change in Blood Level after 

Showering 

Cobba Corpusb Cobb Corpus Cobb Corpus 

Bromodichloromethane 6.2 6.8 38 43 30 34 

Dibromochloromethane 1.2 7.0 6.1 41 5.0 35 

Bromoform 0.3 3.5 0.5 17 0.2 12 

Chloroform 70 25 280 57 189 25 

a Cobb County, Georgia b Corpus Christi, TX 

2. Mother's Milk 

Pellizzari et al. (1982) analyzed the milk of eight nursing mothers for various 

compounds, including bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane. The samples were 

collected from 49 lactating women living in the vicinity of chemical manufacturing plants and/or 

industrial user facilities in Bridgeville, PA, Bayonne, NJ, Jersey City, NJ, and Baton Rouge LA. 

Both compounds were identified in one of the eight samples. Actual concentrations and 

detection limits were not reported. Kroneld and Reunanen (1990) did not detect any of the 

brominated trihalomethanes in human milk in a study conducted in Turku, Finland. 

E. Summary 

Brominated trihalomethanes are found in virtually all water treated for drinking; 

however, concentrations of individual forms vary widely depending on the type of water 

treatment, locale, time of year, sampling point in the distribution system, and source of the 

drinking water. Occurrence data for brominated trihalomethanes are available from 13 national 

surveys and 9 additional studies that are more restricted in scope. The procedures used for 

sampling processing and storage and calculation of summary statistics should be carefully 

considered when evaluating and comparing brominated trihalomethane occurrence data. Some 

methods restrict trihalomethane formation by refrigeration or the use of quenching agents, 

whereas others maximize trihalomethane formation by storage at room temperature. Approaches 

to data summarization vary by study in the treatment of data below the analytical detection level 

or minimum reporting level. 

When all available national survey data are considered, bromodichloromethane concentrations in drinking water range from below the detection limit to 183 :g/L (ppb), while 

dibromochloromethane and bromoform concentrations range from below the detection limit to 

280 :g/L (ppb). When data for the three brominated trihalomethanes are compared, the 

frequency of detection and measured concentrations of bromodichloromethane in drinking water 

IV - 35 November 15, 2005 
supplies tend to be higher than those for dibromochloromethane. Bromoform is detected less 

frequently and at lower concentrations than the other two brominated trihalomethanes, except in 

some ground waters. Concentrations of all trihalomethanes in drinking water were generally 

lower when the raw water is obtained from ground water sources rather than surface water 

sources. The most recent national survey data are those collected by the U.S. EPA under the 

Information Collection Rule (ICR). Monitoring data were collected over an 18-month period 

between July 1997 and December 1998 from approximately 300 water systems operating 501 

plants and serving at least 100,000 people. Summary occurrence data stratified by raw water 

source (groundwater or surface water) are available for finished water, the distribution system 

(DS) average, and the DS high values. The mean, median, and 90th percentile values for surface 

water DS average concentrations in the ICR survey are 8.6, 70.2, and 20.3 :g/L, respectively, for 

bromodichloromethane (range of individual values 0 - 65.8 :g/L); 2.4, 4.72, and 13.2 :g/L, 

respectively, for dibromochloromethane (range 0 - 67.3); and 0. 1.18, and 3.10, respectively, for 

bromoform (range 0 - 3.43). 

Relatively few studies have analyzed non-beverage foods for the occurrence of 

brominated trihalomethanes. In the few studies available, bromodichloromethane has been 

detected in non-beverage foods (i.e., in one sample of butter at 7 ppb, in three samples of icecream at 0.6 to 2.3 ppb, in 6 of 10 samples of bean curd at 1.2 to 5.2 ppb, and in one sample of 

bacon (probably below the minimal quantitation limit)). In addition, bromodichloromethane was 

detected in one sample each of eleven foods out of 70 tested in 14 Market Baskets for the FDA 

Total Diet Study. The detected concentrations ranged from 10 to 37 ppb for individual food 

items. Studies that analyzed non-beverage foods for dibromochloromethane and bromoform 

detected neither compound in any of the samples. Brominated trihalomethanes have been 

detected in up to a third or one half of the types of prepared beverages examined in some studies, 

being detected most frequently in colas and other carbonated soft drinks. 

Bromodichloromethane has been found most frequently of the three compounds and bromoform 

the least frequently. Bromodichloromethane was detected in approximately half of the prepared 

beverages examined by McNeal et al. (1995) in the United States and in all of 13 soft drinks that 

they analyzed. With the exception of one of the 13 soft drinks examined by McNeal et al. (1995) 

with a concentration of 12 ppb, none of the at least 18 other measured concentrations of 

bromodichloromethane in soft drinks described above (three from Entz et al. (1982), three from 

Uhler and Diachenko (1987), and the remaining 12 from McNeal et al. (1995)) exceeded a value 

of 4 ppb. Bromodichloromethane was detected in one sample of fruit juice at 5 ppb. 

Exposure to brominated trihalomethanes via ingestion of drinking water was estimated 

using data obtained for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts under the Information 

Collection Rule (ICR). ICR data offer several advantages over other national studies for 

purposes of estimating national exposure levels of adults in the United States to brominated 

trihalomethanes via ingestion of drinking water. First, they are recent and reflect relatively 

current conditions. Second, data of very similar quality and quantity were collected 

systematically from a large number of plants (501) and systems (approximately 300), including 

both surface and ground water systems. Third, the mean, median, and 90th percentile value were 

estimated on the basis of all samples taken, not just the sample detects. Thus, these descriptive 

statistics are representative of the exposures of the entire populations served by those systems, 

IV - 36 November 15, 2005 
not just the populations served by systems with higher concentrations of these compounds. 

However, this study can not be considered representative of smaller public water supplies or 

water supplies from the most highly industrialized or contaminated areas. 

Exposure was calculated by multiplying the concentration of individual brominated 

trihalomethanes in drinking water by the average daily intake, assuming that each individual 

consumes two liters of water per day. The annual median, mean, and upper 90th percentile 

values are presented for both surface and ground water systems. Assuming that the DS High 

value actually represents the average exposure level of persons served by one plant distribution 

pipe with the longest water-residence time, the DS High value might be used to estimate a highend exposure level. 

For bromodichloromethane, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures 

from surface water systems are estimated to be 17, 20, and 40 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromodichloromethane from ground water systems are 

lower – 3.6, 8.1, and 22 :g/person/day, respectively. For dibromochloromethane, the median, 

mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from surface water systems are estimated to be 

4.8, 9.4, and 26 :g/person/day, respectively. The corresponding values for populations exposed 

to dibromochloromethane from groundwater system are lower – 2.7, 6.2, and 18 :g/person/day, 

respectively. For bromoform, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from 

surface water systems are estimated to be near 0, 2.4, and 6.2 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromoform from ground water systems are higher – 

0.65, 3.8, and 9.6 :g/person/day, respectively. 

For purposes of comparison, estimates of ingestion exposure to bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in drinking water were also estimated from data 

collected in other, older studies. Ingestion from ground water supplies was estimated from the 

median levels found in the Ground Water Supply Survey conducted by U.S. EPA in 1980-81. 

Based on the range of median levels (1.4–2.1 :g/L (ppb)) and a consumption rate of two liters 

per day, the median ingestion exposure to bromodichloromethane may range from 2.8 to 4.2 

:g/day. Similarly, median exposure to dibromochloromethane may range from 4.2 to 7.8 :g/day, 

and for bromoform, median exposure may range from 4.8 to 8.4 :g/day. Exposure to 

bromodichloromethane from surface water supplies can be estimated based on the range of 

median values observed under different conditions in the National Organics Monitoring Survey 

conducted by U.S. EPA in 1976-1977, which mainly sampled surface water systems. Based on a 

range of 5.9–14 :g/L (ppb), exposure to bromodichloromethane from surface water is estimated 

to be between 12 and 28 :g/day. Similarly, based on the range of medians reported for 

dibromochloromethane concentrations, the median exposure is estimated to be up to 6 :g/day. 

The median levels of bromoform in the surface water supplies have been found to be less than 

the EPA Drinking Water minimum reporting levels (MRLs) of 0.5–1 :g/L (ppb). An estimate of 

exposure based on the MRLs will be overly conservative because the actual concentration of 

bromoform is not detectable. Based on the range of MRLs, 0.5–1 :g/L (ppb), the exposure to 

bromoform is estimated to range from 1 to 2 :g/day for surface water supplies. 

IV - 37 November 15, 2005 
Ingestion exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water can also be 

estimated from the concentrations found at the tap in the U.S. EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment 

Methodology (TEAM) study. Estimates of the average of the population intakes for ingestion of 

bromodichloromethane from drinking water range from 0.42 to 42 μg/person/day. The upper 

90th percentile estimates range from <2.0 to 90 μg/person/day. Estimates of the average 

population intake of dibromochloromethane from drinking water range from 0.2 to 56 

μg/person/day. The upper 90th percentile estimates range from < 0.9 to 86 μg/person/day. 

Estimates of the average of the population intakes of bromoform, for those areas in which 

bromoform was measurable in a majority of the samples, range from 1.6 to 16.2 μg/person/day. 

The upper 90th percentile estimates range from 2.4 to 26 μg/person/day. Four of the six locations 

in the TEAM study, however, had a low frequency (less than 10%) of detection of bromoform in 

measurable quantities. 

Sources of uncertainty in these estimates of ingestion exposure include use of different 

analytical methods, failure to report quantitation limits, using measures near the detection limit, 

failure to report how nondetects are handled when averaging values (e.g., set to zero or one half 

the detection limit), and failure to report sample storage method and duration. In addition, many 

environmental factors influence the concentrations of these compounds in drinking water at the 

tap and in vended or bottled waters used for drinking. These factors include season and 

temperature, geographic location, source of water, residence time in distribution system, and 

others. 

Average daily intake of dibromochloromethane via ingestion, dermal contact, and 

inhalation of compound volatilized during household use were also estimated for determination 

of the relative source contribution (RSC). Intake for ingestion was calculated using mean intake 

rates of 1.2 or 0.6 L/day for total and direct intake (NRC, 1999), respectively. Direct intake 

includes consumption of water directly from the tap, but does not include intake of tap water 

used for preparation of heated items such tea, coffee, or soup. Based on the ICR distribution 

system average concentration of 4.72 :g/L for dibromochloromethane in surface water, the 

average daily total and direct and ingestion intakes would be 5.7 and 2.8 :g/day, respectively. 

The average dermal uptake of dibromochloromethane was estimated to be 2 :g per shower or 

bathing event. Average daily intake via inhalation of dibromochloromethane volatilized during 

showering was estimated to be 7 :g/day. Parallel calculations were not performed for 

bromodichloromethane or bromoform, because these compounds are probable carcinogens. 

Therefore, in accordance with U.S. EPA policy, RSC analysis was not conducted. 

Some data on the occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes in foods and beverages are 

available from studies conducted in Italy, Japan, and Finland. These studies were also limited in 

scope to examination of relatively few food or beverage items. Bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform concentrations measured in foods and beverages in 

Italy, Japan and Finland ranged from undetectable to 40 ppb, undetectable to 13.9 ppb, and 

undetectable to 10.7 ppb, respectively. Because of possible differences in water disinfection or 

food processing practices, these data may not be representative of concentrations in foods and 

beverages produced in the U.S. 

IV - 38 November 15, 2005 
Concentrations in outdoor air were variable from site to site. When data from several 

urban/suburban and source-dominated sites in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and/or Arkansas 

were combined, the resulting average outdoor air concentrations were 110 ppt (0.74 :g/m3

) for 

bromodichloromethane, 3.8 ppt (0.032 :g/m3

) for dibromochloromethane, and 3.6 ppt (0.037 

:g/m3) for bromoform. A regional study conducted at several sites in southern California found 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in 35%, 17%, and 31% of the 

samples, respectively. The maximum concentrations observed were 40 ppt (0.27 :g/m3

) for 

bromodichloromethane; 290 ppt (2.5 :g/m3) for dibromochloromethane; 310 ppt (3.2 :g/m3) for 

bromoform. Bromodichloromethane was detected in 64% (n=11) and 17% (n=6) of personal air 

samples collected in Texas and North Carolina. The detected concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 

4.36 :g/m3

 (0.017 to 0.65 ppb). Dibromochloromethane was not detected. 

Mean concentrations in indoor air ranged from 0.38 to 0.75 :g/m3

 for bromodichloromethane; 0.44 to 0.53 :g/m3

 for dibromochloromethane, and 0.29 to 0.35 :g/m3 for bromoform, 

as determined from 15 minute samples collected in 48 New Jersey residences. In a separate 

study, levels of brominated trihalomethanes in indoor air were locally increased (e.g., in 

shower/bath enclosures and vanity areas) during showering and bathing events. The levels of 

individual brominated trihalomethanes in air were reported to be consistent with the levels in tap 

water. 

The use of chlorine to disinfect swimming pools and hot tubs results in the formation of 

brominated trihalomethanes. Swimming pool and hot tub users are potentially exposed to 

brominated trihalomethanes via dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation of compounds released 

to the overlying air. As a result, swimming pool and hot tub users may experience greater 

overall exposures to brominated trihalomethanes than the general population. One study 

indicated that bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform concentrations in 

swimming pool and hot tub water ranged from 1 to 105 :g/L (ppb), from 0.1 to 48 :g/L (ppb), 

and from less than 0.1 to 62 :g/L (ppb), respectively. Concentrations of the same brominated 

trihalomethanes in the air two meters above the pool water ranged from less than 0.1 to 14 :g/m3 

(0.015 to 2.09 ppb), from less than 0.1 to 10 :g/m3 (0.011 to 1.2 ppb), and from less than 0.1 to 

5.0 :g/m3

 (0.0097 to 0.48 ppb), respectively. Data from several studies confirm the uptake of 

brominated trihalomethanes from swimming pools and environs by dermal and/or inhalation 

pathways. 

No data for occurrence of brominated trihalomethanes in soil were available in the 

materials reviewed for this document. The chemical and physical properties of the brominated 

trihalomethanes indicate that they should volatilize readily from wet or dry soil surfaces. 

Therefore, ingestion of soil is not expected to be a significant route of exposure. 

Exposure to brominated trihalomethanes via ingestion of drinking water was estimated 

using data obtained for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts under the Information 

Collection Rule (ICR). ICR data offer several advantages over other national studies for 

purposes of estimating national exposure levels of adults in the United States to brominated 

trihalomethanes via ingestion of drinking water. First, they are recent and reflect relatively 

current conditions. Second, data of very similar quality and quantity were collected 

IV - 39 November 15, 2005 
systematically from a large number of plants (501) and systems (approximately 300), including 

both surface and ground water systems. Third, the mean, median, and 90th percentile value were 

estimated on the basis of all samples taken, not just the sample detects. Thus, these descriptive 

statistics are representative of the exposures of the entire populations served by those systems, 

not just the populations served by systems with higher concentrations of these compounds. 

However, this study can not be considered representative of smaller public water supplies or 

water supplies from the most highly industrialized or contaminated areas. 

Exposure was calculated by multiplying the concentration of individual brominated 

trihalomethanes in drinking water by the average daily intake, assuming that each individual 

consumes two liters of water per day. The annual median, mean, and upper 90th percentile 

values are presented for both surface and ground water systems. Assuming that the DS High 

value actually represents the average exposure level of persons served by one plant distribution 

pipe with the longest water-residence time, the DS High value might be used to estimate a highend exposure level. 

For bromodichloromethane, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures 

from surface water systems are estimated to be 17, 20, and 40 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromodichloromethane from ground water systems are 

lower – 3.6, 8.1, and 22 :g/person/day, respectively. For dibromochloromethane, the median, 

mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from surface water systems are estimated to be 

4.8, 9.4, and 26 :g/person/day, respectively. The corresponding values for populations exposed 

to dibromochloromethane from groundwater system are lower – 2.7, 6.2, and 18 :g/person/day, 

respectively. For bromoform, the median, mean, and 90th percentile population exposures from 

surface water systems are estimated to be near 0, 2.4, and 6.2 :g/person/day, respectively. The 

same values for populations exposed to bromoform from ground water systems are higher – 

0.65, 3.8, and 9.6 :g/person/day, respectively. 

For purposes of comparison, estimates of ingestion exposure to bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in drinking water were also estimated from data 

collected in other, older studies. Ingestion from ground water supplies was estimated from the 

median levels found in the Ground Water Supply Survey conducted by U.S. EPA in 1980-81. 

Based on the range of median levels (1.4 to 2.1 :g/L (ppb)) and a consumption rate of two liters 

per day, the median ingestion exposure to bromodichloromethane may range from 2.8 to 4.2 

:g/day. Similarly, median exposure to dibromochloromethane may range from 4.2 to 7.8 :g/day, 

and for bromoform, median exposure may range from 4.8 to 8.4 :g/day. Exposure to 

bromodichloromethane from surface water supplies can be estimated based on the range of 

median values observed under different conditions in the National Organics Monitoring Survey 

conducted by U.S. EPA in 1976-1977, which mainly sampled surface water systems. Based on a 

range of 5.9 to 14 :g/L (ppb), exposure to bromodichloromethane from surface water is 

estimated to be between 12 and 28 :g/day. Similarly, based on the range of medians reported 

for dibromochloromethane concentrations, the median exposure is estimated to be up to 

6 :g/day. The median levels of bromoform in the surface water supplies have been found to be 

less than the EPA Drinking Water minimum reporting levels (MRLs) of 0.5–1 :g/L (ppb). An 

estimate of exposure based on the MRLs will be overly conservative because the actual 

IV - 40 November 15, 2005 
concentration of bromoform is not detectable. Based on the range of MRLs, 0.5–1 :g/L (ppb), 

the exposure to bromoform is estimated to range from 1 to 2 :g/day for surface water supplies. 

Ingestion exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water can also be 

estimated from the concentrations found at the tap in the U.S. EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment 

Methodology (TEAM) study. Estimates of the average of the population intakes for ingestion of 

bromodichloromethane from drinking water range from 0.42 to 42 μg/person/day. The upper 

90th percentile estimates range from <2.0 to 90 μg/person/day. Estimates of the average 

population intake of dibromochloromethane from drinking water range from 0.2 to 56 

μg/person/day. The upper 90th percentile estimates range from < 0.9 to 86 μg/person/day. 

Estimates of the average of the population intakes of bromoform, for those areas in which 

bromoform was measurable in a majority of the samples, range from 1.6 to 16.2 μg/person/day. 

The upper 90th percentile estimates range from 2.4 to 26 μg/person/day. Four of the six locations 

in the TEAM study, however, had a low frequency (less than 10%) of detection of bromoform in 

measurable quantities. 

Sources of uncertainty in these estimates of ingestion exposure include use of different 

analytical methods, failure to report quantitation limits, using measures near the detection limit, 

failure to report how nondetects are handled when averaging values (e.g., set to zero or one half 

the detection limit), and failure to report sample storage method and duration. In addition, many 

environmental factors influence the concentrations of these compounds in drinking water at the 

tap and in vended or bottled waters used for drinking. These factors include season and 

temperature, geographic location, source of water, residence time in distribution system, and 

others. 

The RSC is the percentage of total daily exposure that is attributable to tap water when 

all potential sources are considered (e.g., air, food, soil, and water). Ideally, the RSC is 

determined quantitatively using nationwide, central tendency and/or high-end estimates of 

exposure from each relevant medium. In the absence of such data, a default RSC ranging from 

20% to 80% may be used. 

The RSC used in the current and previous drinking water regulations for 

dibromochloromethane is 80%. This value was established by use of a screening level approach 

to estimate and compare exposure to dibromochloromethane from various sources. Information 

considered for during this process is summarized in Appendix C. There are some uncertainties 

in the 80% RSC that are related to the availability of adequate concentration data for 

dibromochloromethane in media other than water. Parallel RSC calculations were not performed 

for bromodichloromethane and bromoform. The EPA has set the regulatory level for these 

chemicals in drinking water at zero because it has been determined that they are probable human 

carcinogens. Therefore, determination of an RSC is not relevant for these chemicals because it 

is the Agency’s policy to perform RSC analysis only for noncarcinogens. 

Brominated trihalomethanes have been detected in the blood and breast milk of humans. 

A national survey of volatile organic compounds in whole blood detected bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in 14%, 12%, and less than 10% of samples, 

IV - 41 November 15, 2005 
respectively, when highly sensitive analytical methods were applied. Several studies have 

demonstrated that the level of individual brominated trihalomethanes in blood or breath 

increases shortly after exposure to these compounds in tap water during bathing and showering. 

Exposure during these events may occur by ingestion, dermal contact and/or inhalation of the 

volatilized compound. In studies which examined households with differing concentrations of 

brominated trihalomethanes in tap water, the levels of individual brominated trihalomethanes in 

blood or exhaled breath paralleled the tap water concentration. The studies of showering and 

bathing indicate that water use patterns and water quality characteristics are important variables 

in determining the blood levels of brominated trihalomethanes. Dibromochloromethane was 

detected in one of eight samples of breast milk collected from women living in the vicinity of 

U.S. chemical manufacturing plants or user facilities. 

IV - 42 November 15, 2005 
V. HEALTH EFFECTS IN ANIMALS 

A. Acute Exposures 

This section presents data on the acute effects of brominated trihalomethanes. Acute 

lethality values for the brominated trihalomethanes are summarized in Table V-1. Additional 

acute toxicity data are summarized in Table V-2. 

1. Bromodichloromethane 

Acute lethality of bromodichloromethane has been investigated in mice and rats. LD50 

values for male and female ICR Swiss mice were 450 and 900 mg/kg, respectively (Bowman et 

al., 1978). Chu et al. (1980) determined LD50 values of 916 and 969 mg/kg for male and female 

Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. 

Bowman et al. (1978) administered bromodichloromethane in a single gavage dose in 

Emulphor®:alcohol:saline (1:1:8) to ICR Swiss mice (10/sex/group). The administered doses 

ranged from 500 to 4,000 mg/kg (individual doses not reported). Sedation and anesthesia 

occurred at 500 mg/kg. Males were more sensitive to the lethal effects of 

bromodichloromethane than females. 

Table V-1 Summary of LD50 Values for Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Compound 

LD50 Values (mg/kg) 

ICR Swiss Mouse a Sprague-Dawley Rat b 

Male Female Male Female 

Bromodichloromethane 450 900 916 969 

Dibromochloromethane 800 1200 1186 848 

Bromoform 1400 1550 1388 1147 a

Bowman et al. (1978) 

b

Chu et al. (1980) 

V - 1 November 15, 2005 
Table V-2 Summary of Acute Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Bromodichloromethane 

Bowman et al. Mouse Gavage M, F 10 Single 500 - 4000 Anesthesia, sedation at 500 

(1978) ICR (aqueous) dose mg/kg 

Swiss 

NTP (1987) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 Single 

dose 

150 

300 

600 

1,250 

2,500 

Increased mortality at 600 

mg/kg-day. Lethargy, labored 

breathing at 1250 mg/kg-day and 

above, 100% mortality at the 

two highest dose groups 

NTP (1987) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(oil) 

M, F 5 Single 

dose 

150 

300 

600 

100% mortality at the two 

highest dose groups 

1,250 

2,500 

Lilly et al. Rat Gavage M 6 Single 0 Renal tubule degeneration and 

(1994) F344 (corn oil) dose 200 (LOAEL) necrosis; alteration in markers of 

(aqueous) 400 renal function 

Lilly et al. Rat Gavage M 6 Single 0 Renal tubule necrosis; alteration 

(1996) F344 (corn oil dose 200 (LOAEL) in markers of renal function 

or water) 400 

Lilly et al. 

(1997) 

Rat 

F344 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

M 5 Single 

dose 

0 

123 

164 (NOAEL) 

246 (LOAEL) 

328 

Decreased body weight; elevated 

liver and renal markers 

492 

Keegan et al. 

(1998) 

Rat 

F344 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

M 6 Single 

dose 

0 

21 

31 

41 (NOAEL) 

82 (LOAEL) 

123 

Elevated liver markers; 

decreased liver weight and body 

weight 

164 

246 

Dibromochloromethane 

Bowman et al. Mouse Gavage M, F 10 Single 500 - 4000 Anesthesia, sedation 

(1978) ICR (aqueous) dose 

Swiss 

NTP (1985) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 Single 

dose 

160 

310 

630 

1250 

Increased mortality at 630 mg/kg 

and above, with 100% mortality 

in high-dose group 

2,500 

V - 2 November 15, 2005 
Table V-2 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

NTP (1985) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 Single 

dose 

160 

310 

630 

1250 

2500 

Increased mortality in females at 

630 mg/kg-day and above and in 

males at 310 mg/kg-day and 

above; 100% mortality in males 

in two highest dose groups and 

females in two highest dose 

groups 

Müller et al. 

(1997) 

Rat 

Wistar 

Gavage 

(olive oil) 

M 6 Single 

dose 

0 

83 

167 

333 

667 

Transient decrease in blood 

pressure and heart rate; 

decreased activity; effects on 

heart muscle contractility and 

changes in some cardiac 

parameters 

Bromoform 

Bowman et al. Mouse Gavage M, F 10 Single 500 - 4000 Ataxia, sedation, and anesthesia 

(1978) ICR (aqueous) dose at 500 mg/kg 

Swiss 

Chu et al. 

(1980) 

Rat 

SD* 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 10 Single 

dose 

546 

765 

1071 

Sedation, ataxia, liver and kidney 

congestion 

1500 

2100 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 Single 

dose 

125 

250 

500 

1,000 

2000 

No deaths at 500 and lower; 

60% mortality at 1,000; 100% 

mortality at 2,000; 

shallow breathing in two highest 

dose groups 

NTP (1989a) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 Single 

dose 

125 

250 

500 

10% mortality at 500 mg/kg-day 

1,000 

2000 

* SD, Sprague-Dawley

NTP (1987) administered single gavage doses of bromodichloromethane in corn oil to 

male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (5/sex/dose) at 150, 300, 600, 1,250, or 

2,500 mg/kg. Animals were observed for 14 days, and a necropsy was performed on at least one 

male and one female in each dose group. All animals dosed with 1,250 or 2,500 mg/kg died 

before the end of the study. At 600 mg/kg, deaths occurred in two of five male rats, one of five 

female rats, five of five male mice, and two of five female mice. Clinical signs observed in rats 

at 1,250 or 2,500 mg/kg included lethargy and labored breathing. Clinical signs observed in 

mice at or above 600 mg/kg included lethargy, with the exception that this sign was not observed 

V - 3 November 15, 2005 
in high-dose male mice. At necropsy, the liver from animals dosed with 1,250 or 2,500 mg/kg 

appeared pale. No dose-related effects were seen on body weight gain in animals that survived. 

Lilly et al. (1994) examined the effect of vehicle on the toxicity of bromodichloromethane. Male F344 rats (6/dose) were administered a single dose of 0, 200, or 400 mg/kg 

bromodichloromethane by gavage in corn oil or in an aqueous 10% Emulphor® solution. Body 

weights were significantly decreased at 400 mg/kg only in the animals receiving the aqueous 

gavage. Absolute and relative kidney weights were significantly increased at 400 mg/kg in both 

vehicles, with a significantly greater increase observed in the animals gavaged with oil compared 

to those gavaged with 10% Emulphor® solution. Serum markers of hepatotoxicity were 

significantly increased at 400 mg/kg in both vehicles with one nonsignificant increase in the 

aqueous vehicle. The increases were significantly greater for two of these markers in animals 

receiving the oil vehicle compared to those receiving the aqueous vehicle. Clinical observations 

were supported by histopathology findings. Hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were 

observed at 400 mg/kg in animals receiving either vehicle. The difference in vehicles was 

reflected in more severe hepatocellular degeneration and a higher incidence of centrilobular 

necrosis in animals receiving the oil gavage compared to those receiving the aqueous gavage. 

Numerous increases in urinary markers of renal toxicity were observed 24 hours after dosing. 

Based on the differences observed, renal toxicity at 200 mg/kg was similar or greater in the 

aqueous vehicle. Renal toxicity at 400 mg/kg, however, was greater in the oil vehicle. The time 

to peak toxicity was both dose- and vehicle-dependent. At 200 mg/kg, peak damage was 

observed at 24 hours in animals receiving either vehicle. At 400 mg/kg, peak damage was 

observed at 48 hours following oil gavage and at 24-36 hours following aqueous gavage. 

Histopathology revealed both renal tubule degeneration and necrosis at both dose levels. The 

incidence of renal tubule degeneration was greater in animals receiving the aqueous gavage at 

the low dose; however, the severity of renal degeneration and necrosis was greater in the animals 

receiving the oil gavage at the high dose. The authors attributed the vehicle differences to slower 

gastrointestinal uptake of bromodichloromethane from the oil vehicle compared to the aqueous 

vehicle. At the high dose, more bromodichloromethane would be converted to a reactive 

metabolite following oil dosing, while saturation would occur following aqueous dosing. At the 

low dose, the difference in uptake would have less of an effect. Overall, this study found that the 

kidney was more sensitive than the liver to a single dose of bromodichloromethane. A LOAEL 

of 200 mg/kg was identified for each vehicle based on minimal renal tubule degeneration and 

changes in markers of renal function. 

Lilly et al. (1996) investigated the effect of subchronic pretreatment with corn oil on the 

toxicity of bromodichloromethane. Prior to initiation of dosing with bromodichloromethane, 

male Fischer 344 rats (6 animals/group) were gavaged with oral doses of corn oil or water for six 

weeks (5 days/week) at a constant volume of 5 mL/kg. Following pretreatment, the animals 

were gavaged with a single dose of 0, 200, or 400 mg bromodichloromethane/kg in 10% 

Emulphor®. Urine was collected at 24, 36, and 48 hours following bromodichloromethane 

administration. The rats were sacrificed at 48 hours and necropsies were performed. Activities 

of the hepatotoxicity indicators alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase 

(AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) were measured in the 

serum, and the renal toxicity indicators alkaline phosphatase (ALK), AST, and LDH, were 

V - 4 November 15, 2005 
measured in the urine. Additional analyses included determination of serum levels of bile acids, 

triglycerides, cholesterol and albumin, and urine levels of N-acetylglucosaminidase and gamma 

glutamyl transpeptidase activity. Enzymatic activities of cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP2E1 

and CYP2B1/B2 were measured in the microsomal fraction of the liver to investigate whether 

corn oil was an inducer of bromodichloromethane metabolizing enzymes. 

Liver weight was significantly reduced only in the water pretreatment group at the high 

dose. Kidney weight was reduced in both pretreatment groups at the high dose. Activities of 

serum AST and LDH were significantly elevated in both pretreatment groups at 400 mg/kg. 

ALT levels increased in a dose-dependent manner in the water pretreatment group, but 

significant elevations were noted only at the 400 mg/kg dose in animals pretreated with corn oil. 

Activities of urinary AST and LDH were greater than controls in both pretreatment groups after 

24, 36, and 48 hours. ALK levels were significantly increased in both pretreatment groups at 24 

hours. At 36 and 48 hours, ALK levels were elevated only in water-pretreated animals. High 

incidences of renal tubular necrosis occurred at 200 and 400 mg/kg in both pretreatment groups. 

There were no significant differences in the histopathological lesion scores between the 

pretreatment groups. No significant differences were noted in the hepatic activity of CYP2E1 or 

CYP2B1/B2 in the corn oil pretreated animals compared to the water controls. Although a 

number of differences between the pretreatment groups were noted in results for specific 

endpoints, the overall results from this study indicate that 6 weeks of pretreatment with corn oil 

did not significantly enhance the acute hepato- or nephrotoxicity of bromodichloromethane. In 

addition, the reported data suggest that vehicle-related differences in toxicity observed in other 

bromodichloromethane studies are most likely due to pharmacokinetic differences in absorption 

rather than altered enzyme activity induced by corn oil. This study confirms the acute LOAEL 

of 200 mg/kg-day previously identified by Lilly et al. (1994) for renal toxicity. 

Lilly et al. (1997) administered single doses of bromodichloromethane by gavage in 

aqueous 10% Emulphor® solution to male F344 rats at dose levels of 0, 123, 164, 246, 328, or 

492 mg/kg. Groups of 5 animals/dose were sacrificed at 24 and 48 hours post-dosing. Body 

weights were significantly decreased at or above 246 mg/kg after 48 hours. At 24 hours, 

absolute and relative kidney weights were significantly increased at or above 328 mg/kg and 

246 mg/kg, respectively. At 48 hours, only relative kidney weight at the high dose was 

significantly increased. At 24 hours, serum markers of liver damage (ALT and AST) were 

significantly increased at or above 246 mg/kg with one marker (SDH) increased at all dose 

levels. Although smaller statistically significant increases were observed at the low doses at 24 

hours for ALT (123 and 164 mg/kg) and AST (164 mg/kg), the biological significance of these 

increases is unclear. After 48 hours, serum levels of these markers were decreased from 24-hour 

levels with statistically significant changes noted only at the higher doses. No effects in urinary 

markers of kidney damage were found at either 123 or 164 mg/kg. These markers, however, 

were significantly elevated after 24 hours for doses at or above 246 mg/kg with few exceptions. 

No histopathological examination was conducted. These results were generally consistent with 

earlier results (Lilly et al., 1994), although the present study was conducted at doses low enough 

to identify a NOAEL. In contrast to the earlier results of Lilly et al. (1994), this study did not 

find that the kidney was more sensitive than the liver to the toxic effects of 

V - 5 November 15, 2005 
bromodichloromethane. Based on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, this study identified a 

NOAEL of 164 mg/kg and a LOAEL of 246 mg/kg. 

Keegan et al. (1998) investigated the acute toxicity of bromodichloromethane 

administered orally in an aqueous vehicle. Male Fischer 344 rats (6 animals/group) were 

gavaged with a single dose of 0, 0.125, 0.1875, 0.250, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 or 1.5 mmol/kg dissolved in 

a 10% aqueous solution of Alkamuls EL-620. These doses of bromodichloromethane are 

equivalent to 0, 20.5, 30.7, 41.0, 81.9, 122.9, 163.8, and 245.7 mg/kg, respectively. Control 

animals were dosed with vehicle only (10% Alkamuls EL-620). Gavage volumes were kept 

constant at 5 ml/kg body weight. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after dose administration 

and the liver, kidneys, and serum were harvested. Significant decreases in body weight were 

observed in animals treated with 0.75, 1.0, or 1.5 mmol/kg. Decreases in absolute liver weights 

were observed in the 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, or 1.5 mmol/kg animals. No change was noted in relative 

liver weights. Absolute kidney weights were not affected by bromodichloromethane treatment, 

but relative kidney weights were significantly increased in the two highest dose groups (1.0 and 

1.5 mmol/kg). Serum levels of ALT, SDH, and AST were assessed as an indication of liver 

toxicity. Dose-dependent elevations in ALT (45% to 239% increase), AST (25% to 130% 

increase) and SDH (74% to 378% increase) were observed in the 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 mmol 

dose groups. Based on these findings, 0.25 mmol/kg (41.0 mg/kg) represents the NOAEL and 

0.5 mmol/kg (81.9 mg/kg) represents the LOAEL for orally administered bromodichloromethane 

in an aqueous vehicle. The study authors used the NOAEL of 41.0 mg/kg to calculate One-Day 

Health Advisories for drinking water of 4 mg/L for a 10-kg child and 14 mg/L for a 70-kg adult. 

2. Dibromochloromethane 

LD

The acute oral lethality of dibromochloromethane has been assessed in rats and mice of 

both sexes. Chu et al. (1980) reported LD50 values in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats of 

1,186 and 848 mg/kg-day for males and females, respectively. Bowman et al. (1978) reported 

50 values in mice of 800 and 1,200 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Bowman et al. (1978) investigated the acute oral toxicity of dibromochloromethane in 

ICR Swiss mice (10/sex/group). Doses of 500 to 4000 mg/kg (individual doses not reported) 

were administered by gavage in Emulphor®:alcohol:saline (1:1:8) to fasted animals. Sedation 

and anesthesia occurred at 500 mg/kg. Males were more sensitive than females to the acute 

lethal effects of dibromochloromethane. 

NTP (1985) evaluated the acute toxicity of dibromochloromethane in male and female 

F344/N rats. The rats (5 animals/sex/dose) received single doses of 160, 310, 630, 1,250, or 

2,500 mg/kg dibromochloromethane by gavage in corn oil. The observation period following 

treatment was 14 days. Mortality in high-dose rats was 100% by day 3. At the 1,250 mg/kg 

dose, four male rats and one female rat died. One female rat died in the 630 mg/kg group. 

Doses of 310 mg/kg or greater produced lethargy in all animals for 3 hours after dosing. A gross 

necropsy was conducted on one or two animals from each group. No treatment-related effects 

were observed in rats selected for gross necropsy. 

V - 6 November 15, 2005 
In a concurrent study, NTP (1985) evaluated the acute toxicity of dibromochloromethane 

in male and female B6C3F1 mice (5/sex/dose). The mice received single doses of 160, 310, 630, 

1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg dibromochloromethane by gavage in corn oil. The observation period 

following treatment was 14 days. All male mice receiving the 2,500 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg 

doses died. Three male mice receiving the 630 mg/kg dose died, while a single male mouse died 

at the 310 mg/kg dose. All female mice receiving the 2500 mg/kg dose died. Four of the 

female mice administered the 1,250 mg/kg dose died between days 2 and 8 post-treatment. No 

female mice died at doses of 630 mg/kg or lower. A gross necropsy was conducted on one or 

two animals from each group. At necropsy, aberrations of the kidney (dark red or pale 

medullae) and liver (discolored foci) were reported to be more frequently observed in treated 

animals than in control animals (raw data were not presented in the study). 

Müller et al. (1997) investigated the cardiotoxic effects of acute dibromochloromethane 

exposure. Male Wistar rats were administered a single dose of dibromochloromethane by 

gavage in olive oil at dose levels of 0, 83, 167, 333, or 667 mg/kg. Telemetric measurements of 

cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and physical activity) 

were recorded in conscious rats (6/group) from 24 hours prior to administration to 72 hours 

following administration. Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured in urethaneanesthetized rats (10/group) 25 minutes following administration. For these rats, contractility 

parameters, such as the Krayenbühl index, were also calculated. Treatment-related arrhythmias 

were not observed in conscious rats dosed with 83 to 333 mg/kg of dibromochloromethane, 

while rats in the high-dose group exhibited premature ventricular contractions one minute 

following administration. Heart rate and body temperature were initially decreased in all 

treatment groups following administration, but returned to control values 24 hours post-exposure 

in rats administered 83 to 333 mg/kg. In the high-dose rats, heart rate remained depressed up to 

48 hours post-exposure, and body temperature decreased 4.5°C below control values by 72 hours 

post-exposure. Blood pressure was initially increased in all treatment groups following 

administration, but began to return to control values within 48 hours post-exposure in rats 

administered 83 to 333 mg/kg. Blood pressure in the high-dose group, however, decreased 

below control values 72 hours post-exposure. Physical activity was decreased in conscious rats 

administered 333 and 667 mg/kg during the entire observation period. In urethane-anesthetized 

rats, negative effects on muscle contractility were observed at dose levels of 333 and 667 mg/kg, 

negative chronotropic (rate of contraction) effects were observed at the 333 mg/kg dose level, 

and negative dromotropic (defined as influencing the velocity of conduction of excitation, as in 

nerve or cardiac muscle fibers) effects were observed at dose levels of 167 to 667 mg/kg. Heart 

rate, blood pressure, and several contractility parameters, however, did not exhibit dose-related 

trends. 

3. Bromoform 

Bowman et al. (1978) assessed the acute oral toxicity of bromoform in ICR Swiss mice. 

Groups of ten male (30 to 35 g) and ten female (25 to 30 g) mice were treated with single doses 

ranging from 500 to 4,000 mg/kg. Compounds were solubilized in Emulphor®:alcohol:saline 

(1:1:8) and administered by gavage to fasted animals. The period of observation following 

treatment was 14 days. LD50 values were 1400 and 1550 mg/kg for males and females, 

V - 7 November 15, 2005 
respectively. Ataxia, sedation, and anesthesia occurred within 60 minutes of treatment at doses 

of 1000-mg/kg and above. Sedation lasted approximately 4 hours. 

Chu et al. (1980) evaluated the acute toxicity of bromoform in male and female SpragueDawley rats. Fasted adult rats (10/sex/dose) received doses of 546, 765, 1071, 1500, or 2100 

mg/kg bromoform dissolved in corn oil by gavage. Clinical observations were made for 14 days 

after treatment. The LD50 values for male and female rats were 1388 and 1147 mg/kg, 

respectively. Clinical signs observed in treated rats included sedation, flaccid muscle tone, 

ataxia, piloerection, and hypothermia. Gross pathological examination revealed liver and kidney 

congestion in treated animals. Chu et al. (1982a) reported results for growth, food intake, organ 

weight, histopathology, hematological indices, liver microsome aniline hydroxylase activity and 

serum chemistry in surviving rats. Bromoform treatment increased liver protein concentration in 

the serum of male rats at doses of 765 and 1071 mg/kg. Lymphocyte counts were decreased in 

male (765 and 1071 mg/kg doses) and female (765 mg/kg) rats but the effect was not dosedependent. Female rats at the 765 mg/kg dose had elevated aniline hydroxylase levels. 

NTP (1989a) investigated the acute oral toxicity of bromoform in male and female 

F344/N rats. The rats (5/sex/group) were administered a single oral dose of bromoform (by 

gavage, in corn oil) at dose levels of 125, 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg. Control groups were 

not included in the study design. Mortality was 10/10 at 2,000 mg/kg, 6/10 at 1,000 mg/kg, and 

0/10 at 500 mg/kg or lower. Shallow breathing was observed in rats that received the 1000 or 

2000 mg/kg doses. No other clinical signs were reported. 

NTP (1989a) investigated the acute oral toxicity of bromoform in male and female 

B6C3F1 mice. The mice received a single oral dose of bromoform (by gavage, in corn oil) at 

dose levels of 125, 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg. There were no controls. Mortality was 

0/10 at 2,000 mg/kg, 6/10 at 1,000 mg/kg, 1/10 at 500 mg/kg, and 0/10 at 250 mg/kg or lower. 

The final mean body weight of mice that survived to the end of the study period was unaffected 

by bromoform exposure. Male mice that received doses of 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg and 

females that received 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg were lethargic. Shallow breathing was noted in male 

mice administered the 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg dose. 

B. Short-Term Exposures 

This section summarizes short-term studies (less than approximately 90 days) on the 

health effects of brominated trihalomethanes in animals. Details of these studies are summarized 

in Table V-3. 

V - 8 November 15, 2005 
Table V-3 Summary of Short Term Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Bromodichloromethane 

Oral Exposure 

Chu et al. Rat Drinking M 10 28 days 0 No signs of toxicity observed. 

(1982a) SD* water 0.8 

8 

68 (NOAEL) 

Munson et al. Mouse Gavage M, F 8-12 14 days 0 Decreased immune function; 

(1982) CD-1 (aqueous) 50 (NOAEL) increased liver weight, 

125 (LOAEL) decreased absolute and relative 

250 spleen wt. (females) 

Condie et al. Mouse Gavage M 8-16 14 days 0 Liver and kidney 

(1983) CD-1 (corn oil) 37 histopathology 

74 (NOAEL) 

148 (LOAEL) 

NTP (1987) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 14 days 0 

38 

75 

Decreased body weight gain; 

renal pathology 

150 (NOAEL) 

300 (LOAEL) 

600 

NTP (1987) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 14 days 0 

19 

38 

Mortality, renal histopathology 

75 (NOAEL) 

150 (LOAEL) 

300 

Aida et al. Rat Diet M 7 1 month 0 Liver histopathology 

(1992a) Wistar 21 

62 (NOAEL) 

189 (LOAEL) 

Aida et al. Rat Diet F 7 1 month 0 Liver histopathology 

(1992a) Wistar 21 

66 (NOAEL) 

204 (LOAEL) 

Thornton- Rat Gavage F 6 5 days 0 Liver histopathology, renal 

Manning et al. F344 (aqueous) 75 (NOAEL) histopathology; increased liver 

(1994) 150 (LOAEL) and kidney wt.; 

300 elevated markers of 

hepatotoxicity 

ThorntonManning et al. 

(1994) 

Mouse 

C57BL/ 

6J 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

F 6 5 days 0 

75 (NOAEL) 

150 (LOAEL) 

Increased serum markers of 

hepatotoxicity 

V - 9 November 15, 2005 
Table V-3 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Potter et al. Rat Gavage M 1, 3, or 7 123 No effect in hyaline droplet 

(1996) F344 (aqueous) days 246 (NOAEL) formation or cell proliferation 

Melnick et al. 

(1998) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

F 10 3 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

75 (NOAEL) 

150 (LOAEL) 

326 

Increased abs. and relative liver 

weight; increased serum 

markers of hepatotoxicity; 

hepatocyte degeneration; 

increased labeling index 

NTP (1998) Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

M, F 6 2 weeks 0 

11 

45 (NOAEL) 

91 (LOAEL) 

124 

Transient reduction in weight 

gain 

NTP (1998) Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

M, F 5-13 35 days Group A males 

0 

9 (NOAEL) 

38 (LOAEL) 

67 

Single cell hepatic necrosis in 

Group A males 

Coffin et al. 

(2000) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(Corn oil) 

Drinking 

water 

F 10 11 days 

11 days 

0 

150 (LOAEL) 

300 

0 

138 (LOAEL) 

Hydropic degeneration in liver 

(corn oil gavage and drinking 

water); increased relative liver 

weight (gavage); increased 

proliferating cell nuclear 

antigen labeling index (gavage) 

Lock et al. Rat Gavage M 5 28 days 0 Increased formic acid excretion 

(2004) F344 (5 d/wk) 50 (LOAEL) by the kidneys; decrease urinary 

100 pH; increased labeling index in 

renal cells (only at 100 mg/kg) 

Lock et al. 

(2004) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage M 6 28 days 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

25 

50 (LOAEL) 

Increased formic acid excretion 

by the kidneys. At both doses, 

no increased cell proliferation 

or clinical/histological evidence 

of renal damage. 

Inhalation Exposure 

Torti et al. 

(2001) 

Mouse 

C57BL/6 

FVB/N 

(wildtype) 

Vapor M 6 1 week 

(6 hr/day) 

0 ppm 

1 ppm 

(NOAEL) 

10 ppm 

(LOAEL) 

Dose-dependent marginal 

increase in renal tubular 

degeneration in C57BL/6 mice; 

mild increase in renal tubular 

degeneration and marginal 

30 ppm increase in hepatic degeneration 

100 ppm in FVB/N mice; sign. increased 

150 ppm labeling index 

V - 10 November 15, 2005 
Table V-3 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Torti et al. 

(2001) 

Mouse 

C57BL/6 

(p53 

heterozygous) 

Vapor M 6 1 week 

(6 hr/day) 

0 

1 ppm 

(NOAEL) 

10 ppm 

(LOAEL) 

Dose-dependent marginal to 

mild increase in renal tubular 

degeneration; sign. increased 

labeling index 

30 ppm 

100 ppm 

150 ppm 

Torti et al. 

(2001) 

FVB/N 

(p53 

heterozygous) 

Vapor M 6 1 week 

(6 hr/day) 

0 ppm 

0.3 ppm 

1 ppm 

3 ppm 

(NOAEL) 

10 ppm 

(LOAEL) 

30 ppm 

Dose-dependent mild increase 

in renal tubular degeneration 

and marginal increase in 

nephrosis; marginal increase in 

hepatic degeneration; sign. 

increased relative kidney wt. 

and labeling index. 

Torti et al. 

(2001) 

Mouse 

C57BL/6 

FVB/N 

(wildtype) 

Vapor M 6 3 weeks 

(6 hr/day) 

0 ppm 

0.3 ppm 

1 ppm 

3 ppm 

(NOAEL) 

Marginal increase in renal 

tubular degeneration 

10 ppm 

(LOAEL) 

30 ppm 

Torti et al. 

(2001) 

Mouse 

C57BL/6 

FVB/N 

( p53 

heterozygous) 

Vapor M 6 3 weeks 

(6 hr/day) 

0 ppm 

0.3 ppm 

1 ppm 

3 ppm 

(NOAEL) 

10 ppm 

Marginal or mild increase in 

renal tubular degeneration in 

both strains; marginal increase 

in hepatic degeneration in 

FVB/N heterozygous strain 

(LOAEL) 

30 ppm 

Dibromochloromethane 

Munson et al. Mouse Gavage M, F 8-12 14 days 0 Decreased immune function 

(1982) CD-1 (aqueous) 50 (NOAEL) 

125 (LOAEL) 

250 

Chu et al. Rat Drinking M 10 28 days 0 No effect on growth, clinical 

(1982a) SD water 0.7 signs, biochemical or 

8.5 histopathological endpoints 

68 (NOAEL) 

Condie et al. Mouse Gavage M 8-16 14 days 0 Decreased PAH uptake, 

(1983) CD-1 (corn oil) 37 moderate liver and kidney 

74 (NOAEL) histopathology 

147 (LOAEL) 

V - 11 November 15, 2005 
Table V-3 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

NTP (1985) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 14 days 0 

60 

125 

Mortality; liver and renal gross 

pathology 

250 (NOAEL) 

500 (LOAEL) 

1,000 

NTP (1985) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 14 days 0 

30 

60 (NOAEL) 

125 (LOAEL) 

250 

Liver and kidney gross 

pathology 

500 

Aida et al. Rat Diet M 7 1 month 0 Liver histopathology 

(1992a) Wistar 18 (NOAEL) 

56 (LOAEL) 

173 

Aida et al. Rat Diet F 7 1 month 0 Liver histopathology; increased 

(1992a) Wistar 34 (NOAEL) relative liver weight 

101 (LOAEL) 

333 

Potter et al. Rat Gavage M 1, 3, or 7 156 No effect on hyaline droplet 

(1996) F344 (aqueous) days 312 (NOAEL) formation or cell proliferation 

Melnick et al. 

(1998) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

F 10 3 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

50 

100 (NOAEL) 

192 (LOAEL) 

417 

Liver histopathology; increased 

serum enzymes and liver 

weight. Significant increase of 

hepatocyte labeling index only 

at the highest dose of 417 

mg/kg-day 

Coffin et al. 

(2000) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(Corn oil) 

F 10 11 days 0 

100 (LOAEL) 

300 

Increased proliferating cell 

nuclear antigen labeling index , 

increased relative liver wt. 

Drinking 

water 

11 days 0 

171 (LOAEL) 

(gavage); Mild lobular 

ballooning hepatocytes (gavage 

& drinking water) 

Bromoform 

Munson et al. 

(1982) 

Mouse 

CD-1 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

M, F 6-12 14 days 0 

50 

125 (NOAEL) 

250 (LOAEL) 

Increased serum enzyme 

activity (AST); decrease in 

antibody forming cells and 

delayed-type hypersensitivity 

response 

Chu et al. Rat Drinking M 10 28 days 0.7 No effect on growth, clinical 

(1982a) SD water 8.5 signs, biochemical or 

80 (NOAEL) histopathological endpoints 

V - 12 November 15, 2005 
Table V-3 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Condie et al. Mouse Gavage M 8-16 14 days 0 Decreased PAH uptake, 

(1983) CD-1 (corn oil) 72 moderate histopathological 

145 (NOAEL) changes 

289 (LOAEL) 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 5 14 days 0 

100 

200 (NOAEL) 

400 (LOAEL) 

600 

Decreased body weight gain; 

1/5 died at 400 mg/kgday;100% mortality at two 

highest doses 

800 

NTP (1989a) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M 5 14 days 0 

50 

100 

200 (NOAEL) 

400 (LOAEL) 

600 

Stomach nodules; 

ataxia, lethargy; 1/5 died at 

high dose 

Aida et al. Rat Diet M 7 1 month 0 Hepatic vacuolization, serum 

(1992a) Wistar 62 (NOAEL) chemistry/biochemistry 

187 (LOAEL) 

618 

Aida et al. Rat Diet F 7 1 month 0 Hepatic vacuolization, serum 

(1992a) Wistar 56 (NOAEL) chemistry/biochemistry 

208 (LOAEL) 

728 

Potter et al. Rat Gavage M 1, 3, or 7 190 No effect on hyaline droplet 

(1996) F344 (aqueous) days 379 (NOAEL) formation or cell proliferation 

Melnick et al. Mouse Gavage F 10 3 weeks 0 Increase in absolute and relative 

(1998) B6C3F1 (corn oil) (5 d/wk) 200 (NOAEL) liver wt.; marginally significant 

500 (LOAEL) increase in LI at highest dose 

Coffin et al. 

(2000) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

Drinking 

Water 

F 10 11 days 

11 days 

0 

200 (LOAEL) 

500 

0 

301 (LOAEL) 

Liver histopathology; increased 

proliferating cell nuclear 

antigen labeling index (gavage 

and drinking water); increased 

relative liver wt (gavage). 

* SD, Sprague-Dawley

V - 13 November 15, 2005 
1. Bromodichloromethane 

Munson et al. (1982) administered bromodichloromethane by aqueous gavage to male 

and female CD-1 mice (8 to 12/sex/group) for 14 days at levels of 0, 50, 125, or 250 mg/kg-day. 

Endpoints evaluated included body and organ weights, hematology, serum enzyme levels 

(SGOT, SGPT), and humoral and cell-mediated immune system functions. At 250 mg/kg-day, 

body weights were significantly decreased. Significant organ weight changes included increased 

relative liver weight (mid- and high-dose groups), decreased absolute spleen weight (high-dose 

males and mid- and high-dose females), and decreased relative spleen weight (mid- and highdose females). 

Among the hematology endpoints, only fibrinogen levels were significantly decreased in 

high- dose males and in mid- and high-dose females. Significant clinical chemistry findings 

included decreased glucose levels (high-dose males), increased ALT and AST activities (highdose groups), and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (high-dose groups). 

Bromodichloromethane appeared to affect the humoral immune system, as judged by 

significantly decreased antibody-forming cells (high-dose males and mid- and high-dose 

females) and hemagglutination titers (mid- and high-dose males and high-dose females). This 

study identified a NOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 125 mg/kg-day for 

bromodichloromethane on the basis of decreased immune function in females. 

Chu et al. (1982a) administered bromodichloromethane to male Sprague-Dawley rats 

(10/group) in drinking water for 28 days at dose levels of 0, 5, 50, or 500 ppm. These levels 

corresponded to doses of 0, 0.8, 8.0, or 68 mg/kg-day, as calculated by the authors based on 

recorded fluid intake. The authors observed no effects on growth rate or food consumption and 

no signs of toxicity throughout the exposure. No dose-related biochemical or histologic changes 

were detected (no data were provided). This study identified a NOAEL of 68 mg/kg-day, but the 

reported data were too limited to allow an independent verification. 

Condie et al. (1983) investigated the renal and hepatic toxicity of bromodichloromethane 

in male CD-1 mice (8 to 16/group). Bromodichloromethane was administered by gavage in corn 

oil for 14 days at dose levels of 0, 37, 74 or 148 mg/kg-day. Biochemical evidence of liver 

damage (significantly elevated ALT) was observed at the high dose, while biochemical evidence 

of kidney damage (significantly decreased p-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake by kidney slices) 

was observed at the mid and high dose. Significantly decreased BUN levels were observed in 

the low- and mid-dose groups, but not in the high-dose group. Histopathology revealed no 

consistent or important changes at the low or mid-level doses, with minimal to moderate liver 

and kidney injury observed in the majority of animals at the high dose. Liver lesions included 

centrilobular pallor and focal inflammation. Kidney lesions included intratubular mineralization, 

epithelial hyperplasia, and cytomegaly. Although the severity of these lesions was primarily 

minimal to slight, a few animals in the high-dose group exhibited moderate to moderately severe 

intratubular mineralization and/or epithelial hyperplasia. This study identified a NOAEL value 

of 74 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL value of 148 mg/kg-day for bromodichloromethane, based on 

histopathology. 

V - 14 November 15, 2005 
NTP (1987) administered doses of 0, 38, 75, 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg-day of 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil by gavage to male and female F344/N rats (5/sex/dose) for 

14 days. One low-dose and one high-dose female died before study termination. All high-dose 

animals were hyperactive after dosing and either lost weight or gained no weight during the 

study. Final mean body weights were not significantly affected in groups given 38, 75, or 

150 mg/kg-day. At 300 mg/kg, body weights of males and females were decreased by 21% and 

7%, respectively, relative to vehicle controls. At 600 mg/kg-day, body weights of males and 

females were decreased by 44% and 22%, respectively, relative to vehicle controls. Necropsy 

was performed on all animals. Renal medullae were reddened in all high-dose males and in one 

female in each of the control, low-dose, and high-dose groups. This study identified a NOAEL 

of 150 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 300 mg/kg-day in rats, based on decreased body weight gain. 

In a parallel experiment, NTP (1987) administered doses of 0, 19, 38, 75, 150, or 

300 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane in corn oil by gavage to male and female B6C3F1 mice 

(5/sex/dose) for 14 days. All male mice that received 150 or 300 mg/kg-day 

bromodichloromethane died before study termination. Clinical signs included lethargy, 

dehydration, and hunched posture. The final mean body weights of the mice that survived were 

not significantly different from the controls. The renal medullae were reddened in four males in 

the 150 mg/kg-day group, all males in the 300 mg/kg-day group, and one female in the 150 

mg/kg-day group. Based on behavior, appearance, gross necropsy, and mortality, this study 

identified a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day and a frank effect level (FEL) of 150 mg/kg-day in male 

mice. An interesting point to note is that this study and the study by Condie et al. (1983) were 

conducted under similar conditions (mice administered bromodichloromethane by gavage in 

corn oil for 14 days), but with dramatically different results. In contrast to the 100% mortality 

observed in this study for male mice, Condie et al. (1983) found only moderately severe 

histopathology in male CD-1 mice at 148 mg/kg-day with no deaths occurring. The reason for 

this difference is unclear, but may be related to strain-specific differences in sensitivity. 

Aida et al. (1992a) administered bromodichloromethane to Slc:Wistar rats (7/sex/group) 

for one month at dietary levels of 0%, 0.024%, 0.072%, or 0.215% for males and 0%, 0.024%, 

0.076%, or 0.227% for females. The test material was microencapsulated and mixed with 

powdered feed; placebo granules were used for the control groups. Based on the mean food 

intakes, the study authors reported the mean compound intakes for the one-month period as 0, 

20.6, 61.7, or 189.0 mg/kg-day for males and 0, 21.1, 65.8, or 203.8 mg/kg-day for females. 

Clinical effects, body weight, food consumption, hematology parameters, serum chemistry, and 

histopathology of all major organs were determined. Body weights were significantly decreased 

in the high-dose groups relative to the controls. The high-dose animals also exhibited slight 

piloerection and emaciation. Relative liver weight was increased only in high-dose females. 

Significant, dose-related biochemical findings at the low dose were limited to decreased LDH 

levels in males, but the biological significance of this effect is unclear. Serum LDH levels were 

also significantly decreased at the low and high dose in females. Other statistically significant, 

changes included decreased glucose (high-dose males), decreased serum triglycerides (high-dose 

groups), decreased serum cholinesterase activity (high-dose males and mid- and high-dose 

females), and increased total cholesterol (mid- and high-dose males). The changes in 

cholinesterase activity and cholesterol levels in males were not dose-related. The cholesterol 

V - 15 November 15, 2005 
levels were within normal ranges at all doses. Treatment-related histopathological lesions were 

limited to the liver and were rated as very slight or slight. The lesions were mostly confined to 

the high-dose groups. Vacuolization observed in mid-dose females and in a single low-dose 

male was not considered an adverse effect. Other observed effects included swelling of 

hepatocytes, single cell necrosis, hepatic cord irregularity, and bile duct proliferation. These 

lesions were observed only in high-dose males and females with the exception of very slight to 

slight changes in individual low-dose males. No effect was observed on any hematology 

parameter. Based on the histopathology observed in high-dose males and females, the LOAELs 

identified in this study for bromodichloromethane in rats were 189.0 mg/kg-day in males and 

203.8 mg/kg-day in females; the NOAELs were 61.7 mg/kg-day in males and 65.8 mg/kg-day in 

females. 

Thornton-Manning et al. (1994) administered bromodichloromethane at dose levels of 0, 

75, 150, or 300 mg/kg-day by gavage to female F344 rats (6 animals/dose) for five consecutive 

days. The dosing vehicle consisted of an aqueous 10% Emulphor® solution. Animals were 

sacrificed on day 6. Two animals in the high-dose group died on day 5. Final body weights of 

the high-dose group were significantly decreased compared to the controls. Absolute and 

relative kidney and liver weights were significantly increased at 150 and 300 mg/kg-day with the 

exception of a nonsignificant increase in absolute liver weight at 150 mg/kg-day. Toxic effects 

on the kidney and liver were reflected in significantly increased LDH, AST, SDH, creatinine, 

and BUN at 300 mg/kg-day. These results were supported by the histopathology findings. In 

the liver, centrilobular vacuolar degeneration was observed at both 150 and 300 mg/kg-day with 

the severity of the effect increased with increasing dose. Centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis 

was also observed in one high-dose animal. In the kidney, renal tubular vacuolar degeneration 

and renal tubule regeneration were observed at 150 and 300 mg/kg-day with the incidence and 

severity increased with increasing dose. While minimal renal tubule necrosis was observed in 

only one animal at the mid dose, all animals at the high dose exhibited mild to moderate renal 

tubule necrosis. Significant decreases in the hepatic activity of the CYP1A and CYP2B markers 

ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) and pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (PROD), were 

observed at all doses. The effect, however, was not dose-related. No effect on the CYP2E1 

marker paranitrophenol hydroxylase was observed. Based on kidney and liver lesions observed 

at the mid dose, this study identified a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 150 mg/kgday. 

Thornton-Manning et al. (1994) conducted an analogous experiment with female 

C57BL/6J mice. Six mice per group were administered an aqueous solution (10% Emulphor®) 

of bromodichloromethane by gavage for five consecutive days at dose levels of 0, 75 and 150 

mg/kg-day. Animals were sacrificed on day 6. All mice survived to the termination of the 

experiment. No effect on body, kidney, or liver weight was observed with the exception of a 

significant increase in absolute liver weight at 150 mg/kg-day. No change in cytochrome P450 

activity was observed, although a nonsignificant dose-related decrease in total P450 content was 

observed. ALT was significantly increased at 150 mg/kg-day, and a significant dose-related 

increase in SDH activity was observed. Creatinine and BUN were not significantly increased. 

No kidney or liver lesions were observed at either dose. Based on increases in serum enzyme 

V - 16 November 15, 2005 
activity, a LOAEL of 150 mg/kg-day and a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day were identified for this 

study. 

Potter et al. (1996) investigated hyaline droplet formation and cell proliferation in the 

kidney of male F344 rats. Test animals (4/dose) received 0.75 or 1.5 mmol/kg of 

bromodichloromethane in 4% Emulphor® by gavage for 1, 3, or 7 days. The administered doses 

corresponded to 123 or 246 mg/kg-day. No exposure-related increase in hyaline droplet 

formation was observed at either dose. Binding of bromodichloromethane to "2u-globulin was 

not measured. Cell proliferation in the kidney was assessed in vivo by [3

H]-thymidine 

incorporation. No statistically significant effect of bromodichloromethane on tubular cell 

proliferation was observed following exposures of up to 7 days, although high labeling levels 

were observed in 3 of 4 rats at the 246 mg/kg-day dose. 

Melnick et al. (1998) exposed female B6C3F1 mice (10 animals/group) to 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil via gavage for 3 weeks (5 days/week). Doses of 

bromodichloromethane used in this study were 0 (vehicle only), 75, 150, or 326 mg/kg-day. The 

doses were selected on the basis that high incidences of hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma 

were previously seen in female mice exposed at 75 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg-day in a dose-dependent 

manner (NTP 1987). There were no treatment-related signs of overt toxicity observed during the 

study. Body weight and water intake were not significantly altered at any dose tested. However, 

a significant dose-related increase in absolute liver weight and liver weight/body weight ratio 

was noted for the 150 and 326 mg/kg-day dose groups. Serum ALT activity was significantly 

increased in the two highest dose groups and serum SDH activity was elevated at all doses 

tested. At necropsy, there was clear evidence of hepatocyte hydropic degeneration in animals 

treated with 150 and 326 mg/kg-day. BrdU was administered to the animals during the last 6 

days of the study, and hepatocyte labeling index (LI) analysis was conducted. The two highest 

(150 and 326 mg/kg-day) doses resulted in significantly elevated hepatocyte proliferation as 

measured by the LI. NOAEL and LOAEL values of 75 and 150 mg/kg-day were identified on 

the basis of elevated serum enzyme activity, increased liver weight, increased cell proliferation, 

and histological findings. 

NTP (1998) evaluated the effect of bromodichloromethane on food and water 

consumption by Sprague-Dawley rats in the course of a range-finding experiment for a study of 

developmental and reproductive effects. This study was conducted in compliance with Good 

Laboratory Practice Regulations as described in 21 CFR 58. Bromodichloromethane was 

administered to test animals (6 animals/sex/dose) at nominal concentrations of 0, 100, 500, 1000, 

and 1500 ppm in the drinking water for 2 weeks. The average doses of bromodichloromethane 

estimated based on water consumption were 11, 45, 91 and 124 mg/kg-day for the 100, 500, 

1000 and 1500 ppm dose groups, respectively. All animals were observed twice daily for signs 

of toxicity. Body weight data were obtained twice weekly and at termination of the experiment. 

Feed and water consumption were measured twice weekly. Animals were euthanized at 

termination of the experiment without necropsy. No mortality or treatment-related clinical signs 

were observed in any dose group. Body weights and weight gains were comparable among all 

dose groups, except for body weight gains on Study Day 5 (the first day of compound 

administration) in the 1000 and 1500 ppm dose groups which were decreased 127.5% and 

V - 17 November 15, 2005 
118.5%, respectively. Feed consumption was also comparable across dose groups, with the 

exception of male rats dosed with 1000 and 1500 ppm. Male rats in these dose groups showed 

decreases in consumption of 31% and 41% , respectively, on Study Days 1 to 5. Water 

consumption was reduced in the 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm dose groups, suggesting that 

bromodichloromethane is unpalatable at higher concentrations. The greatest reduction in water 

intake was noted on Study Days 1 to 5 (61% and 62% for males in the 1000 ppm and 1500 ppm 

dose groups, respectively, and 38%, 40% and 52% for females in the 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm 

dose groups, respectively). 

NTP (1998) conducted a short-term reproductive and developmental toxicity screen in 

Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate the potential toxicity of bromodichloromethane administered in 

drinking water for 35 days. This study was conducted in compliance with the Good Laboratory 

Practice Regulations as described in 21 CFR 58. Groups of male and female rats (5-13/sex/dose) 

were exposed to drinking water concentrations of 0, 100, 700 and 1300 ppm 

bromodichloromethane using the study design described in Table V-6 (Section V.E.1). Feed and 

water consumption, body weight, hematology, clinical chemistry, cell proliferation, and 

pathology were evaluated in addition to developmental and reproductive endpoints. Based on 

water consumption and analytical measurements of bromodichloromethane in the provided 

drinking water, the calculated average daily doses were 0, 9, 38, and 67 mg/kg-day for Group A 

males (not treated with bromodeoxyuridine); 0, 7, 43, and 69 mg/kg-day for Group B males 

(bromodeoxyuridine-treated); and 0, 14, 69, or 126 mg/kg-day for Group C females (periconception exposure, bromodeoxyuridine-treated). 

The results for reproductive and developmental effects are reported in Section V.E.1. 

Alterations in hematological endpoints or clinical chemistry were not observed following 

bromodichloromethane exposure, with the exception of a 14% drop in creatinine in the 100 ppm 

Group A males and a 43% increase in 5'-nucleotidase in the 1300 ppm Group A males when 

compared to controls. An increase in 5'-nucleotidase is an indication of hepatobiliary 

dysfunction in which there is interference with the secretion of bile, and should be accompanied 

by a parallel change in alkaline phosphatase activity. Since alkaline phophatase activity was 

unaltered in this study, the toxicological significance of the observed increase in 5'-nucleotidase 

was considered uncertain. Organ weight and organ/body weight ratios reported by NTP (1998) 

were comparable in all treatment groups for both males and females. Histopathological 

examination identified three tissue changes that were potentially treatment-related. Cytoplasmic 

vacuolization of hepatocytes and mild liver necrosis were observed in Group A males (see Table 

V-6 for details of group assignment) treated with 700 and 1300 ppm bromodichloromethane and 

in Group B males treated with 1300 ppm bromodichloromethane. Hepatic necrosis was dosedependent, with incidences of 0/10, 0/10, 4/9, and 10/10 observed at 0, 100, 700, and 1300 ppm, 

respectively. These changes were not accompanied by an increase in alkaline phosphatase 

activity. Hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen was observed in Group A males at all 

doses of bromodichloromethane. However, the biological significance of this finding with 

respect to bromodichloromethane treatment was unclear, since cell proliferation in the spleen 

may occur as a response to general stress. Evidence of mild kidney necrosis was evident in 

Group A males in the 1300 ppm dose group, but may have resulted from decreased water intake. 

BrdU labeling index (LI), a measurement of cell proliferation, was unchanged in the livers and 

V - 18 November 15, 2005 
kidneys of Group B males in all dose groups. A small but statistically significant increase in the 

LI was noted in the livers and kidneys of Group C females in the 1300 ppm dose group. 

As discussed in Sections V.E.1, results from this study indicate that bromodichloromethane did not result in reproductive or developmental toxicity at drinking water 

concentrations up to 1300 ppm. However, exposure to concentrations of 700 ppm and 1300 ppm 

produced changes in liver histopathology in male rats and resulted in decreases in body weight 

and food and water consumption in both sexes. On the basis of these results, NTP (1998) 

concluded that bromodichloromethane is unpalatable at these concentrations and is a possible 

general toxicant in male and female rats at concentrations of 700 ppm and above. Although not 

accompanied by changes in alkaline phosphatase activity, the occurrence of individual 

hepatocyte cell necrosis was clearly dose-related and thus considered appropriate for 

identification of NOAEL and LOAEL values. Based on calculated average daily doses for 

Group A males at the 100 and 700 ppm concentrations (Table 6A in NTP, 1998), these data 

identify NOAEL and LOAEL values of 9 mg/kg-day and 38 mg/kg-day, respectively, for 

occurrence of hepatic cell necrosis. 

Coffin et al. (2000) examined the effect of bromodichloromethane administered by corn 

oil gavage or in drinking water on cell proliferation and DNA methylation in the liver of female 

B6C3F1 mice. Gavage doses of 0, 0.92, or 1.83 mmol/kg (0, 150, or 300 mg/kg, respectively) 

were administered to test animals (7-8 weeks old; 10/group) daily for five days, off for two days, 

and then again daily for four days. It had previously been shown that bromodichloromethane 

administered by corn oil gavage at either 75 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg-day caused significant 

increases in the incidence of hepatocellular adenoma and adenocarcinoma, in a dose-dependent 

manner, in female mice (NTP 1987). In a separate experiment, bromodichloromethane was 

administered in drinking water for 11 days at approximately 75% of the saturation level, 

resulting in an average daily dose of 0.85 mmol/kg (138 mg/kg). The mice were sacrificed 24 

hours after the last gavage dose and the livers were removed, weighed, and processed for 

histopathological examination, proliferating cell nuclear antigen - labeling index (PCNA-LI) 

analysis, and determination of c-myc methylation status. A significant, dose-dependent increase 

in relative liver weight was observed in animals dosed by gavage; however, relative liver weight 

was unaffected in animals administered the compound in drinking water, when compared to 

controls. Histopathological findings in gavage-dosed animals consisted of hydropic 

degeneration at the low dose and necrosis, fibrosis, and giant cell reaction at the high dose. No 

severity or incidence data were provided. The histopathology findings for animals receiving 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water were similar to those observed in the low-dose 

gavage group. Bromodichloromethane administered by gavage caused a dose-dependent 

increase in the PCNA-LI which was significant at each dose tested when compared to the 

control. There was no significant effect when the compound was administered in drinking water. 

Administration of bromodichloromethane by gavage or in drinking water decreased methylation 

of the c-myc gene. A LOAEL of 150 mg/kg, the lowest dose tested, was identified on the basis 

of liver toxicity (hydropic degeneration) and increased cell proliferation in animals administered 

bromodichloromethane by corn oil gavage. A NOAEL was not identified. The results of the 

single-dose drinking water experiment suggest a slightly lower LOAEL of 138 mg/kg-day, based 

on hydropic degeneration of the liver. 

V - 19 November 15, 2005 
Lock et al. (2004) administered bromodichloromethane by gavage in corn oil to male 

F344 rats (5/group) at doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg and male B6C3F1 mice (6/group) at doses of 

0, 25, or 50 mg/kg-day for 5 days per week over a 28-day period. A dose-dependent increase in 

incidences of large intestine and kidney tumors has previously been shown in male rats exposed 

at 50 or 100 mg/kg-day in dose-dependent manner (NTP 1987). A dose-dependent increase in 

the incidence of kidney tumors has also been shown in male mice exposed at 25 or 50 mg/kg-day 

(NTP 1987). Body weights were measured on each day of dosing and a 24-hour urine sample 

was collected on days 4 to 5, 11 to 12, and 18 to 19. Urine samples were analyzed for creatinine, 

total protein, urinary pH, and formic acid concentration. Osmotic mini-pumps containing 

bromodeoxyuridine were implanted subcutaneously 5 days prior to sacrifice. Animals were 

sacrificed by overdose with halothane anaesthesia on day 29 and blood was obtained by cardiac 

puncture for clinical chemistry analysis, including alanine aminotransferase activity, aspartate 

aminotransferase activity, and the concentration of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Kidneys 

were removed, weighed and prepared for histopathological analysis and determination of the 

labeling index. 

Large increases in formic acid excretion were observed in rats at both doses, and this was 

accompanied by a decrease in urinary pH. In mice, increases in formic acid excretion were 

much smaller, and urinary pH was not measured. No change was observed in body weight or 

clinical chemistry markers of liver or kidney injury in exposed rats and mice. Kidney 

histopathology was not altered in mice, but mild renal tubule injury was observed in 2 of 5 rats 

exposed to the highest dose of bromodichloromethane (100 mg/kg-day). Increased cell 

proliferation was observed in all rats exposed to the highest dose, but was not seen in low-dose 

rats or in mice at either dose level. 

Torti et al. (2001) conducted a one week inhalation exposure study of 

bromodichloromethane in male wild-type (p53+/+) and genetically engineered p53 heterozygous 

(p53+/-) mice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of genotype in the toxic 

response of mice to inhalation of bromodichloromethane. Heterozygous and wild type C57BL/6 

mice (6 mice/type/concentration) and wild-type FVB/N mice (6 mice/concentration) were 

exposed to target exposure concentrations of 0, 1, 10, 30, 100, or 150 ppm for six hours per day 

for seven days. Heterozygous FVB/N p53+/- mice (6 mice/concentration) were exposed to 

concentrations of 0, 0.3, 1, 10, or 30 ppm for six hours per day for seven days. The test animals 

were evaluated for clinical and pathological changes and induced regenerative cell proliferation 

in kidney and liver. Osmotic pumps for delivery of bromodeoxyuridine for determination of 

labeling index were implanted at 3.5 days prior to scheduled termination. Test animals were 

euthanized approximately 18 hours after the last scheduled exposure. With the exception of the 

highest target concentration (150 ppm), the average measured concentrations were 102 to 114% 

of the target concentrations The average high dose concentration was 78.8% of the target 

concentration (150 ppm) as a result of technical problems with the metering system. The effects 

observed in all mouse groups (i.e., wild-type and heterozygous) exposed to concentrations of 30 

ppm or greater included; mortality, clinical signs (i.e., reddened skin and eyes), reduced body 

weight gain, increased liver and kidney weight, histopathological lesions in the liver and kidney, 

and increased labeling index in the kidney. Clinical signs in mice surviving exposure at 100 and 

150 ppm included lethargy and labored breathing. Histopathologic evaluation revealed severe 

V - 20 November 15, 2005 
renal damage consisting of nephrosis, tubular degeneration, and associated regeneration. 

Centrilobular degeneration and necrosis were observed in the livers of moribund mice sacrificed 

before study termination and in animals surviving for 1 week of exposure. Regenerative cellproliferation in the kidney cortex was significantly increased in all mouse groups (i.e., wild-type 

and heterozygous) exposed to concentrations of 10 ppm and above. Regenerative cell 

proliferation in the liver was less pronounced than in the kidney. 

A comparison of the data for each wild-type strain indicates that FVB/N mice were more 

susceptible to mortality, increased liver weight, kidney degeneration and nephrosis, and hydropic 

degenerationin the liver as compared to C57BL/6 mice. For C57BL/6 mice, mortality, body 

weight loss, kidney degeneration and nephrosis, and the liver labeling index were greater in the 

heterozygous p53+/- than in the corresponding wild-type strain. For FVB/N mice, increased 

kidney weight occurred at a lower dose (10 ppm) in heterozygous p53+/- mice, while other effects 

were similar that occurring in the corresponding wild-type strain. Bromodichloromethane did 

not induce cellular proliferation in the transitional epithelium of the bladder. No histopathologic 

lesions were observed in the bladder. These data identify NOAEL and LOAEL values of 1 and 

10 ppm, respectively, based on histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of male p53 

wild-type and heterozygous C57BL/6 and FVB/N mice. 

Torti et al. (2001) also conducted a three week inhalation exposure study of 

bromodichloromethane in wild-type (p53+/+) and genetically engineered p53 heterozygous (p53+/-

) male mice. C57BL/6, FVB/N, C57BL/6 p53+/-, and FVB/N p53+/- mice (6 

mice/type/concentration) were exposed to target exposure concentrations of 0.3, 1, 3, 10, or 30 

ppm for six hours per day, seven days per week. The test protocol and endpoints measured were 

the same as those used for the one week study described above. Test animals were euthanized 

approximately 18 hours after the last scheduled exposure. Average measured concentrations 

were 92 to 97% of the target concentrations in all exposure groups. Mortality was observed in 

all 30 ppm dose groups with the exception of wild type C57BL/6 mice. No clinical signs of 

toxicity were reported. Body weight gain was significantly reduced only in C57BL/6 wild type 

mice exposed at 30 ppm. Relative kidney weights in exposed groups did not differ significantly 

from the control values. Significantly increased relative liver weight was observed only in 

heterozygous C57BL/6 and wild type FVB/N mice exposed at 30 ppm. Histopathologic 

evaluation revealed near-normal kidney architecture. Minimal to moderate degenerative tubular 

change and regenerative tubules were observed in the 10 and 30 ppm groups, but the acute 

tubular nephrosis observed in the one week study was not evident. Minimal hepatocyte 

degeneration was observed in heterozygous C57BL/6 mice exposed at 30 ppm and in 

heterozygous FVB/N mice exposed at 10 or 30 ppm. These observations suggest that the liver 

and severe renal toxicity observed in the one week experiment conducted by Torti et al. (2001) 

are transient and were resolving by three weeks. No histopathologic lesions were observed in 

the bladder. Regenerative cell-proliferation in the kidney cortex was near baseline levels, with 

only the 30 ppm groups showing small elevations. These elevations were statistically significant 

in all 30 ppm groups except C57BL/N wild type mice. No increases in regenerative cell 

proliferation were evident in the liver or bladder. The NOAEL and LOAEL values in this study 

are 3 and 10 ppm, respectively, based on histopathologic changes in the liver and kidney of male 

p53 wild type and heterozygous C57BL/6 and FVB/N mice. 

V - 21 November 15, 2005 
Taken together, the 1-week and 3-week inhalation studies (Torti et al., 2001) illustrate 

both strain and genotypic difference in bromodichloromethane toxicity. A comparison of 

wild-type strains indicates that FVB/N mice are more susceptible to kidney toxicity and 

mortality following inhalation exposure. Differences between wild-type and p53+/- mice were 

observed in mortality and morbidity, body weight changes, and the severity of liver and kidney 

toxicity. The C57BL/6 p53+/- mice were more susceptible than wild-type mice to 

bromodichloromethane toxicity as measured by mortality, histopathology, and liver labeling 

index. The same relationship was not observed in FVB/N mice. In this strain the wild-type mice 

were more susceptible to toxicity as evidenced by the kidney labeling index. The role of p53 

gene expression in bromodichloromethane metabolism and toxicity remains to be elucidated. 

2. Dibromochloromethane 

Chu et al. (1982a) administered dibromochloromethane to male Sprague-Dawley rats 

(10/group) in drinking water for 28 days at dose levels of 0, 5, 50, or 500 ppm. Based on 

recorded fluid intake, these levels corresponded to doses of 0, 0.7, 8.5, or 68 mg/kg-day, as 

calculated by the authors. The authors observed no effects on growth rate or food consumption 

and no signs of toxicity throughout the exposure. No dose-related biochemical or histologic 

changes were detected (no data provided). This study identified a NOAEL of 68 mg/kg-day, but 

the reported data were too limited to allow an independent verification. 

Munson et al. (1982) administered dibromochloromethane by aqueous gavage to male 

and female CD-1 mice (8 to 12/sex/group) for 14 days at dose levels of 0, 50, 125, or 250 mg/kgday. Endpoints measured included body and organ weights, hematology, clinical chemistry, and 

humoral and cell-mediated immune system function. At 250 mg/kg-day, body weights were 

significantly decreased only in high-dose males. Significant organ weight changes included 

increased absolute liver weight (high-dose females), increased relative liver weight (mid- and 

high-dose groups), and decreased absolute and relative spleen weight (high-dose males). The 

only hematology parameter significantly affected by treatment was fibrinogen concentration, 

which was decreased in high-dose males and females. Significant clinical chemistry findings 

were limited to the high-dose groups. Specifically, glucose levels were significantly decreased 

in both males and females, and ALT and AST activities were significantly increased in both 

males and females. Dibromochloromethane appeared to affect the humoral immune system, as 

judged by significantly decreased antibody-forming cells (mid- and high-dose groups) and 

hemagglutination titers (high-dose groups). The cell-mediated immune system also appeared to 

be affected in male animals, as judged by a significant decrease in the popliteal lymph node 

stimulation index at the high dose. This study identified a NOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day and a 

LOAEL of 125 mg/kg-day, based on decreased immune function. 

Condie et al. (1983) investigated the renal and hepatic toxicity of dibromochloromethane. 

Male CD-1 mice (8 to 16/group) were administered 0, 37, 74, or 147 mg/kg-day of 

dibromochloromethane by gavage in corn oil for 14 days. Biochemical evidence of liver damage 

(elevated ALT) and kidney damage (decreased PAH uptake by kidney slices) was observed at 

the high dose, but not at the mid-level or low doses. Similarly, histopathology revealed no 

consistent or important changes at the low or mid doses, with minimal to moderate liver and 

V - 22 November 15, 2005 
kidney injury at the high dose. Liver lesions included mitotic figures, focal inflammation, and 

cytoplasmic vacuolation, while kidney lesions included epithelial hyperplasia and mesangial 

nephrosis. The NOAEL and LOAEL values in this study were 74 mg/kg-day and 147 mg/kgday, respectively. 

NTP (1985) administered 0, 60, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg-day of 

dibromochloromethane to male and female F344/N rats (5/sex/dose) by gavage in corn oil for 14 

days. Animals were observed twice daily for mortality and were weighed once per week. 

Necropsies were performed on all animals. All high-dose rats and all females that received 500 

mg/kg-day died by day 6. Three males at 500 mg/kg-day died between days 5 and 8. No deaths 

occurred at or below 250 mg/kg-day. At 500 or 1000 mg/kg-day, clinical observations included 

lethargy, ataxia, and labored breathing. Treatment-related macroscopic findings included 

mottled livers and darkened renal medullae in animals administered 500 or 1,000 mg/kg-day. 

This study identified a NOAEL of 250 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 500 mg/kg-day based on 

behavior, gross pathology, and mortality. 

In a parallel study (NTP, 1985), male and female B6C3F1 mice (5/sex/dose) were 

administered 0, 30, 60, 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg-day of dibromochloromethane in corn oil by 

gavage for 14 days. Treatment-related deaths occurred in 80% of the males and in 60% of the 

females at the high dose. Clinical signs at this dose included lethargy, ataxia, and labored 

breathing. Treatment-related macroscopic findings included mottled livers and darkened renal 

medullae in high-dose males and females. White papillomatous nodules in the stomach were 

also observed in males at 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg-day and in female mice at 250 or 500 mg/kgday. The NOAEL and LOAEL in this study were 60 mg/kg-day and 125 mg/kg-day, 

respectively, based on gross lesions. 

Aida et al. (1992a) administered dibromochloromethane to Slc:Wistar rats (7/sex/group) 

for one month at dietary levels of 0%, 0.020%, 0.062%, or 0.185% for males, and 0%, 0.038%, 

0.113%, or 0.338% for females. The test material was microencapsulated and mixed with 

powdered feed; placebo granules were used for the control groups. Based on the mean food 

intakes, the study authors reported calculated doses of 0, 18.3, 56.2, or 173.3 mg/kg-day for 

males and 0, 34.0, 101.1, or 332.5 mg/kg-day for females. Clinical effects, body weight, food 

consumption, hematology parameters, serum chemistry, and histopathology of all major organs 

were determined. Body weights were significantly reduced in high-dose females relative to the 

controls. High-dose females also exhibited slight piloerection and emaciation. Dose-related 

increases in both absolute and relative liver weights were observed in males (significant at the 

high dose) and females (significant at all dose levels with the exception of a nonsignificant 

increase in absolute liver weight at the low dose). Relative kidney weights were also 

significantly increased in the high-dose females. Significant decreases in alkaline phosphatase 

(mid- and high-dose males and all female dose groups) and LDH (all female dose groups) were 

observed, but the biological significance of these changes is unclear. Significant, dose-related 

changes in serum biochemistry included reduced nonesterified fatty acids in high-dose males, 

reduced triglycerides in high-dose groups, and increased cholesterol in mid- and high-dose males 

and in females at all dose levels. The cholesterol levels, however, were within normal ranges at 

all dose levels. Serum cholinesterase activity was also significantly decreased in high-dose 

V - 23 November 15, 2005 
males and mid- and high-dose females with the trend clearly dose-related in females. Liver cell 

vacuolization was generally noted at a similar incidence in the controls and all dosing groups, 

but dose-related increases in severity were observed in mid- and high-dose males and females. 

The incidence and very slight severity of the effects at the low dose were similar to those 

observed in the control groups and were not considered adverse. The severity of the liver cell 

vacuolization at the mid-dose was rated as very slight to slight, while the severity at the highdose was rated as moderate to remarkable. Swelling and single cell necrosis were also observed, 

primarily in the high-dose groups. No effect was observed on any hematology parameter. 

NOAELs of 18.3 (males) and 34.0 (females) mg/kg-day and LOAELs of 56.2 (males) and 101.1 

(females) mg/kg-day were identified for this study based on the histopathology findings. 

Potter et al. (1996) evaluated hyaline droplet formation and cell proliferation in the 

kidney of male F344 rats following exposure to dibromochloromethane. The rats (4/dose)were 

dosed with 0.75 or 1.5 mmol/kg (156 or 312 mg/kg-day, respectively) of dibromochloromethane 

in 4% Emulphor® by gavage for 1, 3, or 7 days. No exposure-related increase in hyaline droplets 

was observed in dosed rats. Binding to "2u-globulin was not measured. Changes in kidney 

tubule cell proliferation were assessed by in vivo incorporation of [3

H]-thymidine. No 

statistically significant effect of dibromochloromethane exposure on this endpoint was noted 

following exposures of up to 7 days duration. 

Melnick et al. (1998) exposed female B6C3F1 mice (10/dose) to dibromochloromethane 

in corn oil via gavage for 3 weeks (5 days/week). The doses of dibromochloromethane in this 

study were 0 (vehicle only), 50, 100, 192, or 417 mg/kg-day. The doses were selected on the 

basis that increases in the incidence of hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma were previously 

seen in female mice exposed at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg-day in a dose-dependent manner (NTP 

1985). The corresponding time-weighted doses were 0, 37, 71, 137, and 298 mg/kg-day. No 

treatment-related signs of overt toxicity were observed during the study. Body weight and water 

intake were not significantly altered at any dose tested. However, a statistically significant and 

dose-related increase in liver weight/body weight ratio was seen in the 100, 192 and 417 mg/kgday dose groups. Serum ALT activity was significantly increased in the two highest dose 

groups. The activity of serum SDH was significantly elevated at all doses tested except 50 

mg/kg-day. However, the increase in activity (shown graphically) was very small relative to the 

control at the 100 and 192 mg/kg-day doses. At necropsy, there was clear evidence of 

hepatocyte hydropic degeneration in the 192 and 417 mg/kg-day dose groups. BrdU was 

administered to the animals during the last 6 days of the study, and hepatocyte labeling index 

(LI) analysis was conducted. Only the highest dose tested (417 mg/kg-day) resulted in 

significantly elevated hepatocyte proliferation as measured by the LI. Evaluation of the data in 

this study suggest a LOAEL of 192 mg/kg-day, based on a consistent pattern of positive results 

for indicators of hepatotoxicity at this dose. 

Coffin et al. (2000) examined the effect of dibromochloromethane administered by corn 

oil gavage or in drinking water on cell proliferation and DNA methylation in the liver of female 

B6C3F1 mice. Gavage doses of 0, 0.48, or 1.44 mmol/kg (0, 100, or 300 mg/kg, respectively) 

were administered to test animals (7-8 weeks old; 10/group) daily for five days, off for two days, 

and then again daily for four days. Dose-dependent increases in the incidence of hepatocellular 

V - 24 November 15, 2005 
adenoma and carcinoma were previously seen in female mice exposed at 50 mg/kg or 100 

mg/kg-day (NTP 1985). The high dose was selected on the basis that it had previously been 

demonstrated to be carcinogenic in female mice. Dibromochloromethane was administered in 

drinking water at approximately 75% of the saturation level, resulting in an average daily dose of 

0.82 mmol/kg (171 mg/kg). The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last gavage dose and the 

livers were removed, weighed, and processed for histopathological examination, proliferating 

cell nuclear antigen - labeling index (PCNA-LI) analysis, and determination of c-myc 

methylation status. For histopathological analysis, stained liver sections were evaluated for 

toxicity using a semi-quantitative procedure using the following severity scoring system: Grade 

1 consisted of mid lobular ballooning hepatocytes; Grade 2 consisted of mid lobular ballooning 

hepatocytes extending to the central vein; Grade 3 consisted of centrilobular necrosis with 

ballooning hepatocytes; and Grade 4 consisted of necrosis extending from the central vein to the 

mid lobule zone. A significant, dose-dependent increase in relative liver weight was observed in 

animals dosed by gavage; however, relative liver weight was unaffected in animals administered 

the compound in drinking water, when compared to controls. At the low gavage dose, liver 

toxicity consisted mainly of a Grade 1 response. At the high dose, liver toxicity consisted 

mainly of a Grade 2 response. No incidence data were provided in the study report, nor was a 

severity grade reported for the control group. The histopathology findings for animals receiving 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water were similar to those observed in the low-dose 

gavage group. Dibromochloromethane administered by gavage caused a dose-dependent 

increase in the PCNA-LI. There was no significant effect on PCNA-LI when the compound was 

administered in drinking water. Administration of dibromochloromethane by gavage or in 

drinking water decreased methylation of the c-myc gene. A LOAEL of 100 mg/kg, the lowest 

dose tested, was identified on the basis of liver toxicity (ballooning hepatocytes) and increased 

cell proliferation in gavaged animals. 

3. Bromoform 

Chu et al. (1982a) administered bromoform to male Sprague-Dawley rats (10/group) in 

drinking water for 28 days at dose levels of 0, 5, 50, or 500 ppm. Based on recorded fluid 

intake, these levels corresponded to doses of 0, 0.7, 8.5, or 80 mg/kg-day, as calculated by the 

authors. The authors observed no effects on growth rate or food consumption and no signs of 

toxicity throughout the exposure. No dose-related biochemical or histologic changes were 

detected (no data provided). This study identified a NOAEL of 80 mg/kg-day, but the reported 

data were too limited to allow an independent confirmation. 

Munson et al. (1982) administered bromoform by aqueous gavage to male and female 

CD-1 mice (6 to 12/sex/group) for 14 days at levels of 0, 50, 125, or 250 mg/kg-day. Parameters 

evaluated included body and organ weights, hematology, clinical chemistry, and humoral and 

cell-mediated immune system functions. Body weights were significantly decreased in highdose females, while body weights in males were significantly increased at the mid and high 

doses. Absolute and relative liver weights were significantly increased in males at the mid -and 

high dose and in females at the high dose. Absolute spleen weight was also decreased in midand high-dose females. Hematologic effects included significantly decreased fibrinogen in 

males at the high dose and significantly decreased prothrombin time in all treated males. The 

V - 25 November 15, 2005 
changes in prothrombin time, however, were not dose-related. Significant clinical chemistry 

findings included decreased glucose levels (high-dose males), increased AST activity (high-dose 

males and females), and decreased BUN levels (high-dose males). Both the humoral and cellmediated immune systems appeared to be affected in males at the high dose with a significant 

decrease in antibody-forming cells and a significant decrease in delayed-type hypersensitivity 

response. The authors stated that no treatment-related effects on the immune system in females 

were observed (no data were reported). Based on changes in clinical chemistry parameters, this 

study identified a NOAEL of 125 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 250 mg/kg-day. 

Condie et al. (1983) investigated the renal and hepatic toxicity of bromoform. Male CD1 mice (8 to 16/group) were administered 0, 72, 145, or 289 mg/kg-day of bromoform by gavage 

in corn oil for 14 days. Biochemical evidence of liver damage (elevated ALT) and kidney 

damage (decreased PAH uptake by kidney slices) was observed at the high dose, but not at the 

mid or low dose. Histopathological examination revealed no consistent or important changes at 

the low or mid doses, with minimal to moderate liver and kidney injury at the high dose. 

Specific microscopic changes included intratubular mineralization, epithelial hyperplasia, 

mesangial hypertrophy and mesangial nephrosis in the kidney, and centrilobular pallor, mitotic 

figures, focal inflammation, and cytoplasmic vacuolation in the liver. This study identified a 

NOAEL value of 145 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL value of 289 mg/kg-day based on 

histopathologic changes in the liver. 

NTP (1989a) investigated the short term oral toxicity of bromoform in F344/N rats and 

B6C3F1 mice. Groups of male and female rats (5/sex/group) and female mice (5/group) were 

administered doses of 0, 100, 200, 400, 600, or 800 mg/kg-day of bromoform in corn oil by 

gavage for 14 days. Male mice were administered 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg-day. All 

rats that were dosed at 600 or 800 mg/kg-day died before the end of the study. At 400 mg/kgday, only one male rat died before study termination. These rats exhibited lethargy, labored 

breathing, and ataxia. At 400 mg/kg-day, final body weights were decreased by 14% in male 

rats and by 4% in female rats relative to controls. In mice, one male and one female 

administered the high dose died before study termination. Ataxia and lethargy were noted at 600 

mg/kg-day. Final body weights of mice were comparable to those of the controls. Raised 

stomach nodules were observed in males at 400 and 600 mg/kg-day and in females at 600 and 

800 mg/kg-day. This study identified a NOAEL of 200 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 400 mg/kgday. based on decreased body weight and mortality in rats and on stomach nodules in mice, 

Aida et al. (1992a) administered bromoform to Slc:Wistar rats (7/sex/group) for one 

month at dietary levels of 0%, 0.068%, 0.204%, or 0.612% for males and 0%, 0.072%, 0.217%, 

or 0.651% for females. The test material was microencapsulated and mixed with powdered feed; 

placebo granules were used for the control groups. Based on the mean food intakes, the study 

authors reported the mean compound intakes as 0, 61.9, 187.2, or 617.9 mg/kg-day for males and 

0, 56.4, 207.5, or 728.3 mg/kg-day for females. Clinical effects, body weight, food 

consumption, hematology parameters, serum chemistry, and histopathology of all major organs 

were determined. Body weights were significantly reduced in high-dose males relative to the 

controls. High-dose animals of both sexes exhibited slight piloerection and emaciation. Relative 

liver weight was significantly increased in mid- and high-dose males and females. Significant 

V - 26 November 15, 2005 
changes in serum chemistry were primarily observed in the mid- and high-dose animals with the 

females more significantly affected. These changes included significant decreases in (a) serum 

glucose in low- and high-dose males and in mid- and high-dose females, (b) triglycerides in 

high-dose males and in mid- and high-dose females, (c) cholinesterase activity in high-dose 

males and in all female treatment groups, (d) LDH in mid- and high-dose females, and (e) BUN 

in mid- and high-dose females. All of these changes in the groups noted exhibited strong doserelated trends with the exception of serum glucose in males. Creatinine levels and alkaline 

phosphatase activity were also significantly decreased in all female treatment groups, but the 

changes were not dose-related. Significant increases, although not dose-related, were observed 

for phospholipids and cholesterol in mid- and high-dose animals with the exception of a 

nonsignificant increase in phospholipids in high-dose females. The only change of clear 

biological significance at the low dose was a decrease in cholinesterase activity in females. No 

effect was observed on any hematology parameter. Microscopic and macroscopic findings were 

limited to the liver. Specifically, discoloration was observed in all males and females in the 

high-dose group. The incidence and severity of liver cell vacuolization and swelling were doserelated. Severe hepatic cell vacuolization was observed in 5/7 high-dose males and in 6/7 

females at the mid and high dose. Slight to moderate liver cell swelling was observed in three 

high-dose males, while all high-dose females displayed slight signs of liver cell swelling. 

Females appeared to be more sensitive for development of histopathological effects, but the 

changes observed in low-dose females were not considered an adverse effect. Based on the 

histopathology and serum chemistry changes in the mid-dose animals, this study identified 

NOAELs of 61.9 mg/kg-day for males and 56.4 mg/kg-day for females, and LOAELs of 187.2 

mg/kg-day for males and 207.5 mg/kg-day for females. 

Potter et al. (1996) evaluated the effect of bromoform on hyaline droplet formation and 

cell proliferation in the kidney of male F344 rats. Animals (4/dose) received doses of 0.75 or 1.5 

mmol/kg of bromoform in 4% Emulphor® by gavage for 1, 3, or 7 days. These doses correspond 

to 190 or 379 mg/kg-day, respectively. No exposure-related increase in hyaline droplet 

formation was observed. Cell proliferation in the kidney following bromoform exposure was 

measured in vivo by [3

H]-thymidine incorporation. No statistically significant effects were 

noted following exposures of up to 7 days duration. Binding of bromoform to "2u-globulin was 

not measured. 

Melnick et al. (1998) exposed female B6C3F1 mice (10 animals/group) to bromoform in 

corn oil via gavage for 3 weeks (5 days/week). Doses of bromoform used in this study were 0 

(vehicle only), 200, or 500 mg/kg-day. There were no treatment-related signs of overt toxicity 

observed during the study. Body weight and water intake were not significantly altered at any 

dose tested. However, a dose-related increase in absolute liver weight and liver weight/body 

weight ratio was noted in both tested doses. Neither serum ALT nor serum SDH activity were 

significantly elevated at either dose of bromoform. At necropsy, there was no evidence of 

hepatocyte hydropic degeneration in animals treated with either dose. BrdU was administered to 

the animals during the last 6 days of the study, and hepatocyte labeling index (LI) analysis was 

conducted. Only the 500 mg/kg-day dose resulted in marginally significant increase in 

hepatocyte proliferation as measured by the LI. These data suggest a NOAEL of 200 mg/kg-day 

and a LOAEL of 500 mg/kg-day based on increased hepatocyte proliferation. 

V - 27 November 15, 2005 
Coffin et al. (2000) examined the effect of bromoform administered by corn oil gavage or 

in drinking water on liver toxicity, cell proliferation and DNA methylation in female B6C3F1 

mice. Gavage doses of 0, 0.79, or 1.98 mmol/kg (0, 200, or 500 mg/kg, respectively) were 

administered to test animals (7-8 weeks old; 10/group) daily for five days, off for two days, and 

then again daily for 5 days. Bromoform was not shown to be carcinogenic to female mice 

exposed at doses up to 200 mg/kg-day (NTP 1989a). The high dose was selected on the basis 

that it had previously been demonstrated to be carcinogenic in female mice. Bromoform was 

administered in drinking water at approximately 75% of the saturation level, resulting in an 

average daily dose of 1.19 mmol/kg (301 mg/kg). The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the 

last gavage dose and the livers were removed, weighed, and processed for histopathological 

examination, proliferating cell nuclear antigen - labeling index (PCNA-LI) analysis, and 

determination of c-myc methylation status. For histopathological analysis, stained liver sections 

were evaluated for toxicity using a semi-quantitative procedure using the following severity 

scoring system: Grade 1 consisted of mid lobular ballooning hepatocytes; Grade 2 consisted of 

mid lobular ballooning hepatocytes extending to the central vein; Grade 3 consisted of 

centrilobular necrosis with ballooning hepatocytes; and Grade 4 consisted of necrosis extending 

from the central vein to the mid lobule zone. A significant, dose-dependent increase in relative 

liver weight was observed in animals dosed by gavage; however, relative liver weight was 

unaffected in animals administered the compound in drinking water, when compared to controls. 

At the low gavage dose, liver toxicity consisted mainly of a Grade 1 response. At the high dose, 

liver toxicity consisted mainly of a Grade 2 response. No incidence data were provided in the 

study report, nor were severity data presented for the control group. The histopathology findings 

for animals receiving bromoform in the drinking water were similar to those observed in the 

low-dose gavage group. Bromoform administered by gavage caused a significant, dosedependent increase in the PCNA-LI. Bromoform also significantly enhanced cell proliferation 

when the compound was administered in drinking water. Administration of bromoform by 

gavage or in drinking water decreased methylation of the c-myc gene. A LOAEL of 200 mg/kg, 

the lowest dose tested, was identified on the basis of liver toxicity in gavaged animals. 

C. Subchronic Exposure 

This section addresses studies of brominated trihalomethanes that are of approximately 

90 days in duration. Table V-4 summarizes the details of these subchronic studies. 

V - 28 November 15, 2005 
Table V-4 Summary of Subchronic Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Reference Species Route Sex Number 

per dose 

group 

Duration Dose 

(mg/kg-day) 

Results 

Bromodichloromethane 

Oral Exposure 

Chu et al. 

(1982b) 

Rat 

SD* 

Drinking 

water 

M 20 90 days 0 

0.57 

6.5 

Non dose-dependent hepatic 

and thyroid lesions 

53 

212 

Chu et al. 

(1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

F 20 90 days 0 

0.75 

6.9 

Non dose-dependent hepatic 

and thyroid lesions 

57 

219 

NTP (1987) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

19 

38 

Reduced body weight gain 

75 (NOAEL) 

150 (LOAEL) 

300 

NTP (1987) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

6.3 

13 

Focal necrosis of proximal renal 

tubular epithelium 

25 

50 (NOAEL) 

100 (LOAEL) 

NTP (1987) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

F 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

25 

50 

Hepatic microgranulomas 

100 (NOAEL) 

200 (LOAEL) 

400 

Inhalation Exposure 

Torti et al. 

2001 

Mouse 

C57BL/6 

FVB/N 

p53 

(heterozygous) 

Vapor M Not 

reported 

13 weeks 

(6 h/day) 

0 ppm 

0.5 ppm 

3 ppm 

10 ppm 

15 ppm 

Text reported minimal cortical 

scarring and occasional 

regenerative tubules in 

C56BL/6 mice and mild renal 

cortical tubular 

karyocytomegaly. 

Concentrations at which these 

effects occurred were not 

reported. 

V - 29 November 15, 2005 
Table V-4 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number 

per dose 

group 

Duration Dose 

(mg/kg-day) 

Results 

Dibromochloromethane 

Chu et al. 

(1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

M 20 90 days 0 

0.57 

6.1 

Hepatic lesions 

49 (NOAEL) 

224 (LOAEL) 

Chu et al. 

(1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

F 20 90 days 0 

0.64 

6.9 

Hepatic lesions 

55 (NOAEL) 

236 (LOAEL) 

NTP (1985) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

15 

30 (NOAEL) 

60 (LOAEL) 

125 

Hepatic vacuolization 

indicative of fatty 

metamorphosis (males) 

250 

NTP (1985) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

15 

30 

Fatty liver and toxic 

nephropathy in males 

60 

125 (NOAEL) 

250 (LOAEL) 

Daniel et al. Rat Gavage M, F 10 90 days 0 Hepatic vacuolization (males); 

(1990) SD (corn oil) 50 (LOAEL) renal lesions (females) 

100 

200 

Bromoform 

Chu et al. 

(1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

M 20 90 days 0 

0.65 

6.1 

Hepatic lesions and vacuolation 

57 (NOAEL) 

218 (LOAEL) 

Chu et al. 

(1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

Drinking 

water 

F 20 90 days 0 

0.64 

6.9 

Hepatic lesions and vacuolation 

55 (NOAEL) 

283 (LOAEL) 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

12 

25 (NOAEL) 

50 (LOAEL) 

100 

Hepatic vacuolation in males 

200 

V - 30 November 15, 2005 
Table V-4 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number 

per dose 

group 

Duration Dose 

(mg/kg-day) 

Results 

NTP (1989a) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 10 13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

25 

50 

Hepatic vacuolation in males 

100 (NOAEL) 

200 (LOAEL) 

400 

* SD, Sprague-Dawley

1. Bromodichloromethane 

Chu et al. (1982b) administered bromodichloromethane to male and female weanling 

Sprague-Dawley rats (20/sex/dose) in drinking water at levels of 0, 5, 50, 500, or 2,500 ppm for 

90 days. Half of each group (10/sex/dose) was sacrificed at the end of the exposure period, and 

the remaining animals were given tap water for another 90 days. As calculated by the authors 

(using data on water consumption and the average initial and final body weights in the vehicle 

controls and the high-dose groups), these levels corresponded to doses of approximately 0, 0.57, 

6.5, 53, and 212 mg/kg-day for males and 0, 0.75, 6.9, 57, and 219 mg/kg-day for females. At 

2,500 ppm, food consumption was significantly depressed and significant growth suppression 

occurred in both males and females. Mild histologic changes were observed in the liver and 

thyroid of the male animals. Neither incidence nor severity were clearly dose-related. 

Specifically, the incidence of hepatic lesions was increased in males at concentrations equal to or 

greater than 50 ppm, with similar statistically significant increases in the severity of these lesions 

in these dose groups compared to the control. The author noted that the hepatic lesions were 

mild and similar to the control following the 90-day recovery period. Increased incidence of 

thyroid lesions was also observed in males at concentrations equal to or greater than 50 ppm. 

The severity of these lesions was similar to that observed in the control group. These lesions 

were also mild and similar in nature to those of the control after the 90-day recovery period. The 

incidence of hepatic lesions in the female treatment groups (3-5/10) was slightly increased 

compared to that of the control group (0/10) with the severity significantly increased in the 50 

and 2,500 ppm treatment groups, but not in the 500 ppm group. No significant numbers of 

females were reported as having thyroid lesions. Lack of a clear dose-response relationship for 

either incidence or severity of lesions prevented identification of reliable NOAEL or LOAEL 

values. 

NTP (1987) administered doses of 0, 19, 38, 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg-day of 

bromodichloromethane to male and female F344/N rats (10/sex/dose) by gavage in corn oil for 

5 days/week for 13 weeks. The low-dose group was administered 1.9 mg/kg-day for the first 

3 weeks of the study. A necropsy was performed on all animals. Before study termination, 50% 

of the males and 20% of the females in the high-dose group died. Although food consumption 

was not recorded, animals in the high-dose groups appeared to eat less food. These animals were 

V - 31 November 15, 2005 
also emaciated. At 300 mg/kg-day, final body weights of the males and females were decreased 

by 55% and 32%, respectively, relative to the controls. At 150 mg/kg-day, final body weights of 

the males and females were decreased by 30% and 12%, respectively, relative to the controls. 

Treatment-related lesions were observed only at the high dose. At 300 mg/kg-day in males, 

centrilobular degeneration of the liver and occasional necrotic cells were observed in 4/9 

animals. Mild bile duct hyperplasia was also observed in these animals. Kidney lesions in highdose males consisted of degeneration of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (4/9) and definite 

foci of coagulative necrosis of the tubular epithelium (2/9). High-dose males (4/9) also exhibited 

lymphoid degeneration of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes, and mild to moderate atrophy of 

the seminal vesicles and/or prostate. Enlarged hepatocytes were observed in females (2/9) at 

300 mg/kg-day. Although degeneration of the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes was noted in 

high-dose females, the extent of the atrophy was much less than that observed in males. This 

study identified a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 150 mg/kg-day based on reduced 

body weight gain. 

In a parallel experiment, NTP (1987) administered bromodichloromethane in corn oil by 

gavage to male and female B6C3F1 mice (10/sex/dose) for 5 days/week for 13 weeks. Doses 

were 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg-day for males and 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg-day 

for females. All animals survived to the end of the study. The final body weights of high-dose 

males were decreased by 9% relative to the controls. The final body weights of females that 

received 200 and 400 mg/kg-day were decreased 5% and 6%, respectively, relative to the 

controls. No treatment-related clinical signs were noted. Treatment-related lesions were 

observed only at 100 mg/kg-day in males and at 200 and 400 mg/kg-day in females. Kidney 

lesions in high-dose males included focal necrosis of the proximal renal tubular epithelium 

(6/10) and nephrosis of minimal severity (2/10). Microgranulomas were observed in the liver of 

70% of the females that received the 200 mg/kg-day dose. NOAEL and LOAEL values for 

female mice were 100 and 200 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on occurrence of 

microgranulomas. This study identified a NOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 

100 mg/kg-day for male mice on the basis of liver histopathology. 

Torti et al. (2001) reported results from a 13-week interim sacrifice conducted as part of 

an inhalation cancer bioassay in p53 heterozygous C57BL/6 and FVB/N male mice. Test 

animals were exposed to vapor concentrations of 0, 0.5, 3, 10, or 15 ppm, 6 hours/day for 13 

weeks. Osmotic pumps for delivery of bromodeoxyuridine for determination of labeling index 

were implanted at 3.5 days prior to scheduled termination. Test animals were euthanized 

approximately 18 hours after the last scheduled exposure. No exposure-related effects were 

noted for mortality, morbidity, relative body weight, relative kidney or liver weight, or cell 

proliferation in liver, kidney or bladder. Histopathologic lesions were limited to the kidney. The 

study authors reported minimal cortical scarring and occasional regenerative tubules in the 

C57BL/6 strain. The only lesion reported for the FVB/N strain was limited to mild renal cortical 

tubular karyocytomegaly. No incidence data were presented for these lesions and the 

concentrations at which they occurred were not stated. Cell proliferation was not increased over 

baseline in the liver, kidney or bladder. 

V - 32 November 15, 2005 
2. Dibromochloromethane 

Chu et al. (1982b) administered dibromochloromethane to male and female weanling 

Sprague-Dawley rats (20/sex/dose) in drinking water at levels of 0, 5, 50, 500, or 2,500 ppm for 

90 days. Half of each group (10/sex/dose) was sacrificed at the end of the exposure period, and 

the remaining animals were given tap water for another 90 days. Based on calculations by the 

authors, these levels corresponded to doses of approximately 0, 0.57, 6.1, 49, and 224 mg/kg-day 

for males and 0, 0.64, 6.9, 55, and 236 mg/kg-day for females. At 2,500 ppm, food consumption 

was depressed in both males and females, with the decrease reaching statistical significance in 

the males. Body weight gain was also decreased at the high-dose, but not significantly. Mild 

histologic changes occurred in the liver and thyroid in both males and females. Neither the 

incidence nor severity exhibited clear dose-response trends, with the possible exception of the 

incidence and severity of hepatic lesions in the males. The severity of hepatic lesions was 

significantly increased at 50 ppm in females and at 2,500 ppm in both males and females. 

Hepatic lesions included increased cytoplasmic volume and vacuolation due to fatty infiltration. 

Lesions of the thyroid included decreased follicular size and colloid density and occasional focal 

collapse of follicles. The severity of these lesions was not significantly different from that of the 

control. The authors noted that histological changes were mild and similar to controls when 

evaluated after the 90-day recovery period. These data identified a NOAEL of 49 mg/kg-day 

and a LOAEL of 224 mg/kg-day for males, and a NOAEL of 55 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 

236 mg/kg-day for females. 

NTP (1985) administered dibromochloromethane by gavage in corn oil to male and 

female F344/N rats (10/dose/sex). Doses of 0, 15, 30, 60, 125, or 250 mg/kg were given 

5 days/week for 13 weeks. Animals were weighed weekly. All animals were submitted for 

gross necropsy, while histopathology was conducted on animals in the control and high-dose 

groups with the exception that the liver was examined in all males and in females at 125 mg/kgday, and that the kidney and salivary glands were examined in males and females at 125 mg/kgday. Only one male and one female in the high-dose group survived, with most deaths occurring 

during weeks 8 to 10. At 125 mg/kg-day, final body weights of males were decreased 7% 

relative to controls. Histopathological examination revealed severe lesions and necrosis in 

kidney, liver, and salivary glands, primarily at the high-dose. Males exhibited a dose-dependent 

increase in the frequency of clear cytoplasmic vacuoles indicative of fatty metamorphosis in the 

liver; this effect was statistically significant at doses of 60 mg/kg-day or higher. This study 

identified a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 60 mg/kg-day in rats on the basis of 

histopathological effects in the liver. 

NTP (1985) performed a similar 13-week gavage study with dibromochloromethane in 

male and female B6C3F1 mice (10/sex/dose). The doses and dosing schedule were the same as 

for the rat study. No treatment-related effects on body weight or histopathology were observed 

at doses of 125 mg/kg-day or lower. At the high dose, final body weights of males and females 

were decreased by 6% relative to controls. Fatty metamorphosis of the liver and toxic 

nephropathy were observed in high-dose males, but not in high-dose females. This study 

identified a NOAEL of 125 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 250 mg/kg-day based on 

histopathological lesions in male mice. 

V - 33 November 15, 2005 
Daniel et al. (1990) administered gavage doses (in corn oil) of 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kgday of dibromochloromethane to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (10/sex/dose) for 90 

consecutive days. Individual dosages were adjusted weekly based on individual body weights. 

During the final week of the study, urinalysis was conducted following an overnight fast. 

Ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed prior to treatment and during the last week of 

the study. Hematology, serum clinical chemistry, and a thorough histopathologic examination 

were also conducted. No deaths, clinical signs of toxicity, or treatment-related changes in the 

ophthalmoscopic examinations or hematology were observed. Final body weights were 

significantly reduced in the high-dose groups by 32% in males and by 13% in females. Body 

weight decreases in the other groups were less than 10% of control weights. A dose-related 

increase was observed in liver weight in females that reached statistical significance at the high 

dose. Clinical chemistry values indicative of hepatotoxicity and suggestive of nephrotoxicity 

included increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (high-dose males and females), ALT (mid- and 

high-dose males), and creatinine (mid- and high-dose males and high-dose females), and 

decreased potassium levels (high-dose males). Centrilobular lipidosis (vacuolization) was 

observed in the liver of almost all high-dose males and females and all mid- and low-dose males 

(with one exception at each level), but in only one mid-dose female. The severity of the effect 

was dose-related. Centrilobular necrosis was also observed in high-dose males and females. 

Slight-to-moderate degeneration within the kidney proximal tubular cells occurred in all highdose males and females and to a lesser extent in mid-dose males and low- and mid-dose females. 

Based on the liver histopathology in males and kidney histopathology in females, the LOAEL 

for dibromochloromethane in this study was 50 mg/kg-day, the lowest dose tested. 

3. Bromoform 

Chu et al. (1982b) administered bromoform to male and female weanling SpragueDawley rats (20 rats/sex/group) for 90 days in drinking water at levels of 0, 5, 50, 500, or 

2,500 ppm. Half of each group (10/sex/dose) was sacrificed at the end of the exposure period, 

and the remaining animals were given tap water for a 90-day recovery period. Based on 

calculations by the authors, the administered drinking water levels corresponded to doses of 

approximately 0, 0.65, 6.1, 57, and 218 mg/kg-day for males and 0, 0.64, 6.9, 55, and 283 

mg/kg-day for females. At 2,500 ppm, food consumption was depressed in both males and 

females, with the decrease reaching statistical significance in males. Body weight gain was also 

decreased at the high-dose, but not significantly. Lymphocyte counts were significantly 

decreased in high-dose males and females when evaluated 90-days after cessation of treatment. 

The only change in serum biochemistry was a significant decrease in LDH in both males and 

females at the high dose. This effect was also noted 90-days after cessation of treatment. Mild 

histologic changes occurred in the liver and thyroid of male and female animals. Although 

neither incidence nor severity were clearly dose-related, these parameters tended to increase with 

dose. The severity of hepatic lesions was significantly increased in high-dose males and in 

females at 500 and 2,500 ppm. Hepatic lesions included increased cytoplasmic volume and 

vacuolation due to fatty infiltration. Lesions of the thyroid included decreased follicular size and 

colloid density and occasional focal collapse of follicles. The severity of these lesions in the 

treated animals was not significantly different from that in the controls. Although the authors 

V - 34 November 15, 2005 
noted that histologic changes were mild and similar to controls when evaluated after the 90-day 

recovery period, males in the high-dose group continued to exhibit an increased incidence of 

hepatic lesions with greater severity relative to the control. These data identified a NOAEL of 

57 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 218 mg/kg-day for males, and a NOAEL of 55 mg/kg-day and a 

LOAEL of 283 mg/kg-day for females. 

NTP (1989a) exposed male and female F344/N rats to bromoform by gavage for 

5 days/week for 13 weeks. Animals (10/sex/dose) received doses of 0, 12, 25, 50, 100, or 

200 mg/kg-day. None of the rats died before the end of the study, and body weights were not 

significantly affected. All high-dose animals, as well as males dosed with 100 mg/kg-day, were 

lethargic. At sacrifice, tissues were examined for gross and histologic changes. A dosedependent increase in the frequency of hepatocellular vacuolation was observed in male rats, 

which reached statistical significance at 50 mg/kg-day (IRIS, 1993b). These hepatic effects were 

not observed in females. This study identified a NOAEL of 25 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 

50 mg/kg-day, on the basis of the hepatic vacuolation seen in male rats. 

In a parallel study, NTP (1989a) exposed male and female B6C3F1 mice to bromoform 

by gavage for 5 days/week for 13 weeks. Animals (10/sex/dose) received doses of 0, 25, 50, 

100, 200, or 400 mg/kg-day. One female died at 100 mg/kg-day, but no other deaths at any other 

dose level occurred. At sacrifice, tissues were examined for gross and histologic changes. Body 

weights were not significantly affected, although males receiving 400 mg/kg-day had body 

weights about 8% less than controls. A dose-related increase in the number of hepatocellular 

vacuoles was seen in male mice (incidence of 5/10 at 200 mg/kg and 8/10 at 400 mg/kg reported 

in text; incidence in controls not explicitly stated), but not in females. This study identified a 

NOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 200 mg/kg-day in male mice, based on 

hepatocellular vacuolation. 

D. Chronic Exposure 

This section addresses studies on the health effects of brominated trihalomethanes that 

are of one to two years in duration. These studies are summarized in Table V-5. 

V - 35 November 15, 2005 
Table V-5 Summary of Chronic Toxicity Studies for Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Bromodichloromethane 

NTP (1987) Rat Gavage M, F 50 2 years 0 Renal and hepatic histopathology 

F344/N (corn oil) (5 d/wk) 50 (LOAEL) 

100 

NTP (1987) Mouse Gavage M 50 2 years 0 Renal and hepatic histopathology 

B6C3F1 (corn oil) (5 d/wk) 25 (LOAEL) 

50 

NTP (1987) Mouse Gavage F 50 2 years 0 Reduced body weight gain 

B6C3F1 (corn oil) (5 d/wk) 75 (LOAEL) 

150 

Aida et al. Rat Diet M 40 2 years 0 Hepatic vacuolization, serum 

(1992b); Tobe Wistar 6 (LOAEL) chemistry 

et al. (1982) 26 

138 

Aida et al. Rat Diet F 40 2 years 0 Hepatic vacuolization, serum 

(1992b); Tobe Wistar 8 (NOAEL) chemistry 

et al. (1982) 32 (LOAEL) 

168 

Klinefelter et 

al. (1995) 

Rat 

F344 

Drinking 

water 

M 7 1 year 0 

22 

39 (NOAEL) 

No evidence of treatment-related 

histopathological or organ 

weight effects (see reproductive 

effects, section V.E for 

additional data from this study) 

George et al. 

(2002) 

Rat 

F344 

Drinking 

water 

M 54 2 years 0 

6.4 

32.6 (NOAEL) 

58.9 (LOAEL) 

No evidence of treatment-related 

histopathological effects. 

Significant negative trend for 

relative kidney weight; 

significantly reduced kidney 

weight at high dose 

George et al. Mouse Drinking M 50 2 years 0 Decreased absolute and relative 

(2002) B6C3F1 water 8.1 (NOAEL) kidney weight. Mild treatment27.2 (LOAEL) related histopathological effects 

43.4 in liver. 

Dibromochloromethane 

Tobe et al. Rat Diet M 40 2 years 0 Serum biochemistry, liver 

(1982) Wistar 12 (NOAEL) appearance at necropsy; 

SPF 49 (LOAEL) decreased body weight gain 

196 

Tobe et al. Rat Diet F 40 2 years 0 Serum biochemistry, liver 

(1982) Wistar 17 (NOAEL) appearance at necropsy; 

SPF 70 (LOAEL) decreased body weight gain 

278 

V - 36 November 15, 2005 
Table V-5 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

NTP (1985) Rat 

F344 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

M, F 50 2 years 

(5 d/wk) 

0 

40 (LOAEL) 

80 

Histologic changes in liver, 

including fat accumulation and 

ground glass appearance, and 

altered basophilic staining 

NTP (1985) Mouse Gavage M, F 50 105 weeks 0 Fatty metamorphosis in liver 

B6C3F1 (corn oil) (5 d/wk) 50 (LOAEL) and follicular cell hyperplasia in 

100 thyroid 

Bromoform 

Tobe et al. Rat Diet M 40 2 years 0 Enzyme changes and altered 

(1982) Wistar 22 (NOAEL) liver appearance at necropsy 

SPF 90 (LOAEL) 

364 

Tobe et al. Rat Diet F 40 2 years 0 Enzyme changes and altered 

(1982) Wistar 38 (NOAEL) liver appearance at necropsy 

SPF 152 (LOAEL) 

619 

NTP (1989a) Rat Gavage M, F 50 103 weeks 0 Decreased body weight, lethargy, 

F344/N (corn oil) (5 day/wk) 100 (LOAEL) mild hepatotoxicity 

200 

NTP (1989a) Mouse Gavage M 50 103 weeks 0 No observed effects on body 

B6C3F1 (corn oil) (5 day/wk) 50 weight or hepatotoxicity 

100 (NOAEL) 

NTP (1989a) Mouse Gavage F 50 103 weeks 0 Decreased body weight, minimal 

B6C3F1 (corn oil) (5 day/wk) 100 (LOAEL) to mild fatty changes in liver 

200 

* SD, Sprague-Dawley

1. Bromodichloromethane 

Tobe et al. (1982) evaluated the chronic effects of bromodichloromethane administered 

in the diet to male and female Slc:Wistar SPF rats (40/sex/group) for 24 months. The 

histopathology data for the animals exposed to bromodichloromethane in this study were 

reported by Aida et al. (1992b). The animals were 5 weeks old at the start of the study and 

weighed approximately 100 g. Bromodichloromethane was microencapsulated, and an 

appropriate amount was mixed with powdered feed. The concentrations administered were 0.0 

0.014, 0.055, or 0.22%. Control groups (70 rats/sex) received microcapsules without the test 

compound. Body weight and food consumption were monitored weekly for the first 6 months, 

every 2 weeks from 6 to 12 months, and every 4 weeks during the second year of the study. 

V - 37 November 15, 2005 
Interim sacrifices of at least 9 animals/sex/control group and 5 animals/sex/dose group were 

conducted at 6, 12, and 18 months. All surviving animals were sacrificed at 2 years. 

Necropsies, hematology, and serum biochemistry were conducted at each time of sacrifice. 

Based on mean food intakes, the reported average doses were approximately 0, 6, 26, or 

138 mg/kg-day for males and 0, 8, 32, or 168 mg/kg-day for females (Aida et al., 1992b). 

Marked suppression of body weight gain was seen in males and females of the high-dose group. 

Males and females of the high-dose group exhibited mild piloerection and emaciation. Relative 

liver weight was significantly increased in the mid- and high-dose groups, while relative kidney 

weight was significantly increased only in the high-dose groups. At 18 months, dose-dependent 

reductions in serum cholinesterase activity and increases in (-glutamyl transpeptidase ((-GTP) 

activity (indicative of bile duct proliferation) were observed in males, with the changes 

significant at the high dose. The mid- and high-dose males also displayed a 27% and 65% 

reduction, respectively, in total serum triglycerides (T-Gly) levels when compared to the control 

group. At 18 months, serum cholinesterase levels were significantly decreased, while total 

cholesterol levels were significantly increased, in all dose groups for the treated females. Serum 

T-Gly levels (decreased) and (-GTP activity (increased) were also reported to deviate 

significantly from control values in the mid- and high-dose females. The most sensitive markers 

at 24 months were T-GLY and serum cholinesterase, with significant changes seen in all of the 

male treatment groups. Gross necropsy revealed dose-related yellowing and roughening of the 

liver surface. Treatment-related lesions were limited to the liver. At 24 months, fatty 

degeneration and granuloma were observed in all dose groups with the exception of granulomas 

in low-dose females. Specifically, fatty degeneration and granulomas were observed in lowdose males, but not control males, and fatty degeneration was observed in low-dose females at a 

higher rate (8/19) than in control females (2/32). Cholangiofibrosis was also observed in the 

high-dose groups. Bile duct proliferation was observed in most high-dose animals at 6 months, 

and was prevalent in the controls and all dose groups by 24 months. Histopathology was 

observed in all dose groups as early as 6 months with the exception of low-dose females. Based 

on the results of Tobe et al. (1982) alone, the NOAEL was 6 mg/kg-day in males and 8 mg/kgday in females. The LOAEL was identified as 26 (males) to 32 (females) mg/kg-day, based on 

serum enzyme changes and altered liver appearance. Based on the histopathology data reported 

for this study by Aida et al. (1992b), however, the entire study identified a LOAEL of 6 mg/kgday in male rats and 8 mg/kg-day in female rats. 

NTP (1987) administered doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg-day of bromodichloromethane in 

corn oil by gavage to male and female F344/N rats (50/sex/dose), 5 days/week for 102 weeks. 

The authors observed all animals for clinical signs and recorded body weights (by cage) once per 

week for the first 12 weeks of the study and once per month thereafter. A necropsy was 

performed on all animals, including those found dead, unless they were excessively autolyzed or 

cannibalized. During necropsy, all organs and tissues were examined for grossly visible lesions. 

Complete histopathology was performed on all female rats and on high-dose and vehicle-control 

male rats. Male rats in the low-dose group that died early in the study were also examined 

histologically. Survival of dosed rats was comparable to that of vehicle controls. Mean body 

weight of high-dose male and female rats was decreased during the last 1.5 years of the study; 

body weight gain of high-dose male and female rats was 86% and 70% of the corresponding 

vehicle-control values. Body weight gain of low-dose male and female rats was comparable to 

V - 38 November 15, 2005 
that of the vehicle-control group. No treatment-related clinical signs were observed. In males, 

treatment-related nonneoplastic effects included renal cytomegaly, tubular cell hyperplasia, 

hepatic necrosis, and fatty metamorphosis. In females, changes included eosinophilic cytoplasmic change, clear cell change, focal cellular change, fatty metamorphosis of the liver, and 

tubular cell hyperplasia of the kidney. This study identified a LOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day based on 

histologic findings in the liver. 

NTP (1987) administered bromodichloromethane in corn oil by gavage to male and 

female B6C3F1 mice (50/sex/dose), 5 days/week for 102 weeks. For males, doses were 0, 25, or 

50 mg/kg-day. For females, doses were 0, 75, or 150 mg/kg-day. Final survival of treated male 

mice was comparable to that of vehicle controls. At week 84, survival of female mice was 

greater than 50% in all dose groups. After week 84, survival of dosed and vehicle-control 

female mice was reduced (final survival: 26/50, 13/50, and 15/50 for the 0, 5, and 50 mg/kg-day 

groups, respectively), and this decreased survival was associated with ovarian abscesses (8/50, 

19/47, 18/49). Body weight gain of high-dose male mice was 87% of that of the vehicle-control 

group; the body weight gain of low-dose male mice was comparable to that of the vehiclecontrol group. Mean body weight of high-dose female mice was decreased during the last 

1.5 years of the study. The body weight gain was reduced 55% compared to the controls at the 

high dose and by 25% among low-dose females. In males, treatment-related nonneoplastic 

changes included fatty metamorphosis of the liver, renal cytomegaly, and follicular cell 

hyperplasia of the thyroid gland. In females, hyperplasia of the thyroid gland was observed. 

This study identified a LOAEL of 25 mg/kg-day, based on histopathological findings in male 

mice. 

Klinefelter et al. (1995) reported interim (52-week) necropsy data from a cancer bioassay 

in which male F344 rats were administered average concentrations of 0, 330, or 620 mg/L 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water. Corresponding doses of 0, 22, and 39 mg/kg-day were 

calculated by the authors using water consumption and body weight data. For the interim 

sacrifice, 7 animals per dose group were killed, and the testis, epididymis, liver, spleen, kidney, 

thyroid, stomach, intestine, and bladder were evaluated histopathologically. 

Bromodichloromethane had no effect on body weight or on the kidney, liver, spleen, or thyroid 

weight. There was no histopathological evidence of bromodichloromethane-related noncancer 

or cancer effects on any of the examined organs. High levels of nephropathy and interstitial cell 

hyperplasia were observed, but these lesions were not treatment-related. The NOAEL and 

LOAEL for this study are based on reproductive endpoints. These reproductive effects are 

summarized in Section V.E.1. 

George et al. (2002) exposed male F344/N rats (78 animals/dose) to 

bromodichloromethane via drinking water for 104 weeks. Nominal concentrations of 0, 0.07, 

0.35, or 0.70 g/L were administered in drinking water containing 0.25% Emulphor®. The study 

authors indicated that testing of higher concentrations was prevented by refusal of the test 

animals to drink solutions containing more than 0.7 g/L. Six animals per exposure concentration 

were sacrificed at 13, 26, 52, and 78 weeks for gross observation and histopathological 

examination of the thyroid, liver, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum, spleen, 

kidneys, urinary bladder, and testes. A complete rodent necropsy was performed at terminal 

V - 39 November 15, 2005 
sacrifice (104 weeks) and representative samples of the tissues listed above were examined 

microscopically. A complete pathological examination was performed on five rats from the 

high-dose group. Serum profiles of LDH, ALT, ALP, AST, SDH, BUN, total protein, creatine, 

and total antioxidant activities were determined at 26, 52, and 104 weeks. Hepatocyte and renal 

tubular cell proliferation were measured at each sacrifice by bromodeoxyuridine labeling. 

The measured drinking water concentrations of bromodichloromethane were 0.06, 0.38, 

and 0.76 g/L. When corrected for loss of bromodichloromethane as a result of volatility, 

instability, or adsorption to glass surfaces during treatment, the corresponding administered 

concentrations were 0.06, 0.33, and 0.62 g/L. Based on measured water consumption, these 

levels correspond to mean daily doses for the entire study of 3.9, 20.6, and 36.3 mg/kg-day as 

calculated by the study authors. No significant differences were observed among groups for feed 

consumption or survival. Twenty-one to 22 unscheduled deaths were observed in each treatment 

group. Mononuclear cell leukemia was seen in all dose groups and was reported to be the 

primary cause of morbidity and mortality prior to 104 weeks. Exposure to 

bromodichloromethane did not affect the growth rate of test animals when compared to the 

control. Kidney weight was significantly depressed at the high dose and a significant negative 

trend was observed for relative kidney weight. No significant changes were observed in clinical 

chemistry parameters. Observed nonneoplastic changes in the liver (e.g., biliary fibrosis, bile 

duct inflammation, and chronic inflammation) were considered to be age-related background 

changes, since neither the incidence nor severity of the lesions differed from the control values. 

Bromodichloromethane had no effect on hepatocyte proliferation as measured by 

bromodeoxyuridine labeling. Renal tubular cell hyperplasia was significantly decreased in the 

3.9 mg/kg-day group (-75%) and significantly increased in the 36.3 mg/kg-day group (15.8%) 

relative to the control value (8.7%). Renal tubule cell proliferation was decreased in the 36.3 

mg/kg-day group at 52 and 78 weeks of exposure. These data identify NOAEL and LOAEL 

values for this study of 20.6 mg/kg-day and 36.6 mg/kg-day based on significant reductions in 

absolute and relative kidney weight. Tumor data for this study are reported in Section V.G.1. 

In a parallel study, George et al. (2002) exposed male B6C3F1 mice (78 animals/dose) to 

bromodichloromethane via drinking water for 100 weeks. Nominal concentrations of 0.05, 0.25, 

or 0.50 g/L were administered in drinking water containing 0.25% Emulphor®. The vehicle 

control solution consisted of 0.25% Emulphor®. Seven animals per exposure concentration were 

sacrificed at 13, 26, 52, and 78 weeks for gross observation and histopathological examination of 

the liver, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, 

and testes. A complete rodent necropsy was performed at terminal sacrifice (100 weeks) and 

representative samples of the tissues listed above were examined microscopically. A complete 

pathological examination was performed on five rats from the high-dose group. Serum profiles 

of LDH, ALT, ALP, AST, SDH, BUN, total protein, creatine, and total antioxidant activities 

were determined at 26, 52, and 100 weeks. Hepatocyte and renal tubular cell proliferation were 

measured by bromodeoxyuridine labeling at each sacrifice. 

The measured drinking water concentrations of bromodichloromethane were 0.06, 0.30, 

and 0.55 g/L. When corrected for loss of bromodichloromethane as a result of volatility, 

instability, or adsorption to glass surfaces during treatment, the corresponding administered 

V - 40 November 15, 2005 
concentrations were 0.06, 0.28, and 0.49 g/L. Based on measured water consumption, these 

levels correspond to mean daily doses of 8.1, 27.2, and 43.4 mg/kg-day as calculated by the 

study authors. Water consumption was significantly reduced at the mid- and high doses; the 

study authors attributed the reduced intake to taste aversion. No significant differences were 

observed among groups for feed consumption or survival. Exposure to bromodichloromethane 

did not affect the growth rate of test animals when compared to the control. Absolute and 

relative kidney weights were significantly depressed at 27.2 and 43.4 mg/kg-day when compared 

to the control values. No significant changes were observed in clinical chemistry parameters. 

Mild, treatment-related nonneoplastic hepatic lesions were observed in the 27.2 and 43.4 mg/kgday dose groups (identity and prevalence not reported). Increased incidences of hepatocellular 

karyomegaly and necrosis with inflammation (prevalence and severity not reported) were not 

dose-related. Bromodichloromethane treatment did not alter hepatocyte or renal tubule cell 

proliferation. The NOAEL and LOAEL for this study are 8.1 and 27.2 mg/kg-day, respectively, 

based on significantly decreased kidney weight. Tumor data for this study are reported in 

Section V.G.1. 

2. Dibromochloromethane 

Tobe et al. (1982) evaluated the chronic effects of dibromochloromethane administered 

in the diet to male and female Slc:Wistar SPF rats (40/sex/group) at concentrations of 0.0%, 

0.022%, 0.088%, or 0.35% for 24 months. The animals were 5 weeks old at the start of the test 

and weighed approximately 100 g. Dibromochloromethane was microencapsulated, and an 

appropriate amount was mixed with powdered feed. Control groups (70 rats/sex) received 

microcapsules without test compound. Body weight and food consumption were monitored 

weekly for the first 6 months, every 2 weeks from 6 to 12 months, and every 4 weeks during the 

second year of the study. Data were reported from the sacrifices of 9 animals/sex/control group 

and 5/sex/dose group at 18 months; all surviving animals were sacrificed at 24 months. 

Necropsies, hematology, and serum biochemistry were conducted at the time of sacrifice. No 

histopathology data for dibromochloromethane have been published from this study. Based on 

reported body weights (150 to 475 g for males and 100 to 215 g for females) and food 

consumption (15 to 20 g/day for males and 10 to 15 g/day for females), these levels 

corresponded to doses of approximately 0, 12, 49, and 196 mg/kg-day for males and 0, 17, 70, 

and 278 mg/kg-day for females. Marked suppression of body weight gain was seen in males and 

females at the high dose, and mild suppression of body weight gain (about 10%) was seen in 

males and females at the mid dose. Decreased T-GLY and serum cholinesterase activity and 

increased (-GTP were seen in the mid- and high-dose males and females. Yellowing of the liver 

surface was noted in the mid- and high-dose groups, and roughening of the liver surface was 

noted in high-dose males. This study suggests NOAELs of 12 mg/kg-day (males) and 17 mg/kgday (females), and LOAELs of 49 mg/kg-day (males) and 70 mg/kg-day (females), based on 

serum biochemistry data, decreased body weight, and gross necropsy findings. 

NTP (1985) investigated the chronic oral toxicity of dibromochloromethane in male and 

female F344/N rats. Groups of 50 animals/sex/dose were administered doses of 0, 40, or 

80 mg/kg-day by gavage in corn oil for 5 days/week for 104 weeks. Survival was comparable in 

all dose groups. Body weight gain was decreased in high-dose males after week 20; final weight 

V - 41 November 15, 2005 
gain was 88% of the control value. Females in both dose groups gained more weight than did 

the controls. Histologic lesions in the liver were observed in males and females at both dose 

levels. Changes included fat accumulation, "ground glass" appearance of the cytoplasm, and 

altered basophilic staining. This study identified a LOAEL of 40 mg/kg-day for 

dibromochloromethane based on liver lesions. 

NTP (1985) performed a similar chronic oral exposure study of dibromochloromethane 

toxicity in male and female B6C3F1 mice. Groups of 50 animals/sex/dose were administered 

doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg-day by gavage in corn oil for 5 days/week for 105 weeks. Survival 

in females was not different from controls, while survival in high-dose males was significantly 

decreased. An overdosing accident at week 58 killed 35/50 male mice in the low-dose group, 

and this group was not considered further. Mean body weight was decreased in high-dose males 

and females, but not in low-dose females. Treatment-related hepatocytomegaly and focal 

necrosis were observed in livers of high-dose males. Females showed liver calcification at the 

high dose and fatty metamorphosis at both the low and high doses. An increased incidence of 

follicular cell hyperplasia in the thyroid was observed in low- and high-dose females relative to 

the control. Thyroid lesions were not observed in treated males. This study identified a LOAEL 

of 50 mg/kg-day for dibromochloromethane in mice. 

3. Bromoform 

Tobe et al. (1982) evaluated the chronic effects of bromoform administered in the diet to 

male and female Slc:Wistar SPF rats (40/sex/group) for 24 months. The animals were 5 weeks 

old at the start of the test and weighed approximately 100 g. Bromoform was 

microencapsulated, and administered at dietary levels of 0.0%, 0.04%, 0.16%, or 0.65%. 

Control groups (70 rats/sex) received microcapsules without test article. Body weights and food 

consumption were monitored weekly for the first 6 months, every 2 weeks from 6 to 12 months, 

and every 4 weeks during the second year of the study. Data were reported from the sacrifices of 

9 animals/sex in the control group and 5/sex/dose in the exposure groups at 18 months; all 

surviving animals were sacrificed at 24 months. At each time of sacrifice, necropsies, 

hematology, and serum biochemistry were conducted. No histopathology data for bromoform 

have been published from this study. Based on reported body weights (150 to 475 g for males 

and 100 to 215 g for females) and food consumption (15 to 20 g/day for males and 10 to 20 

g/day for females), these levels corresponded to doses of about 0, 22, 90, and 364 mg/kg-day for 

males and 0, 38, 152, and 619 mg/kg-day for females. Marked suppression of body weight gain 

was seen in males and females at the high dose, and mild suppression of body weight gain (about 

15%) was seen in males and females at the mid dose. Dose-related decreases in non-esterified 

fatty acids were observed in all treated males and in females at the mid and high dose. Females 

also exhibited a dose-related increase in levels of (-GTP with the increases significant at the mid 

and high dose. Other serum biochemistry changes in the high-dose groups included decreased 

serum triglyceride (T-GLY) and increased AST and ALT activity. Specifically, T-GLY levels 

significantly decreased by 86% and 80% in the male and female high-dose groups, respectively, 

by study termination. AST and ALT activities at study termination were significantly increased 

1.6 to 2.6-fold in animals at the high dose compared to controls, with the exception that the 

increase in AST activity in males was statistically nonsignificant. Yellowing and small white 

V - 42 November 15, 2005 
spots, and roughening of the surface were seen in the livers of the mid- and high-dose animals. 

Roughening of the liver surface was observed in the high-dose groups. Based on the necropsy 

findings and the serum biochemistry data, this study indicated NOAELs of 22 mg/kg-day for 

males and 38 mg/kg-day for females, and LOAELs of 90 mg/kg-day for males and 152 mg/kgday for females. 

NTP (1989a) exposed male and female F344/N rats (50/sex/group) to bromoform by 

gavage in oil for 103 weeks (5 days/week) at doses of 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day. Animals were 

observed for clinical signs throughout the study (2 days/week). At termination, necropsy and 

histopathological examination were performed on all animals. Body weight gain was decreased 

by 37% in high-dose females and by 29% in high-dose males relative to the respective controls. 

Survival of the high-dose males was also decreased. Both males and females were lethargic. 

Hepatic fatty change and chronic inflammation were noted in both males and females at both 

doses, and minimal necrosis was increased in high-dose males. Nonneoplastic changes were not 

reported in other tissues. This study identified a LOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day in both male and 

female rats. 

NTP (1989a) exposed groups of 50 male B6C3F1 mice by gavage in oil to doses of 0, 50, 

or 100 mg/kg-day of bromoform for 103 weeks (5 days/week). Groups of 50 female mice were 

administered doses of 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day. Animals were observed for clinical signs 

2 days/week throughout the study. At termination, all animals were necropsied, and a thorough 

histological examination of tissues was performed. Decreased survival was observed in females, 

but not males. This was at least partly due to a utero-ovarian infection. No clinical signs were 

noted. Body weight gains were 82% and 72% of the control values for low- and high-dose 

females, respectively, but body weight gain was not affected in males. Increased incidences of 

minimal to mild fatty changes were noted in the livers of both low- and high-dose females, but 

not males. Nonneoplastic changes were not detected in other tissues. This study identified a 

LOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day for female mice, based on decreased body weight and fatty changes 

of the liver. No NOAEL for females was identified. For males, a NOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day 

was identified. 

E. Reproductive and Developmental Effects 

Studies that have examined the reproductive and developmental toxicity of the 

brominated trihalomethanes are summarized in Table V-9 at the end of this section. 

1. Bromodichloromethane 

a. Studies in Rats 

Ruddick et al. (1983) investigated the teratogenicity and developmental toxicity of 

bromodichloromethane in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant dams (15/dose group) were 

administered 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day by gavage in corn oil on gestation days (GD) 6 to 15. 

Body weights were measured on GD 1, on GD 1 through GD 15, and before and after fetuses 

V - 43 November 15, 2005 
were removed by caesarean section on GD 22. On GD 22, females were sacrificed and body 

tissues (including the uterus) were removed for pathological examination. Females were 

evaluated for the number of resorption sites, and number of fetuses. Maternal blood samples 

were collected and evaluated for standard hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. The 

liver, heart, brain, spleen, and one kidney were weighed. Standard histopathology was 

conducted on control and high-dose females (5/group). All fetuses were individually weighed, 

and evaluated for viability and external malformations. Histopathologic examination was 

performed on two pups per litter. Of the remaining live fetuses, approximately two-thirds were 

examined for skeletal alterations and one-third for visceral abnormalities. 

Although 15 inseminated females per dose group were exposed to bromodichloromethane, not all females became pregnant and/or delivered litters. Therefore, the number of 

litters per dose group ranged from 9 to 14. One animal died in the control group, but no deaths 

occurred in any of the exposed groups. In the high-dose group, maternal weight gain was 

significantly depressed by 38% as compared with controls. Although maternal weight gains 

were also reduced in the low- and mid-dose groups (13% and 15%, respectively, as compared 

with controls), these differences were not reported as statistically significant. Relative maternal 

liver weight was significantly increased in all exposed groups (110%, 110%, and 117% for the 

low-, mid-, and high-dose groups, respectively as compared with control values). Relative 

kidney and brain weights were also statistically increased in the high-dose group only. These 

increases in relative organ weights may have been associated with the decreased body weight 

gains in treated females. No treatment-related changes in hematology, clinical chemistry, 

histopathology, number of resorptions, and the number of fetuses per litter were noted. No 

differences between treated and control groups were reported for fetal weights, gross 

malformations (terata), and visceral abnormalities. However, an increase in the incidence of 

sternebral anomalies was observed in all treated groups. The number of affected fetuses/number 

of affected litters were 2/2, 8/4, 9/7, 10/6 for the control, low-, mid-, and high-dose groups, 

respectively. Statistical significance of fetotoxic endpoints was not reported by the study 

authors. An independent statistical analysis (using the Fisher Exact test) was conducted on the 

published data for development of this Criteria Document and demonstrated that none of these 

increases differed significantly from control values (p>0.05). A trend test showed a statistically 

significant dose-related trend (p=0.03); stepwise analysis indicated that the trend became 

nonsignificant if the high-dose (200 mg/kg-day) was omitted from the analysis. These findings 

suggest that the LOAEL and NOAEL for developmental toxicity are 200 and 100 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. However, it should be noted that the small sample sizes (the sampling unit is the 

litter) limited the statistical power of the experiment to detect possible significant differences at 

lower doses. Based on significantly decreased maternal body weight gain, the LOAEL and 

NOAEL for maternal toxicity are 200 and 100 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Klinefelter et al. (1995) evaluated the effects of bromodichloromethane exposure on male 

reproduction during a chronic cancer bioassay study in which F344 rats were administered 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water at concentrations of 0, 330, or 620 mg/L. The authors 

estimated the doses to be 0, 22, and 39 mg/kg-day. At 52 weeks, the authors conducted an 

interim sacrifice, which included an evaluation of epididymal sperm motion parameters and 

V - 44 November 15, 2005 
histopathology of the testes and epididymides. No histologic alterations were observed in any 

reproductive tissue. Sperm velocities (mean straight-line, average path, and curvilinear), 

however, were significantly decreased at 39 mg/kg-day. No effect on sperm motility was 

observed at 22 mg/kg-day. The NOAEL and LOAEL for reproductive effects are thus 22 and 39 

mg/kg-day, respectively. 

The results for sperm velocity in the study by Klinefelter et al. (1995) are of interest 

because personal exposure to bromodichloromethane in tap water at home showed a weak but 

statistically significant inverse association with significantly decreased sperm linearity in an 

epidemiological study of semen quality (Fenster et al., 2003; see Section VI.B.2.b for summary), 

suggesting the possibility of similar male reproductive effects in humans and in F344 rats treated 

at a higher dose than anticipated in human exposures. Treatment-related effects on sperm 

characteristics were not observed in two other reproductive studies (NTP, 1998; Christian et al., 

2002) of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to bromodichloromethane in the drinking water at 

concentrations similar to or higher than those used in the Klinefelter et al. (1995) study. 

However, the differences in outcome may have occurred as a result of the strain tested or 

differences in methodology. In some male reproductive studies, the use of F344 rats has been 

associated with considerable variability in endpoints such as epididymal sperm motility (Zenick 

et al., 1994), although Klinefelter et al. (1995) reported use of techniques designed to reduce this 

variability. NTP (1998) used a shorter duration of exposure (35 days) that did not span the entire 

period of spermatogenesis in rats (approximately 52 days) and Christian et al. (2002) did not 

measure the sensitive sperm motility parameters (mean straight-line, average path, and 

curvilinear velocities) that were affected in the Klinefelter et al. (1995) study. Neither Christian 

et al. (2002) nor NTP (1998) observed treatment-related effects on fertility, but fertility is 

considered to be a less sensitive indicator of male reproductive function than effects on sperm 

motility. 

Narotsky et al. (1997) examined both the developmental toxicity and the effect of dosing 

vehicle on the developmental toxicity of bromodichloromethane. F344 rats (12 to 14/group) 

were administered bromodichloromethane by gavage, in either corn oil or an aqueous vehicle 

containing 10% Emulphor®, at dose levels of 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg-day on GD 6 to 15. Dams 

were allowed to deliver naturally, and pups were evaluated postnatally. Maternal body weights 

were assessed on GD 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, and 20, and all rats were observed for clinical signs of 

toxicity throughout the test period. Postnatal day (PND) 1 was defined as GD 22 irrespective of 

the actual time of parturition. All pups were examined externally for gross malformations and 

weighed on PND 1 and 6. Skeletal and visceral anomalies in the pups were not evaluated. 

Following PND 6 examination, the dams were sacrificed and the number of uterine implantation 

sites per female was recorded. The uteri of females that did not deliver litters were stained and 

evaluated histopathologically to detect any cases of full-litter resorption (FLR). In order to 

compare the kinetics of dosing vehicles, a separate experiment was conducted in which pregnant 

females (3 to 4 animals per vehicle per time point) were administered a single dose of 75 mg/kg 

on GD 6 and whole blood samples were collected at 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 4.5 hours, or 24 

hours postdosing. Following blood collection, the animals were sacrificed, blood concentrations 

of bromodichloromethane were measured, and pregnancy status was confirmed at necropsy. 

V - 45 November 15, 2005 
In the developmental toxicity study, one animal that received 75 mg/kg-day in corn oil 

died before study termination. In the mid- and high-dose groups, clinical signs of toxicity were 

evident among animals administered bromodichloromethane in either dosing vehicle. At 

75 mg/kg-day, kyphosis (humpback) was observed in animals receiving the oil vehicle, and 

piloerection was observed in animals receiving either vehicle. At 50 mg/kg-day, piloerection was 

observed in animals receiving the aqueous gavage, and chromodacryorrhea/lacrimation was 

observed in animals receiving the oil gavage. Maternal weight gain was significantly decreased 

in all dosed groups receiving the aqueous vehicle and in the 50 and 75 mg/kg-day groups in 

animals receiving the oil vehicle on GD 6 to 8 (data not reported for other time periods). 

Although maternal weight gain was also reduced at 25 mg/kg-day in animals given the oil 

vehicle, this decrease was not statistically significant. However, a two-way analysis of variance 

(ANOVA) indicated that there was no interaction between vehicle and dose for this maternal 

endpoint. All control and 25 mg/kg-day litters survived the test period; however, FLR was 

observed at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day with both dosing vehicles. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) of 

FLR incidence showed a significant vehicle-dose interaction. For females receiving 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil, FLR was reported in 8 and 83% of the litters at 50 and 75 

mg/kg-day, respectively; an additional high-dose litter was carried to term but was delivered late 

(GD 23), and all pups died by PND 6. For females receiving the aqueous vehicle, FLR was 

observed in 17 and 21% of the litters at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day, respectively. There were no 

effects on gestation length, pre- or postnatal survival, or pup morphology in surviving litters, 

with the exception noted above in the 75 mg/kg-day oil vehicle group. Based on full litter 

resorption, the LOAEL for developmental toxicity is 50 mg/kg-day for both vehicles, and the 

corresponding NOAEL is 25 mg/kg-day. Based on significantly reduced body weight gain 

during GD 6 to 8 in dams receiving the aqueous vehicle, the LOAEL for maternal toxicity is the 

lowest dose tested, 25 mg/kg-day, and a NOAEL could not be determined. 

Analysis of bromodichloromethane concentrations in blood indicated that circulating 

levels decreased over time with both vehicles, but tended to be higher following corn oil 

administration. Bromodichloromethane blood concentrations were thus vehicle-dependent and 

differed statistically at both 4.5 and 24 hours postdosing (mean of 3.1 ng/mL versus 0.4 ng/mL 

for oil and aqueous vehicles, respectively, at 24 hours). The elimination half-life of 

bromodichloromethane was estimated to be 3.6 hours when administered in corn oil and 2.7 

hours when given in the aqueous vehicle. 

Narotsky et al. (1997) also calculated both an ED05 (i.e., the effective dose producing a 

5% increase in response rate above background) and a benchmark dose (BMD; as defined by the 

authors, the BMD is the lower confidence interval of the ED05) for each vehicle. For the corn oil 

vehicle, the ED05 and BMD were 48.4 and 39.3 mg/kg-day, respectively. For the aqueous 

vehicle, the ED05 and BMD were 33.3 and 11.3 mg/kg-day, respectively. The study authors 

noted that the greater BMD value for the corn oil vehicle seemed counterintuitive in view of the 

higher FLR response rate in the 75 mg/kg-day aqueous vehicle group (83% for aqueous vehicle 

versus 21% for corn oil vehicle). However, the dose response for bromodichloromethaneinduced FLR differed markedly between vehicles, and the response rate in the 50 mg/kg-day 

corn oil vehicle group (8%) closely approximated 5%, the effect level defined by the ED05. 

V - 46 November 15, 2005 
According to the study authors, this resulted in a smaller confidence interval around the ED05 for 

the corn oil vehicle, yielding a less conservative (i.e., higher) BMD. These findings are 

consistent with the pharmacokinetic data demonstrating a slower elimination of 

bromodichloromethane following a single dose of 75 mg/kg in corn oil as compared with the 

same dose in aqueous vehicle, and suggest that the influence of vehicle on FLR rate is dosedependent. 

NTP (1998) conducted a short-term reproductive and developmental toxicity screen in 

Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate the effects of bromodichloromethane administered in drinking 

water. The study was designed to identify the physiological endpoints most sensitive to 

bromodichloromethane exposure, and assessed development, female reproduction, male 

reproduction, hematology, clinical chemistry, and pathology. In males, the reproductive 

endpoints evaluated included testis and epididymis weight, sperm morphology, density and 

motility. The female reproductive parameters evaluated included mating index, pregnancy 

index, fertility index, gestation index, number of live births, number of resorptions, implants per 

litter, corpora lutea and pre-and post- implantation loss. Concentrations of 0, 100, 700 and 1300 

ppm bromodichloromethane were selected for use in this study based on decreased water 

consumption observed in a preliminary 14-day range-finding study (see Section V.B.1). Two 

groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats and three groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats were 

assigned to treatment groups as indicated in Table V-6. 

Table V-6 NTP (1998) Study Design 

Gender Group Description 

# Animals per Dose Group 

0 ppm* 100 ppm 700 ppm 1300 ppm 

Male A non-BrdU treated 10 10 10 10 

B BrdU treated 5 5 5 8 

Female A peri-conception exposure 10 10 10 10 

B gestational exposure 13 13 13 13 

C BrdU treated, periconception exposure 5 5 5 8 

* Control animals received deionized water 

Test animals were dosed for 25 to 30 days, with the exception of Group B females which 

were dosed from GD 6 to evidence of littering/birth (total duration approximately 15 to 16 days). 

Based on measured water consumption, the nominal concentrations of 0, 100, 700 and 1300 ppm 

were equivalent to doses of 0, 8, 41, and 68 mg bromodichloromethane/kg-day for all male rats 

and 0, 14, 72 and 116 mg bromodichloromethane/kg-day for all female rats in groups A and C. 

The calculated doses for Group B females were 0, 13, 54, and 90 mg/kg-day. All animals 

V - 47 November 15, 2005 
survived the treatment period, with the exception of one Group A male in the 700 ppm dose 

group. Body weight and food and water consumption were decreased at many time points for 

animals dosed with 700 and 1300 ppm bromodichloromethane. Body weights in the dosed 

groups were decreased from 5% to 13%, food consumption was decreased from 14% to 53%, 

and water consumption was decreased from 7% to 86% relative to control animals. However, 

bromodichloromethane exposure did not alter any reproductive parameter investigated in males 

or females, with the exception of a non-dose-related increase in the number of live fetuses per 

birth at the 100 ppm concentration in Group C females, and a slight decrease in the number of 

corpora lutea at the 700 ppm concentration in Group A females. On the basis of these results, 

NTP (1998) concluded that bromodichloromethane was not a short-term developmental or 

reproductive toxicant any of the doses tested in the study. The reproductive/developmental 

NOAELs are 68 and 116 mg/kg-day for male and female rats, respectively. The adult NOAEL 

and LOAEL for this study were identified on the basis of hepatic effects, which are discussed in 

detail in Section V.B.1. 

Bielmeier et al. (2001) conducted a series of experiments to investigate the mode of 

action for bromodichloromethane-induced full litter resorption (FLR) in F344 rats. This series 

of experiments included a strain comparison of F344 and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, a critical 

period study, and two hormone profile studies. The strain comparison and critical period studies 

are summarized in Table V-7 and discussed below. The hormone profile studies and related 

follow-on studies reported by Bielmeier et al. (2004) are discussed in Section V.H.2 (Hormonal 

Disruption). 

In the strain comparison experiment, female SD rats (13 to 14/dose group) were dosed 

with 0, 75, or 10 mg/kg-day by aqueous gavage in 10% Emulphor® on GD 6 to 10. F344 rats 

(12 to 14/dose group) were concurrently dosed with 0 or 75 mg/kg-day administered in the same 

vehicle. The incidence of FLR in the bromodichloromethane-treated F344 rats was 62%, while 

the incidence of FLR in SD rats treated with 75 or 100 mg/kg-day of bromodichloromethane was 

0%. Both strains of rats showed similar signs of maternal toxicity, and the percent body weight 

loss after the first day of dosing was comparable for SD rats (no resorption observed) and the 

F344 rats that resorbed their litters. F344 rats that maintained their pregnancies generally did not 

lose weight after the first dose, although they did experience significantly less weight gain than 

the controls. Both strains of rats had similar incidences of piloerection. However, the strains 

showed different ocular responses to compound administration. One half (7/14) of the treated 

F344 rats showed lacrimation and/or excessive blinking shortly after dosing during the first two 

days of compound administration. In comparison, only 1/28 of the SD rats exhibited this 

response. The study authors reported that lacrimation was not predictive of FLR in F344 rats. 

The rats were allowed to deliver and pups were examined on postnatal days 1 and 6. Surviving 

litters appeared normal and no effect on post-natal survival, litter size, or pup weight was 

observed. 

V - 48 November 15, 2005 
Table V-7 Summary of Experiments Conducted by Bielmeier et al. (2001)a 

Study/Strain Dose 

(mg/kg-day) 

Treatment 

Period 

Number of animals 

% FLR 

Treated Pregnant Resorbed 

Strain Comparison 

F344 0 GD 6-10 12 11 0 0 

F344 75 GD 6-10 14 13 8 62** 

SD 0 GD 6-10 13 13 0 0 

SD 75 GD 6-10 14 14 0 0 

SD 100 GD 6-10 14 14 0 0 

Critical Study Period 

F344 0 GD 6-15 8 8 0 0 

F344 75 GD 6-15 10 10 5 50* 

F344 75 GD 6-10 12 12 9 75** 

F344 75 GD 11-15 13 13 0 0 

Source: Table 1 in Bielmeier et al. (2001)

Abbreviations: GD, gestation day; FLR, full litter resorption; SD, Sprague-Dawley a

 Additional experiments to characterize profiles for selected hormones are discussed in section V.H.2

* p<0.05; ** p<0.01; *** p<0.001for significant differences from controls (Fisher’s Exact Test) 

Bielmeier et al. (2001) conducted a second experiment to identify the critical period for 

bromodichloromethane-induced FLR in F344 rats. Two different five day periods during 

organogenesis were compared. Pregnant rats (12 to 13/dose group) were dosed with 75 mg/kgday by gavage in 10% Emulphor® on GD 6 to 10 (which includes the luteinizing hormonedependent period of pregnancy) or GD 11 to 15 (a luteinizing hormone-independent period). 

Rats (8 to 10/dose group) dosed with 0 or 75 mg/kg-day on GD 6 to 15 served as negative and 

positive controls, respectively. FLR occurred only in rats treated on GD 6 to 10 or GD 6 to 15 

(incidences of 75% and 50%, respectively). In contrast, all rats treated with 

bromodichloromethane on GD 11 to 15 maintained their litters. Surviving litters appeared 

normal and no effect on post-natal survival, litter size, or pup weight was observed. This finding 

was interpreted by the study authors as evidence for an effect of bromodichloromethane on 

luteinizing hormone secretion or signal transduction. 

The experiments conducted by Bielmeier et al. (2001) identified a LOAEL of 75 mg/kgday (the lowest dose tested) based on FLR in F344 rats. A NOAEL was not identified. 

V - 49 November 15, 2005 
The Chlorine Chemistry Council sponsored a range finding reproductive toxicity study of 

bromodichloromethane in rats (CCC, 2000c), which was conducted according to standard U.S. 

EPA test guidelines (U.S. EPA, 1998c) and GLP standards. This study is summarized in 

Christian (2001b). Male and female Sprague Dawley rats (10/sex/group) were randomly 

assigned to five exposure groups. Additional rats (6 males/group and 15 females/group) were 

assigned to satellite groups for collection of samples for analysis of bromodichloromethane 

concentrations in selected tissues and fluids (see Section III.B). Bromodichloromethane was 

administered to parental rats (P generation) in drinking water at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 

450, or 1350 ppm. Exposure began 14 days before cohabitation and continued until the day of 

sacrifice. Female estrous cycle evaluations were performed daily, beginning 14 days before 

exposure initiation and continuing for 14 days after the first day of exposure. Clinical 

observations were recorded daily during the exposure period. 

Male body weights were recorded weekly during the entire exposure period and at 

sacrifice; female body weights were recorded weekly during precohabitation and cohabitation, 

on GD 0, 7, 14, 21, and 25, and on lactation days (LD) 1, 5, 8, 11, 15, 22, and 29. Lactation was 

extended for one week (LD 22-29) beyond the normal 3-week period because F1 pup body 

weights in the three highest dose groups were significantly reduced on LD 21 relative to control 

values (results are described below). Water and feed consumption were recorded weekly and at 

sacrifice for males during the entire exposure period (except for feed consumption during 

cohabitation), and more frequently for females during gestation and lactation. On LD 29, two F1 

pups per sex were selected from each litter for an additional week of postweaning observation, 

provided ad libitum access to water containing the same concentration of bromodichloromethane 

administered to their parents (P generation), and sacrificed on Day 8 postweaning. P generation 

female rats were assessed for duration of gestation, fertility index, gestation index, number and 

sex of offspring per litter, number of implantation sites, and clinical signs of toxicity during the 

postpartum period. During lactation, maternal behavior was observed and recorded on LD 1, 5, 

8, 11, 22, and 29. Litters were externally examined following delivery to identify the number 

and sex of pups, stillbirths and live births, and gross external malformations. Litters were 

observed at least twice daily during the preweaning and postweaning period for pup deaths and 

clinical signs of toxicity. Litter size and viability, viability indices, lactation indices, percent 

survival, and sex ratios were calculated. During the postweaning period of observation, body 

weights and feed consumption were recorded at weaning and on day 8 postweaning; water 

consumption was recorded daily. 

At the end of the parental exposure periods (64 days for males and a maximum of 74 

days for females), all P generation rats were sacrificed and a gross necropsy of the thoracic, 

abdominal, and pelvic viscera was performed. In addition, testes and epididymides were excised 

from males and paired organ weights were measured. F1 pups exposed to 

bromodichloromethane in their drinking water for one week following weaning were sacrificed 

on Day 8 postweaning and examined for gross lesions. No histopathology was performed on 

either the P or F1 generation. 

V - 50 November 15, 2005 
The consumption of bromodichloromethane was calculated from measured water intake 

and measured concentrations of the test article. Mean consumed dosages of bromodichloromethane for P generation male rats during the entire exposure period, P generation female rats 

during different physiologic stages, and F1 postweaning rats are summarized in Table V-8. 

Males and nonpregnant female rats tended to consume similar amounts of 

bromodichloromethane. Progressively higher dosages were consumed by female rats in the premating, gestation, and lactation periods, respectively. The highest dosages among all groups 

were consumed by F1 female rats during the one-week postweaning observation period. A 

possible source of error in the estimates for lactating females was consumption of the dams’ 

drinking water by their pups. 

In the P generation, all male rats and all females except one survived to scheduled 

sacrifice. Exposure-dependent reductions in both absolute (g/day) and relative (g/kg body 

weight-day) water consumption were observed in all rats of both sexes and were attributed to 

taste aversion. Reduced water consumption was most pronounced during the first week of 

exposure, and was evident during precohabitation and cohabitation in both sexes, and during 

post-cohabitation in males and gestation in females. However, the decrease in water 

consumption during these times was not as severe as that observed during the first week of 

exposure. Decreased water consumption was not clearly noted in females during lactation, 

presumably reflecting the physiologic demands for high fluid consumption during this period. 

Exposure-related decreases in feed consumption were noted for males and females in the 150, 

450, and 1350 ppm exposure groups, and persisted in the 450 and 1350 ppm females during 

gestation and lactation. Treatment-related clinical signs of toxicity were observed in both sexes 

in the 1350 ppm exposure groups and were considered to be generally associated with reduced 

water consumption. Males exhibited dehydration, emaciation, chromorhinorrhea, and 

chromodacryorrhea during the pre-mating, cohabitation and post-cohabitation periods; however, 

the most severe symptoms resolved within the first 17 days of exposure. Among females, urinestained fur was observed in one or more animals in the three highest dose groups during lactation 

and was considered to be treatment-related. Reductions in mean body weight gain and body 

weight were observed in male rats in the 450 and 1350 ppm exposure groups relative to 

controls. These effects were most severe during the first week of exposure. Mean body weight 

gains for the 450 ppm and 1350 ppm male groups over the entire exposure period were 91.3% 

and 76.3% of the control values, respectively. At study termination, mean male body weights 

were 96.5% and 91.6 % for the 450 ppm and 1350 ppm, respectively, relative to control values. 

In female rats, reductions in body weight gain and body weight occurred in 150, 450, and 1350 

ppm groups. These effects were most severe during the first week of exposure, but also 

persisted throughout gestation and lactation. During gestation, the mean reductions in female 

body weight in the 150, 450, and 1350 ppm groups were 95.8%, 95.3%, and 85.3% of the control 

values, respectively. Mean body weights for the entire lactation period were not presented in the 

study report; however, inspection of the data, presented separately for LD 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 

indicated that female body weights were decreased relative to controls in a dose-dependent 

manner in the three highest dose groups at all time points. 

V - 51 November 15, 2005 
Table V-8 Mean Consumed Doses (mg/kg-day) of Bromodichloromethane in the Range 

Finding Study Conducted by CCC (2000c) and Summarized in Christian et al. (2001b) 

Gen. Sex Exposure Interval 0 ppm 50 ppm 150 ppm 450 ppm 1350 ppm 

P M Full study 

Study Days 1-64 

0.0 4.2 ± 0.4 11.8 ± 1.8 27.5 ± 3.4 67.2 ± 5.6 

P F Pre-mating 

Study days 1-15 

0.0 4.7 ± 0.8 13.3 ± 2.0 23.5 ± 5.3 70.8 ± 1.8 

P F Gestation days 0-21 0.0 5.4 ± 0.7 16.3 ± 2.2 41.7 ± 6.4 111.7 ± 6.2 

P F Lactation days 1-15 0.0 11.0 ± 1.9 31.4 ± 2.6 90.3 ± 7.3 222.4 ± 19.9 

F1 M Postweaning days 1-8 0.0 13.6 ± 3.5 41.4 ± 7.1 106.9 ± 20.8 297.8 ± 113.8 

F1 F Postweaning days 1-8 0.0 13.9 ± 2.6 40.1 ± 6.8 117.9 ± 42.7 333.6 ± 110.6 

No gross lesions attributable to bromodichloromethane were observed in the P generation 

male or female rats at necropsy. The absolute paired epididymal weights were slightly reduced 

(93.2% and 92.5%, respectively) in the 450 and 1350 ppm exposure groups. However, relative 

paired epididymal weights were unaffected, suggesting that the decreased absolute values were 

associated with the reduced terminal body weights in these groups. Absolute and relative testes 

weights were not altered by exposure to bromodichloromethane. No effects of bromodichloromethane were observed on any of the measured reproductive parameters in P generation male or 

female rats. However, bromodichloromethane exposure was associated with a concentrationdependent reduction in F1 pup body weights in the 150, 450, and 1350 ppm exposure groups. 

Pup weights were reported for postpartum days 1, 5, 8, 15, 22, and 29. The mean litter pup 

weights in treated groups were comparable to the mean litter pup weight of the control group on 

LD 1. Beginning on LD 5, reductions in mean pup weights in the three highest dose groups 

increased with increasing dose and duration of the postpartum period. On LD 29, pup weights 

averaged 7, 12, and 29% less than controls in the 150, 450, and 1350 ppm exposure groups, 

respectively. Reduced body weight gain continued to occur in the F1 pups administered parental 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane in drinking water for one week postweaning. No 

reductions in either body weight gain or body weight were observed in F1 pup litters in the 50 

ppm group during lactation or the one-week postweaning period. 

Statistical analysis was not conducted in this range finding study. Based on decreased 

pup weight and pup weight gain, the LOAEL for developmental toxicity is 150 ppm, and the 

corresponding NOAEL is 50 ppm. Although the effect of reduced water consumption on the 

decreases in feed consumption, body weight gain, and body weight observed in the P generation 

adults is unclear, the LOAEL for parental toxicity is considered to be 150 ppm and the NOAEL 

is 50 ppm. Due to the marked changes in drinking water consumption by P generation female 

rats during different physiological stages (pre-mating, mating, gestation, and lactation), it is not 

V - 52 November 15, 2005 
possible to convert the administered drinking water concentrations into biologically meaningful 

average daily doses. 

The Chlorine Chemistry Council sponsored a developmental toxicity study of 

bromodichloromethane in rats (CCC, 2000d). Data from this study are summarized in Christian 

et al. (2001a). This study was conducted in accordance with U.S. EPA Health Effects Test 

Guidelines OPPTS 870.3700: Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study (U.S. EPA, 1998c) and 

U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice Standards (40 CFR Part 160/792). Female Sprague-Dawley 

rats (25/exposure group) were exposed to bromodichloromethane in the drinking water at 

concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 450, and 900 ppm on days 6 to 21 of gestation (GD 6 to 21). The 

rats were examined daily during the exposure period for clinical signs related to exposure, 

abortions, premature deliveries and deaths. Body weights, water consumption, and feed 

consumption were recorded at intervals throughout the exposure period. All study animals were 

sacrificed on GD 21 and caesarean-sectioned. A gross necropsy of the thoracic, abdominal, and 

pelvic viscera was performed. Data was collected for gravid uterus weight (with cervix), 

number of corpora lutea/per ovary, evidence of pregnancy, number and distribution of 

implantation sites, live and dead fetuses, early and late resorption, and placental abnormalities 

(size, color, or shape). Individual fetuses were weighed, sexed, and examined for gross external 

abnormalities. Approximately one-half of the fetuses in each litter were examined for soft tissue 

alterations and the heads of these fetuses were examined by free-hand sectioning. The remaining 

fetuses in each litter were examined for skeletal alterations. 

Consumed dosages for GD 6 to 21 were calculated from measured water consumption 

and measured body weights and averaged 0, 2.2, 18.4, 45.0, and 82.0 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

No abortions, premature deliveries, deaths or treatment-related clinical signs were observed 

during the study and all rats survived until scheduled sacrifice. No treatment-related gross 

lesions were identified at autopsy. Exposure-related decreases in maternal body weight gains 

occurred in all groups administered bromodichloromethane in the drinking water on the first day 

of exposure (GD 6 to 7). The reduction in maternal body weight gain reached statistical 

significance in the 150, 450, and 900 ppm groups. The effect was most severe on these days and 

appeared to be related to taste aversion. The effect on maternal body weight gain was persistent 

in the 450 and 900 ppm exposure groups. In contrast, the effect was transient in the 50 and 150 

ppm exposure groups. Average body weights were significantly reduced in the 450 and 900 ppm 

exposure groups on GD 7 to 21. Average maternal body weights in the same groups were 

significantly reduced at terminal sacrifice when corrected for gravid uterine weight. 

Statistically significant, exposure-related decreases in absolute (g/day) and relative (g/kgday) water consumption were observed in all groups exposed to bromodichloromethane. This 

effect was evident for the entire exposure period (GD 6 to 21) and the entire gestation period 

(GD 0 to 21). Within the exposure period, the effects were most pronounced on the first two 

days of exposure and gradually decreased in severity with continued exposure. Exposure-related 

decreases in absolute and relative feed consumption were observed in the 150, 450, and 900 ppm 

groups. In the 150 ppm group, the effects were statistically significant only on GD 12 to 15 and 

thus were considered to be of little biological importance by the study authors. In the 450 ppm 

V - 53 November 15, 2005 
and 900 ppm groups, absolute and relative feed consumption was significantly reduced for the 

entire exposure period (GD 6 to 21), the entire gestation period (GD 0 to 21), and at many 

intervals within the exposure period. The effect of bromodichloromethane on feed consumption 

tended to be most severe during the first two days of compound administration. 

Caesarean section and litter parameters were unaffected by exposure of the dams to 

bromodichloromethane concentrations up to 900 ppm. Litter averages for corpora lutea, 

implantations, litter sizes, proportion of live fetuses, early or late resorptions, fetal body weights, 

percent reabsorbed conceptuses, and percent live fetuses were comparable among all study 

groups and no significant differences were observed. No cases of full litter resorption were 

observed and there were no dead fetuses. Late resorption occurred in one control group litter. 

All placentae appeared normal. All values for the examined litter parameters were within the 

historical range of the test facility (Argus Research Laboratories, Horsham, PA) or litter 

incidences of any gross external or soft tissue alterations. With respect to skeletal alterations, no 

skeletal malformations were observed in any fetus. The only statistically significant (p<0.01) 

changes in the occurrence of skeletal variations were reversible delays in ossification. These 

included an increased fetal incidence (fetal incidence: 0 ppm, 1/182; 50 ppm, 0/199; 150 ppm, 

0/200; 450 ppm, 0/188; 900 ppm, 4/194; litter incidence: 0 ppm, 1/23; 50 ppm, 0/25; 150 ppm, 

0/25; 450 ppm, 0/25; 900 ppm, 2/25) of wavy ribs in the 900 ppm exposure group and a 

decreased number of ossification sites per fetus per litter for the forelimb phalanges (Mean 

number ± SD of ossification sites: 8.14 ± 0.91, 8.30 ± 0.65, 8.09 ± 0.63, 7.92 ± 0.78, 7.46 ± 0.78) 

and the hindlimb metatarsals (Mean number ± SD of ossification sites: 4.81 ± 0.25, 4.86 ± 0.23, 

4.78 ± 0.27, 4.71 ± 0.28, 4.53 ± 0.33) and phalanges (Mean number ± SD of ossification sites: 

6.20 ± 1.19, 6.20 ± 1.17, 5.84 ± 0.94, 5.86 ± 0.79, 5.29 ± 0.54). The increased fetal incidence of 

wavy ribs was considered unrelated to bromodichloromethane exposure by the study authors 

because the litter incidence (the more relevant measure of effect) did not differ significantly 

from the control and was within the historical range for this alteration at the test facility. 

The concentration-based maternal NOAEL and LOAEL for this study were 150 ppm and 

450 ppm, respectively, based on statistically significant, persistent reductions in maternal body 

weight and body weight gains. Based on the mean consumed dosage of bromodichloromethane, 

these concentrations correspond to doses of 18.4 mg/kg-day and 45.0 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

The concentration-based developmental NOAEL and LOAEL were 450 ppm and 900 ppm, 

respectively, based on a significantly decreased number of ossification sites per fetus for the 

forelimb phalanges and the hindlimb metatarsals and phalanges. These concentrations 

correspond to mean consumed doses of 45.0 mg/kg-day and 82.0 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Bielmeier et al. (2004) conducted a series of hormone profile and hormone replacement 

experiments to elucidate the mode of action for full litter resorption in F344 rats. These studies 

are discussed in section V.H.2 (Hormonal Disruption). 

V - 54 November 15, 2005 
b. Studies in Rabbits 

The Chlorine Chemistry council sponsored a range-finding developmental toxicity study 

in New Zealand White rabbits (CCC, 2000a). The data from this study have been summarized in 

Christian et al. (2001b). This study was conducted in accordance with U.S. EPA Health Effects 

Test Guidelines OPPTS 870.3700: Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Study (U.S. EPA, 1998c) 

and U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice Standards (40 CFR Part 160/792). 

Bromodichloromethane was provided to New Zealand White presumed pregnant rabbits 

(5/group) in the drinking water at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 450, and 1350 ppm on GD 6 to 

29. Additional rabbits (4/group) were similarly assigned to satellite treatment groups for use in 

the collection of samples for analysis of tissue concentrations of bromodichloromethane 

(discussed in Section III.B). Body weights were recorded on GDs 0 and 4, daily during the 

exposure period, and on the day of sacrifice. Feed and water consumption data were recorded 

daily. The rabbits were sacrificed on GD 29 and gross necropsy of the thoracic, pelvic, and 

abdominal viscera were performed. The gravid uterus was excised and weighed. Examinations 

were made for number and distribution of corpora lutea, implantation sites, early and late 

resorptions, and live and dead fetuses. Each fetus was examined for gross external alterations 

and sex (by internal examination). 

The mean consumed daily doses of bromodichloromethane for GDs 6 to 29 were 0.0, 4.9, 

13.9, 32.3, and 76.3 mg/kg-day, as determined from measured body weights and measured water 

consumption. Absolute (g/day) and relative (g/kg-day) maternal water intake for the exposure 

period was decreased in each group administered bromodichloromethane. The relative 

consumption values were 92%, 87%, 67%, and 53% of the control group value, respectively. 

Absolute and relative feed consumption values were reduced in a time (onset of reductions 

delayed in the 50 and 150 ppm exposure groups) and exposure-dependent manner. The relative 

values for feed consumption were 96%, 96%, 90%, and 82% of the control group value for the 

exposure period. No deaths, abortions, or premature deliveries occurred during the study. No 

treatment-related clinical signs or gross lesions were observed. Maternal body weight gains for 

the exposure period were 82%, 80%, 73%, and 50%, respectively, relative to the controls. The 

study authors questioned whether these reductions were associated with bromodichloromethane 

exposure since similar changes did not occur in the satellite exposure group, and suggested that 

the reduced body weight gains were artifacts of the small sample size used in the study. When 

body weights were corrected for gravid uterus weight, all exposed groups in the main study 

experienced body weight loss while body weight gain occurred in the control group. Absolute 

uterine weights were reduced in the 450 and 1350 ppm groups. This finding was most likely 

associated with reduced body weight in these groups, since relative gravid uterine weights in all 

dosed groups were similar to that of the control. 

Litter averages for corpora lutea, implantations, litter sizes, live and dead fetuses, early 

and late resorptions, percent dead or resorbed conceptuses, fetal body weights, and percent live 

male fetuses were comparable for the control and all exposure groups and within the historical 

ranges for the test facility (Argus Laboratories, Horsham, PA). All placentas were normal in 

appearance. No gross external fetal alterations were observed in the control or treatment groups. 

V - 55 November 15, 2005 
In the satellite study (described in Section III.B), analytical analyses detected trace amounts of 

bromodichloromethane in placental samples from two litters in the 1350 ppm group and in one 

fetus from the 1350 ppm group. Bromodichloromethane was not detected in amniotic fluid or 

maternal plasma. One litter in the 450 ppm satellite exposure group consisted of only early 

resorptions. The concentration-based LOAEL for maternal toxicity in this study is 50 ppm, the 

lowest concentration tested, based on reduced body weight gain. This concentration corresponds 

to a mean daily dose of approximately 4.9 mg/kg-day. The concentration-based NOAEL for 

developmental effects was 1350 ppm (the highest dose tested). This corresponds to a mean daily 

intake of approximately 76.3 mg/kg-day. 

The Chlorine Chemistry Council (CCC, 2000b) sponsored a developmental toxicity study 

in New Zealand White rabbits. Data from this study were summarized in Christian et al. 

(2001a). Bromodichloromethane was provided to pregnant rabbits (25/dose group) at 

concentrations of 0, 15, 150, 450, and 900 ppm in the drinking water on GD 6-29. Consumed 

doses were calculated from measured water intake and measured body weights and averaged 0, 

1.4, 13.4, 35.6, and 55.3 mg/kg-day, respectively, over the 14 day treatment period. Feed 

consumption, water intake, and body weight were monitored daily during the exposure period. 

The rabbits were sacrificed on GD 29 and examined for gross lesions of the thoracic, abdominal, 

and pelvic viscera. Uterine weight, number of implantation sites, uterine contents, and number 

of corpora lutea were recorded. Each fetus was examined for weight, gross external alterations, 

skeletal alterations, and sex. Visceral alterations and cavitated organs were evaluated by 

dissection. One rabbit in the 900 ppm dose group was sacrificed moribund with hindlimb 

paralysis caused by a back injury. Another rabbit in the 900 ppm exposure group had a dead 

litter as a result of a non-treatment related uterine abnormality. No treatment-related clinical 

signs or necropsy results were observed. The 450 and 900 ppm exposure groups had 

significantly reduced feed and water consumption rates throughout the exposure period. These 

groups also had significantly reduced body weight gains and corrected (for weight of gravid 

uterus) body weight gains for both the bromodichloromethane exposure period (GD 6 to 29) and 

the entire gestation period (GD 0 to 29). Bromodichloromethane had no observable effect on 

implantations, corpora lutea, live litter size, early or late resorptions, percentage of male fetuses, 

percentage of resorbed conceptuses, or fetal body weight. The number of litters with any 

alteration, the number of fetuses with any alteration, the average percentage of fetuses with any 

alteration did not differ significantly from the control. Although statistically significant 

increases in the number of fused sterna centra were observed in the 150 and 450 ppm groups, 

this effect was not dose-related and the observed incidences were within the historical range for 

the testing facility. Litter averages for ossification sites per fetus did not differ significantly 

from the control and were within historical range for the testing facility. The NOAEL and 

LOAEL identified for maternal toxicity in this study were 13.4 mg/kg-day (150 ppm) and 35.6 

mg/kg-day (450 ppm), respectively, based on decreased body weight gain. The developmental 

NOAEL was 55.3 mg/kg-day (900 ppm) based on absence of statistically significant, doserelated effects at any tested concentration. 

Christian et al. (2002) summarized the results of a two-generation reproductive toxicity 

study on bromodichloromethane conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats. The study was sponsored 

V - 56 November 15, 2005 
by the Chlorine Chemistry Council (CCC, 2002) and was conducted in accordance with U.S. 

EPA Health Effects Test Guideline OPPTS 870.3800: Reproduction and Fertility Effects (U.S. 

EPA, 1998b) and U.S. EPA Good Laboratory Practice Standards (40 CFR Part 160/792). 

Bromodichloromethane was continuously provided to test animals in the drinking water at 

concentrations of 0, 50, 150, or 450 ppm. Drinking water solutions were prepared at least once 

weekly and precautions were taken to prevent contamination of the solutions by extraneous 

sources of chlorine. Concentrations were verified analytically at the beginning and end of each 

exposure period. The tested concentrations were selected on the basis of results obtained in the 

developmental toxicity screening study conducted by NTP (1998) and data obtained in a 

range-finding study (CCC, 2000c; Christian et al., 2001b). Exposure of the parental generation 

(30 rats/sex/concentration) was initiated when the test animals were approximately 43 days of 

age and continued through a 70-day pre-mating period and a cohabitation period of up to 14 

days. Parental generation males were exposed for approximately 106 days prior to sacrifice. 

Exposure of parental generation female rats continued through gestation and lactation for a total 

exposure period of approximately 118 days. F1 generation rats were exposed to 

bromodichloromethane in utero and by consumption of the dam's drinking water during the 

lactation period. At weaning, F1 rats (30/sex/concentration) were selected for a 

postweaning/premating exposure period of at least 64 days, followed by a cohabitation period of 

up to 14 days. Exposure continued through gestation and lactation. F1 generation females 

delivered litters and the F2 litters were sacrificed on lactation day 22. 

During the course of the experiment, parental and F1 generation rats were evaluated for 

viability, clinical signs, water and feed consumption, and body weight. Parental and F1 

generation females were evaluated for estrous cycling (premating and during cohabitation until 

mating confirmed and at sacrifice), abortions, premature deliveries, duration of gestation, 

gestation index, fertility index, number and sex of offspring per litter, general postpartum 

condition of dam and litter, litter size, viability index, lactation index, percent survival, sex ratio, 

and maternal behavior. Litters were examined for number and sex of pups, stillbirths, live births, 

and gross external alterations. F1 rats selected for continued evaluation were assessed for age at 

vaginal patency or preputial separation. At sacrifice, test animals were examined for gross 

pathology, organ weights, and histopathology (control and high-dose groups, 10 parental 

animals/sex; reproductive organs of 50 and 150 ppm rats suspected of reduced fertility). Male 

rats were evaluated for sperm concentration, percent motile sperm, sperm morphology, total 

number of sperm, and testicular spermatid counts. Females were evaluated for number and 

distribution of implantation sites. F1 weanlings not selected for continued evaluation (3 

pups/sex/litter, when available) and all F2 weanling rats were evaluated for gross lesions, 

terminal body weight, and organ weights. 

Key findings in the two-generation study reported by CCC (2002) and Christian et al. 

(2002) include the following. The bromodichloromethane dose-equivalent for each drinking 

water concentration varied by sex and reproductive status. Average daily doses estimated for the 

50, 150 and 450 ppm concentrations were 4.1 to 12.6, 11.6 to 40.2, and 29.5 to 109 mg/kg-day, 

respectively, as calculated by the study authors. One death in the 150 ppm group and three 

deaths (including one humane sacrifice) in the 450 ppm group were associated with reduced 

V - 57 November 15, 2005 
water consumption, weight loss and/or adverse clinical signs and may have been 

compound-related. Adverse clinical signs occurred in parental generation female rats and F1 

male and female rats in the 150 and 450 ppm exposure groups. Compound-related signs 

included chromorhinorrhea, pale extremities, urine-stained abdominal fur, and coldness to touch. 

The study authors attributed these signs to reduced water consumption. 

Body weight and body weight gain were significantly reduced in the 450 ppm parental 

generation males and females and 150 and 450 ppm F1 generation males and females. The 

significantly reduced final body weight in 450 ppm parental generation females was associated 

with decreased absolute organ weights and increased relative organ weights when expressed as a 

percentage of body or brain weight. Absolute and relative water consumption rates were 

significantly reduced in parental and F1 generation males and females at all concentrations of 

bromodichloromethane. Water intake by parental and F1 animals was generally reduced by 10 to 

20 percent in the 150 and 450 ppm groups when compared to the controls. Absolute and relative 

feed consumption rates were reduced in males and females of both generations at 150 and 450 

ppm when compared with the controls. There were no gross pathological or histopathological 

indications of compound-related toxicity. 

Most indicators of reproductive or developmental toxicity examined by Christian et al. 

(2002) were not significantly affected by bromodichloromethane treatment. However, F1 and F2 

generation pup body weights were reduced in the 150 and 450 ppm groups during the lactation 

period after the pups began to drink the water provided to the dams. The F1 generation had 

statistically significant reductions in pup body weight at weaning on lactation day 22. 

Reductions in F2 pup body weight did not reach statistical significance. Small (#6%), but 

statistically significant, delays in F1 generation sexual maturation occurred at 150 (males) and 

450 ppm (males and females) as determined by timing of vaginal patency or preputial separation. 

The study authors attributed these delays to significant reductions in body weight at weaning. 

The values for sexual maturation endpoints in the 150 and 450 ppm exposure groups did not 

differ significantly from control values when body weight at weaning was included as a 

covariate in the analysis. Females rats with vaginal patency not evident until 40 or 41 days 

postpartum (i.e., the most delayed) in the 150 and 450 ppm groups had normal estrus cycles, 

mated, and produced litters. Estrous cycling in parental generation females was not affected by 

exposure to bromodichloromethane. A marginal effect on estrous cyclicity was observed in F1 

females in the 450 ppm exposure group. This effect was reported to be associated with a higher 

incidence of rats in the 450 ppm group (5/30) with six or more consecutive days of diestrus 

relative to the controls (2/30). The study authors considered this effect to be a secondary 

response associated with reduced pup weights and possible inadvertent stimulation of the uterine 

cervix during the performance of vaginal smears. Averages for estrous cycles per 21 days, 

cohabitation, mating indices, and fertility indices were unaffected by exposure to 

bromodichloromethane. Exposure to bromodichloromethane had no effect on anogenital 

distances in male or female F2 pups. 

The results of this study appear to identify NOAEL and LOAEL values for reproductive 

effects of 50 ppm (4.1 to 12.6 mg/kg-day) and 150 ppm (11.6 to 40.2 mg/kg-day), respectively, 

V - 58 November 15, 2005 
based on delayed sexual maturation. However, the study authors have questioned whether 

delayed sexual maturation in F1 males associated with reduced body weight should be treated as 

reproductive toxicity or general toxicity, since the root cause appears to be dehydration brought 

about by taste aversion to the compound. The parental NOAEL and LOAEL are also 50 and 150 

ppm, respectively, based on reduced body weight and body weight gain in F0 females and F1 

males and females. 

2. Dibromochloromethane 

F

F

Borzelleca and Carchman (1982) evaluated the reproductive toxicity of dibromochloromethane in a two-generation study with ICR Swiss mice. The authors used a modified multigeneration study protocol for this investigation. Groups of 10 males and 30 females (F0 

generation) were exposed to dibromochloromethane in drinking water at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 

1.0, or 4.0 mg/mL for seven weeks. The study authors did not estimate average daily doses for 

all treated groups. However, they did indicate that the highest drinking water concentration (4.0 

mg/mL) corresponded to an average daily dose of 685 mg/kg-day. Using this conversion factor, 

drinking water concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL dibromochloromethane were estimated to 

correspond to average daily doses of 17 and 171 mg/kg-day, respectively. Following the initial 

exposure period, the F0 mice were mated to produce the F1a litters. Each male mouse was cohoused for seven days with three randomly selected females. Two weeks after weaning of the 

1a litters, the F0 mice were randomly re-mated to produce the F1b litters. A similar protocol was 

followed for the F1c litters. After a 21-day postnatal period, the F1a and F1c litters were sacrificed 

and necropsied. The F1b generation was culled. The surviving males and females (10 males and 

30 females) were exposed for 11 weeks to dibromochloromethane in drinking water at 

concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1.0 or 4.0 mg/mL, and then randomly mated to produce the F2a and F2b 

generations. A two-week interval occurred between weaning of the F2a generation and remating 

of the F1b generation to produce the F2b generation. Thus, parental generations (F0 and F1b) were 

exposed continuously to dibromochloromethane in drinking water throughout the pre-mating, 

mating, gestation, and lactation periods for a total of 27 and 25 weeks, respectively. Following 

weaning of their final litters, both parental generations were sacrificed and necropsied. The F2a 

and F2b generations were sacrificed and necropsied following a 21-day postpartum survival 

period. Additionally, a selected number of pups from the final matings of each generation (i.e., 

1c and F2b) were screened for either dominant lethal mutations or teratologic abnormalities. 

Body weight gain and drinking water consumption were recorded weekly and semiweekly for the F0 and F1b generations, respectively. Mating, gestation, gestation survival, and 

lactation survival indices were calculated for each mating. During the 21-day postpartum period, 

pups were counted on days 0, 4, 7, 14, and 21, and sexed on days 7, 14, and 21. Viability and 

lactation indices were calculated. After sacrifice of all litters except F1b on day 21, one male and 

one female pup per litter were randomly selected for necropsy. For teratology screening, treated 

females from the F0 and F1b generations were sacrificed on GD 18. The number of 

implantations, resorptions, and live and dead fetuses were counted. Fetuses were individually 

weighed and examined for gross malformations; a selected subset of fetuses were examined for 

either skeletal or visceral anomalies. Statistical analysis was conducted on all endpoints, using 

parametric or nonparametric procedures, as appropriate for different endpoints. For statistical 

V - 59 November 15, 2005 
analyses performed on the pups, the sampling unit was the litter. Treatment-related effects were 

considered to be statistically significant if the p value# 0.05. 

As compared with concurrent controls, final body weights were significantly reduced in 

the high-dose males and the mid- and high-dose females of the F0 and F1b generations. Water 

consumption was unaffected by treatment, indicating that taste aversion was not a factor in the 

observed decreases in body weight. Animals in both the F0 and F1b generations exhibited 

enlarged livers with gross morphological changes, interpreted by the authors as indicative of 

hepatotoxicity. The incidence and the severity of these alterations increased with increasing 

dose, with 0, 25, 70, and 100% of the F0 animals and 0, 18, 64, and 100% of the F1b animal 

exhibiting hepatic discoloration, fat accumulation, and/or lesions at 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 4.0 mg/mL, 

respectively. Fertility (mating index) was significantly decreased in the high-dose group (4.0 

mg/mL) only for the F2a generation. The gestational index was significantly decreased in the 

high-dose group for all three F1 generations. Parental ingestion of 4.0 mg/mL dibromochloromethane resulted in (1) decreased litter size in all generations (F1a, F1b, F1c, F2a, and F2b); (2) 

decreased viability index in four of the five generations (F1a, F1b, F1c and F2a); (3) decreased 

lactation index in the F2b generation; and (4) decreased postnatal body weight in the F2b 

generation. Parental ingestion of 1.0 mg/mL dibromochloromethane produced (1) decreased 

litter size in the F1c generation; (2) decreased viability index in the F1b generation; (3) decreased 

lactation index in the F1b and F2b generations; and (4) decreased postnatal body weight in the F2b 

generation. The only statistically significant effect observed at the lowest dose tested (0.1 

mg/mL) was a reduction in postnatal body weight in the F2b generation on PND 14; this effect 

was not noted on PND 7 or 21. No statistically significant increases in dominant lethal or 

teratogenic effects were reported in either the F1c or F2b generations. 

Based on decreased postnatal body weight in the F2b generation, the marginal LOAEL for 

reproductive/developmental toxicity is 17 mg/kg-day and a NOAEL could not be determined. 

The developmental LOAEL is considered to be marginal because (1) this effect was only noted 

in one of the two litters in the F2 generation; (2) no other adverse effects were observed at this 

dose level; and (3) it was unclear from the report how many litters and pups per litter were 

examined for postnatal body weight. For parental toxicity, liver alterations indicative of 

hepatotoxicity were clearly evident at the two higher doses in both parental generations. At the 

lowest dose tested, hepatic changes were mainly limited to discoloration, presumably due to the 

accumulation of fat deposits (Borzelleca and Carchman, 1982); gross morphology was normal, 

and histopathologic examination was not conducted. Therefore, the adversity of this effect was 

uncertain. Based on these considerations, the lowest dose, 17 mg/kg-day, is considered to be a 

marginal LOAEL for parental toxicity (both F0 and F1b generations) and a NOAEL could not be 

determined. 

Ruddick et al. (1983) investigated the reproductive and developmental toxicity of 

dibromochloromethane in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant dams (10 to 12 animals per dose 

group) were administered gavage doses of 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day in corn oil on GD 6-15. 

Body weights were measured on GD 1, on GD 1 through GD 15, and before and after caesarean 

section on GD 22. On GD 22, females were anesthetized, exsanguinated, and viscera (including 

the uteri) were examined for pathological changes. The fetuses were removed, weighed 

V - 60 November 15, 2005 
individually, and examined for viability and external malformations. Two pups per dam were 

placed in fixative for histopathological examination. Approximately two-thirds of the remaining 

live fetuses were preserved for examination for skeletal abnormalities. The remaining fetuses 

were preserved for examination for visceral alterations. Maternal blood was analyzed for 

standard hematological and clinical biochemistry parameters. Following gross pathological 

examination of the dams, organ weights were collected for liver, heart, brain, spleen, and one 

kidney. Tissues from control and high-dose dams (5 animals/group) were subject to 

histopathological examination. Where chemical related effects were observed, the affected 

tissues were also examined in the mid-dose group. 

Maternal weight gain was depressed by 25% in the high-dose group relative to controls. 

No significant effects on maternal organ weights, hematology and clinical chemistry, number of 

resorption sites, number of fetuses per litter, and mean fetal body weight gain were observed in 

any of the dose groups. No treatment-related histopathology was noted in either dams or fetuses. 

There were no skeletal or visceral fetal anomalies attributed to dibromochloromethane treatment. 

Statistical analysis of fetal endpoints was not conducted by the study authors. However, 

inspection of the data indicated that there were no dose-related effects (e.g., the number of 

affected fetuses/number of affected litters for sternebral aberrations was 3/2, 2/1, 1/1, and 1/1 for 

control, low-, mid-, and high-dose groups, respectively). The power of this experiment was 

limited by the small number of litters per dose group. In the absence of observed fetal effects, 

the NOAEL for developmental toxicity was 200 mg/kg-day, the highest dose tested, and a 

LOAEL could not be determined. Based on significantly decreased maternal body weight gain, 

the LOAEL and NOAEL for maternal toxicity were 200 and 100 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

NTP (1996) conducted a short-term reproductive and developmental toxicity screen in 

Sprague-Dawley rats. Dibromochloromethane was administered in drinking water at 

concentrations of 0, 50, 150, or 450 ppm during a study period of 35 days. Males (10/group) 

were treated from study days 6 through 34. At study termination, males were submitted for a 

thorough examination, which included hematology, clinical chemistry, gross necropsy, 

histopathology, and a complete sperm evaluation (count, density, motility, and morphology). 

Group A females (10/group) were treated from study days 1 through 34. These females were 

mated to treated males on study days 13 through 18 and necropsied on study day 34. Group B 

females (13/group) were mated on study day 1 to untreated males, treated from GD 6 through 

parturition, and necropsied on postnatal day 5. No hematology, clinical chemistry, or 

histopathology was conducted on the females. 

Based on measured water consumption, the authors estimated dose levels for the males as 

4.2, 12.4, and 28.2 mg/kg-day, for Group A females as 6.3, 17.4, and 46.0 mg/kg-day, and for 

Group B females as 7.1, 20.0, and 47.8 mg/kg-day. A few changes in clinical chemistry were 

noted for the males. Alkaline phosphatase and 5' nucleotidase were increased at all dose levels 

in males, but reached statistical significance only at the low dose for alkaline phosphatase and at 

the mid and high dose for 5' nucleotidase. Total serum proteins were also decreased at the high 

dose in males. The study authors noted that these changes could reflect mild liver damage. 

However, no treatment-related microscopic lesions were observed. No statistically significant 

effects were observed on any sperm parameter investigated. No effect was observed on any 

V - 61 November 15, 2005 
reproductive or fertility measure in Group A or B females at any dose. The proportion of male 

pups was significantly decreased in Group B females at the high dose compared to the control 

value. The study authors did not consider this result to be treatment-related because the control 

value (0.61) was unusually high compared to historical values, and the result for the high-dose 

group (0.44) was within historical background. Based on these data, the authors noted that 

dibromochloromethane was not a reproductive toxicant at doses up to the high dose in either 

males (28.2 mg/kg-day) or females (46.0 to 47.8 mg/kg-day). Based on the clinical chemistry 

changes, the authors stated that administration of dibromochloromethane may have resulted in 

general toxicity at all doses in the male treatment groups. The observed changes in clinical 

chemistry, however, would not be considered adverse for the following reasons: absence of clear 

dose-related response, small magnitude of the changes, and absence of supporting 

histopathology data. Therefore, this study identified NOAEL values of 28.2 mg/kg-day and 47.8 

mg/kg-day for males and females, respectively, for reproductive and systemic effects. 

3. Bromoform 

Ruddick et al. (1983) investigated the reproductive and developmental toxicity of 

bromoform in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant dams (14 to 15 animals/dose group) were administered gavage doses of 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day in corn oil on GD 6 to 15. Body weights 

were measured on GD 1, on GD 6 through GD 15, and before and after pups were delivered by 

caesarean section on GD 22. On GD 22, females were sacrificed and body tissues (including the 

uterus) were removed for pathological examination. Females were evaluated for the number of 

resorption sites and the number of fetuses. Maternal blood samples were collected and 

evaluated for standard hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. The liver, heart, brain, 

spleen, and one kidney were weighed. Standard histopathology was conducted on control and 

high-dose females (5/group). All fetuses in all groups were individually weighed, and evaluated 

for viability and external malformations. Histopathologic examination was performed on two 

pups per litter. Of the remaining live fetuses, approximately two-thirds were examined for 

skeletal alterations and one-third for visceral abnormalities. 

Maternal weight gain, organ weights, hematology, and clinical chemistry were unaffected 

by bromoform treatment. No significant differences between exposed and control groups were 

observed for the number of resorption sites, the number of fetuses per litter, fetal weights, fetal 

gross malformations, and visceral abnormalities. No treatment-related histopathological effects 

were noted in either the dams or fetuses. However an elevation in the incidence of skeletal 

anomalies, including the presence of a 14th rib, wavy ribs, and interparietal bone deviations was 

reported in treated animals. An increase in wavy ribs was only observed in the high-dose group. 

The number of affected fetuses /number of affected litters for the presence of a 14th rib was 3/3, 

4/3, 4/3 and 7/5 in the 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg-day groups, respectively. The incidence of 

sternebral aberrations (number of affected fetuses/number of affected litters) was 1/1, 5/3, 6/5, 

13/8 in the 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg-day groups, respectively. Statistical significance for 

fetotoxic endpoints was not reported by the study authors. A statistical analysis (using the Fisher 

Exact test) was conducted on the published data and demonstrated that the increase in sternebral 

anomalies was significantly different from controls at the highest dose tested (200 mg/kg-day). 

A trend test showed a statistically significant dose-related trend (p< 0.002) for this endpoint; 

V - 62 November 15, 2005 
stepwise analysis indicated that the trend was no longer significant when the two highest doses 

(i.e., 200 and 100 mg/kg-day) were omitted from the analysis. These findings suggest that the 

LOAEL and NOAEL for developmental toxicity were 100 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively. In 

the absence of observed maternal effects, the NOAEL for maternal toxicity was 200 mg/kg-day, 

and a LOAEL could not be determined. 

NTP (1989b) investigated the effect of bromoform on fertility and reproduction in Swiss 

CD-1 mice using a continuous breeding protocol. Twenty male-female pairs were administered 

daily doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day by gavage in corn oil and forty male-female pairs were 

dosed with the corn oil vehicle only. Dose selection was based on a 14-day range-finding study. 

The 105-day dosing period included a seven-day precohabitation phase and a 98-day 

cohabitation phase. The parameters evaluated for this study were fertility, litters per pair, live 

pups per litter, proportion of pups born alive, sex of live pups, or pup body weights. The last 

litter born (generally the fifth litter) in the control and 200 mg/kg-day groups during a holding 

period following the continuous breeding phase were reared by the dams, weaned and raised to 

sexual maturity (approximately 74 days) while receiving the same treatment (vehicle control of 

200 mg/kg-day bromoform) as their parents. At sexual maturity, males and females from 

different litters within the same treatment group were cohabited for seven days and then housed 

individually until delivery. The endpoints for this mating trial were the same as for the parental 

generation. At study termination, the F1 mice were weighed, necropsied and evaluated for 

selected organ weights, epididymal sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Selected organs 

were fixed for histopathological examination. 

In the 200 mg/kg-day treatment group, the body weights of dams at delivery were 

consistently less than the control group value. The reduction in body weight was statistically 

significant after delivery of the first, second, fourth, and fifth litters. The fertility index for the 

parental generation was 100% for the control and treated groups (a breeding pair was designated 

as fertile if they produced at least one live or dead pup). There was no detectable effect of 

treatment on the number of litters per pair, the number of live pups per litter, the proportion of 

pups born alive, the sex of live pups, or pup body weights. The gestational period was similar 

across groups. However, postnatal survival of F1 pups in the 200 mg/kg-day group was 

significantly lower than in the control group. The study authors reported that this difference was 

primarily attributable to three dams who lost all of their pups by postnatal day 4. One dam in the 

control group also lost her litter by postnatal day 4. The study authors noted that this result is 

consistent with a treatment effect on early maternal behavior, early lactational failure, and/or the 

postnatal developmental processes. When F1 mice were cohabited for one week, no effect of 

treatment on mating index or fertility was observed. There were no significant differences 

relative to control values for the number of live pups per litter (male, female, or combined), the 

proportion of live pups, the proportion of male pups, or pup weight at birth. At sacrifice, male 

and female F1 mice administered 200 mg/kg-day exhibited increased relative liver weights and 

decreased relative kidney weights as compared with control values. The mean body weight for 

F1 males was significantly less than the mean weight of the male control group. 

Histopathological evaluation revealed minimal to moderate hepatocellular degeneration in the 

livers of high-dose F1 male and female mice. Bromoform treatment had no effect on epididymal 

V - 63 November 15, 2005 
sperm density, motility, or morphology in F1 males. No treatment-related histologic lesions were 

observed in the seminal vesicles, coagulating glands, or prostate glands of males, or in the lung, 

kidney, or thyroid gland of males or females. Based on liver histopathology, decreased postnatal 

survival, and other signs of toxicity (e.g., increased relative liver and decreased relative kidney 

weights) in F1 mice of both sexes at the highest dose tested, the LOAEL for developmental 

toxicity is 200 mg/kg-day, and the NOAEL is 100 mg/kg-day. Based on consistently decreased 

body weights of pregnant dams at delivery, the LOAEL for maternal toxicity is 200 mg/kg-day 

and the NOAEL is 100 mg/kg-day. 

V - 64 November 15, 2005 
Table V-9 Summary of Reproductive Studies of Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Bromodichloromethane 

Ruddick et al. 

(1983) 

Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Gavage 

(Corn oil) 

F 9-14 GD 6-15 0 

50 

100 (NOAEL) 1 

200 (LOAEL) 

Developmental toxicity study. 

Statistically decreased maternal wt. 

gain at high dose (38%); increased 

litter incidence of sternebral 

aberrations. Statistical significance 

not evaluated for fetotoxic endpoints 

by study authors; statistical analysis 

conducted on published data for fetal 

effects. Trend test indicated 

statistical effect for sternebral 

anomalies at highest dose tested. 

Maternal LOAEL and NOAEL are 

200 and 100 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Klinefelter et al. 

(1995) 

Rat 

F344 

Drinking 

Water 

M 7 52 weeks 0 

22 (NOAEL) 

Reproductive toxicity study. 

Decreased sperm velocity at 39 

39 (LOAEL) mg/kg-day. No histopathological 

alterations noted in any reproductive 

tissue examined. 

Narotsky et al. Rat Gavage F 12-14 GD 6-15 0 Developmental toxicity study 

(1997) F344 (Corn oil) 25 ( NOAEL) 

50 (LOAEL) 

comparing the use of different gavage 

dosing vehicles. Reduced maternal 

75 weight gain GD 6-8 and lacrimation 

at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day. Full litter 

resorption (FLR) observed at 50 and 

75 mg/kg-day (8% and 83%, 

respectively). No effects on postnatal 

survival, pup weight, or pup survival 

in surviving litters. ED05 and BMD 

for FLR calculated by study authors 

as 48.4 and 39.3 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. Maternal LOAEL and 

NOAEL are 50 and 25 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. 

Narotsky et al. 

(1997) 

Rat 

F344 

Gavage 

(Aqueous) 

F 12-14 GD 6-15 0 

25 (NOAEL) 

Developmental toxicity study 

comparing the use of different gavage 

50 (LOAEL) 

75 

dosing vehicles. Reduced maternal 

weight gain GD 6-8 at all dose levels. 

Full litter resorption (FLR) observed 

at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day (17 and 21%, 

respectively). No effects observed on 

postnatal survival, pup weight, or pup 

survival in surviving litters. ED05 

and BMD for FLR calculated by 

study authors as 33.3 and 11.3 

mg/kg-day, respectively. Maternal 

LOAEL is 25 mg/kg-day; maternal 

NOAEL not determined. 

NTP (1998) Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Drinking 

Water 

M 5-10 25-30 days 0 

8 

41 

68 (NOAEL) 

Reproductive/developmental toxicity 

study. Decreased food and water 

consumption; decreased body weight. 

No dose-related changes in 

reproductive/developmental 

parameters 

V - 65 November 15, 2005 
Table V-9 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

NTP (1998) Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Drinking 

Water 

F 5-10 25-30 days 0 

14 

72 

116 (NOAEL) 

Reproductive/developmental toxicity 

study. Decreased food and water 

consumption; decreased body weight. 

No dose-related changes in 

reproductive/developmental 

parameters 

Bielmeier et al. Rat Gavage F 8-13 GD 6-15 0 Critical exposure period study. Full 

(2001) F344 (Aqueous) GD 6-10 75 (LOAEL) litter resorption observed in animals 

GD 11-15 treated on GD 6-10, but not in 

animals treated on GD 11-15. 

Bielmeier et al. 

(2001) 

Rat 

F344/ 

SpragueDawley 

Gavage 

(Aqueous) 

F 12-14 GD 6-10 F344 

0 

75 (LOAEL) 

Sprague-Dawley 

0 

Strain comparison study. Full litter 

resorption observed in F344 rats but 

not in concurrently dosed SpragueDawley rats. 

75 

100 (NOAEL) 

Bielmeier et al. Rat Gavage F 8-11 GD 9 0 Hormone profile study. Full litter 

(2001) F344 (Aqueous) 75 (LOAEL) resorption observed at both doses. 

100 Decreased serum progesterone levels 

in F344 rats which experienced FLR. 

CCC (2000c) 

Christian et al. 

(2001b) 

Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Drinking 

Water 

F, M 10 64-74 days 

Males2

 (days 1­

64 i.e., for 

14 days 

premating, 

during 

mating, 

and for -

6 weeks 

following 

mating) 

0 ppm 

50 ppm 

(NOAEL) 

150 ppm 

(LOAEL) 

450 ppm 

1350 ppm 

Range finding 

reproductive/developmental toxicity 

study. Decreased body weight gain 

and terminal body weight (>10%) in 

males at highest dost tested but no 

apparent effects on reproductive 

endpoints at any dose. 

Maternal toxicity (reduced body 

weight and body weight gain and 

decreased food and water 

consumption) at 150 ppm and higher. 

Females 2 

(days 1­

74, i.e., for 

14 days 

premating, 

during 

mating, 

GD 0-21, 

lactation 

Dose-dependent decreases in mean 

pup weight gain and pup weights 

beginning on lactation day 5-29 in 3 

highest dose groups. Decreased pup 

body weight gain and body weight 

also observed in 3 highest dose 

groups in pups treated for one week 

postweaning at parental drinking 

water concentrations. 

days 1-29) 

Reproductive/developmental LOAEL 

and NOAEL are 150 and 50 ppm, 

respectively, based on decreased pup 

wt and wt gain; parental LOAEL and 

NOAEL are 150 and 50 ppm, 

respectively, based on reduced body 

wt gain and wt. Findings confounded 

by effects of decreased water 

consumption at various time points 

during treatment. 

V - 66 November 15, 2005 
Table V-9 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

CCC (2000d) 

Christian et al. 

(2001a) 

Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Drinking 

Water 

F 25 GD 6-21 0 

2.2 

18.4 

45.0 (NOAEL) 

82.0 (LOAEL) 

Developmental toxicity study. 

Decreased maternal body weight and 

body weight gain at 45.0 mg/kg-day. 

Developmental LOAEL based on 

slightly decreased number of 

ossification sites in the hindlimb 

(metatarsals and phalanges) and 

forelimb (phalanges). Maternal 

LOAEL and NOAEL are 82.0 and 

45.0 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

CCC (2000a) 

Christian et al. 

(2001b) 

Rabbit 

New 

Zealand 

White 

Drinking 

Water 

F 5 GD 6-29 0.0 

4.9 

13.9 

32.3 

Range finding developmental study. 

Decreased maternal body weight gain 

and water and feed consumption at all 

tested doses. No treatment-related 

76.3 (NOAEL) changes in reproductive or 

developmental endpoints. Study 

authors considered maternal LOAEL 

to be < 4.9 mg/kg-day, based on 

significantly reduced body weight 

gain. 

CCC (2000b) 

Christian et al. 

Rabbit 

New 

Drinking 

Water 

F 25 GD 6-29 0 

1.4 

Developmental toxicity study. 

Reduced maternal weight gain at 35.3 

(2001a) Zealand 

White 

13.4 

35.6 

mg/kg-day. No dose-related changes 

in reproductive or developmental 

55.3 (NOAEL) parameters. Maternal LOAEL and 

NOAEL are 35.3 and 13.4 mg/kgday, respectively. 

CCC (2002) 

Christian et al. 

(2002) 

Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Drinking 

Water 

M, F 30 Up to 118 

days 

Males 

F0: 106 d (incl. 70 

d pre-mating) 

F1: 64 d postweaning, 14 d 

cohab. 

Females 

F0: 118 d (incl. 

gest., lactation 

Reproductive/developmental LOAEL 

and NOAEL are 150 and 50 ppm, 

respectively, based on delayed sexual 

maturation in F1 males; parental 

LOAEL and NOAEL are 150 and 50 

ppm, respectively, based on reduced 

body wt gain and wt in F0 females 

and F1 males and females. Findings 

confounded by effects of decreased 

water consumption as a result of taste 

aversion to the test compound. 

F1 64 d postweaning, 14 d 

cohab., gest., 

lactation 

0 

50 (NOAEL) 

150 (LOAEL) 

450 

V - 67 November 15, 2005 
Table V-9 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Bielmeier et al. 

(2004) 

Rat 

F344 

Gavage 

(Aqueous) 

F 5-13 GD 9 0 

75 (LOAEL) 

100 

Hormone profile study. BDCMinduced pregnancy loss was 

associated with decreased LH 

followed by decreased progesterone 

on GD 10. All control dams 

maintained their litters, whereas 8/9 

dams exposed to 

bromodichloromethane had 

pregnancy loss. 

Bielmeier et al. 

(2004) 

Rat 

F344 

Gavage 

(Aqueous) 

F 5-13 GD 6-10 0 

75 (LOAEL) 

100 

Hormone supplementation study. 

BCDM-induced pregnancy loss was 

prevented by progesterone and hCG 

supplementation. Five of seven dams 

(71%) treated with 100 mg/kg-day of 

bromodichloromethane plus the 

hormone vehicles (corn oil or saline 

injected subcutaneously) on GD 6-10 

lost their pregnancies. In contrast, 

dams dosed with 100 mg/kg-day of 

bromodichloromethane on GD 6-10 

and concurrently given progesterone 

had a 0/8 (0%) incidence of 

pregnancy loss. Dams dosed with 

100 mg/kg-day of 

bromodichloromethane on GD 8-10 

and concurrently given hCG by 

injection had a 1/9 (11%) incidence 

of pregnancy loss. 

LH mediated mode of action was 

suggested. 

V - 68 November 15, 2005 
Table V-9 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Dibromochloromethane 

Borzelleca and Mouse Drinking M 10 25-27 0 Multi-generation reproductive 

Carchman (1982) ICR Swiss Water F 30 weeks 17 (marginal 

LOAEL) 

171 

toxicity study. Significant high-dose 

effects include decreased gestational 

index in F1 generation at high dose 

685 and decreased litter size in F1 and F2 

generations. Significant mid-dose 

effects include decreased litter size, 

decreased viability index, decreased 

lactation index, and decreased 

postnatal body weight in some F1 

and/or F2 generations. Only 

significant low-dose effect is reduced 

postnatal body wt in F2b generation 

on postnatal day 14. Hepatic effects 

observed in both parental generations 

at all doses; liver effects marginal at 

low dose. Parental marginal LOAEL 

is 17 mg/kg-day; parental NOAEL 

not determined. 

Ruddick et al. 

(1983) 

Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Gavage 

(Corn oil) 

F 10-12 GD 6-15 0 

50 

100 

200 (NOAEL) 

Developmental toxicity study. 

Significantly depressed maternal wt. 

gain at high dose (25%); increased 

maternal relative liver wt. and kidney 

Statistical significance of fetal 

endpoints not evaluated by study 

authors. Based on data inspection, no 

dose-related skeletal or visceral 

effects observed in litters. Maternal 

LOAEL and NOAEL are 200 and 

100 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

NTP (1996) Rat Drinking M 10 29 days 4.2 Reproductive/developmental toxicity 

Sprague- Water 12.4 study. No treatment-related effects 

Dawley 28.2 (NOAEL) on measured sperm parameters 

NTP (1996) Rat 

SpragueDrinking 

Water 

F 10 35 days 6.3 

17.4 

Reproductive/developmental toxicity 

study. Exposure occurred during a 6­

Dawley 46.0 (NOAEL) day mating period and most/all of 

gestation. No clearly adverse effect 

on any reproductive or developmental 

endpoint at tested doses 

NTP (1996) Rat 

SpragueDrinking 

Water 

F 13 -16 days 

(GD 6-

7.1 

20.0 

Reproductive/developmental toxicity 

study. No clearly adverse effect on 

Dawley parturition) 

47.8 (NOAEL) any reproductive or developmental 

endpoint at tested doses 

V - 69 November 15, 2005 
Table V-9 (cont.) 

Reference Species Route Sex Number Duration Dose Results 

per dose (mg/kg-day) 

group 

Bromoform 

Ruddick et al. 

(1983) 

Rat 

SpragueDawley 

Gavage 

(Corn oil) 

F 14-15 GD 6-15 0 

50 (NOAEL) 

100 (LOAEL) 

200 

Developmental toxicity study. No 

statistically significant maternal 

effects. Apparent treatment-related 

increases in sternebral aberrations 

and other skeletal endpoints. 

Statistical significance of fetotoxic 

endpoints not evaluated by study 

authors. Statistical analysis 

conducted on published data 

indicated significant increase in 

sternebral aberrations at two highest 

doses. Maternal NOAEL is 200 

mg/kg-day; LOAEL not determined. 

NTP (1989b) Mouse 

ICR Swiss 

Gavage 

(oil) 

M 

F 

20 

20 

105 days 0 

50 

Continuous breeding reproductive 

toxicity protocol. Maternal body 

100 (NOAEL) 

200 (LOAEL) 

weights significantly decreased at 

highest dose tested. Decreased 

postnatal survival, organ wt. changes, 

and liver histopathology observed in 

F1 mice of both sexes in high-dose 

group. No noted effects on fertility, 

litters/pair, live pups/litter; proportion 

of live births, sex of live pups, or pup 

body weight. Maternal LOAEL and 

NOAEL are 200 and 100 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. 

1 NOAEL and LOAEL values reported in this column are for developmental/reproductive toxicity effects. The 

NOAEL and LOAEL values for parental toxicity are reported in the “Results” column. 2 Doses for this study are presented as ppm in drinking water; due to marked changes in adult female water 

consumption during different physiologic stages (i.e., pre-mating, mating, gestation, and lactation), it is not 

possible to convert administered drinking water concentrations into biologically meaningful average daily doses. 

F. Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity 

1. Bromodichloromethane 

The results of in vivo and in vitro tests conducted to evaluate the mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and neoplastic transformation potential of bromodichloromethane are summarized in Table 

V-10 at the end of this section. 

a. In Vitro Assays 

Simmon and Tardiff (1978) reported that nonactivated bromodichloromethane was 

mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA100 when assayed in a desiccator containing the test 

compound in the atmosphere. The minimum amount of bromodichloromethane required to elicit 

a mutagenic response following addition to the desiccator was 600 :mol. 

V - 70 November 15, 2005 
Ishidate et al. (1982) assayed the mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane in S. 

typhimurium strain TA100 in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 fraction. Increased 

mutation frequencies were observed only in the absence of S9 activation. In contrast, 

chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster fibroblasts were observed in the presence, but not 

the absence, of S9 fraction. The concentrations tested in these assays were not reported. 

Nestmann and Lee (1985) investigated the mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane at 12 

to 1,200 :M in S. cerevisiae strains D7 and XV185-14C in the presence or absence of S9 

activation. No clear increase in convertants or in revertants of strain XV185-14C was observed 

for bromodichloromethane in the presence or absence of S9 activation. 

NTP (1987) reported that bromodichloromethane was not mutagenic when tested using a 

preincubation protocol in S. typhimurium strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98, or TA100 at 

concentrations reaching cytotoxic levels (20 :mol/plate; 3,333 :g/plate). Testing was done in the 

absence of S9 and in the presence of S9 prepared from Aroclor-induced male hamster or rat liver. 

NTP concluded that the negative results may have been due to volatilization of the test compound 

from the test system. Bromodichloromethane was not mutagenic in the mouse lymphoma 

L5178Y/TK+/- assay in the absence of S9, but did induce dose-related increases in forward 

mutations at S9-activated concentrations greater than or equal to 2,000 :M (300 :g/mL). 

Cytogenetic tests with Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) cells were reported in this study and 

also by Anderson et al. (1990). There was no evidence of induction of chromosomal aberrations 

following treatment with up to 30,000 :M (5,000 :g/mL) in either the presence or absence of 

exogenous metabolic activation. There was also no evidence of sister chromatid exchanges 

induced by the nonactivated material. In the presence of S9 activation, one of three assays 

resulted in a positive response at doses greater than or equal to 24,400 :M (4,000 :g/mL). These 

results are difficult to evaluate because cytotoxicity was observed at similar concentrations in the 

other trials. 

Varma et al. (1988) tested bromodichloromethane for mutagenicity in S. typhimurium 

strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98, and TA100. In the absence of S9 fraction, bromodichloromethane at nonactivated concentrations of 2.4 to 3.2 :mol/plate induced mutations in strain 

TA1537. There was no effect in the other strains. 

Bromodichloromethane was positive for the induction of DNA damage in the presence 

and absence of exogenous activation, based on the results of the SOS chromotest (LeCurieux et 

al., 1995). Bromodichloromethane gave a negative result in the fluctuation test modification of 

the S. typhimurium reverse mutation assay. 

Several studies have evaluated induction of sister chromatid exchanges following 

exposure to bromodichloromethane. Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) investigated the ability of 

bromodichloromethane to induce sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes in vitro in 

the absence of S9 activation. Bromodichloromethane caused a dose-dependent increase in sister 

chromatid exchanges. The increased incidence was significant (p < 0.05) at concentrations 

V - 71 November 15, 2005 
greater than or equal to 400 :M. The potential of S9-activated bromodichloromethane to induce 

sister chromatid exchanges in vitro was also investigated by Sobti (1984). A dose of 100 :M 

increased the frequency of sister chromatid exchange in rat liver cells. In human lymphocytes, a 

100-fold greater concentration of bromodichloromethane was required to elicit the same effect on 

sister chromatid exchange when compared to dibromochloromethane (100 :M vs. 1 :M.). Fujie 

et al. (1993) observed a statistically significant, dose-related increase in sister chromatid 

exchange in rat erythroblastic leukemia K3D cells treated with bromodichloromethane in the 

absence of exogenous activation. Bromodichloromethane also appeared to give a positive 

response in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation, although the study protocol and 

results with negative controls were described less clearly for this phase of testing. 

Bromodichloromethane was tested in the mouse lymphoma assay as part of an 

international collaborative program under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Health and 

Welfare (Sofuni et al., 1996). The results of this assay were equivocal. One laboratory obtained 

a positive result in the activated phase, but this result was not confirmed by a second laboratory. 

Results in the nonactivated phase were negative or equivocal due to poor viability of the solvent 

control cell cultures. 

Matsuoka et al. (1996) conducted a chromosome aberration assay with Chinese hamster 

lung fibroblast (CHL/IU) cells exposed to bromodichloromethane in tightly capped flasks. A 

weak induction of chromosome aberrations was observed for bromodichloromethane in the 

presence and absence of exogenous metabolic activation. 

Geter et al. (2004a) examined the ability of bromodichloromethane to induce DNA strand 

breaks (as assessed by the alkaline unwinding assay) in CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastic 

leukemia cells and primary F344/N rat hepatocytes. Exposure to 5 or 10 mM significantly 

induced DNA strand breaks in CCRF-CEM cells after a two-hour exposure. Cells exposed to 1 or 

5 mM bromodichloromethane showed 100% DNA strand break recovery when assayed after 

incubation in bromodichloromethane-free medium for 22 hours. No evidence of strand breaks 

was observed in primary rat hepatocytes exposed to 1, 5, or 10 mM bromodichloromethane for 4 

hours. 

Landi et al. (2003) demonstrated that bromodichloromethane induced DNA damage in 

primary cultures of human lung epithelial cells as measured by tail extent movement in the Comet 

assay. Human lung epithelial cells were collected by scraping the large airways of four 

volunteers. DNA genotyping was used to identify 2 subjects that were GSTT1-1+ and 2 subjects 

that were GSTT1-1-

. Cells were maintained in culture and were exposed to 0, 10, 100 or 1000 :M 

bromodichloromethane for 3 hours prior to being flash frozen for analysis. DNA damage was 

observed at each concentration tested. Variation in response among subjects was not related to 

the GSTT1-1 genotype. 

Robbiano et al. (2004) evaluated the ability of bromodichloromethane to cause DNA 

fragmentation and micronuclei formation in primary cultures of rat and human kidney cells. 

Human kidney tissue was obtained from surgical patients where a portion of the kidney was 

V - 72 November 15, 2005 
removed for health reasons. Cultured cells were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mM 

bromodichloromethane for 20 hours and DNA damage was measured as tail length in the Comet 

assay. Statistically significant increases in DNA damage were observed in cells from rats and 

humans at all exposure levels. For the micronucleus assay, cells were exposed to 0, 1, 2, or 4 mM 

bromodichloromethane for 48 hours. Bromodichloromethane caused increased micronuclei 

formation in primary cultures of rat kidney cells at all exposure levels and in human kidney cells 

at all exposure levels except the lowest (1.0 mM). 

b. In Vivo Assays 

Ishidate et al. (1982) investigated the in vivo clastogenicity of bromodichloromethane in 

ddY mice, MS mice, and Wistar rats. Doses of 125 to 500 mg/kg-day were administered in olive 

oil by intraperitoneal injection, and the animals were sacrificed at 18, 24, 30, 48, and 72 hours 

after dosing. No significant induction of micronucleus formation in bone marrow was observed 

in either mice or rats. 

Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) investigated the potential of bromodichloromethane to 

induce sister chromatid exchanges in male ICR/SJ mice. Animals were given doses of 0, 25, 50, 

100, or 200 mg/kg-day for four days by olive oil gavage. Bromodichloromethane produced a 

roughly linear dose-dependent increase in sister chromatid exchange frequency. The increase was 

statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 50 mg/kg-day. The authors noted that the concentrations 

required to produce an increased incidence of sister chromatid exchange were on the order of 

1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the concentrations typically found in drinking water. 

Hayashi et al. (1988) measured induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in 

ddY mice by intraperitoneal administration of bromodichloromethane at single doses up to 500 

mg/kg in corn oil. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed. There was no clear evidence of 

toxicity or cytotoxicity in the target tissue. 

Fujie et al. (1990) analyzed chromosome aberrations in bone marrow from Long-Evans 

rats (3/sex/dose) following oral (males only) or intraperitoneal (males and females) exposure to 

bromodichloromethane. Oral administration was by gavage in saline for five consecutive days, 

and the animals were sacrificed 18 hours after the last dose. Bromodichloromethane induced 

dose-related increases in chromatid and chromosome breaks. A more pronounced increase in 

clastogenic activity was observed following a single intraperitoneal dose, with significant (p < 

0.05) effects at 16.4 mg/kg. 

Hayashi et al. (1992) evaluated induction of micronuclei in mouse peripheral blood 

erythrocytes by bromodichloromethane. Groups of four male ddY mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg bromodichloromethane in physiological saline once a 

week for 5 weeks. Micronuclei were evaluated 1 week after the last dose. No evidence of 

micronucleus induction was observed. One low-dose mouse died, and weight loss was observed 

in all treatment groups during exposure. 

V - 73 November 15, 2005 
Robbiano et al. (2004) measured DNA damage and micronuclei formation in kidney cells 

of Sprague Dawley rats sacrificed 20 hours after a single oral gavage dose of 458 mg/kg 

bromodichloromethane in 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide. The frequency of micronucleated kidney 

cells was increased and DNA damage was observed, as measured by increased tail length in the 

Comet assay. 

Potter et al. (1996) observed no significant increase in DNA strand breakage in male F344 

rats one day after a single gavage doses of 0.75 or 1.5 mmol/kg (123 or 246 mg/kg-day) of 

bromodichloromethane in 4% Emulphor® using the alkaline unwinding procedure. Geter et al. 

(2004a) likewise found no significant induction of DNA strand breaks using the alkaline 

unwinding assay in the liver, kidney, or duodenum epithelial cells of male F344/N rats when 

assayed four hours after administration of a single oral 0.3 or 0.6 mmol/kg (49 or 98 mg/kg) 

gavage dose of bromodichloromethane. No significant induction of DNA strand breaks was 

observed in male F344/N rats exposed to 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 g/L of bromodichloromethane in the 

drinking water for up to five weeks. 

Stocker et al. (1997) investigated the in vivo genotoxicity of bromodichloromethane in an 

unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in the livers of bromodichloromethane treated rats. Male 

Sprague-Dawley rats (4 animals per group) were administered a single dose of 0 (control), 135 or 

450 mg/kg bromodichloromethane via gavage in aqueous 1% methylcellulose. These doses were 

selected by the authors to correspond to 30% and 100% of the calculated maximum tolerated dose 

(MTD) for this compound. Analysis of hepatocytes for unscheduled DNA synthesis was 

conducted 2 and 14 hours after treatment. There was no evidence of increased DNA synthesis in 

hepatocytes at any tested dose of bromodichloromethane. 

c. Mechanistic Studies of Genotoxicity 

A potential mechanism for mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane has been studied in 

strains of Salmonella typhimurium that express the rat theta-class glutathione S-transferase T1-1 

gene (GSTT1-1). These studies provide evidence for a distinctmechanism of brominated trihalomethane activation and thus are discussed in detail. Pegram et al. (1997) utilized two new strains 

of TA1535-derived Salmonella to investigate glutathione S-transferase-mediated bioactivation of 

bromodichloromethane. One strain had been transfected with the GSTT1-1 gene (+GST) and the 

other strain had the same gene inserted in a non-functioning orientation (-GST). These strains 

were used in base-substitution revertant colony assays following 24 hour exposures to 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane ranging from 200 to 4,800 ppm. The agar concentration 

resulting from a 24 hour exposure to 4,800 ppm bromodichloromethane was 0.67 mM. 

Bromodichloromethane increased the number of revertant colonies in each strain of Salmonella 

tested (+GST, -GST and TA1535). The frequency of the revertants in TA1535 was significantly 

increased above the spontaneous level at the three highest concentrations tested (highest 

concentration 4,800 ppm; intermediate concentrations not explicitly stated), while frequency was 

increased in the -GST strain only at the highest concentration. In contrast, there was a dramatic, 

dose-dependent increase in bromodichloromethane-induced mutations in the +GST strain when 

compared to the -GST control strain (an 18-fold increase at the 4800 ppm bromodichloromethane 

V - 74 November 15, 2005 
concentration). When chloroform was tested for comparative purposes, a positive response was 

observed only at the two highest concentrations tested (19,200 and 25,600 ppm). These results 

provide evidence that the mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane is enhanced by GST-mediated 

conjugation with GSH. The comparatively low affinity of the GST-mediated pathway for 

chloroform suggests that different trihalomethanes can induce mutations by different 

mechanisms. 

DeMarini et al. (1997) further investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase activity in 

mediating the mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane in Salmonella typhimurium. Strains of 

Salmonella utilized in this investigation included RSJ100, which expresses the GSTT1-1 gene and 

TPT100, which has the GSTT1-1 gene inserted in a non-functioning orientation. Mutagenicity 

was assayed using a Tedlar bag vaporization technique. Bromodichloromethane (3,200 ppm) 

induced a 44-fold increase in revertant colonies in the RSJ100 strain of Salmonella when 

compared to background revertant frequency. The spectrum of bromodichloromethane-induced 

mutations at the hisG46 allele in strain RSJ100 was analyzed using the colony probe 

hybridization method. This analysis revealed that 99% of the mutations were GCÿAT. A nonbrominated halomethane, dichloromethane, was used in S. typhimurium strain TA100 (which 

does not contain the GSST1-1 gene) for comparison. In contrast to bromodichloromethaneinduced mutations in RSJ100, only 15% of the mutations induced by dichloromethane in the nonGST-expressing strain TA100 were GCÿAT type mutations. This result suggests that overexpression of GSTT1-1 in strain RSJ100 enhanced the mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane 

and induced a specific type of mutational lesion in Salmonella. The mutagenicity of 

dibromochloromethane and bromoform was also markedly enhanced in the GST-expressing strain 

(discussed in sections V.G.2.c and V.G.3.c below), suggesting that the brominated 

trihalomethanes are bioactivated by a similar pathway. In contrast, the mutagenicity of 

chloroform was not enhanced, indicating that chloroform and the brominated trihalomethanes 

may be activated via different mechanisms. 

Proposed metabolic routes for GST-mediated bioactivation of bromodichloromethane to 

mutagenic species are illustrated in Figure III-2 in section III.C.1. 

V - 75 November 15, 2005 
Table V-10 Summary of Mutagenicity, Genotoxicity, and Neoplastic Transformation Data 

for Bromodichloromethane 

Endpoint Assay System Results 

(with/without 

activation)d 

References 

In Vitro Studies 

Gene mutation Salmonella typhimurium 

TA100a 

NT/+ Simmon and Tardiff (1978) 

TA100b -/+ Ishidate et al. (1982) 

TA98, TA100, TA1535, 

TA1537b 

-/­ NTP (1987) 

TA1537 

TA1535, TA98, TA100b 

-/+ 

-/- Varma et al. (1988) 

RSJ100 NT/+ DeMarini et al. (1997) 

TA1535, +GST, -GST NT/+ Pegram et al. (1997) 

Mouse lymphoma cellsb +/­ NTP (1987) 

Mouse lymphoma cells +c

/-c Sofuni et al. (1996) 

Chromosome aberration Chinese hamster fibroblasts b +/- Ishidate et al. (1982) 

Chinese hamster ovary cells b -/­ NTP (1987); Anderson et al. 

(1990) 

Chinese hamster lung +/+ Matsuoka et al. (1996) 

fibroblasts a (weak) 

DNA damage Saccharomyces cerevisiae a -/- Nestmann and Lee (1985) 

SOS chromotest +/+ LeCurieux et al. (1995) 

Human lung epithelial cells NT/+ Landi et al. (2003) 

Rat and human kidney cells NT/+ Robbiano et al. (2004) 

Micronuclei formation Rat and human kidney cells NT/+ Robbiano et al. (2004) 

Sister chromatid 

exchange 

Human lymphocytes a NT/+ Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) 

Human lymphocytes a +/NT Sobti (1984) 

Rat liver cells a +/NT Sobti (1984) 

Chinese hamster ovary cells b -

c

/- NTP (1987); Anderson et al. 

(1990) 

V - 76 November 15, 2005 
Table V-10 (cont.) 

Endpoint Assay System Results 

(with/without 

activation)d 

References 

DNA strand breaks CCRF-CEM human 

lymphoblastic leukemia cells 

NT/+ Geter et al. (2004a) 

F344/N primary rat 

hepatocytes 

NT/- Geter et al. (2004a) 

In Vivo Studies 

Micronuclei Mouse bone marrow cells 

and rat cells 

- Ishidate et al. (1982) 

Mouse bone marrow cells - Hayashi et al. (1988) 

Mouse peripheral blood 

erythrocytes (ip) 

- Hayashi et al. (1992) 

Rat kidney cells + Robbiano et al. (2004) 

DNA damage Rat kidney cells + Robbiano et al. (2004) 

Chromosome aberrations Rat bone marrow cells (oral) + Fujie et al. (1990) 

Rat bone marrow cells (ip) + Fujie et al. (1990) 

Unscheduled DNA 

synthesis 

Rat liver cells - Stocker et al. (1997) 

Sister chromatid 

exchange 

Mouse bone marrow cells + Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) 

DNA strand breaks Rat kidney cells - Potter et al. (1996) 

Rat liver, kidney, and 

duodenum epithelial cells 

- Geter et al. (2004a) 

NT = Not Tested

a

 Assay was conducted in a closed system.

b Authors did not specify whether or not the assay was conducted in a closed system. c

 Equivocal results were obtained.

d With/without activation applies to in vitro tests only.

V - 77 November 15, 2005 
2. Dibromochloromethane 

The results of in vivo and in vitro tests conducted to evaluate the mutagenicity, 

genotoxicity, and neoplastic transformation potential of dibromochloromethane are summarized 

in Table V-11 at the end of this section. 

a. In Vitro Assays 

Simmon and Tardiff (1978) reported that nonactivated dibromochloromethane was 

mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA100 when assayed in a desiccator containing the test 

compound in the atmosphere. The minimum amount of dibromochloromethane required to elicit 

a mutagenic response following addition to the desiccator was 57 :mol. 

Ishidate et al. (1982) assayed the mutagenicity of dibromochloromethane in S. 

typhimurium strain TA100 in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 fraction. Increased 

mutation frequencies were observed only in the absence of S9 activation. In contrast, 

chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster fibroblasts were observed in the presence, but not 

the absence, of S9 fraction. The concentrations tested in these assays were not reported. 

NTP (1985) reported that dibromochloromethane (0.5 to 50 :mol/plate; 100 to 10,000 

:g/plate) was not mutagenic in strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98, or TA100 when tested in the 

presence or absence of Aroclor-induced Sprague-Dawley rat or Syrian hamster liver S9 fractions. 

Volatilization of the test compound was proposed as a possible explanation for the negative 

results. 

Nestmann and Lee (1985) investigated the mutagenicity of dibromochloromethane at 

concentrations of 11 to 5,700 :M in S. cerevisiae strains D7 and XV185-14C in the presence or 

absence of S9 activation. No clear increase in convertants or in revertants of strain XV185-14C 

were observed in the presence of S9-activated dibromochloromethane. In the absence of S9 

activation, an increased incidence of gene convertants in strain D7 was observed at concentrations 

greater than 1,140 :M. There was no effect on the incidence of revertants under the same 

conditions. The high dose of dibromochloromethane was cytotoxic. 

Varma et al. (1988) tested dibromochloromethane for mutagenicity in S. typhimurium 

strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98, and TA100. Dibromochloromethane produced a significantly 

increased mutation frequency at the lowest S9-activated concentration (0.12 :mol/plate) in all 

four strains. Dibromochloromethane at the same concentration also resulted in increased 

mutation frequencies in strains TA1535 and TA1537 in the absence of S9 fraction. Higher 

concentrations had no clear effect on mutation frequency. This spike in mutation frequency at the 

low dose with similar responses in strains that detect frameshifts and those that detect base 

substitutions is very unusual. It is possible that the reported data may have resulted from 

cytotoxicity, although the number of revertants at the nonmutagenic doses was comparable to 

background levels. 

V - 78 November 15, 2005 
Dibromochloromethane induced mutations at the tk locus of L5178Y mouse lymphoma 

cells when tested at concentrations greater than or equal to 480 :M in screw-capped tubes. The 

material was tested only in the absence of S9 activation (McGregor et al., 1991). 

Loveday et al. (1990) found that dibromochloromethane did not induce chromosome 

aberrations in CHO cells with S9-activation at concentrations that caused cell-cycle delay 

(12,200 :M) or in the absence of S9-activation at concentrations that were cytotoxic with a 

standard harvest time (6,000 :M). Sister chromatid exchange was induced in CHO cells by S9­

activated dibromochloromethane at 3,600 :M with a delayed cell harvest, while the nonactivated 

test material had no effect at concentrations up to cytotoxic levels (1,200 :M; 247 :g/mL). 

Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) investigated the ability of dibromochloromethane to 

induce sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in human lymphocytes in vitro in the absence of S9 

activation. Addition of dibromochloromethane resulted in a dose-dependent increase in SCE. 

The increased incidence was significant (p < 0.05) at concentrations greater than or equal to 

400 :M. 

The potential of S9-activated dibromochloromethane to induce sister chromatid exchanges 

in vitro was also investigated by Sobti (1984). A dose of 100 :M produced an increased 

frequency of sister chromatid exchange in rat liver cells. In human lymphocytes, 1 :M 

dibromochloromethane produced the same effect as 100 :M bromodichloromethane. 

Fujie et al. (1993) observed a statistically significant, dose-related increase in sister 

chromatid exchange in rat erythroblastic leukemia K3D cells treated with dibromochloromethane 

in the absence of exogenous activation. Dibromochloromethane had the weakest response among 

the brominated trihalomethanes tested. Dibromochloromethane also appeared to give a positive 

response in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation, although the study protocol and 

results with negative controls were less clear for this phase of testing. 

LeCurieux et al. (1995) evaluated the induction of DNA damage by 

dibromochloromethane in the presence and absence of exogenous activation using the SOS 

chromotest. Dibromochloromethane exposure gave a positive result for induction. 

Dibromochloromethane gave negative results in the fluctuation test modification of the S. 

typhimurium reverse mutation assay. 

Matsuoka et al. (1996) conducted a chromosome aberration assay with Chinese hamster 

lung fibroblast (CHL/IU) cells exposed to dibromochloromethane in tightly capped flasks. 

Dibromochloromethane induced polyploidy in the absence of S9 fraction, but not in the presence 

of S9. The study authors considered activated dibromochloromethane marginally positive for 

chromosome aberrations. However, there was no effect under the utilized test conditions when 

gaps were excluded from consideration. There was no evidence of structural chromosome 

aberration induction by dibromochloromethane in the absence of exogenous metabolic activation. 

V - 79 November 15, 2005 
Dibromochloromethane was tested in the mouse lymphoma assay as part of an 

international collaborative program under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Health and 

Welfare (Sofuni et al., 1996). Dibromochloromethane yielded clearly positive results with or 

without exogenous metabolic activation in two laboratories. 

Geter et al. (2004a) examined the ability of dibromochloromethane to induce DNA strand 

breaks in CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastic leukemia cells and primary F344/N rat hepatocytes 

in vitro. Strand breaks were measured using the alkaline unwinding assay. Exposure to 5 or 10 

mM dibromochloromethane significantly induced DNA strand breaks in CCRF-CEM cells after a 

two-hour exposure. Cells exposed to 1 mM dibromochloromethane showed 100% recovery after 

incubation in dibromochloromethane-free medium for 22 hours. Cells exposed to 10 mM 

dibromochloromethane showed increased levels of DNA strand breaks, indicating a lack of 

recovery and possible inhibition of DNA repair. No evidence of strand breaks in the absence of 

cytotoxicity was observed in primary rat hepatocytes exposed to 1, 5, or 10 mM 

dibromochloromethane. 

Landi et al. (2003) evaluated the ability of dibromochloromethane to cause DNA damage 

in primary cultures of human lung epithelial cells as measured by tail extent movement in the 

Comet assay. Human lung epithelial cells were collected by scraping the large airways of four 

volunteers. Cells were maintained in culture and were exposed to 0, 10, 100 or 1000 :M 

dibromochloromethane for 3 hours prior to being flash frozen for analysis. DNA damage was not 

observed at any concentration tested. 

b. In Vivo Assays 

Fujie et al. (1990) analyzed chromosome aberrations in bone marrow from Long-Evans 

rats (3/sex/dose) following oral (males only) or intraperitoneal (males and females) exposure to 

dibromochloromethane. Oral administration was by gavage in saline for five consecutive days, 

and the animals were sacrificed 18 hours after the last dose. Dibromochloromethane induced 

dose-related increases in chromosome breaks. A more pronounced increase in clastogenic 

activity was observed following a single intraperitoneal dose, with significant (p < 0.05) effects at 

20.8 mg/kg. Regardless of the route, the predominant types of induced aberrations were 

chromatid and chromosome breaks. 

Hayashi et al. (1988) measured induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in 

ddY mice by intraperitoneal administration of dibromochloromethane at single doses of up to 500 

mg/kg in corn oil. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed. However, the sampling time 

utilized in this experiment was insufficient (U.S. EPA, 1994b). There was no clear evidence of 

toxicity or cytotoxicity in the target tissue. 

Ishidate et al. (1982) investigated the in vivo clastogenicity of dibromochloromethane in 

ddY and MS mice and Wistar rats. Doses of 125 to 500 mg/kg-day were administered in olive oil 

by intraperitoneal injection, and the animals were sacrificed at 18, 24, 30, 48, and 72 hours after 

dosing. No significant induction of micronucleus formation was observed in either mice or rats. 

V - 80 November 15, 2005 
Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) investigated the potential of dibromochloromethane to 

induce sister chromatid exchanges in male ICR/SJ mice. Animals were given doses of 0, 25, 50, 

100, or 200 mg/kg-day for four days by olive oil gavage. Dibromochloromethane produced a 

roughly linear dose-dependent increase in sister chromatid exchange frequency. The increase was 

statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 25 mg/kg-day. The authors noted that the concentrations 

required to produce an increased incidence of sister chromatid exchange were on the order of 

1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the concentrations typically found in drinking water. 

Potter et al. (1996) observed no significant effect on number of DNA strand breaks in the 

kidneys of male F344 rats dosed with 0.75 or 1.5 mmol/kg ( 156 or 312 mg/kg-day)of 

dibromochloromethane in 4% Emulphor® when analyzed using the alkaline unwinding procedure 

one day following treatment. Geter et al. (2004a) found no significant induction of DNA strand 

breaks in liver, kidney, or duodenum epithelial cells of male F344/N rats when assayed using the 

alkaline unwinding assay four hours after a single oral gavage dose (0.3 or 0.6 mmol, or 

approximately 62 or 125 mg/kg) of dibromochloromethane in 0.25% Emulphor. No significant 

induction of DNA strand breaks was observed in liver, kidney, or duodenum epithelial cells of 

male F344/N rats exposed to 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 g/L dibromochloromethane in the drinking water for 

two weeks. 

Stocker et al. (1997) investigated the in vivo genotoxicity of dibromochloromethane in an 

unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in the livers of dibromochloromethane treated rats. Male 

Sprague-Dawley rats (4 animals per group) were administered a single dose of 0 (control), 600 or 

2000 mg/kg via gavage in aqueous 1% methylcellulose. These doses were selected by the authors 

to correspond to 30% and 100% of the calculated maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for this 

compound. Analysis of hepatocytes for unscheduled DNA synthesis was conducted 2 and 14 

hours after treatment. There was no evidence of increased DNA synthesis in hepatocytes from 

rats treated with any tested dose of dibromochloromethane. 

Sekihashi et al. (2002) obtained positive results for dibromochloromethane genotoxicity 

using the Comet assay. The authors indicated that doses were selected to avoid confounding of 

the results by cytotoxicity. In Wistar rats, positive (statistically significant differences in mean 

migration) results were obtained for stomach, colon, liver, kidney, bladder, or lung tissues 

removed 8 or 24 hours following administration of 200 mg/kg oral dose of. using. In ddY mice, 

positive results were obtained for liver and brain samples harvested 8 or 24 hours, respectively, 

after administration of a 400 mg/kg oral dose. Although a statistically significant increase in 

migration was also noted for the eight hour colon sample, the study authors did not identify this 

finding as a positive response. 

c. Mechanistic Studies of Genotoxicity 

DeMarini et al. (1997) investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase activity in the 

mutagenicity of dibromochloromethane in Salmonella typhimurium. Strains of Salmonella 

utilized in this investigation included RSJ100, which expresses the rat glutathione S-transferase 

theta 1-1 (GSTT1-1) gene and TPT100, which has the GSTT1-1 gene inserted in a nonV - 81 November 15, 2005 
functioning orientation. Dibromochloromethane (400 ppm) induced an 85-fold increase in 

revertant colonies in the RSJ100 strain of Salmonella compared to background revertant 

formation. The mutational spectra for dibromochloromethane-induced mutations at the hisG46 

allele in strain RSJ100 were analyzed using the colony probe hybridization method. This analysis 

revealed that 100% of the mutations were GCÿAT. A non-brominated dihalomethane, 

dichloromethane, was tested in TA100 (which does not express GSTT1-1) for comparison. In 

contrast to dibromochloromethane-induced mutations in RSJ100, only 15% of the mutations 

induced by dichloromethane in TA100 were GCÿAT type mutations. This result suggests that 

over-expression of GSTT1-1 in strain RSJ100 mediated the mutagenicity of 

dibromochloromethane and induced a specific type of mutational lesion in Salmonella. Proposed 

pathways of bioactivation of dibromochloromethane and other brominated trihalomethanes are 

shown in Figure 4-2. 

Landi et al. (1999b) investigated the role of GSST1-1 in the mutagenicity of 

dibromochloromethane in Salmonella by using one strain that expressed rat GSST1-1 (RSJ100) 

and one strain that did not (TPT100). Mutagenicity of dibromochloromethane was assessed by 

revertant colony formation with or without S9 metabolic activation. The addition of 800 ppm 

dibromochloromethane greatly increased revertant numbers in the RSJ100 but not the TPT100 

strain of Salmonella. Addition of the rat liver S9 fraction had no effect on the number of 

revertants induced by dibromochloromethane exposure in either strain. These data provide 

further support for the hypothesis that GSST1-1 plays a role in the mutagenicity of 

dibromochloromethane. Additional experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of 

exogenously added GSST1-1 on the mutagenic potency of dibromochloromethane. Red blood 

cells (RBC), which express GSST1-1, were added to the experimental system to address this 

question. RBC had no effect on results obtained with the TPT100 strain, but completely 

suppressed the mutagenicity of dibromochloromethane in the RSJ100 strain. However, the 

>protective= effect of RBC did not appear to be related to GSST1-1 activity, as this suppression 

occurred even with the addition of RBC from individuals who do not express GSST1-1. The 

underlying mechanism of RBC suppression of dibromochloromethane mutagenicity was not 

investigated. The authors of this study speculated that tissues potentially exposed to 

dibromochloromethane via the blood may be at less genotoxic risk (due to protection afforded by 

the RBC) than tissues which are directly exposed to oral bromodichloromethane (such as tissues 

in the gastrointestinal tract). 

Proposed metabolic routes for GST-mediated bioactivation of dibromochloromethane to 

mutagenic species are shown in Figure III-2 in section III.C1. 

V - 82 November 15, 2005 
Table V-11 Summary of Mutagenicity, Genotoxicity, and Neoplastic Transformation Data 

for Dibromochloromethane 

Endpoint Assay System Results 

(with/without 

activation)d 

References 

In Vitro Studies 

Gene mutation Salmonella typhimurium 

TA100a 

NT/+ Simmon and Tardiff (1978) 

TA100b -/+ Ishidate et al. (1982) 

TA98, TA100, TA1535, 

TA1537b 

-/­ NTP (1985) 

TA1535, TA1537b 

TA98, TA100b 

+/+ 

-/+ Varma et al. (1988) 

RSJ100 NT/+ DeMarini et al. (1997) 

RSJ100 +/+ Landi et al. (1999b) 

TPT100 -/­

Mouse lymphoma cellsa NT/+ McGregor et al. (1991) 

Mouse lymphoma cells +/+ Sofuni et al. (1996) 

Chromosome aberration Chinese hamster fibroblastsb +/- Ishidate et al. (1982) 

Chinese hamster ovary cellsb -/- Loveday et al. (1990) 

Chinese hamster lung -/+ Matsuoka et al. (1996) 

fibroblastsa (see text) 

DNA damage Saccharomyces cerevisiaea -/+ Nestmann and Lee (1985) 

SOS chromotest +/+ LeCurieux et al. (1995) 

S. typhimurium fluctuation -

test 

Human lung epithelial cells NT/- Landi et al. (2003) 

Sister chromatid 

exchange 

Human lymphocytesa NT/+ Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) 

Human lymphocytesa +/NT Sobti (1984) 

Rat liver cellsb +/NT Sobti (1984) 

Chinese hamster ovary cellsb +/- Loveday et al. (1990) 

Rat erythroblastic leukemia -

c

/+ Fujie et al. (1993) 

cells 

V - 83 November 15, 2005 
Table V-11 (cont.) 

Endpoint Assay System Results 

(with/without 

activation)d 

References 

DNA strand breaks CCRF-CEM human 

lymphoblastic leukemia cells 

NT/+ Geter et al. (2004a) 

F344/N primary rat 

hepatocytes 

NT/- Geter et al. (2004a) 

In Vivo Studies 

Micronuclei Mouse bone marrow cells - Ishidate et al. (1982) 

Mouse bone marrow cells - Hayashi et al. (1988) 

Chromosome aberrations Rat bone marrow cells + Fujie et al. (1990) 

Rat bone marrow cells + Fujie et al. (1990) 

Sister chromatid 

exchange 

Mouse bone marrow cells + Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) 

DNA strand breaks Rat kidney cells - Potter et al. (1996) 

Rat liver, kidney, duodenum 

epithelial cells 

- Geter et al. (2004a) 

DNA damage 

(comet assay) 

Rat stomach, colon, liver, 

kidney, bladder, lung tissue 

+ Sekihashi et al. (2002) 

Mouse liver and brain tissue + Sekihashi et al. (2002) 

Unscheduled DNA 

synthesis 

Rat hepatocytes - Stocker et al. (1997) 

NT = Not Tested

a

 Assay was conducted in a closed system.

b Authors did not specify whether or not the assay was conducted in a closed system. c

 Equivocal results reported.

d

 With/without activation applies to in vitro data only.

3. Bromoform 

The results of in vivo and in vitro tests conducted to evaluate the mutagenicity, 

genotoxicity, and neoplastic transformation potential of bromoform are summarized in Table V12 at the end of this section. 

V - 84 November 15, 2005 
a. In Vitro Assays 

Simmon and Tardiff (1978) reported that nonactivated bromoform was mutagenic in S. 

typhimurium strain TA100 when assayed as vapor in a desiccator. The minimum amount of 

bromoform required to elicit a mutagenic response following addition to the desiccator was 570 

:mol. 

Ishidate et al. (1982) assayed the mutagenicity of bromoform in S. typhimurium strain 

TA100 in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 fraction. Increased mutation frequencies were 

observed only in the absence of S9 activation. In contrast, chromosomal aberrations in Chinese 

hamster fibroblasts were observed in the presence, but not the absence, of S9 fraction. The 

concentrations tested in these assays were not reported. 

Maddock and Kelly (1980) reported that bromoform did not induce an increase in sister 

chromatid exchanges when toadfish leukocytes were exposed to concentrations of 0.4 to 400 :M. 

Herren-Freund and Pereira (1986) assessed the initiating activity of bromoform using the 

rat liver GGT-foci assay. The authors reported that a 250 mg/kg (1 mmol/kg) oral dose in an 

unspecified vehicle did not initiate GGT-foci in this test. 

NTP (1989a) evaluated the genotoxic potential of bromoform in multiple test systems. 

Concentrations of 0.04 to 13 :mol/plate (10 to 3,333 :g/plate) produced no evidence of 

mutagenicity in S. typhimurium strains TA1535 or TA1537, when assayed with or without 

exogenous metabolic activation by rat or hamster liver S9 fraction. Equivocal evidence of 

mutagenicity was noted in strain TA100 without activation, and in strains TA97 and TA98 in the 

presence of liver microsomes prepared from Aroclor-induced Syrian hamsters. Exposure of 

mouse L5178Y cells to bromoform concentrations greater than or equal to 2,300 :M in the 

absence of S9 activation or S9-activated concentrations of at least 300 :M with S9 activation 

resulted in forward mutations at the thymidine kinase (tk) locus. One of two laboratories 

conducting the assays reported increased sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in CHO cells exposed 

to 3,800 :M bromoform in the absence of exogenous activation. Neither laboratory observed 

increased incidence of SCE in the presence of S9. S9-activated bromoform did not induce 

chromosome aberrations in CHO cells; results for SCE and chromosome aberrations in the 

absence of exogenous activation were equivocal. 

Zeiger (1990) found that bromoform was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA98 when 

tested as a vapor in a closed system, but not when tested in an open system using a preincubation 

protocol. Positive results were observed at levels of at least 114 :mol/desiccator, in the presence 

and absence of S9 prepared from rat or hamster liver. Bromoform was negative in the closed 

system with strains TA100 and TA1538 with or without rat or hamster liver S9 fraction 

Roldan-Arjona and Pueyo (1993) evaluated bromoform in the S. typhimurium Ara forward 

mutation assay at concentrations up to 25 :mol/plate (6.3 mg/plate). A preincubation protocol 

was employed for the assay. Although a clear dose-related response was observed in the absence 

V - 85 November 15, 2005 
of activation, the results were classified as questionable because a doubling of background levels 

was not achieved. There was no evidence of mutagenicity in the presence of exogenous 

metabolic activation. Although no attempt was made to minimize volatilization of the test 

compound, cytotoxicity at the high exposure level indicated that the test material reached the 

cells. 

Geter et al. (2004a) examined the ability of bromoform to induce DNA strand breaks (as 

assessed by the alkaline unwinding assay) in CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastic leukemia cells 

and primary F344/N rat hepatocytes. Exposure to 5 or 10 mM bromoform significantly induced 

DNA strand breaks in CCRF-CEM cells after a two-hour incubation. Cells exposed to 1 mM 

bromoform showed increased levels of DNA strand breaks when assayed after incubation in 

bromoform-free medium for 22 hours, indicating a lack of recovery; recovery at higher 

concentrations could not be assessed because of cytotoxicity. No evidence of strand breaks in the 

absence of cytotoxicity was observed in primary rat hepatocytes exposed to 1, 5, or 10 mM 

bromoform. 

Landi et al. (2003) evaluated the ability of bromoform to induce DNA damage in primary 

cultures of human lung epithelial cells as measured by tail extent movement in the Comet assay. 

Human lung epithelial cells were collected by scraping the large airways of four volunteers. Cells 

were maintained in culture and were exposed to 0, 10, 100 or 1000 :M bromodichloromethane 

for 3 hours prior to being flash frozen for analysis. DNA damage was observed at each 

concentration tested. 

b. In Vivo Assays 

NTP (1989a) studied the genotoxic potential of bromoform in several test systems. Adult 

male Drosophila fed with a 1,000-ppm solution of bromoform exhibited increased frequency of 

sex-linked recessive lethal mutations, but no significant effect on reciprocal translocations was 

observed. Intraperitoneal injection of mice with 200 to 800 mg/kg bromoform caused an increase 

in sister chromatid exchange but not in chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. 

Fujie et al. (1990) analyzed chromosome aberrations in bone marrow from Long-Evans 

rats (3/sex/dose) following oral (males only) or intraperitoneal (males and females) exposure to 

bromoform. Oral administration was by gavage in saline for five consecutive days, and the 

animals were sacrificed 18 hours after the last dose. Bromoform induced a dose-related increase 

in the incidence of aberrant cells, with a significant (p < 0.01) increase at 253 mg/kg-day. A more 

pronounced increase in clastogenic activity was observed following a single intraperitoneal dose, 

with a significant (p < 0.05) effect at 25.3 mg/kg. Regardless of the route, the predominant types 

of induced aberrations were chromatid and chromosome breaks. 

Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) investigated the ability of bromoform and other 

brominated trihalomethanes to induce sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes in vitro 

in the absence of S9 activation. All three brominated trihalomethanes caused a dose-dependent 

increase in sister chromatid exchanges. Bromoform was more potent than bromodichloromethane 

V - 86 November 15, 2005 
or dibromochloromethane. The increases were significant (p < 0.05) at concentrations greater 

than or equal to 400 :M, 400 :M, and 80 :M for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, respectively. 

Potter et al. (1996) evaluated the effect of bromoform on incidence of DNA strand breaks 

in the kidney. Male F344 rats received 0.75 or 1.5 mmol/kg of bromoform in 4% Emulphor® by 

gavage for 1, 3, or 7 days. These doses corresponded to 190 or 379 mg/kg. No effect was 

observed on strand breaks when evaluated using the alkaline unwinding procedure one day after a 

single dose. 

Stocker et al. (1997) investigated the in vivo genotoxicity of bromoform in the mouse 

bone marrow micronuclei assay and by analysis of unscheduled DNA synthesis in the liver of 

bromoform-treated rats. In the first assay, Swiss CD mice (5/sex/dose) were treated by gavage 

with doses of 0, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg bromoform dissolved in aqueous 1% methylcellulose. 

Micronuclei analysis was conducted 24 and 48 hours after dosing, and was negative in all dose 

groups. In the second assay, male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 animals/dose) received single doses of 

0, 324 or 1,080 mg/kg bromoform by gavage in aqueous 1% methylcellulose. These doses were 

selected by the authors to correspond to 30% and 100% of the calculated MTD for this 

compound. Analysis of hepatocytes for unscheduled DNA synthesis was conducted 2 and 14 

hours after treatment. There was no evidence of increased DNA synthesis in hepatocytes from 

rats treated with any tested dose of bromoform. 

Geter et al. (2004a) did not observe significant induction of DNA strand breaks in liver, 

kidney, or duodenum epithelial cells of male F344/N rats when evaluated using the alkaline 

unwinding assay four hours after administration of a single oral gavage dose (0.3 or 0.6 mmol, or 

approximately 76 and 152 mg/kg) of bromoform in 0.25% Emulphor. No evidence of induction 

of DNA strand breaks was observed in liver, kidney, or duodenum epithelial cells of male F344/N 

rats exposed to 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 g/L bromoform in the drinking water for two weeks. 

c. Mechanistic Studies of Genotoxicity 

DeMarini et al. (1997) investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase activity in the 

mutagenicity of bromoform in Salmonella typhimurium. Strains of Salmonella utilized for this 

investigation included RSJ100, which expresses the rat glutathione S-transferase theta 1-1 

(GSTT1-1) gene and TPT100, which has the GSTT1-1 gene inserted in a non-functioning 

orientation. Exposure to1,600 ppm bromoform induced a 95-fold increase in revertant colonies in 

the RSJ100 strain of Salmonella compared to background revertant formation. The mutational 

spectra for bromoform-induced mutations at the hisG46 allele in strain RSJ100 were analyzed 

using the colony probe hybridization method. This analysis revealed that 96% of the mutations 

were GCÿAT transitions. Bromoform also induced a smaller percentage (2.8%) of GCÿTA 

mutations. A non-brominated halomethane, dichloromethane, was used in S. typhimurium strain 

TA100 (which does not express GSST1-1) for comparison. In contrast to bromoform-induced 

mutations in RSJ100, only 15% of the mutations induced by dichloromethane in TA100 were 

GCÿAT type mutations. This result suggests that over-expression of GSTT1-1 in strain RSJ100 

V - 87 November 15, 2005 
mediated the mutagenicity of bromoform and induced a specific type of mutational lesion in 

Salmonella. 

Landi et al. (1999a) investigated the mutagenicity of bromoform in in vitro exposed 

human lymphocytes from both glutathione-S-transferase theta positive (GSST1-1+) and negative 

(GSST1-1-) individuals. Whole blood cultures were exposed to bromoform (10-2 to 10-4 M) and 

assayed for DNA breaks with the cometassay. The DNA-damaging potency of bromoform was 

not significantly different in lymphocytes (the target cell for the comet assay) from GSST1-1+ and 

GSST1-1- individuals. However, lymphocytes do not express GSST1-1, even in GSST1-1+ 

individuals, so interpretation of these data is problematic. When data were combined from both 

genotypic groups, there was a weak but statistically significant induction of comets observed 

following treatment with bromoform. 

Proposed pathways for bioactivation of bromoform to mutagenic species are shown in 

Figure III-2 in section III.C.1. 

V - 88 November 15, 2005 
Table V-12 Summary of Mutagenicity, Genotoxicity, and Neoplastic Transformation Data 

for Bromoform 

Endpoint Assay System Results 

(with/without 

activation)d 

References 

In Vitro Studies 

Gene mutation Salmonella typhimurium 

TA100a

, TA1535 

NT/+ Simmon and Tardiff (1978) 

TA1535, TA1537b -/­

TA100 -/±c NTP (1989a) 

TA97, TA98 ±c

/-

TA100b -/+ Ishidate et al. (1982) 

TA98 +/+ Zeiger (1990) 

TA100, TA1538a -/­

S. typhimurium Ara -/+c Roldan-Arjona and Pueyo 

(1993) 

RSJ100 NT/+ DeMarini et al. (1997) 

Mouse lymphoma cells b +/+ NTP (1989a) 

Chromosome aberration Chinese hamster fibroblasts b +/- Ishidate et al. (1982) 

Chinese hamster ovary cells b -/± NTP (1989a) 

DNA damage Human lymphocytes NT/+ Landi et al. (1999a) 

Human lung epithelial cells NT/+ Landi et al. (2003) 

Sister chromatid 

exchange 

Toadfish leukocytes a NT/- Maddock and Kelly (1980) 

Human lymphocytes b NT/+ Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) 

Chinese hamster ovary cells b -/± NTP (1989a) 

Initiation Rat liver GGT-foci assay - Herren-Freund and Pereira 

(1986) 

DNA strand breaks CCRF-CEM human 

lymphoblastic leukemia cells 

NT/+ Geter et al. (2004a) 

F344/N primary rat NT/- Geter et al. (2004a) 

hepatocytes 

In Vivo Studies 

Micronuclei Mouse bone marrow cells - Ishidate et al. (1982) 

Mouse bone marrow cells - Hayashi et al. (1988) 

V - 89 November 15, 2005 
Table V-12 (cont.) 

Endpoint Assay System Results 

(with/without 

activation)d 

References 

Mouse bone marrow cells - Stocker et al. (1997) 

Chromosome aberrations Mouse bone marrow cells - NTP (1989a) 

Rat bone marrow cells (oral) 

Rat bone marrow cells (ip) 

+ 

+ Fujie et al. (1990) 

DNA strand breaks Rat renal cells - Potter et al. (1996) 

Rat liver, kidney, or 

duodenum epithelial cells 

- Geter et al. (2004a) 

Unscheduled DNA 

synthesis 

Rat hepatocytes - Stocker et al. (1997) 

Sister chromatid 

exchange 

Mouse bone marrow cells + Morimoto and Koizumi (1983) 

Mouse bone marrow cells 

(ip) 

+ NTP (1989a) 

Sex-linked recessive 

lethal mutations 

Drosophila + NTP (1989a) 

NT = Not Tested

a

 Assay was conducted in a closed system.

b Authors did not specify whether or not the assay was conducted in a closed system. c

 Equivocal results obtained.

d

 With/without activation applies to in vitro assays only.

G. Carcinogenicity 

1. Bromodichloromethane 

a. Two-Year Oral Cancer Bioassays 

NTP (1987) evaluated the carcinogenic potential of bromodichloromethane in F344/N rats 

in a two-year oral exposure study. Additional details of this study are provided in Section V.D.1. 

Groups of male and female rats (50/sex/group) were administered bromodichloromethane in corn 

oil via gavage at doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg-day for 5 days/week for 102 weeks. All animals 

were examined grossly and microscopically for neoplastic lesions. Survival of all dosed animals 

was comparable to or greater than the corresponding control group. Mean body weights of highdose male and female rats were decreased during the last 1.5 years of the study. Body weight 

gains of high-dose male and female rats at study termination were 86% and 70% of the 

corresponding vehicle control group, respectively. Statistically significant increases in the 

V - 90 November 15, 2005 
incidences of neoplasms of the large intestine and kidney were observed in male and female rats 

(Table V-13). The study authors noted that neoplasms of the large intestine and kidney are 

uncommon tumors in F344/N rats based on historical control data for NTP studies. They 

concluded that under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, clear evidence of 

carcinogenicity existed in male and female rats. 

NTP (1987) also evaluated the potential toxic and carcinogenic effects of 

bromodichloromethane mice in a two-year oral exposure study. Additional details of this study 

are provided in Section V.D.1. Groups of male and female B6C3F1 mice (50/sex/dose) were 

administered doses of 0, 25, or 50 mg/kg-day (males) or 0, 75, or 150 mg/kg-day (females) for 5 

days/week for 102 weeks. All animals were examined grossly and microscopically for neoplastic 

lesions. Survival of dosed male mice was comparable to the corresponding control group. 

Survival of dosed and vehicle control females was decreased after week 84 as a result of ovarian 

abscesses. Body weight gain in high-dose males was decreased by 13% when compared to the 

vehicle control group. Body weight gain in low- and high-dose females was reduced by 25% and 

55%, respectively. Statistically significant increases were observed in the incidences of 

neoplasms of the kidney in male mice and the liver in female mice (Table V-13). The study 

authors noted that neoplasms of the kidney are uncommon in B6C3F1 mice based on NTP 

historical control data. They concluded that under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, 

clear evidence of carcinogenic activity existed in male and female mice. 

Tumasonis et al. (1987) exposed groups of 58 male and female Wistar rats to 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water from weaning until death occurred in all of the animals 

(approximately 185 weeks). The exposure level was 2,400 mg/L for 72 weeks and was reduced 

to 1,200 mg/L for the remaining 113 weeks. Based on a graph presented by the authors, the 

average dose over the course of the experiment was probably about 150 mg/kg-day for females 

and about 100 mg/kg-day for males. Exposed animals of both sexes gained significantly less 

weight (approximately 30 to 40%) than control animals. There was a statistically significant (p < 

0.01) increase in the incidence of hepatic neoplastic nodules in exposed females compared to 

control females (32% versus 0%). Significant increases were also reported for the occurrence of 

hepatic adenofibrosis (12% versus 0%) and lymphosarcoma (17% versus 11%) in females. No 

statistically significant increase in the incidence of any tumor was reported in males. Two males 

and one female among the treated animals were observed to have renal adenoma or carcinoma, 

while no renal tumors were observed in the controls. Statistically significant decreases in the 

incidence of mammary tumors and pituitary tumors in females and lymphosarcomas in males 

were observed. 

V - 91 November 15, 2005 
Table V-13 Tumor Frequencies in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice Exposed to 

Bromodichloromethane in Corn Oil for 2 Years - Adapted from NTP (1987) 

Animal Tissue/Tumor Tumor Frequency 

Control 50 mg/kg 100 mg/kg 

Male Rat Large intestine a Adenomatous polyp 0/50 3/49 33/50b 

Adenocarcinoma 0/50 11/49b 38/50b 

Combined 0/50 13/49b 45/50b 

Kidney a Tubular cell adenoma 0/50 1/49 3/50 

Tubular cell adenocarcinoma 0/50 0/49 10/50b 

Combined 0/50 1/49 13/50b 

Control 50 mg/kg 100 mg/kg 

Female Rat Large intestine c Adenomatous polyp 0/46 0/50 7/47b 

Adenocarcinoma 0/46 0/50 6/47b 

Combined 0/46 0/50 12/47b 

Kidney Tubular cell adenoma 0/50 1/50 6/50b 

Tubular cell adenocarcinoma 0/50 0/50 9/50b 

Combined 0/50 1/50 15/50b 

Control 25 mg/kg 50 mg/kg 

Male Mouse Kidney d Tubular cell adenoma 1/46 2/49 6/50 

Tubular cell adenocarcinoma 0/46 0/49 4/50 

Combined 1/46 2/49 9/50b 

Control 75 mg/kg 150 mg/kg 

Female Mouse Liver Hepatocellular adenoma 1/50 13/48b 23/50b 

Hepatocellular carcinoma 2/50 5/48 10/50b 

Combined 3/50 18/48b 29/50b 

a One rat in the low-dose group died at week 33 and was eliminated from the cancer risk calculation. b Statistically significant at p<0.05, compared to controls.

c Intestine not examined in four rats from control group and three rats from high-dose group.

d In the control group, two mice died during the first week, one mouse died during week nine and one escaped in

week 79. One mouse in the low-dose group died in the first week. All of these mice were eliminated from the cancer

risk calculations.

V - 92 November 15, 2005 
Aida et al. (1992b) administered bromodichloromethane to Slc:Wistar rats 

(40/sex/treatment group and 70/sex/controls) at dietary levels of 0%, 0.014%, 0.055%, or 0.22% 

for up to 24 months. The test material was microencapsulated and mixed with powdered feed. 

Based on the mean food intakes, the mean doses were 0, 6.1, 25.5, or 138.0 mg/kg-day for males 

and 0, 8.0, 31.7, or 168.4 mg/kg-day for females. The only neoplastic lesions observed were 

three cholangiocarcinomas and two hepatocellular adenomas in the high-dose females, one 

hepatocellular adenoma in a control female, one cholangiocarcinoma in a high-dose male, and 

one hepatocellular adenoma each in a low-dose male and a high-dose male. Based on these 

results, the study authors concluded that there was no clear evidence that microencapsulated 

bromodichloromethane administered in the diet was carcinogenic in Wistar rats. 

Voronin et al. (1987) assessed the carcinogenic potential of bromodichloromethane in 

male and female CBA x C57Bl/6 mice. Groups of mice (50-55/sex/concentration) were exposed 

to bromodichloromethane provided in drinking water at concentrations of 0.04, 4.0, or 400 mg/L 

for 104 weeks. Untreated control groups of 75 male and 50 female mice were also included in the 

study design. No significant differences were observed in total tumor incidence when evaluated 

by Chi square analysis. The study authors concluded that, under the conditions of this bioassay, 

bromodichloromethane was not carcinogenic in mice. 

George et al. (2002) evaluated the carcinogenicity of bromodichloromethane in male 

F344/N rats (78 animals/dose) exposed to the compound via drinking water for 104 weeks. 

Nominal concentrations of 0.07, 0.35, or 0.70 g/L were administered in drinking water containing 

0.25% Emulphor®. The vehicle control solution consisted of 0.25% Emulphor®. The study 

authors indicated that testing of higher concentrations was prevented by refusal of the test animals 

to drink solutions containing more than 0.7 g/L. Six animals per exposure concentration were 

sacrificed at 13, 26, 52, and 78 weeks for gross observation and histopathological examination of 

the thyroid, liver, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum, spleen, kidneys, urinary 

bladder, and testes. A complete rodent necropsy was performed at terminal sacrifice and 

representative samples of the tissues listed above were examined microscopically. A complete 

pathological examination was performed on five rats from the high-dose group. Serum profiles of 

LDH, ALT, ALP, AST, SDH, BUN, total protein, creatine, and total antioxidant activities were 

determined at 26, 52, and 104 weeks. Hepatocyte and renal tubular cell proliferation were 

measured at each sacrifice by bromodeoxyuridine labeling. 

The measured drinking water concentrations of bromodichloromethane were 0.06, 0.38, 

and 0.76 g/L. When corrected for loss of bromodichloromethane as a result of volatility, 

instability, or adsorption to glass surfaces during treatment, the corresponding administered 

concentrations were 0.06, 0.33, and 0.62 g/L. Based on measured water consumption, these 

levels correspond to mean daily doses for the entire study of 3.9, 20.6, and 36.3 mg/kg-day as 

calculated by the study authors. Mean daily doses of 6.4, 32.6, and 58.9 mg/kg-day were 

calculated for the first 13 weeks of the study when the growth rate of the test animals was highest. 

No significant differences were observed among groups for feed consumption or survival. 

Twenty-one to 22 unscheduled deaths were observed in each treatment group. Mononuclear cell 

leukemia was seen in all dose groups and was reported to be the primary cause of morbidity and 

V - 93 November 15, 2005 
mortality prior to 104 weeks. Exposure to bromodichloromethane did not affect the growth rate 

of test animals when compared to the control. Kidney weight was significantly depressed at the 

high dose and a significant negative trend was observed for relative kidney weight. No 

significant changes were observed in clinical chemistry parameters. Observed nonneoplastic 

changes in the liver (e.g., biliary fibrosis, bile duct inflammation, and chronic inflammation) were 

considered to be age-related background changes, since neither the incidence nor severity of the 

lesions differed from the control values. Bromodichloromethane had no effect on hepatocyte 

proliferation as measured by bromodeoxyuridine labeling. Renal tubular cell hyperplasia was 

significantly decreased in the 3.9 mg/kg-day group and significantly increased in the 36.3 mg/kgday group (15.8%) relative to the control value (8.7%). 

The absence of effect on body weight and other examined endpoints suggests that a 

maximum toxic dose may not have been achieved in this study. However, the dosing regimen 

used by George et al. (2002) was sufficient to increase the incidence of hepatocellular neoplasia 

(Table V-14). The data for hepatic tumors indicate a biphasic pattern of dose-response. The 

prevalence and multiplicity of hepatocellular adenoma and combined hepatocellular adenoma and 

carcinoma were significantly increased at 3.9 mg/kg-day, nonsignificantly increased at 20.6 

mg/kg-day, and comparable to the control values at 36.3 mg/kg-day. The prevalence and 

multiplicity of hepatocellular carcinoma were increased at 20.6 mg/kg-day when compared to 

control values, but the response did not reach statistical significance. The underlying basis for the 

biphasic response is unknown, but the study authors noted that the observed pattern of response 

could be explained by inhibition of the hepatic metabolism of bromodichloromethane by the 

compound itself. Exposure to bromodichloromethane decreased the prevalence of basophilic 

(control, 67%; 3.6 mg/kg-day, 62.2%; 20.6 mg/kg-day, 46%; 36.6 mg/kg-day, 34.7%) and clear 

cell (17.8%, 2.2%, 2.1%, 4.1%) altered foci of cells (AFC) in a dose-dependent manner, but had 

no significant effect on the prevalence of eosinophilic AFCs when compared to the controls. The 

decreases in prevalence were statistically significant at the mid and high doses for basophilic 

AFCs and at all doses for clear cell AFCs. One renal tubular adenoma was observed in the 3.6 

mg/kg-day group and two tumors were observe in the 36.3 mg/kg-day (Table V-14). . The 

historical incidence of renal tubular adenomas in male F344/N rats is very low (2/327 or 0.6%), 

as determined from control groups in NTP drinking water studies. Therefore, the occurrence of 

these tumors in the present study may be of biological significance. No increased incidences of 

neoplasia were evident in the five high-dose animals selected for a histopathological examination 

of all organs. 

On the basis of the increased prevalence and multiplicity of hepatocellular neoplasms in 

the 3.9 and 20.6 mg/kg-day groups, the study authors concluded that bromodichloromethane was 

carcinogenic in male F344/N rats under the conditions of the bioassay. A source of uncertainty in 

this conclusion is lack of knowledge on the biological mechanism underlying the dose-response 

relationship observed for hepatic tumors. 

V - 94 November 15, 2005 
Table V-14 Hepatic and Renal Tumors in Male F344/N Rats Administered 

Bromodichloromethane in the Drinking Water for Two Years (George et al., 2002) 

Tumor Type Mean Daily Dose of Bromodichloromethane (mg/kg-day) 

Vehicle Control 3.9 20.6 36.3 

Liver 

Hepatocellular adenoma 1/45 (2.2%)a 

0.02 ± 0.02b,c 

7/45 (15.5%)* 

0.16 ± 0.04* 

3/48 (6.2%) 

0.06 ± 0.02 

2/49 (4.1%) 

0.04 ± 0.02 

Hepatocellular carcinoma 1/45 (2.2%) 1/45 (2.2%) 4/48 (8.3%) 2/49 (4.1%) 

0.02 ± 0.02 0.02 ± 0.01 0.10 ± 0.03 0.04 ± 0.02 

Hepatocellular adenoma and 2/45 (4.4%) 8/45 (17.8%)* 7/48 (14.6%) 4/49 (8.2%) 

carcinoma (combined) 0.04 ± 0.02 0.19 ± 0.00* 0.17 ± 0.04 0.08 ± 0.28 

Kidney 

Tubular cell adenoma 0/46 (0%) 1/45 (2.2%) 0/51 (0%) 2/44 (4.5%) 

Tubular cell carcinoma 0/46 (0%) 0/45 (0%) 0/51 (0%) 0/44 (0%) 

Tubular cell adenoma or 

carcinoma (combined) 

0/46 (0%) 1/45 (2.2%) 0/51 (0%) 2/44 (4.5%) 

Source: George et al. (2002) 

* Statistically significant when compared to the control value, p#0.05 a

 Prevalence (percentage of animals with tumor)

b

 Multiplicity, number of tumors per animal

c

 Mean ± standard deviation

George et al. (2002) also evaluated the carcinogenicity of bromodichloromethane in male 

B6C3F1 mice (78 animals/dose) exposed via drinking water for 100 weeks. Nominal 

concentrations of 0.05, 0.25, or 0.50 g/L were administered in drinking water containing 0.25% 

Emulphor®. The vehicle control solution consisted of 0.25% Emulphor®. Seven animals per 

exposure concentration were sacrificed at 13, 26, 52, and 78 weeks for gross observation and 

histopathological examination of the liver, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum, 

spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, and testes. A complete rodent necropsy was performed at 

terminal sacrifice and representative samples of the tissues listed above were examined 

microscopically. A complete pathological examination was performed on five rats from the highdose group. Serum profiles of LDH, ALT, ALP, AST, SDH, BUN, total protein, creatine, and 

total antioxidant activities were determined at 26, 52, and 100 weeks. Hepatocyte and renal 

tubular cell proliferation were measured by bromodeoxyuridine labeling at each sacrifice. 

The measured drinking water concentrations of bromodichloromethane were 0.06, 0.30, 

and 0.55 g/L. When corrected for loss of bromodichloromethane as a result of volatility, 

V - 95 November 15, 2005 
instability, or adsorption to glass surfaces during treatment, the corresponding administered 

concentrations were 0.06, 0.28, and 0.49 g/L. Based on measured water consumption, these 

levels correspond to mean daily doses of 8.1, 27.2, and 43.4 mg/kg-day as calculated by the study 

authors. Water consumption was significantly reduced at the mid- and high doses; the study 

authors attributed the reduced intake to taste aversion. No significant differences were observed 

among groups for feed consumption or survival. Exposure to bromodichloromethane did not 

affect the growth rate of test animals when compared to the control. Kidney weight was 

significantly depressed at 27.2 and 43.4 mg/kg-day when compared to the control values. No 

significant changes were observed in clinical chemistry parameters. Mild, treatment-related 

nonneoplastic hepatic lesions were observed in the 27.2 and 43.4 mg/kg-day dose groups (identity 

and prevalence not reported). Increased incidences of hepatocellular karyomegaly and necrosis 

with inflammation (prevalence and severity not reported) were not dose-related. The prevalence 

of renal tubular hyperplasia was 3%, 0%, 6% and 0% for the vehicle control, 8.1, 27.2, and 43.4 

mg/kg-day groups, respectively. Other observed preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions (identity 

and prevalence not reported) were considered background events for the male B6C3F1 mouse. 

BrdU labeling index in hepatocytes and renal tubular cells was not altered at any time point. 

Hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas were observed in all treatment groups. Neither the 

prevalence nor multiplicity of these tumors was significantly increased by exposure to 

bromodichloromethane. Renal tubular cell neoplasia was not observed in any treatment group. 

No increased incidences of neoplasia were evident in the five high-dose animals subject to a full 

histopathological examination. On the basis of these data, the study authors concluded that 

bromodichloromethane was not carcinogenic to male mice under the conditions employed in this 

study. However, it is not evident that an adequately high dose was tested in this study. 

b. Studies of Induction of Aberrant Crypt Foci 

DeAngelo et al., (2002) evaluated the ability of bromodichloromethane administered in 

drinking water to induce aberrant crypt foci (ACF), putative early preneoplastic lesions, in the 

colons of male F344/N rats. Groups of weanling rats (6 animals/group) were exposed to distilled 

water, 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620®, or 0.7 g/L bromodichloromethane in 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620 

for 13 weeks. A single intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) served as the 

positive control. Body weight and water consumption were measured twice during the first week 

of the study and once per week thereafter. Colons were collected at study termination, fixed, 

stained with 0.2% methylene blue, divided into three equal segments, and scanned for ACF. The 

measured concentration of bromodichloromethane averaged 0.64 ± 0.06 g/L (mean and standard 

error) over the course of the study. When adjusted for volatilization and adherence to glass, the 

corrected concentration was 0.51 g/L. Water consumption was significantly reduced (39%) in the 

bromodichloromethane exposure group when compared to the 0.25% vehicle control. The 

average daily dose was 45 mg/kg-day as calculated by the study authors. Average terminal body 

weights of the rats exposed to bromodichloromethane were within 10% of the control values. No 

ACF were observed in colons from control animals. ACF were observed in 5/6 colons from 

bromodichloromethane-exposed animals. The total number of AC/focus (30), average number of 

AC/focus (3.33 ± 0.47), ACF/colon (1.50 ± 0.56), and total and average focal area (550 and 61.11 

:m2, respectively) were significantly increased relative to the combined deionized water and 

V - 96 November 15, 2005 
vehicle controls. All observed ACF were located in the distal (rectal) segment of the colon. For 

comparison, 807 ACF and 4.95 ± 0.25 crypts per focus (mean and standard error) were observed 

in the AOM positive control group. Eight percent, 42% and 50% of the ACF induced by AOM 

were located in the proximal, middle, and distal segment of the colon, respectively. The study 

authors reported that the localization of ACF in the distal segment of the colon is consistent with 

the observed sites for tumor formation in the large intestine of rats administered 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil for two years (NTP, 1987). However, the study authors noted 

that ACF induced by bromodichloromethane administered in drinking water at the study test dose 

do not appear to progress to neoplasia, as judged by the absence of colon neoplasms in the twoyear drinking water study conducted by George et al. (2002). 

De Angelo et al. (2002) evaluated the ability of bromodichloromethane administered in 

drinking water to induce ACF in the colons of male B6C3F1 (6 animals/group) and A/J mice (9 

animals/group; sex not specified). Mice of the A/J strain are sensitive to chemical induction of 

ACF. Test animals were exposed to distilled water, 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620®, or a target 

concentration of 0.7 g/L bromodichloromethane in 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620 for 13 weeks (both 

strains) or 30 weeks (A/J mice only). A single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg 4­

aminobiphenyl or 10 mg/kg AOM served as the positive controls for the B6C3F1 and A/J strains, 

respectively. Body weight and water consumption were measured twice during the first week of 

the study and once per week thereafter. Colons were collected at study termination, fixed, stained 

with 0.2% methylene blue, divided into three equal segments, and scanned for ACF. The study 

report did not provide results for measured concentration of bromodichloromethane in drinking 

water solutions or an estimated dose. No differences were observed in between the control and 

any treatment group for body weight or water and feed consumption. ACF development was not 

observed in the colons of B6C3F1 mice treated with bromodichloromethane in the drinking water 

or injected with 4-aminobiphenyl. Bromodichloromethane did not induce ACF in A/J mice. 

Injection of A/J mice with the positive control compound AOM induced 47.4 ± 4.9 ACF/cm2 

(mean and standard error) and 7.2 ± 1.1 tumors/cm2 after 13 weeks and 17.8 ± 2.6 tumors/cm2 

after 30 weeks of treatment. In comparison, 807 ACF and 4.95 ± 0.25 crypts per focus were 

observed in the AOM positive control group. 

Geter et al. (2004b) investigated the influence of vehicle and mode of administration on 

the induction of ACF in the colons of male F344/N rats exposed to bromodichloromethane. 

Twenty-eight-day-old male F344/N rats (6/treatment) received either 0 or 50 mg/kg-day of 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil by gavage (five days/week) or 0 or 0.7 g/L (equivalent to 0 or 

63 mg/kg-day) of bromodichloromethane in drinking water containing 0.25% Emulphor® for 26 

weeks. Animals in the positive control group received a single 15 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection 

of AOM. Body weight and water consumption were measured twice weekly for the first week 

and biweekly for the remainder of the experiment. Details of treatment are provided in the 

related publication by George et al. (2002). At sacrifice, the colon was removed from each 

animal and divided into proximal, medial, and distal segments. ACF were identified by staining 

with 0.2% methylene blue. 

V - 97 November 15, 2005 
Significant reductions in water consumption were observed in the positive controls and 

bromodichloromethane treatment groups, but body weights in these groups were similar to the 

controls. Exposure to AOM alone or with corn oil resulted in significant increases in the total 

number of ACF, ACF/colon, total focal area, and total number of aberrant crypts. ACF were 

observed in 4/6 animals receiving bromodichloromethane by gavage or in the drinking water 

compared to 0/6 controls. Exposure to bromodichloromethane in the drinking water significantly 

increased the total number of ACF (control: 0; bromodichloromethane: 8), ACF/colon (0, 1.33), 

total focal area 0, 670 :m2

), and total number of aberrant crypts (0, 26). Gavage exposure to 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil increased the total number of ACF (control: 1; 

bromodichloromethane: 9), ACF/colon (0.16, 1.5), total focal area (0, 650 :m2

), and total number 

of aberrant crypts (11, 33), but none of these responses were statistically significant when 

compared to the control. No effect was noted in the mean number of crypts per focus or the 

distribution of ACF in the proximal, medial, and distal segments for any treatment when 

compared to the corresponding controls. The study authors concluded that ACF formation is 

independent of the route of bromodichloromethane exposure, but noted that a longer exposure 

(i.e., 52 weeks) might demonstrate differences between drinking water and corn oil as vehicles for 

administration. A limitation of this study is the small sample size (6 animals/treatment), which 

may have limited the power of the study to detect differences in ACF induction between the 

vehicles. Geter et al. (2004c) investigated the effects of a diet containing a high amount of 

animal fat on the induction of ACF in the colon of male F344/N rats exposed to 

bromodichloromethane. The study was conducted because a high-fat diet is regarded as an 

important nutritional influence on colon cancer development. Twenty-eight-day-old male F344/N 

rats (6/treatment) received 0.7 g/L (equivalent to 56 - 63 mg/kg-day) of bromodichloromethane in 

drinking water containing 0.25% Emulphor® for 26 weeks. Animals in the negative control group 

received water containing 0.25% Emulphor®. Animals in the positive control group received a 

single 15 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of AOM. All animals were fed a standard laboratory 

diet (Purina 5001), with half receiving the normal feed containing 4.5% fat and half receiving 

feed supplemented with 19% animal fat. Body weight and water consumption were measured 

twice weekly for the first week and biweekly for the remainder of the experiment. At sacrifice, 

the colon was removed from each animal and divided into proximal, medial, and distal segments. 

ACF were identified by staining with 0.2% methylene blue. 

Water consumption was significantly reduced in the positive control (normal diet only) 

and bromodichloromethane (normal and high-fat diets) treatment groups, but mean body weights 

in these groups were similar to or greater than the controls. The incidences of ACF (i.e., number 

of colons with ACF/number of colons scored) for the control, control + high fat, 

bromodichloromethane, and bromodichloromethane + high fat groups were 0/6, 3/6, 4/6, and 5/6, 

respectively. The incidence of ACF in the positive control groups was 6/6. Exposure to 

bromodichloromethane significantly increased the total number of ACF, ACF/colon, total and 

mean focal area, and total number of aberrant crypts in animals receiving the normal diet relative 

to the control group. Similar values for these endpoints were observed for animals receiving the 

high-fat diet, but the incidence of ACF in the high-fat control group was higher and thus no 

significant differences were observed between the high-fat control and bromodichloromethaneexposed groups. No significant differences were noted in the number or characteristics of ACF 

V - 98 November 15, 2005 
between animals fed normal or high-fat diets and exposed to either AOM or 

bromodichloromethane. 

The induction of ACF in the colon has been investigated in Tsc2 mutant Long-Evans 

(Eker) rats, a rodent model of hereditary renal cancer. The basic details of this study (e.g., in-life 

and chemical consumption data) are described in Hooth et al. (2002) and the results for induction 

of ACF are reported in McDorman et al. (2003a). Male Eker rats (8-10/concentration) received 

drinking water containing 0, 0.07, or 0.7 g/L of bromodichloromethane continuously for 10 

months. The administered concentrations resulted in average daily doses of approximately 0, 3.5 

and 35.0 mg/kg-day, respectively, as calculated by the study authors. At necropsy, the colon was 

removed, fixed, and processed for histopathological evaluation. Fixed segments of the proximal, 

middle, and distal colon were stained for identification of ACF and counting of the individual 

crypts in each focus. Colons from control and high-dose rats were analyzed for crypt cell 

proliferation using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane increased the incidence of ACF (0 mg/L, 0/10; 0.07 

g/L, 7/8; 0.70 g/L, 6/8), total number of ACF (0, 9, 10), mean ACF/colon (0, 1.13, 1.25), total 

crypts/ACF (0, 29, 27), mean crypts/ACF (0, 3.22, 2.7), and mean size of ACF (0, 0.36, 0.26 

mm2

) in the colons of male rats. There were no statistically significant responses with treatment, 

which may reflect in part the small number of animals tested and evaluated in this study. At the 

low dose, approximately 67% of the ACF were in the proximal colon and 33% were in the distal 

colon. At the high dose, 30% of the ACF were in the proximal colon, 40% were in the middle 

colon, and 30% were in the distal colon. Exposure to bromodichloromethane did not significantly 

increase crypt cell proliferation in the colon as evaluated by the LI or % mitoses in individual 

segments of the colon or the entire colon. 

c. Cancer and Cancer-Related Studies in Cancer-Susceptible Rodent Strains 

Theiss et al. (1977) examined the carcinogenic potential of bromodichloromethane in 

Strain A mice (6 to 8 weeks old). Male animals (20 mice/group) were injected intraperitoneally 

up to three times weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Three dose levels (20, 40, or 100 mg/kg 

bromodichloromethane) were used with concurrent positive and negative control groups that 

contained 20 animals each. Mice were sacrificed 24 weeks after the first injection, and the 

frequency of lung tumors in each test group was compared with vehicle-treated controls. No 

statistically significant increase in the incidence of lung tumors/mouse was reported. 

The induction of transitional cell hyperplasia, and carcinogenicity of 

bromodichloromethane has been investigated in Tsc2 mutant Long-Evans (Eker) rats, a rodent 

model of hereditary renal cancer. The results of this study have been reported in three 

publications (McDorman et al., 2003a,b; Hooth et al., 2002). The Eker rat model is characterized 

by a spontaneous germ-line insertion mutation in the tuberous sclerosis complex (Tsc2) tumorsuppressor gene. This mutation predisposes Eker rats to develop multiple spontaneous renal cell 

carcinomas, as well as splenic hemangiosarcomas and uterine leiomyosarcomas, as early as four 

V - 99 November 15, 2005 
months of age. As a result, Eker rats are highly susceptible to the effects of renal carcinogens 

(McDorman et al., 2003b). 

The basic details of this study (e.g., in-life and chemical consumption data) are described 

in Hooth et al. (2002). Male and female Eker rats (8-10/sex/concentration) received drinking 

water containing 0, 0.07, or 0.7 g/L of bromodichloromethane daily for 4 or 10 months. At 

sacrifice, the test animals were 6 or 12 months of age, respectively. Complete necropsies were 

performed on all animals at sacrifice. Tissues collected for microscopic examination included the 

adrenal glands, gross lesions, kidneys, large intestine, liver, spleen, testicles (including 

surrounding membranes), thyroid gland, urinary bladder, and uterus. 

The average daily doses of bromodichloromethane were 3.5 and 35.0 mg/kg-day for males 

and 6.5 and 55.6 mg/kg-day for females, as estimated by the study authors. Survival, mean body 

weight, and water consumption of male and female rats exposed to bromodichloromethane were 

similar to the controls. Centrilobular hypertrophy was observed in the livers of 5/8 high-dose 

males. Clear cell foci of cellular atypia were observed in 3/8 high-dose males and 1/8 high-dose 

males had basophilic foci. None of these lesions were present in control rats. After four months 

of treatment, nearly all males in the study had at least one renal tumor. More adenomas and total 

renal tumors were observed in the high-dose males than in the low dose males (adenomas: 0 g/L, 

1.9 ± 1.9; 0.07 g/L, 2.1 ± 1.1; 0.7 g/L, 2.9 ± 2.0; total tumors: 0 g/L, 2.1 ± 2.0; 0.07 g/L, 2.3 ± 1.0; 

0.7 g/L, 3.0 ± 1.9), but the differences were not statistically significant. The same pattern was 

evident after 10 months of treatment (adenomas: 0 g/L, 5.6 ± 3.2; 0.07 g/L, 8.6 ± 7.2; 0.7 g/L, 9.6 

± 5.9; total tumors: 0 g/L, 5.6 ± 3.2; 0.07 g/L, 8.8 ± 7.2; 0.7 g/L, 9.8 ± 6.1), but again the 

differences were not statistically significant. The numbers of adenomas and total renal tumors in 

female rats did not show a dose-related trend after 4 or 10 months of treatment. There were no 

dose-related trends for incidence or lesion burden (total number of proliferative lesions/total 

number of rats in the group) of hemangioma of the spleen in male or females or for leiomyomas 

or mesenchymal cell proliferation in the uterus of females. 

McDorman et al. (2003b) reported the analysis of preneoplastic and neoplastic renal 

lesions in Eker rats exposed to 0, 0.07 or 0.7 g/L bromodichloromethane in the study described by 

Hooth et al. (2002). At necropsy, a midsagittal section of each kidney was collected, preserved, 

and processed for histopathological evaluation. Two sagittal sections (one per kidney) from each 

animal were subsequently examined for the presence and number of atypical renal tubules, 

atypical tubular hyperplasia, and renal epithelial tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) and the 

severity of chronic progressive neuropathy. Characterization of renal lesions in the Eker rat is 

based on the morphology and size of the lesions. Atypical tubules are normal sized tubules with a 

patent lumen lined by a single layer of one or more altered cells, characterized by combinations 

of cell swelling with an increase in cytoplasm, basophilia, altered nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, and 

megalocytosis. Atypical hyperplasias are tubules filled with multiple layers of altered cells that 

occlude the lumen and expand the normal tubule size but remain smaller than three average 

tubules. Adenomas are solid, cystic, or cystopapillary foci of altered tubular epithelial cells 

greater than or equal to the size of three average tubules and less than 10 mm in diameter. They 

may or may not breach the basement membrane. Renal carcinomas are solid, cystic, or 

V - 100 November 15, 2005 
cystopapillary foci of altered tubular epithelial cells greater than or equal to 10 mm in diameter. 

Atypical tubules are the first recognizable preneoplastic lesion in this series. Some atypical 

tubules may progress to the more advanced lesions of atypical hyperplasia, adenoma, or 

carcinoma. Once an atypical tubule has progressed to atypical hyperplasia, it is assumed that 

(given sufficient time) it will progress to an adenoma. 

After 4 months of continuous exposure, the mean number of atypical tubules per rat was 

significantly increased in low- and high-dose males (0 g/L, 13.5 ± 4.1; 0.07 g/L, 24.8 ± 7.8; 0.7 

g/L, 35.9 ± 11.5) and high-dose females (0 g/L, 49.3 ± 13.9; 0.07 g/L, 71.0 ± 21.9; 0.7 g/L, 77.3 ± 

19.9). High-dose males (0 g/L, 5.1 ± 2.5; 0.07 g/L, 3.9 ± 1.8; 0.7 g/L, 9.8 ± 2.8) and low- and 

high-dose females (0 g/L, 7.6 ± 3.4; 0.07 g/L, 13.1 ± 5.5; 0.7 g/L, 11.0 ± 4.3) had higher mean 

numbers of atypical hyperplasias per rat, but the response was not statistically significant when 

compared to the controls. There were no significant increases in the number of tumors or 

combined hyperplasias and tumors per rat for either sex. After 10 months of exposure, no 

significant differences were observed in male or female rats for atypical tumors, atypical 

hyperplasias, adenomas and carcinomas (combined), or hyperplasias and tumors, although the 

mean values for each category of lesion were consistently greater than the control values. There 

were no significant changes in the severity of chronic progressive nephropathy in males or 

females after 4 months or 10 months of continuous treatment. 

McDorman et al. (2003a) examined induction of transitional cell hyperplasia in the 

urinary bladder of Eker rats continuously exposed to 0, 0.07 or 0.7 g/L bromodichloromethane for 

10 months in the study described by Hooth et al. (2002). Changes in the urinary bladder were 

examined to determine whether bromodichloromethane would contribute to effects on this organ 

as one component of a mixture of disinfection byproducts. At necropsy, the bladder was 

removed, fixed, and processed for histopathological evaluation. Midsagittal sections of fixed 

bladder from male and female rats were used for preparation of slides. No evidence of urinary 

bladder epithelial hyperplasia or individual cell hypertrophy was observed in male or female rats 

exposed to bromodichloromethane. 

2. Dibromochloromethane 

a. Two-Year Oral Cancer Bioassays 

NTP (1985) administered dibromochloromethane at doses of 0, 40, or 80 mg/kg-day (in 

corn oil) to groups of 50 male and 50 female F344/N rats via gavage 5 times/week for 104 to 105 

weeks. Details on the protocol of this study are provided in section V.D.2. Survival of dosed 

male and female rats was comparable to that of the vehicle-control groups. High-dose males had 

lower body weights when compared with the vehicle control. Compound-related nonneoplastic 

lesions (fatty metamorphosis and ground-glass cytoplasmic changes) were found in the livers of 

both sexes (See section V.D.2). Nephrosis was observed in female rats. No statistically 

significant increase in the incidence of any neoplastic lesion was observed. Based on the results 

of this study, the authors concluded that there was no evidence of carcinogenicity in rats 

administered dibromochloromethane. 

V - 101 November 15, 2005 
NTP (1985) administered dibromochloromethane to groups of 50 male and 50 female 

B6C3F1 mice via gavage in corn oil 5 times/week for 104 to 105 weeks. Details on the protocol 

of this study are provided in section V.D.2. The administered doses were 0, 50, or 100 mg/kgday. Survival of female mice was comparable to that of the vehicle-control group. High-dose 

male mice, however, had lower survival rates than the vehicle controls. At week 82, nine highdose male mice died of an unknown cause. An inadvertent overdose of dibromochloromethane 

given to low-dose male and female mice at week 58 killed 35 male mice, but apparently did not 

affect the females. The low-dose male mouse group was, therefore, considered to be unsuitable 

for analysis of neoplasms. Compound-related nonneoplastic lesions were found primarily in the 

livers of male mice (hepatocytomegaly, necrosis, fatty metamorphosis) and female mice (calcification and fatty metamorphosis). Nephrosis was observed in male mice. In females, a 

statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and adenomas and 

carcinomas combined was observed in the high-dose group. In male mice, a statistically 

significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas and carcinomas 

combined was observed in the high-dose group. A summary of the incidence of these tumors is 

presented in Table V-15. A negative trend in the incidence of malignant lymphomas was evident 

in dibromochloromethane-exposed male mice when compared to the vehicle control. The study 

authors concluded that the results of this study provided equivocal evidence of 

dibromochloromethane carcinogenicity in male B6C3F1 mice and some evidence of 

carcinogenicity in female B6C3F1 mice. 

In other bioassays, Voronin et al. (1987) observed no significant tumor increases in 

CBAxC57B1/6 mice (50/sex/dose) treated with dibromochloromethane in the drinking water at 

concentrations of 0, 0.04, 4.0, or 400 mg/L (approximately 0, 0.008, 0.76, or 76 mg/kg-day) for 

104 weeks. In an unpublished report of a two-year dietary study, Tobe et al. (1982) reported no 

increase in gross tumors in male rats dosed with up to 210 mg/kg-day or female rats treated with 

up to 350 mg/kg-day. 

Table V-15 Frequencies of Liver Tumors in B6C3F1 Mice Administered 

Dibromochloromethane in Corn Oil for 105 Weeks - Adapted from NTP (1985) 

Treatment 

(mg/kg-day) 

Sex Adenoma Carcinoma Adenoma or Carcinoma 

(combined) 

Vehicle Control M 

F 

14/50 

2/50 

10/50 

4/50 

23/50

 6/50 

50 M 

F

 --a 

4/49

 --

6/49

 --

10/49 

100 M 

F 

10/50 

11/50b 

19/50b 

8/50 

27/50c 

19/50d 

a Male low-dose group was inadequate for statistical analysis.

b p < 0.05 relative to controls.

 p < 0.01 (life table analysis); p = 0.065 (incidental tumor test) relative to controls. d p < 0.01 relative to controls. 

V - 102 November 15, 2005 

c
b. Studies of Induction of Aberrant Crypt Foci 

De Angelo et al. (2002) evaluated induction ACF in the colons of male F344/N rats 

exposed to dibromochloromethane in drinking water. Groups of weanling rats (6 animals/group) 

were exposed to distilled water, 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620®, or 0.9 g/L dibromochloromethane in 

0.25% Alkamuls EL-620 for 13 weeks. A single intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg 

azoxymethane (AOM) served as the positive control. Body weight and water consumption were 

measured twice during the first week of the study and once per week thereafter. Colons were 

collected at study termination, fixed, stained with 0.2% methylene blue, divided into three equal 

segments, and examined for ACF. 

The measured concentration of dibromochloromethane averaged 0.80 ± 0.05 g/L (mean 

and standard error) over the course of the study. When adjusted for volatilization and adherence 

to glass, the corrected concentration was 0.63 g/L. Water consumption was significantly reduced 

(34%) in the dibromochloromethane exposure group when compared to the 0.25% vehicle 

control. The average daily dose of dibromochloromethane was 60 mg/kg-day as calculated by the 

study authors. Average terminal body weight of the rats exposed to dibromochloromethane was 

within 10% of the control values. No ACF were observed in colons from control animals. ACF 

were observed in three of six colons from dibromochloromethane-exposed animals. The total 

number of ACF (17) and number of aberrant crypts per focus (2.43 ± 0.61) were significantly 

increased relative to the combined deionized water and vehicle controls. Fourteen percent of the 

observed ACF were located in the middle segment of the colon and 86% were located in the distal 

(rectal) segment. In comparison, 807 ACF and 4.95 ± 0.25 crypts per focus were observed in the 

AOM positive control group. The total and average focal areas were 10,390 and 63.74 ± 3.06 

:m2 respectively. Eight percent, 42% and 50% of the ACF induced by AOM were located in the 

proximal, middle, and distal segment of the colon, respectively. The biological significance of 

the observed increase in ACF in the colon of dosed rats is unclear, as treatment with 

dibromochloromethane did not induce tumors in this site in two-year bioassays conducted in rats 

or mice (Tobe et al., 1982; NTP, 1985; Voronin et al., 1987). 

De Angelo et al. (2002) tested the ability of dibromochloromethane administered in 

drinking water to induce ACF in the colons of male B6C3F1 (6 animals/group). Test animals 

were given distilled water, 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620®, or a target concentration of 0.9 g/L 

dibromochloromethane in 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620 for 13 weeks. Animals in the positive control 

group received a single 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of 4-aminobiphenyl. Body weight and 

water consumption were measured twice during the first week of the study and once per week 

thereafter. Colons were collected at study termination, fixed, stained with 0.2% methylene blue, 

divided into three equal segments, and scanned for ACF. The study report did not provide results 

for measured concentration of dibromochloromethane in drinking water solutions or an estimated 

average daily dose. No differences were reported between the control and treatment group for 

body weight or water and feed consumption (data not shown). Development of ACF was not 

observed in the colons of mice exposed to dibromochloromethane in the drinking water or 

injected with the positive control 4-aminobiphenyl. 

V - 103 November 15, 2005 
Geter et al. (2004c) investigated the effects of a diet containing a high amount of animal 

fat on the induction of ACF in the colon of male F344/N rats exposed to dibromochloromethane. 

The study was conducted because a high-fat diet is regarded as an important nutritional influence 

on colon cancer development in humans. Twenty-eight-day-old male F344/N rats (6/treatment) 

received 0.9 g/L (equivalent to 54-65 mg/kg-day) of dibromochloromethane in drinking water 

containing 0.25% Emulphor® for 26 weeks. Animals in the negative control group received water 

containing 0.25% Emulphor®. Animals in the normal and high fat-diet positive control groups 

received a single 15 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of AOM. All animals were fed a standard 

laboratory diet (Purina 5001), with half receiving the normal feed containing 4.5% fat and half 

receiving feed supplemented with 19% animal fat. Body weight and water consumption were 

measured twice weekly for the first week and biweekly for the remainder of the experiment. At 

sacrifice, the colon was removed from each animal and divided into proximal, medial, and distal 

segments. ACF were identified by staining with 0.2% methylene blue. 

Water consumption was significantly reduced in the positive control (normal diet only) 

and dibromochloromethane (normal and high fat diets) treatment groups, but mean body weights 

in these groups were similar to or greater than the controls. The incidences of ACF (i.e., number 

of colons with ACF/number of colons scored) for the control, control + high fat, 

dibromochloromethane, and dibromochloromethane + high fat groups were 0/6, 3/6, 5/6, and 5/6, 

respectively. The incidence of ACF in the positive control groups was 6/6. Exposure to 

dibromochloromethane resulted in significantly increased total numbers of ACF and ACF/colon 

(normal diet only), increased total and mean focal area (normal and high fat diets), and total 

number of aberrant crypts (normal and high fat diets). However, no significant differences were 

noted in the number or characteristics of ACF between animals fed the normal or high-fat diets 

and exposed to either AOM or dibromochloromethane. The ability of this study to detect 

differences in induction of ACF related to diet may have been limited by the small sample size 

and short duration of exposure. 

3. Bromoform 

a. Two-Year Oral Cancer Bioassays 

NTP (1989a) exposed male and female F344/N rats (50/sex/dose) to bromoform doses of 

0, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day via gavage in oil for 103 weeks (5 days/week). At study termination, 

all animals were necropsied, and a thorough histological examination of tissues was performed. 

Adenomatous polyps or adenocarcinomas of the large intestine were noted in three high-dose 

male rats, eight high-dose female rats, and one low-dose female rat (Table V-16). Although the 

number of tumors found was small, the incidence was considered to be significant because these 

intestinal tumors are very rare in the rat. The NTP concluded that there was some evidence for 

carcinogenic activity in male rats and clear evidence in female rats. Additional details of this 

study are provided in Section V.D.3. 

In a parallel study, NTP (1989a) exposed male B6C3F1 mice (50/dose) to bromoform via 

gavage in corn oil at doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg-day for 103 weeks (5 days/week). Female 

V - 104 November 15, 2005 
mice (50 dose) received doses of 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day by the same protocol. At termination, 

all animals underwent gross necropsy and thorough histological examinations of tissues. Survival 

in both treated female groups was reduced; however, the authors attributed this reduction in 

survival partly to utero-ovarian infection. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of 

thyroid follicular cell hyperplasia was noted in high-dose females; however, there were no 

statistically significant increases in the incidence of any neoplastic lesion in any dose group 

compared to controls. 

Table V-16 Tumor Frequencies in the Large Intestine of F344/N Rats Exposed to 

Bromoform in Corn Oil for 2 Years - Adapted from NTP (1989a) 

Tumor Tumor Frequency 

Male rat Control 100 mg/kg 200 mg/kg 

Adenocarcinoma 0/50 0/50 1/50 

Polyp (adenomatous) 0/50 0/50 2/50 

Female rat Control 100 mg/kg 200 mg/kg 

Adenocarcinoma 0/48 0/50 2/50 

Polyp (adenomatous) 0/48 1/50 6/50 

Based on the results of this study, the study authors concluded there was no evidence for 

carcinogenicity of bromoform in male or female mice. Additional details of this study are 

provided in Section V.D.3. 

Kurokawa (1987) observed no evidence of carcinogenicity in male or female rats exposed 

to microencapsulated bromoform at concentrations of 400, 1600, or 6500 ppm in the diet for 24 

months. 

b. Studies of Induction of Aberrant Crypt Foci 

De Angelo et al. (2002) evaluated induction of ACF in the colons of male F344/N rats 

exposed to bromoform in drinking water. Groups of weanling rats (6 animals/group) were 

exposed to distilled water, 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620®, or a target concentration of 1.10 g/L 

bromoform in 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620 for 13 weeks. A single intraperitoneal injection of 30 

mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) served as the positive control. Body weight and water consumption 

were measured twice during the first week of the study and once per week thereafter. Colons 

were collected at study termination, fixed, stained with 0.2% methylene blue, divided into three 

equal segments, and examined for ACF. 

The measured concentration of bromoform averaged 0.98 ± 0.08 g/L (mean and standard 

error) over the course of the study. When adjusted for volatilization and adherence to glass, the 

V - 105 November 15, 2005 
corrected concentration was 0.77 g/L. Water consumption was significantly reduced (32%) in the 

bromoform exposure group when compared to the vehicle control. The average daily dose of 

bromoform was 76 mg/kg-day, as calculated by the study authors. Average terminal body 

weights of the rats exposed to bromoform were within 10% of the vehicle control value. No ACF 

were observed in colons from control animals. ACF were observed in 4/6 bromoform-exposed 

animals. The number of ACF/colon (1.17 ± 0.40), total focal area (470 :m2

), average focal area 

(67.14 ± 8.57 :m2

), total number of ACF (26), and number of aberrant crypts per focus (3.71 ± 

0.36) were significantly increased relative to the combined deionized water and vehicle controls. 

Fourteen percent of the observed ACF were located in the middle segment of the colon and 86% 

were located in the distal (rectal) segment. In comparison, 807 ACF and 4.95 ± 0.25 crypts per 

focus were observed in the AOM positive control group. The total and average focal areas were 

10,390 and 63.74 ± 3.06 :m2

 respectively. Eight percent, 42% and 50% of the ACF induced by 

AOM were located in the proximal, middle, and distal segment of the colon, respectively. 

De Angelo et al. (2002) tested the ability of bromoform administered in drinking water to 

induce ACF in the colons of male B6C3F1 (6 animals/group). Test animals were given distilled 

water, 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620®, or a target concentration of 1.10 g/L bromoform in 0.25% 

Alkamuls EL-620 for 13 weeks. Animals in the positive control group received a single 50 

mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of 4-aminobiphenyl. Body weight and water consumption were 

measured twice during the first week of the study and once per week thereafter. Colons were 

collected at study termination, fixed, stained with 0.2% methylene blue, divided into three equal 

segments, and scanned for ACF. The study report did not provide results for the measured 

concentration of bromoform in drinking water solutions or an estimated average daily dose. No 

differences were reported between the control and treatment group for body weight or water and 

feed consumption (data not shown). Development of ACF was not observed in the colons of 

mice exposed to bromoform in the drinking water or injected with the positive control 4­

aminobiphenyl. 

Geter et al. (2004c) investigated the effect of a diet containing a high amount of animal fat 

on the induction of ACF in the colon of male F344/N rats exposed to bromoform. The study was 

conducted because a high-fat diet is regarded as an important nutritional influence on colon 

cancer development in humans. Twenty-eight-day-old male F344/N rats (6/treatment) received 

1.0 g/L (equivalent to 71-73 mg/kg-day) of bromoform in drinking water containing 0.25% 

Emulphor® for 26 weeks. Animals in the negative control group received water containing 0.25% 

Emulphor®. Animals in the positive control group received a single 15 mg/kg intraperitoneal 

injection of AOM. All animals were fed a standard laboratory diet (Purina 5001), with half 

receiving the normal feed containing 4.5% fat and half receiving feed supplemented with 19% 

animal fat. Body weight and water consumption were measured twice weekly for the first week 

and biweekly for the remainder of the experiment. Additional details of treatment are provided in 

the related publication by George et al. (2002). At sacrifice, the colon was removed from each 

animal and divided into proximal, medial, and distal segments. ACF were identified by staining 

with 0.2% methylene blue. 

V - 106 November 15, 2005 
Water consumption was significantly reduced in the positive control (normal diet only) 

and bromoform (normal and high-fat diets) treatment groups, but mean body weights in these 

groups were similar to or greater than the controls. The incidences of ACF (i.e., number of 

colons with ACF/number of colons scored) for the control, control + high fat, bromoform, and 

bromoform + high fat groups were 0/6, 3/6, 6/6, and 6/6, respectively. The incidence of ACF in 

the positive control groups was 6/6. Exposure to bromoform significantly increased the total 

number of ACF, ACF/colon, total and mean focal area, and total number of aberrant crypts in 

animals receiving the normal diet or high-fat diets relative to the respective control groups. 

Concurrent exposure to the high-fat diet and bromoform resulted in a statistically significant 

increase in the number of ACF/colon (normal diet: 2.83 ± 1.05, high-fat diet 5.33 ± 1.17). 

Geter et al. (2005) investigated the effect of folate deficiency on the bromoform-induced 

formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of the male F344 rat. Male F344 rats(28 days 

old) were give bromoform in the drinking water at a concentration of 500 mg/L for 26 weeks. A 

single i.p. dose of azoxymethane was used as a positive control. Two groups of rats (control and 

bromoform exposed) were fed an amino acid deficient diet containing either 0 or 2 mg folic 

acid/kg. Food and water were given ad libitum. Water consumption was measured weekly 

throughout the study and body weights were determined weekly through week 16 and then 

biweekly until the end of the study. After 26 weeks of exposure, rats were sacrificed and colons 

were removed and prepared for analysis of ACF. For each ACF found, the size, location and 

number of individual crypts within the focus was noted. Blood samples were analyzed for serum 

folate and homocysteine levels. 

Water consumption and weight gain were not affected by bromoform administration in 

either control or folate-deficient rats. Bromoform dose levels were calculated to be 

approximately 96 mg/kg-day for rats given the standard diet and 99 mg/kg-day for rats given the 

folate deficient diet. Folate deficient rats experienced a decrease in serum folate levels and an 

increase in serum homocysteine levels. Bromoform administration in drinking water increased 

the number of ACF and aberrant crypts in rats given a standard diet and in rats fed a diet deficient 

in folic acid, when compared to controls. For bromoform-exposed rats, folate deficiency resulted 

in a larger increase in ACF formation, when compared to rats given the standard diet. 

Azoxymethane also induced the formation of ACF; however folate deficiency reduced the 

formation of ACF for rats exposed to this chemical. The results of this study suggest that dietary 

factors may play a modulatory role in the bromoform-induced formation of ACF in the colon of 

male F344 rats. 

c. Cancer and Cancer-Related Studies in Cancer-Susceptible Rodent Strains 

Theiss et al. (1977) examined the carcinogenic activity of bromoform in Strain A mice. 

Twenty mice per group (6 to 8 weeks old) were injected intraperitoneally up to three times 

weekly over a period of 8 weeks with 4, 48, or 100 mg/kg bromoform. A positive and a negative 

control group were included in the study design and each contained 20 animals. Mice were sacrificed 24 weeks after the first injection and the frequency of lung tumors in each test group was 

compared with vehicle-treated controls. Bromoform produced a significant increase (p = 0.041) 

V - 107 November 15, 2005 
in tumor frequency only at the intermediate dose; this increase was considered indicative of a 

carcinogenic response by the study authors. 

H. Other Key Health Effects 

1. Immunotoxicity 

a. Bromodichloromethane 

Munson et al. (1982) administered bromodichloromethane by gavage to CD-1 male and 

female mice (8-12/sex/dose) for 14 days at levels of 0, 50, 125, or 250 mg/kg-day. 

Bromodichloromethane appeared to affect the humoral immune system, as judged by decreased 

antibody-forming (ABF) cells in serum and by decreased hemagglutination titers. These changes 

were clearly significant (p < 0.05) at the high dose in both males and females, and decreased ABF 

cells were also noted at the mid dose (125 mg/kg-day) in females. This study identified a 

NOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 125 mg/kg-day for bromodichloromethane on the 

basis of decreased immune function in females. Additional information on other endpoints 

measured in this study is provided in Section V.B.1. 

French et al. (1999) investigated the immunotoxicity of bromodichloromethane in a series 

of four experiments conducted in mice and rats. Immunotoxicity in mice was examined 

following exposure via ingestion of drinking water or by gavage. The immunological parameters 

examined were antibody response to injected sheep red blood cells and T and B lymphocyte 

proliferation. Mitogens used in the proliferation assay were concanavalin A (Con A) or phytohemagglutinin-p (PHA) for T cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for B cells. Female C57BL/6 

mice (6 animals per group) were treated for 14 or 28 days with drinking water containing 0, 0.05, 

0.25 or 0.5 g/L bromodichloromethane. All drinking water (including controls) contained 0.25% 

Emulphor® to reduce volatilization of bromodichloromethane. Based on measured water 

consumption, these concentrations were estimated by the authors to be equivalent to 0, 10, 37 or 

62 mg/kg-day. There were no significant differences in the number of antibody forming cells, 

antibody production, or spleen weights in any treatment group. Likewise, splenic and mesenteric 

lymph node cell proliferative responses to T and B cell mitogens were similar in all groups. 

Continuation of this study for an additional 2 weeks did not affect any measured parameter. 

These data identify a NOAEL of 62 mg/kg-day for short-term exposure. 

French et al. (1999) conducted a second experiment in which female C57BL/6 mice were 

dosed by gavage with bromodichloromethane in 10% Emulphor® once a day for 16 days. 

Treatment groups (6 animals per group) included controls (deionized water or10% Emulphor®), 

50, 125 or 250 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane. As in the previous experiment, there were no 

differences in ABF cells, antibody titers or mitogen-induced proliferation in any treatment 

groups. A decrease in spleen weight and spleen-to-weight ratio was observed in the 125 mg/kgday group when compared to the Emulphor® control. However, spleen weights in the Emulphor® 

control were significantly higher than those in the deionized water control group, making this 

finding difficult to interpret. 

V - 108 November 15, 2005 
French et al. (1999) investigated the immunotoxicity of bromodichloromethane in male 

Fisher 344 rats following two different in vivo exposure regimens: ingestion of drinking water 

containing bromodichloromethane and gavage. The immunological parameters examined were 

antibody response to injected sheep red blood cells and T and B lymphocyte proliferation. The 

mitogens used in the proliferation assay were concanavalin A (Con A) or phyto-hemagglutin-p 

(PHA) for T cells and S. typhimurium mitogen (STM) for B cells. Six rats per treatment group 

were exposed for 26 weeks to drinking water containing 0, 0.07 or 0.7 g/L bromodichloromethane and 0.25% Emulphor®. Based on water consumption measurements, these 

concentrations were estimated by the authors to be equivalent to average daily doses of 0, 5 or 49 

mg/kg-day. There was a significant suppression of Con A-stimulated proliferation of spleen cells 

observed in the 49 mg/kg-day dose group. No effect on other immunological parameters was 

reported. These data suggest NOAEL and LOAEL values of 5 and 49 mg/kg-day, respectively, 

for immunotoxic effects. 

French et al. (1999) also examined the effect of short-term exposure to relatively large 

doses of bromodichloromethane on immune function. Female F344 rats (6 animals/group) 

received gavage doses of deionized water, 10% Emulphor®, or 75, 150, or 300 mg 

bromodichloromethane/kg in 10% Emulphor® for 5 days. Surviving high-dose animals had 

decreased body, spleen, and thymus weights. Con A and PHA responses were depressed in 

spleen cells isolated from high-dose animals. Two of the six rats in the 300 mg/kg-day group 

died during the exposure period. The remaining high-dose animals had significantly decreased 

body, spleen and thymus weights compared to both control groups. Thymus weight, but not 

spleen or body weight, was also decreased in the 150 mg/kg-day group. Con A responses were 

significantly depressed in both spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells in the 300 mg/kgday treatment group. All three (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg-day) dose groups exhibited suppression 

of PHA stimulated MLN cells when compared to the vehicle (but not the water) controls. This 

discrepancy was due to the fact that Emulphor® alone significantly elevated the proliferative 

response to PHA in MLN cells relative to the deionized water group. In contrast to the T cell 

responses, there was a significant increase in antibody production and proliferative responses to 

STM (B cells) from spleen cells at the highest dose tested (300 mg/kg-day dose group). These 

data suggest a marginal NOAEL of 150 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 300 mg/kg-day for acute 

exposure based on depression of immune response. 

b. Dibromochloromethane 

Munson et al. (1982) administered dibromochloromethane by gavage to CD-1 male and 

female mice (8 to 12/sex/dose) for 14 days at levels of 0, 50, 125, or 250 mg/kg-day and 

evaluated humoral and cell-mediated immune system functions. Dibromochloromethane 

appeared to affect the humoral immune system, as judged by decreased antibody-forming (ABF) 

cells in serum and by decreased hemagglutination titers. These changes were significant 

(p < 0.05) at the high dose in both males and females. Decreased ABF cells were also noted at the 

mid dose (125 mg/kg-day) in females. This study identified a NOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day and a 

LOAEL of 125 mg/kg-day for dibromochloromethane on the basis of decreased immune function 

in females. Additional information on this study is provided in Section V.B.2. 

V - 109 November 15, 2005 
c. Bromoform 

Munson et al. (1982) administered bromoform (aqueous) by gavage to CD-1 male and 

female mice (6 to 12/sex/dose) for 14 days at levels of 0, 50, 125, or 250 mg/kg-day. Endpoints 

evaluated included humoral immune system function. The authors judged that the humoral 

immune system was not significantly affected by bromoform, although a decrease in antibody 

forming (ABF) cells was reported for high-dose males. These data suggest a NOAEL of 250 

mg/kg-day for effects of bromoform on the immune system. Additional information on this study 

is provided in Section V.B.3. 

2. Hormonal Disruption 

No studies or case reports were identified that described hormonal disruption by 

dibromochloromethane or bromoform. 

a. Bromodichloromethane - In Vivo Studies 

Oral exposure to 50 - 100 mg/kg-day of bromodichloromethane causes full litter 

resorption (FLR) in F344 rats, but not in Sprague-Dawley rats (Narotsky et al., 1997; Bielmeier et 

al. 2001; see Section V.E.1.a for study details). Bielmeier et al. (2001) characterized luteinizing 

hormone (LH) and progesterone serum profiles in F344 rats exposed to bromodichloromethane 

during gestation in two experiments (Table V-17) as part of a larger study on FLR. The objective 

of these experiments was to determine whether changes in the LH and progesterone profiles were 

associated with the occurrence of FLR. These hormones were selected for study because 

progesterone is necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy and LH participates in the 

maintenance of the corpora lutea which secrete progesterone. 

V - 110 November 15, 2005 
Table V-17 Summary of Hormone Profile Experiments (Bielmeier et al., 2001) 

Study/Strain Dose 

(mg/kg-day) 

Treatment 

Period 

Number of animals 

% FLR 

Treated Pregnant Resorbed 

Hormone Profile Ia 

F344 0 GD 8-9 8 7 0 0 

F344 100 GD 8 10 10 6 60* 

F344 100 GD 9 10 9 9 100*** 

Hormone Profile IIb 

F344 0 GD 9 8 8 0 0 

F344 75 GD 9 11 11 7 64* 

F344 100 GD 9 10 10 9 90*** 

Source: Table 1 in Bielmeier et al. (2001)

Abbreviations: GD, gestation day; FLR, full litter resorption

a

 Tail blood collected once daily on GD 9 to 12.

b

 Tail blood collected at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after dosing.

* p<0.05; ** p<0.01; *** p<0.001for significant differences from controls (Fisher’s Exact Test). 

In the first experiment conducted by Bielmeier et al. (2001), F344 rats (7 to 10/treatment 

group) received a single 100 mg/kg dose by aqueous gavage on gestation day 8 or 9. Hormone 

levels in samples of tail blood were determined on GD 9 through 12. FLR was observed in 0, 60 

and 100% of the control, GD 8-dosed, and GD 9-dosed animals, respectively. A marked 

reduction in progesterone levels was noted 24 hours after dosing in all rats that resorbed their 

litters when compared to controls and to bromodichloromethane-treated animals that retained 

their litters. The mean progesterone levels in animals dosed on GD 9 decreased from 137.94 

ng/mL ± 11.44 ng/mL to 48.45 ± 23.57 ng/mL within 24 hours (n = 9). For animals treated on 

GD 8, the mean progesterone level 24 hours after bromodichloromethane treatment was 67.01 ± 

16.22 ng/mL in animals that resorbed litters (n = 6) and 127.19 ±14.89 in controls (n=7). The 

resorbed groups had reduced progesterone levels comparable to the progesterone levels in nonpregnant animals (n = 2) when assayed three days after compound administration. In contrast to 

the effect noted on progesterone levels, administration of bromodichloromethane had no apparent 

effect on LH when measured 24 hours after dosing. However, elevated LH concentrations were 

observed on GD 11 to 12 in animals experiencing resorption. LH levels in these groups increased 

from approximately 0.20 ng/mL on GD 10 to approximately 0.80 ng/mL on GD 11 and remained 

elevated through GD 12. In contrast, LH levels in the controls decreased from 0.31 to 0.14 

ng/mL over the same time period. 

In the second experiment conducted by Bielmeier et al. (2001), F344 rats (8-11/treatment 

group) were dosed with 0, 75, or 100 mg/kg by aqueous gavage on GD 9. Blood samples were 

V - 111 November 15, 2005 
collected at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after dosing. The incidence of FLR was 0, 64%, and 90% in 

the 0, 75, and 100 mg/kg dose groups, respectively. The progesterone levels peaked in all dose 

groups (including controls) at 6 hours. At 12 and 24 hours, the progesterone levels in 

bromodichloromethane-treated animals that resorbed their litters were progressively reduced. 

Progesterone levels in bromodichloromethane-treated animals that retained their litters remained 

comparable to levels observed in the control group. No significant differences in LH 

concentration were noted among dose groups at any time point. 

In a follow-on study, Bielmeier et al. (2004) conducted additional experiments to 

investigate the mode of action for bromodichloromethane-induced pregnancy loss observed in the 

F344 rat (Narotsky et al., 1997; Bielmeier et al., 2001). The experiments conducted by Bielmeier 

et al. (2004) were designed to 1) re-examine maternal LH profiles during exposure to levels of 

bromodichloromethane known to cause pregnancy loss, using a more sensitive assay for LH than 

used by Bielmeier et al. (2001); 2) assess the temporal pattern of serum LH and progesterone 

decreases that occur during bromodichloromethane administration at a critical time period during 

gestation; and 3) test the ability of exogenously administered progesterone and hCG to prevent 

pregnancy loss induced by bromodichloromethane. The experiments performed are summarized 

in Table V-18. 

In the first experiment, F344 rats received a single dose of 0, 75, or 100 mg/kg 

bromodichloromethane via oral gavage in 10% Alkamuls EL-620 in the morning of assigned 

treatment days. Maternal body weights were measured on GD 5-15 and GD 20. Pups were 

individually examined and weighed on PD 1 and 6. PD 1 was defined as GD 22, independent of 

the actual time of parturition, so that all pups were examined at the same time postcoitus. The 

dams and pups were euthanized after PD 6. The number of uterine implantation sites was 

recorded; the uteri of females that did not deliver were stained with 2% ammonium sulfide to 

enhance detection of resorption sites. Blood samples for hormone analysis were collected once 

daily on GD 6-11 from rats in the control and 75 mg/kg groups. 

Two additional experiments using the same treatment regimen, but with more frequent 

blood collection, were conducted to further characterize the changes in hormone levels on GD 9 

and 10. In experiment A, tail blood samples were collected on GD 9 once before dosing and then 

1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 hours after treatment. Experiment B continued the collection schedule from 

experiment A. The first blood samples were collected approximately 8 hours after the dose on 

GD 9 and four additional samples were collected at 4-hour intervals. This study design was 

utilized to minimize the impacts of repeated blood collection on a single animal. Progesterone 

and estradiol concentrations were measured using a direct solid-phase enzyme-linked 

immunosorbent assay. Serum LH levels were determined using the rat dissociation enhanced 

lanthanide fluorometric immunoassay (DELPHIA). This method is reported to be 10- to 50-fold 

more sensitive for detection of LH than the traditional radiolabeled immunoassay used by 

Bielmeier et al. (2001), with a limit of detection of 0.014 :g for a 25 :L sample. In the hormone 

replacement experiments, bromodichloromethane (100 mg/kg-day by gavage) and progesterone 

(10 mg/kg, twice daily by subcutaneous injection in corn oil) were administered on GD 6-10. A 

V - 112 November 15, 2005 
Table V-18 Summary of Bielmeier et al. (2004) Study in Female F344 Rats 

Number of Animals 

Experiment Dose 

(mg/kg-day) Treated Pregnant Fully 

Resorbed 

With Live 

Litters 

Hormone Profiles 

Daily Sampling 0 12 9 0 9 

75 13 9 8*** 1 

Frequent Sampling A 0 6 6 1 5 

75 11 10 8* 2 

Frequent Sampling B 0 5 5 0 5 

75 10 9 3 6 

Hormone Supplementation 

Control 0 12 8 0 8 

BDCM + hormone vehicles 100 9 7 5*** 2 

BDCM + Progesterone 100 12 8 0 8 

BDCM + hCG 100 12 9 1 8 

Source: Bielmeier et al. (2004) 

* significantly different from control, p<0.05; *** significantly different from control, p<0.001

Abbreviations: BDCM, bromodichloromethane; hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin

second group of animals received bromodichloromethane (100 mg/kg-day by gavage) and hCG 

(0.5 IU/rat by subcutaneous injection in saline) on GD 8-10. Control groups received the gavage 

and injection vehicles via the same route as the experimental groups. 

In the daily sampling experiment, bromodichloromethane-induced pregnancy loss was 

associated with marked reductions in serum progesterone and LH on GD 10. All control dams 

maintained their litters, whereas 8/9 dams exposed to bromodichloromethane had pregnancy loss. 

Serum progesterone levels in the control group were greater than 100 ng/mL throughout the 

study. Serum LH levels in control dams generally ranged from 0.11 to 0.34 ng/mL through GD 9, 

then fell to mean ± SE values of 0.061 ± 0.03 ng/mL by GD 11. Progesterone levels in dams 

treated with bromodichloromethane that lost their litters were comparable to those of the controls 

on GD 6-9. However, these dams had significantly reduced serum progesterone levels on GD10 

when compared to the control and all measured concentrations were less than 40 ng/mL. Serum 

LH levels in treated dams were less than the controls from GD 7 to GD 10, but the response was 

statistically significant only on GD 7 and 10. The daily sampling protocol used in this experiment 

did not distinguish which hormone was affected first. No differences between groups were 

V - 113 November 15, 2005 
reported for serum estradiol levels, number of implantations, postnatal loss, or number or weight 

of live pups on PND 1 or 6. 

In frequent sampling experiment A, 8/10 (80%) of the dosed animals had pregnancy loss 

compared to 1/6 (17%) in the control group. The control animal with pregnancy loss maintained 

LH levels that were consistent with the other control dams; progesterone levels were also 

comparable until a sharp decline was observed in the animal with pregnancy loss on GD 10. In 

contrast to typical bromodichloromethane-induced resorptions, the resorption sites in the control 

animals were not visible without staining (a possible indication of earlier resorption). In frequent 

sampling experiment B, 3/9 (33%) of the dosed animals had pregnancy loss compared to 0/5 (0%) 

of the controls. In both experiments, animals that resorbed their litters displayed a decrease in 

serum LH concentration (relative to the controls) prior to a reduction in progesterone levels. In 

experiment A, serum LH levels were already significantly reduced in dosed animals in the first 

samples collected on GD 9, but serum progesterone levels were not significantly reduced until 

two hours after administration of the GD 9 dose of bromodichloromethane. In experiment B, the 

six bromodichloromethane-treated animals that retained their litters also had significantly 

decreased levels of LH and progesterone. No differences between groups were reported for 

number of implantations, postnatal loss, or number or weight of live pups on PND 1 or 6 in either 

experiment. 

In the hormone supplementation experiments, administration of either progesterone or 

hCG significantly reduced the incidence of bromodichloromethane-induced pregnancy loss. Five 

of seven dams (71%) treated with 100 mg/kg-day of bromodichloromethane plus the hormone 

vehicles (corn oil or saline injected subcutaneously) on GD 6-10 lost their pregnancies. In 

contrast, dams dosed with 100 mg/kg-day of bromodichloromethane on GD 6-10 and 

concurrently given progesterone had a 0/8 (0%) incidence of pregnancy loss. Dams dosed with 

100 mg/kg-day of bromodichloromethane on GD 8-10 and concurrently given hCG by injection 

had a 1/9 (11%) incidence of pregnancy loss. 

The study authors had previously hypothesized that bromodichloromethane induces 

pregnancy loss in F344 rats by altering luteal responsiveness to LH (Bielmeier et al., 2001). The 

reduction in serum LH level with a corresponding reduction in progesterone concentration 

detected in the current study suggests that bromodichloromethane alters LH secretion rather than 

altering luteal responsiveness alone. The timing of the decreases in LH and progesterone levels 

support the hypothesis that reduction in serum LH is a prerequisite for decreased progesterone 

concentration, which subsequently results in pregnancy loss. However, other data obtained by 

Bielmeier et al. (2004) indicate that a significant decrease in serum LH concentration cannot be 

the sole determinant in pregnancy loss. Specifically, exposure to bromodichloromethane caused 

decreases in serum LH levels in all dosed animals, but some dosed rats maintained their 

pregnancies despite serum LH levels that were lower than observed in some animals that lost their 

pregnancies. In discussing these results, the study authors noted that LH is released in an hourly 

pulsatile pattern during pregnancy and that the severity and disruption of this pulsatility may be a 

better predictor of pregnancy loss than single daily values of serum LH. 

V - 114 November 15, 2005 
Administration of exogenous progesterone or hCG reduced the incidence of 

bromodichloromethane-induced pregnancy loss. Prevention of pregnancy loss by exogenous 

progesterone supports the conclusion that the mode of action for bromodichloromethane is 

maternally mediated rather than the result of direct effects on the embryo. The ability of hCG, an 

LH agonist, to prevent pregnancy loss suggests that full litter resorption is mediated (at least in 

part) by an effect of bromodichloromethane on maternal LH secretion. These data do not rule out 

a possible effect of bromodichloromethane on luteal responsiveness to progesterone as previously 

suggested by Bielmeier et al. (2001). 

b. Bromodichloromethane - In Vitro Studies 

Chen et al. (2003) studied the effect of bromodichloromethane on chorionic gonadotropin 

(CG) secretion by human placental trophoblast cultures. This in vitro model was used to evaluate 

possible effects of bromodichloromethane on the placenta. Cytotrophoblast cells were isolated 

from term human placentas, plated in 24-well cluster dishes or chamber slides, and stimulated to 

differentiate and produce syncytiotrophoblast-like colonies by culture for 48 hours in 

Keratinocyte Growth Medium (KGM) containing 10% calf serum. The culture medium was 

removed and replaced with KGM containing nominal concentrations of 0, 0.020, 20, or 2000 :M 

bromodichloromethane (actual concentrations were not measured). The culture containers were 

sealed and incubated for an additional 24 hours, after which levels of immunoreactive and 

bioactive chorionic gonadotropin were determined in the culture medium. Replicate cultures 

were processed for morphological evaluation or determination of lactate dehydrogenase. 

Cultured adherent cells were fixed in methanol and stained for immunocytochemical 

determination of CG. 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in the 

secretion of immunoreactive and bioactive CG. Decreased CG secretion was observed at each 

concentration tested, with maximum reductions of 37% (immunoreactive CG) and53% 

(bioreactive CG) at the highest concentration of 2000 :M. This lowest concentration of 0.020 

:M is approximately 100-fold greater than maximum baseline blood levels and 35-fold higher 

than the maximum peak level of bromodichloromethane measured by Miles et al. (2002) in the 

blood of human subjects after showering. An effect on intracellular CG levels in 

syncytiotrophoblast cultures was not detected by immunocytochemical staining. According to the 

study authors, the failure to detect intracellular changes might have been related to use of 

different antibodies for detection of extracellular and intracellular CG, resolution of the image 

analysis procedure, or the fact that the effect on CG secretion was modest. There was no effect of 

bromodichloromethane on the ratio of bioactive to immunoreactive CG, cellular protein, levels of 

LDH in culture supernatants, or morphological features of the trophoblast cultures. 

The results from this study suggest that bromodichloromethane affects the function of 

human placental trophoblasts, as shown by reduced CG secretion in primary cultures after 24 

hours of exposure to the compound. The mode of action for the effect on CG secretion is 

unknown. Possible mechanisms proposed by the study authors include disruption of CG 

synthesis at the translational or post-translational level (e.g., by altering glycosylation of CG 

V - 115 November 15, 2005 
subunits or disruption of dimerization) or indirect effects on secretion via disruption of 

gonadotropin releasing hormone activity. 

Chen et al. (2004) evaluated the effect of bromodichloromethane on the morphological 

differentiation of human mononucleated cytotrophoblast cells to multinucleated 

syncytiotrophoblast-like colonies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of 

reduced CG secretion in human placental trophoblast cultures observed in the previous study 

(Chen et al., 2003). Addition of 20 to 2000 :M bromodichloromethane to primary 

cytotrophoblast cultures during the differentiation process inhibited the subsequent formation of 

multinucleated colonies in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by immunocytochemical 

staining for desmosomes and nuclei. Quantitative image analysis indicated that the number of 

multinucleated colonies was significantly reduced at bromodichloromethane concentrations of 

200 :M and above, with a reduction of 80% observed at the highest tested concentration of 2000 

:M. Secretion of immunoreactive and bioreactive CG was significantly reduced in a dosedependent manner under the same culture conditions, but showed a different dose-response 

pattern than observed for differentiation (i.e., was effected at lower concentrations). Secretion of 

immunoreactive CG was significantly reduced (by 30%) at 5 x 10-4 :M, the lowest dose tested. 

This concentration is within the range of bromodichloromethane concentration observed in 

human blood following showering with disinfected tap water (1.3 x10-6 to 5.7 x 10-4 :M). 

Secretion of immunoreactive and bioreactive CG was near completeat 2000 :M (90% reduction 

for immunoreactive CG, 95% reduction for bioreactive CG) Intracellular levels of CG were 

significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 20 :M and above, as 

determined by quantitative immunocytochemical staining. This lack of CG accumulation within 

the trophoblast, suggests that secretion is blocked at an earlier stage (i.e., transcription or 

translatin) rather than at later stages (i.e., exocytosis). Trophoblast viability was unaffected by 

bromodichloromethane at the concentrations tested in this study, as determined by cellular protein 

levels and by LDH activity in culture supernatants. These findings support the idea that 

bromodichloromethane affects the placenta and reduces CG production by preventing formation 

of syncytiotrophoblasts, the major CG-producing cell type. The differences in the dose-response 

curves observed for CG secretion and differentiation may indicate a dual effect of 

bromodichloromethane on these processes. The mechanisms of action for the observed effects of 

bromodichloromethane are unknown. The observation of reduced intracellular CG suggests 

disruption of production at an earlier (e.g., transcription or translation) rather than a later (e.g., 

exocytosis) stage of CG production. Other possible mechanisms include an effect of 

bromodichloromethane on post-translational processing (glycosylation or subunit dimerization) or 

interference with GnRH activity. An effect on GnRH activity, if substantiated, would parallel one 

proposed mechanism for BDCM-induced pregnancy loss in F344 rats (Bielmeier et al., 2004). 

The significance of the findings reported by Chen et al. (2003, 2004) for human health is 

that placental trophoblasts are the sole source of CG during normal human pregnancy and play a 

major role in the maintenance of the conceptus. If the observed effect on CG secretion is 

substantiated in future studies, it may help to explain adverse pregnancy outcomes that appear to 

be associated with consumption of chlorinated drinking water in some epidemiological studies 

(e.g., increased incidence of spontaneous abortion as reported by Waller et al., 1998). 

V - 116 November 15, 2005 
3. Structure-Activity Relationships 

Although the mechanism of brominated trihalomethane toxicity is not known with 

certainty, there is abundant evidence to indicate that adverse effects are secondary to metabolism. 

Bromine is generally a better leaving group than chlorine, suggesting that bromine substitution 

could potentially influence the pathway and rate of trihalomethane metabolism. Multiple studies 

(described in Section III.C) indicate that metabolism of chloroform and the brominated 

trihalomethanes can occur through one or both of two cytochrome P450-mediated pathways: 

reductive metabolism to free radical intermediates or oxidative metabolism to dihalocarbonyls 

(Figure 4-1). Although comparative data are limited, there is some evidence to indicate that 

chloroform and the brominated trihalomethanes are metabolized to a different extent by these 

pathways. Tomasi et al. (1985) examined the reductive metabolism of chloroform, 

bromodichloromethane, and bromoform in rats and obtained the following rank order for free 

radical formation: bromoform>bromodichloromethane>chloroform. Wolf et al. (1977) reported 

that bromoform was more extensively metabolized under anaerobic conditions in vitro than was 

chloroform. Gao and Pegram (1992) observed that binding of reactive intermediates to rat 

hepatic microsomal lipids and proteins was more than twice as high for bromodichloromethane as 

for chloroform when assayed under anaerobic conditions. These results collectively suggest that 

reductive metabolism may be a more important metabolic pathway for brominated 

trihalomethanes than for chloroform. At present, this apparent difference in metabolism has not 

been linked to specific differences in toxicity. 

Two mutagenicity studies provide additional information on structure-activity 

relationships among the trihalomethanes. Additional details of these studies are presented in 

Section V.F. Examination of mutagenicity in a strain of Salmonella typhimurium that expresses 

rat theta-class glutathione-S-transferase (GST) indicated the following order for mutagenic 

potency (number of revertants/ppm) of the brominated trihalomethanes: 

bromoform.dibromochloromethane>bromodichloromethane (DeMarini et al., 1997). The 

potency of the first two compounds was several times greater than that observed for 

bromodichloromethane. Analysis of the mutational spectra of the brominated trihalomethanes 

indicated that all three compounds have similar mutational spectra (predominately GCÿAT 

transitions) and site specificity (middle C of a CCC sequence in target DNA). These observations 

suggest that a common reactive intermediate or class of intermediates is likely to mediate the 

mutagenicity of these compounds. 

In the second study, Pegram et al.(1997) compared the glutathione S-transferase-mediated 

mutagenicity of bromodichloromethane and chloroform in a GST+ strain of S. typhimurium (See 

section V.F.1). Revertants were produced in a dose-related manner in the presence of low as well 

as high concentrations of bromodichloromethane. In contrast, chloroform induced a doubling of 

the number of revertants only at high concentrations. This result provides evidence that bromine 

substitution of trihalomethanes confers the capability for GST-catalyzed transformation to 

mutagenic intermediates at low substrate concentrations. These data further suggest that 

chloroform and the brominated trihalomethanes may induce adverse effects via different modes 

V - 117 November 15, 2005 
of action, and indicate the need for care in extrapolating the characteristics of chloroform 

metabolism and toxicity to brominated trihalomethanes. 

I. Summary 

1. Health Effects of Acute and Short Term Exposure of Animals 

Large oral doses of brominated trihalomethanes are lethal to laboratory animals. Reported 

acute LD50 values range from 450 to 969 mg/kg for bromodichloromethane, 800 to 1,200 mg/kg 

for dibromochloromethane, and 1,388 to 1,550 mg/kg for bromoform. Acute lethality values are 

summarized in Table V-1. 

Acute oral exposure to sublethal doses of brominated trihalomethanes can also produce 

effects on the central nervous system, liver, kidney, and heart. Acute duration studies 

investigating endpoints other than death are summarized in Table V-2. Ataxia, anaesthesia, 

and/or sedation were noted in mice receiving 500 mg/kg bromodichloromethane, 500 mg/kg 

dibromochloromethane, or 1,000 mg/kg bromoform. Renal tubule degeneration, necrosis, and 

elevated levels of urinary markers of renal toxicity have been observed in rats receiving 200 to 

400 mg/kg bromodichloromethane. Elevated levels of serum markers for hepatotoxicity and 

have been observed in rats at doses of bromodichloromethane ranging from approximately 82 to 

400 mg/kg-day, and hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were observed at 400 mg/kg. 

Effects on heart contractility were reported in male rats at doses of 333 and 667 mg/kg 

dibromochloromethane. 

Short term studies of brominated trihalomethanes are summarized in Table V-3. 

Short-term exposure of laboratory animals to brominated trihalomethanes has been observed to 

cause effects on the liver and kidney. Hepatic effects, including organ weight changes, elevated 

serum enzyme levels, and histopathological changes, became evident in mice and/or rats 

administered 38 to 250 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane, 147 to 500 mg/kg-day 

dibromochloromethane, or 187 to 289 mg/kg-day bromoform for 14 to 30 days. Kidney effects, 

characterized by decreased p-aminohippurate uptake, histopathological changes, and organ 

weight changes, became evident in mice and/or rats administered 148 to 300 mg/kg-day 

bromodichloromethane, 147 to 500 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane, or 289 mg/kg-day 

bromoform for 14 days. Evidence for decreased immune function was noted at 

bromodichloromethane or dibromochloromethane doses of 125 mg/kg-day. Studies examining 

strain differences in response to short-term brominated trihalomethane exposure have not been 

reported. 

2. Health Effects of Longer-term Exposure of Animals 

Subchronic studies of brominated trihalomethanes are summarized in Table V-4. The 

predominant effects of subchronic oral exposure occur in the liver and kidney. The effects 

produced in these two organs are similar in nature to those described for short-term exposures, 

with liver appearing to be the most sensitive target organ for dibromochloromethane and 

V - 118 November 15, 2005 
bromoform exposure. Histopathological changes in the liver were reported in mice and/or rats 

administered 200 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane, 50 to 250 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane, or 50 to 283 mg/kg-day bromoform. Histopathological changes in the kidney were 

reported in mice and/or rats administered 100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane, or 250 mg/kgday dibromochloromethane. Studies examining strain differences in response to subchronic 

brominated trihalomethane exposure have not been reported. 

Chronic toxicity studies of brominated trihalomethanes are summarized in Table V-5. As 

observed for exposure for shorter durations, the predominant effects of chronic oral exposure are 

observed in the liver and kidney. Histopathological signs of hepatic toxicity in mice and/or rats 

became evident at doses of 6 to 50 mg/kg-day for bromodichloromethane, 40 to 50 mg/kg-day for 

dibromochloromethane, and 90 to 152 mg/kg-day for bromoform. Signs of 

bromodichloromethane-induced renal toxicity became evident in mice and rats treated with doses 

of 25 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively. Studies examining strain differences in response to 

chronic brominated trihalomethane exposure have not been reported. 

3. Reproductive and Developmental Effects 

Reproductive and developmental studies of brominated trihalomethanes are summarized 

in Table V-9. Signs of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight, body weight gain and/or 

changes in organ weight) were reported in rats administered bromodichloromethane at 25 to 

200 mg/kg-day and in rabbits administered 4.9 to 35.6 mg/kg-day. Signs of maternal toxicity 

were observed in rats or mice administered 17 (marginal) to 200 mg/kg-day dibromochloromethane and in mice administered 100 mg/kg-day bromoform. Maternal toxicity was not 

observed in female rats dosed with up to 200 mg/kg-day of bromoform. Several well-conducted 

studies on the developmental toxicity of bromodichloromethane gave negative results at doses up 

to 116 mg/kg-day in rats and 76 mg/kg-day in rabbits when administered in drinking water. 

However, in other studies, slightly decreased numbers of ossification sites in the hindlimb and 

forelimb were observed in fetuses of rats administered 45 mg/kg-day in the drinking water on 

gestation days 6 to 21and sternebral aberrations were observed in the offspring of rats 

administered 200 mg/kg-day by gavage in corn oil. Reductions in mean pup weight gain and pup 

weight were observed when the pups were administered bromodichloromethane in the drinking 

water at concentrations of 150 ppm and above (biologically meaningful estimates of intake on a 

mg/kg-day basis could not be calculated for this study). Full litter resorption has been noted in 

F344 rats, but not Sprague-Dawley rats, treated with bromodichloromethane at doses of 50 to 100 

mg/kg-day during gestation days 6 to 10. Additional studies in F344 rats that varied the timing 

of bromodichloromethane administration indicate that gestation days 6-10 are a critical period for 

induction of full litter resorption. Chronic oral exposure to bromodichloromethane resulted in 

reduced sperm velocities at doses of 39 mg/kg-day. This response was not accompanied by 

histopathological changes in any reproductive tissue examined. Adverse clinical signs and 

reduced body weight and body weight gain were observed in parental generation female rats and 

F1 male and female rats at 150 ppm (approximately 11.6 to 40.2 mg/kg-day) in a two generation 

study of bromodichloromethane administered in drinking water. In the same study, small but 

statistically significant delays in sexual maturation occurred in F1 males at 50 ppm 

V - 119 November 15, 2005 
(approximately 11.6 to 40.2 mg/kg-day) and F1 females at 450 ppm (approximately 29.5 to 109 

mg/kg-day). These delays may have been secondary to dehydration caused by taste aversion to 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water. 

Four of five studies on the reproductive or developmental toxicity of dibromochloromethane gave negative results when tested at doses of up to 200 mg/kg-day. In the fifth study, 

dibromochloromethane administered at 17 mg/kg-day in a multigenerational study resulted in 

reduced body weight on postnatal day 14 in one of two F2 generation litters. At 171 mg/kg-day, 

the mid-dose in the study, decreased litter size, viability index, lactation index, and postnatal body 

weight were observed in some F1 and/or F2 generation. The developmental and reproductive 

toxicity of bromoform was examined in two studies. 

Bromoform administered to rats at 100 mg/kg-day in corn oil by gavage resulted in a 

significant increase in sternebral aberrations in the apparent absence of maternal toxicity. In a 

continuous breeding toxicity protocol, gavage doses of 200 mg/kg-day in corn oil resulted in 

decreased postnatal survival, organ weight changes, and liver histopathology in F1 mice of both 

sexes. No effects on fertility or other reproductive endpoints were noted. 

4. Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity 

In vitro and in vivo studies of the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform have yielded mixed results. 

Synthesis of the overall weight of evidence from these studies is complicated by the use of a 

variety of testing protocols, different strains of test organisms, different activating systems, 

different dose levels, different exposure methods (gas versus liquid), and in some cases, problems 

due to evaporation of the test chemical. Overall, a majority of studies yielded more positive 

results for bromoform and bromodichloromethane. The genotoxicity and mutagenicity data for 

dibromochloromethane are variable. Recent mutagenicity studies in strains of Salmonella that 

contain rat theta-class glutathione S-transferase suggest that mutagenicity of the brominated 

trihalomethanes may be mediated by glutathione conjugation. 

5. Carcinogenicity and Related Studies in Animals 

The carcinogenic potential of individual brominated trihalomethanes administered in oil 

has been investigated in chronic oral exposure studies in mice and rats. Ingestion of 

bromodichloromethane caused liver tumors in female mice, renal tumors in male mice and in 

male and female rats, and tumors of the large intestine in male and female rats. Ingestion of 

dibromochloromethane caused liver tumors in male and female mice, and ingestion of bromoform 

caused intestinal tumors in male and female rats. 

Studies of induction of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) show that bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, and bromoform given in drinking water significantly increase the number 

and focal area of ACF in the colons of male F344 rats, Eker rats, and strain A/J mice, but not in 

colons of B6C3F1 mice. The biological significance of this induction is unclear, as intestinal 

V - 120 November 15, 2005 
tumors have not been observed either in the colons of F344 rats treated with 

dibromochloromethane by corn oil gavage or in the colons of rats exposed to 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water for two years. Administration of individual 

brominated trihalomethanes in a high animal fat diet did not significantly increase the number of 

ACF when compared to a diet containing normal levels of fat. 

Exposure of male and female Eker rats (a rodent hereditary model of renal cancer) to 

bromodichloromethane at drinking water concentrations up to 0.7 g/L did not significantly induce 

urinary bladder epithelial hyperplasia, individual cell hypertrophy, renal tumors, hemangioma of 

the spleen, or leiomyomas or mesenchymal cell proliferation in the uterus of females. 

6. Other Key effects 

The immunotoxicity of brominated trihalomethanes has been investigated in mice and 

rats. Short-term bromodichloromethane exposure resulted in decreased antibody forming cells in 

serum, decreased hemagglutinin titers, and/or suppression of Con A-stimulated proliferation of 

spleen cells at doses of 125 to 250 mg/kg-day. 

No studies have been reported for hormonal effects following exposure to 

dibromochloromethane or bromoform. There is evidence from studies in F344 rats and cultured 

human placental trophoblasts that bromodichloromethane causes hormonal disruption. Rats 

exposed to bromodichloromethane on gestation days 8 or 9 show reduced serum levels of LH and 

progesterone. Serum LH reductions indicate that the mode of action for this strain-specific effect 

involves altered LH secretion; however, a contributing effect on LH signal transduction has not 

been ruled out. 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane alters the function of human placental trophoblasts, as 

shown by reduced CG secretion and by changes in morphological differentiation. The mode of 

action for the observed effects is unknown. Possible mechanisms proposed by the study authors 

for effects on CG secretion include disruption of CG synthesis at the translational or posttranslational level (e.g., by altering glycosylation of CG subunits or disruption of dimerization) or 

indirect effects on secretion via disruption of gonadotropin releasing hormone activity. The 

significance of these findings for human health is that placental trophoblasts are the sole source of 

CG during normal human pregnancy and play a major role in the maintenance of the conceptus. 

If the observed effect on CG secretion is substantiated in future studies, it may help to explain 

apparent adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with consumption of chlorinated drinking water 

in some epidemiological studies (e.g., increased incidence of spontaneous abortion as reported by 

Waller et al., 1998). 

Limited structure-activity data for brominated trihalomethanes and chloroform suggest 

that bromination may influence the proportion of compound metabolized via the oxidative and 

reductive pathways, with brominated compounds being more extensively metabolized by the 

reductive pathway. Additional evidence suggests that a GSH-mediated pathway may play an 

important role in metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes. 

V - 121 November 15, 2005 
VI. HEALTH EFFECTS IN HUMANS 

A. Clinical Case Studies 

1. Bromodichloromethane 

No clinical reports or short term studies were located on the effects in humans from 

ingestion of bromodichloromethane. 

2. Dibromochloromethane 

No clinical case reports or short term studies were located on the effects in humans from 

ingestion of dibromochloromethane. 

3. Bromoform 

In the past, bromoform was used as a sedative for children with whooping cough. Typical 

doses were approximately one drop (about 180 mg), given three to six times/day (BurtonFanning, 1901). This dosing usually resulted in mild sedation in children, although a few rare 

instances of death or near-death were reported (e.g., Dwelle, 1903; Benson, 1907). These cases 

were believed to be due to accidental overdoses. Based on these clinical observations, the 

estimated lethal dose for a 10- to 20-kg child is approximately 300 mg/kg, and the LOAEL for 

mild sedation is approximately 54 mg/kg-day. 

B. Epidemiological Studies 

The brominated trihalomethanes occur as disinfection byproducts in water disinfected 

with chlorine for the prevention of disease. The primary routes of human exposure to brominated 

trihalomethanes are via ingestion of disinfected tap water; dermal contact with disinfected tap 

water during bathing, showering, and other activities; and inhalation of brominated 

trihalomethanes released during showering, bathing or household activities using disinfected tap 

water. Multiple epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between exposure to 

disinfection byproducts in chlorinated drinking water and adverse health effects. These studies 

fall into two basic categories: studies of association with cancer (Table VI-1) and studies of 

association with adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes or alteration of reproductive function 

(Table VI-2). Because the purpose of this document is to isolate the health effects of individual 

brominated trihalomethanes, a detailed examination of all available studies on disinfection 

byproducts is beyond the scope of this report. Epidemiologic studies published prior to 1994 are 

discussed in greater detail in the Drinking Water Criteria on Chlorine (U.S. EPA, 1994a). A 

number of recent publications have reviewed the association between chlorination disinfection 

byproducts and cancer and adverse reproductive or developmental outcomes (e.g., Reif et al., 

1996; Mills et al., 1998; Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 2000; Bove et al., 2002). 

VI - 1 November 15, 2005 
Very few studies have examined the association between cancer and exposure to 

brominated trihalomethanes. A possible increased cancer incidence in bladder was suggested 

(Cantor et al., 1978), while negative findings were reported for childhood acute lymphoblastic 

leukemia (Infante-Rivard et al., 2001, 2002). 

Table VI-1 Epidemiological Studies Investigating an Association Between Chlorinated 

Drinking Water and Cancer 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Alavanja et al. (1978) Case control study in seven New York 

State counties. 

Greater risk of gastrointestinal and 

urinary tract cancer mortality, both 

sexes, in chlorinated water areas of the 

counties. 

Cantor et al. (1978) Ecological study using age-standardized 

cancer mortality rates, 1968-1971; and 

halomethane levels from U.S. EPA 

surveys. 

Strongest correlation between brominecontaining trihalomethanes and bladder 

cancer. 

Struba (1979) Case-control study of mortality in North 

Carolina, 1975-1978. 

Small but significant odds ratios for 

rectum, colon and bladder cancers in 

rural areas but not in urban areas. 

Brenniman et al. (1980) Case-control study in 70 Illinois 

communities, 1973-1976. Questionnaires 

sent to water treatment plants to verify 

1963 inventory data on chlorine levels. 

Statistically significant relative risks of 

cancer of gall bladder, large intestine, 

and total gastrointestinal and urinary 

tract in females served by systems with 

chlorinated versus nonchlorinated 

ground water. Due to many uncontrolled 

confounding factors, authors concluded 

that chlorination was not a major factor 

in the etiology of gastrointestinal and 

urinary tract cancers. 

Gottlieb et al. (1981) Case-control study using mortality data in 

Louisiana and estimations of exposure. 

Rectal cancer significantly elevated with 

respect to surface or Mississippi River 

water consumption. 

Young et al. (1981) Case-control study in Wisconsin, 1972­

1977. Questionnaires sent to waterworks 

superintendents on chlorine content. 

Colon cancer showed significant 

(p<0.05) association with chlorine intake 

in all three dosage categories. 

Cragle et al. (1985) Case-control study using colon cancer 

cases from seven hospitals in North 

Carolina. 

Consumption of chlorinated water 

strongly associated with colon cancer, 

above age 60. 

Young et al. (1987) Case-control study of colon cancer cases 

in Wisconsin. Water consumption was 

determined by interview, and chloroform 

levels by historical records and 

measurement. 

No association found between 

trihalomethane exposure and colon 

cancer incidence. 

VI - 2 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-1 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Morris et al. (1992) Meta-analysis of nine case-control studies 

and one cohort study analyzing cancer 

and consumption of chlorinated water or 

water containing high chloroform levels. 

Statistically significant relative risk of 

rectal cancer and bladder cancer in 

exposed groups. No colon cancer. 

McGheehin et al. (1993) Population-based case-control study Association between bladder cancer risk 

and exposure to chlorinated water and 

trihalomethanes. 

King and Marret (1996) Case-control study conducted by Health Increased risk of bladder cancer 

Canada associated with total trihalomethane 

exposure. 

Hildesheim et al. (1998) Population-based case-control study of 

colon and rectal cancer risk. Iowa, 1986­

Rectal cancer risk associated with 

duration of chlorinated water use. No 

1989. association of colon cancer risk with 

duration of chlorinated water use or 

trihalomethane estimates. 

Cantor et al. (1998) Population-based case-control study of 

bladder cancer risk. Iowa, 1986-1989. 

Positive findings for risk restricted to 

men and to current or former smokers. 

In men, smoking and exposure to 

chlorinated water enhanced the risk of 

bladder cancer. 

Marcus et al. (1998) Ecologic study of association between 

TTHM in 71 North Carolina public water 

TTHM levels not associated with breast 

cancer risk when adjusted for potential 

supplies and incidence of histologically 

confirmed female invasive breast cancer 

confounding factors. Data were 

consistent with TTHMs being unrelated 

obtained from cancer registry data. or weakly related to breast cancer risk. 

Infante-Rivard et al. 

(2001, 2002) 

Population-based case-control study 

comparing 491 cases of childhood acute 

lymphoblastic leukemia (ages 0-9 yrs) 

with 491 age, sex, and region of 

residence-matched population-based 

controls. Quebec, 1980-1993. 

Odds ratios for exposure to bromoform, 

chlorodibromomethane and 

dibromochloromethane were generally 

less than one (range from 0.42 to 1.02). 

Postnatal exposure to bromoform at 

concentrations exceeding the 95% 

percentile was associated with an OR of 

1.3 (95% CI = 0.71 to 2.71). The most 

important limitation of this study is the 

potential for exposure misclassification. 

Villanueva et al. (2003) Meta-analysis of epidemiologic study data 

extracted from six case-control and two 

cohort studies that examined the 

Consumption of chlorinated water was 

associated with sex-specific combined 

risk estimates for bladder cancer of 1.4 

relationship between exposure to 

chlorinated water and bladder cancer. 

(95% CI 1.1 to 1.9) for men and 1.2 

(95% CI 0.7 to 1.8) for women. The 

authors suggest that this indicates a 

moderately increased risk for bladder 

cancer in men. 

VI - 3 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-1 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Villanueva et al. (2004) Pooled data from 6 case-control studies of Consumption of chlorinated water was 

bladder cancer in subjects exposed to associated with sex-specific combined 

disinfection byproducts in the United risk estimates for bladder cancer of 1.4 

States, Canada, France, Italy, and Finland. (95% CI 1.2 to 1.7) for men and 1 (95% 

Detailed data on water consumption and CI 0.8 to 1.2) for women. 

THM exposure were required for 

inclusion. 

Table VI-2 Epidemiological Studies Investigating an Association Between Chlorinated 

Drinking Water and Adverse Pregnancy, Altered Menstrual Function, or Sperm Quality 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Aschengrau et al. 1989 Hospital-based case-control study of 

spontaneous abortion and multiple water 

quality parameters in Boston, MA area. 

After adjustment for potential 

confounders and chemical constituents, 

frequency of spontaneous abortion was 

increased for consumption of surface 

water when compared to use of mixed 

surface and ground water (OR 2.2, 95% 

C.I. 1.3 - 3.6) The association between 

surface water and increased risk of 

spontaneous abortion was not confirmed 

by a comparison of chlorinated vs. 

chloraminated surface water. 

Chloraminated water was used as a 

surrogate for low exposure to 

disinfection byproducts. 

Kramer et al. (1992) Population-based case-control study that 

examined potential associations between 

pregnancy outcome and exposure to 

trihalomethanes in tap water. Data on 

pregnancy outcomes for cases and 

controls were collected from Iowa birth 

certificates for non-Hispanic white 

singleton births during the period January 

1, 1989 to June 30, 1990. 

A possible association was noted 

between exposure to 

bromodichloromethane concentrations 

$10 :g/L and intrauterine growth 

retardation (OR = 1.7; 95% C.I. 0.9, 2.9) 

when compared to drinking water 

sources without detectable levels. 

Aschengrau et al. 1993 Case-control study of drinking water 

quality and occurrence of late adverse 

effects among women who delivered 

infants during August 1977 - March 1980 

in Massachusetts 

After adjustment for confounding, 

frequency of stillbirths was increased for 

women exposed to chlorinated surface 

water (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.9-7.5). 

VI - 4 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-2 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Nuckols et al. (1995) Cross-sectional study in Colorado of 

populations drinking chlorinated and 

chloraminated water 

No statistically significant effects of 

exposure, although odds ratio was 

elevated for risk of low birth weight 

infants. 

Bove et al. (1995) Cross-sectional study in New Jersey An association was reported between 

total trihalomethane levels and “small 

for gestational age.” 

Savitz et al. (1995) Population based case-control study in 

North Carolina 

Statistically significant association of 

miscarriage with increasing 

concentration of TTHM and with the 

highest sextile of exposure(OR=2.8, 95% 

C.I. 1.1, 2.7), but no relationship with 

ingested dose or water source. Small 

increase in risk of low birth rate. 

Gallagher et al. (1998) Retrospective cohort study of relationship 

between THM exposure during third 

Possible association of trihalomethane 

concentration in tap water at maternal 

trimester of pregnancy and low 

birthweight, low term birth weight, and 

residence during third trimester and risk 

of term low birth weight deliveries. 

preterm delivery. Colorado birth 

certificate data matched to historical 

Little association with preterm delivery. 

Weak association with low birth weight. 

water data based on census block groups. 

1990-1993. 

Waller et al. (1998) Prospective study of association between 

total and individual THM exposure and 

spontaneous abortion. Concurrent THM 

data obtained from public water supplies. 

Women who drank $ 5 glasses/day of 

cold tap water containing $ 75 :g/L 

TTHMs had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.8 

for spontaneous abortion. Of individual 

THMs, only consumption of $5 glasses 

of water containing $ 18 :g/L 

bromodichloromethane (or a compound 

co-occurring with 

bromodichloromethane) was associated 

with spontaneous abortion. 

Klotz et al. (1998), Klotz 

and Pyrch (1999) 

Case-control study of association between 

drinking water contaminants (including 

disinfection byproducts) and neural tube 

defects. Births with neural tube defects 

reported to New Jersey’s Birth Defects 

Registry in 1993 and1994 were matched 

against control births chosen randomly 

from across the State. 

Elevated odds ratios, generally between 

1.5 and 2.1, for the association of neural 

tube defects with total THMs (TTHMs). 

The only statistically significant results 

were seen when the analysis was isolated 

to those subjects with the highest THM 

exposures (greater than 40 ppb) and was 

limited to those subjects with neural tube 

defects in which there were no other 

malformations (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 

1.1–4.0). 

VI - 5 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-2 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Dodds et al. (1999) Retrospective cohort study in Nova Scotia 

women with singleton births, 1988-1995. 

Little association between TTHM level 

and fetal weight- or gestational agerelated outcomes. Elevated relative risk 

for stillbirths for exposure to >100 :g/L 

TTHM levels during pregnancy. Little 

evidence for increased prevalence or 

dose-response for congenital 

abnormalities with possible exception of 

chromosome aberrations for exposure 

>100 :g/L. 

Magnus et al. (1999) Ecologic study in Norway of chlorinated 

water consumption and birth defects 

observed in births during period 1993­

1995. 1994 data on water quality and 

disinfection practice. Water color used as 

an indicator for natural organic matter 

content. 

Among 141,077 births, 1.8% had birth 

defects. Adjusted odds ratios (high 

color, chlorination vs. low color, no 

chlorination) of 1.14 (0.99-1.31) for any 

malformation; 1.26 (0.61-2.62) for 

neural tube defects; and 1.9 (1.10-3.57) 

for urinary tract defects. 

Yang et al. (2000) Study in Taiwan of association between 

chlorination of drinking water and low 

birth weight. 

Examination of 18,025 births showed no 

association between consumption of 

chlorinated drinking water and low birth 

weight. 

King et al. (2000) Population-based retrospective cohort 

study in Nova Scotia, Canada to examine 

the relationship between TTHM or 

individual THMs and risk for stillbirth of 

fetuses greater than 500 grams. Study 

cohort assembled from a perinatal 

database and consisted of 49,756 

singleton births that occurred between 

1988 and 1995. 

Risk doubled for women exposed to a 

bromodichloromethane level $ 20 :g/L 

when compared to women consuming 

concentrations of less than 5 :g/L 

(relative risk = 1.98, 95% confidence 

interval of 1.23 - 3.49). When categories 

of stillbirth (unexplained deaths and 

asphyxia-related deaths) were examined, 

relative risk estimates for asphyxiarelated deaths increased by 32% for each 

10 :g/L increase in 

bromodichloromethane concentration. 

Dodds and King (2001) Retrospective cohort study conducted 

using data from a population-based 

perinatal database in Nova Scotia, Canada 

and routine water monitoring data. The 

cohort consisted of women who had a 

singleton birth in Nova Scotia between 

1988 and 1995 and who lived in an area 

with a municipal water supply. 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane at 

concentrations of 20 :g/L and over was 

associated with increased risk of neural 

tube defects (adjusted relative risk = 2.5; 

95% confidence interval 1.2 to 5.1) and 

decreased risk of cardiovascular 

anomalies (adjusted relative risk = 0.3; 

95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.7). No 

association observed for 

bromodichloromethane and cleft defects. 

VI - 6 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-2 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Waller et al. (2001) Reanalysis of total trihalomethane 

exposure data reported in Waller et al. 

(1998). 

The study authors reported no apparent 

advantage in using a closest-site (vs. 

utility-wide) measurement approach for 

estimation of exposure to total 

trihalomethanes. 

Windham et al. (2003) Prospective study of association between 

total and individual THM exposure and 

menstrual cycle function. Concurrent 

THM data obtained from public water 

supplies. 

Exposure to dibromochloromethane and 

sum of brominated trihalomethanes was 

associated with a reductions in length of 

the menstrual cycle and follicular phase 

of the menstrual cycle, suggesting 

possible effects on ovarian function. 

Concentrations of $20 :g/L for 

dibromochloromethane and $45 :g/L for 

total brominated trihalomethanes were 

associated with reductions in cycle and 

follicular phase lengths of approximately 

one day. No effect was noted on length 

of luteal phase or duration of menses. 

Fenster et al. (2003) Prospective study of association between 

total and individual THM exposure and 

sperm quality in healthy men. Concurrent 

data obtained from public water supplies. 

Exposure to TTHM was not associated 

with decrements in semen quality. 

Individual THM levels not strongly 

associated with any semen parameter. 

Inverse relationship between exposure to 

bromodichloromethane and sperm 

linearity (linearity decreased by -0.09 ± 

0.04 per unit increase in 

bromodichloromethane). 

Shaw et al. (2003) Case control study of association between 

total and individual THM exposure and 

birth defects. Exposure data were 

obtained from municipal water supplies. 

Effects were estimated using both 

continuous and categorical measures of 

THM exposure. 

No association was found between THM 

as a continuous variable and neural tube 

defects or other malformations. When 

exposure to brominated THMs was 

evaluated, either no effect or reduced 

odds ratios were observed for all of the 

malformations considered in the study 

(ORs ranged from 0.59 to 1.2). 

VI - 7 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-2 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

King et al. (2004) An exposure assessment was performed 

as part of a case-control study of stillbirth 

and abruptio placentae in Nova Scotia and 

Eastern Ontario. Residential water 

samples were analyzed for specific and 

total THMs and haloacetic acids. 

Temporal and spatial variation within the 

water distribution systems was examined 

and the impact of water use behaviors on 

the total exposure metric was determined 

There was variability in the composition 

of THM in the two geographic areas 

under study. Significant spatial variation 

was observed in large water distribution 

systems and water use behaviors were 

shown to significantly affect the total 

exposure metric with showering 

accounting for approximately 60% of the 

total THM exposure. Recommendations 

include the direct measurement of 

different species of byproducts, the 

sampling of individual households rather 

than distribution systems and 

incorporation of water use behaviors in 

estimating the exposure of subjects in 

epidemiological investigations. 

Dodds et al. (2004) Case-control study conducted in Nova 

Scotia and Eastern Ontario, Canada , to 

evaluate the relationship between 

exposure to chloroform and BDCM and 

stillbirth. Stillbirths occurring between 

July 1999 and December 2001 were 

identified through a population-based 

perinatal database (112 stillbirth cases and 

398 live birth controls). 

Women with a residential THM 

concentration >80 ug/L had elevated risk 

of stillbirth as compared to women with 

no exposure (OR = 2.2, 95% C.I. 1.1-

4.4). Similar results were seen for 

chloroform and BDCM concentrations. 

Infante-Rivard (2004) Case-control study to evaluate exposure 

to total and individual THMs and 

potential effects on fetal growth. Cases 

include newborns with low birth weight 

born at a medical center in Montreal 

between May 1998 and June 2000. 

Distribution system data was used to 

calculate THM concentrations. Mothers 

and newborns were evaluated for genetic 

polymorphisms in metabolic enzyme 

systems. 

Exposure to >30 ug/L THM was shown 

to affect fetal growth, but only in 

newborns with a genetic polymorphism 

in the CYP2E1 gene (OR = 13.2, 95% 

C.I. 1.19-146.72). Exposure information 

on showering and water consumption 

were used to derive risk estimates. 

VI - 8 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-2 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Wright et al. (2004) Retrospective cohort study which linked 

birth certificate data from 1995-1998 with 

measurement of THM and mutagenicity 

for all towns in Massachusetts with a 

population >10,000. Studied the effect of 

3rd trimester exposure on birth weight, 

mean gestational age, SGA, and preterm 

delivery. 

Reductions in mean birth weight were 

associated with elevated exposure to 

individual THMs, MX, and mutagenic 

activity. Dose-response trends were 

observed for THM concentrations and 

risk of small for gestational age (SGA), 

which is defined as a birth weight below 

the 10th percentile of birth weight per 

gestational age, sex, and race. Increased 

risks of SGA were observed for total 

THM at >40 ug/L (OR range 1.02 to 

1.2), chloroform at >20 ug/L (OR range 

1.02 to 1.17), and BDCM at >5 ug/L 

(OR range 1.07 to 1.22). Exposure to 

BDCM and total THM was associated 

with an increase in mean gestational age 

and a decrease in pre-term delivery. 

Savitz et al. (2005) Population-based, prospective cohort of 

2,413 pregnant women from 3 water 

systems in the U.S., 2000-2004. 

Estimated TTHM, HAA9, and TOX (total 

organic halide) exposures during 

pregnancy were considered. Individual 

brominated THMs and HAA species were 

examined. Weekly or biweekly 

distribution system DBP concentration 

data were collected and linked with 

No association with pregnancy loss was 

seen when high TTHM exposures were 

compared to low exposures. An 

association was found between 

bromodichloromethane and pregnancy 

loss. Some increased risks were seen for 

losses at greater than 12 weeks’ gestation 

for TTHM, bromodichloromethane, and 

TOX, but most results generally did not 

provide support for an association. 

maternal residence and water 

consumption data (during first and second 

trimesters). Outcomes examined were 

early (<12 wks) and late (>= 12 wks) 

pregnancy fetal loss, preterm birth, smallTTHM exposure of 80 ug/L was 

significantly associated with twice the 

risk for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) 

births during the third trimester. 

for-gestational-age birth, and term birth 

weight. 

VI - 9 November 15, 2005 
Table VI-2 (cont.) 

Reference Study Description Observation 

Toledano et al. (2005) National registries were used to identify The adjusted odds ratios for stillbirths 

stillbirths and low or very low birth and low and very low birthweight 

weight deliveries between 1992 and 1998. increased slightly with exposure to total 

Postal code from the registry was used to THM in one of three water zones. Odds 

link each birth with a location in each ratios for this zone ranged from 1.09 (for 

water zone. Concentration data were low exposure) to 1.21 (for high 

derived from water supply company exposure). When the three zones were 

sampling programs. considered together, the odds ratio for 

stillbirths was increased with high 

exposure to total THM (OR = 1.11, 95% 

CI = 1.00 -1.23). Odds ratios for low or 

very low birth weight were not 

increased. The authors reported that 

concentrations of bromodichloromethane 

and total brominated THM were not 

associated with an increased risk of 

stillbirths or low or very low 

birthweight, but did not provide the data 

from this analysis. 

VI - 10 November 15, 2005 
A number of studies have examined the association between consumption of chlorinated 

water and incidence of cancer in the intestine, rectum, bladder, brain, and/or pancreas. Based on 

the evaluation of the entire cancer epidemiology database, U.S. EPA has concluded that bladder 

cancer studies provide the strongest evidence for an association between exposure to chlorinated 

surface water and cancer (U.S. EPA, 1998d). The association between exposure to chlorinated 

surface water and cancer at other sites cannot be determined at this time because the available 

data are limited. 

A number of epidemiological studies have examined the potential association of 

reproductive or developmental outcomes with consumption of tap water containing 

trihalomethanes (reviewed in Bove et al., 1995, 2002; Reif et al., 1996; Mills et al. 1998; 

Nieuwenhuijsen et al. 2000). These studies have examined three general categories of 

reproductive and developmental outcomes: 1) spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and pre-term 

delivery; 2) low birth weight and growth retardation; and 3) birth defects (neural tube defects, 

oral cleft, and cardiac effects). In addition, recent studies have examined the potential association 

between tap water consumption and reproductive toxicity manifested as alterations in menstrual 

cycle function or semen quality. Studies which found an association with one or more individual 

brominated trihalomethanes are discussed by chemical below. 

In their assessment of available data on the available data for reproductive and 

developmental effects of disinfection byproducts, Reif et al. (1996) stress that interpretation of 

epidemiologic findings for these contaminants are potentially complicated by unmeasured 

confounding variables and misclassification errors. Smoking, socioeconomic status, alcohol 

consumption, other environmental exposures, and reproductive history are examples of 

confounding variables that have the potential to bias estimates of risk in studies of disinfection 

byproducts if not measured. Misclassification errors can arise from failure to account for spatial 

and temporal variability in contaminant measurements, migration of study participants, incorrect 

assumptions related to water source or use, and use of water treatment data as a surrogate for tap 

water concentrations. These factors may result in under- or over-classification of health risks 

associated with the consumption of disinfected water. Of greatest concern are variables or errors 

which might lead to underestimation of the true public health risks associated with exposure to 

tap water containing brominated trihalomethanes. The positive findings in studies of brominated 

trihalomethanes thus form a foundation for further studies, but should be interpreted cautiously. 

It is also important to recognize that detection of an association between an increased 

incidence of a reproductive effect and the concentration of an individual compound in chlorinated 

water can not be interpreted as proof that the compound caused the effect. This is because 

chlorinated drinking water contains many different disinfection byproducts in addition to 

brominated trihalomethanes, and the occurrence and concentration of many of these products tend 

to be correlated. 

VI - 11 November 15, 2005 
1. Bromodichloromethane 

a. Cancer 

No workplace or other epidemiological cancer studies were located in which humans were 

exposed exclusively or primarily to bromodichloromethane. 

b. Pregnancy, Birth Defects, and Reproductive Function 

Ten studies were located that reported examination of associations between 

bromodichloromethane and reproductive or developmental endpoints (Kramer et al., 1992; Waller 

et al., 1998; King et al., 2000; Dodds and King, 2001; Fenster et al., 2003, Shaw et al., 2003; 

Windham et al., 2003; Dodds et al., 2004; Savitz et al., 2005; Toledano et al., 2005). 

Kramer et al. (1992) conducted a population-based case-control study to determine if 

exposure to trihalomethanes in drinking water is associated with low birthweight (159 cases, 795 

controls), prematurity (342 cases, 1710 controls), or intrauterine growth retardation (defined as 

being lower than the 5th percentile of weight for gestational age; 187 cases, 935 controls). A 

separate analysis was conducted for each endpoint, using five randomly selected controls for each 

affected newborn. Data were collected from Iowa birth certificates from January 1, 1989, to June 

30, 1990; the study population was restricted to residents of small towns where all of the drinking 

water was derived from a single source (surface water, shallow wells, or deep wells). Exposure 

data were based on a 1987 municipal water survey; birth certificate data from 1987 were not used 

because data on maternal smoking status first became available in 1989. The study authors 

adjusted for maternal age, number of previous children, marital status, education, adequacy of 

prenatal care, and maternal smoking. Prematurity (OR = 1.0, 95% C.I. 0.6, 1.5) and low birth 

weight (OR = 1.0, 95% C.I. 0.7, 1.5) did not show an association with exposure to drinking water 

containing bromodichloromethane when compared to sources without detectable levels of the 

compound. A possible association was noted between exposure to drinking water concentrations 

of bromodichloromethane $10 :g/L and intrauterine growth retardation (OR = 1.7; 95% C.I. 0.9, 

2.9) when compared to drinking water sources without detectable levels. However, the 

confidence interval included 1, indicating that the increase was not statistically significant. 

Waller et al. (1998) conducted a prospective study in pregnant women to examine the 

association between trihalomethanes in drinking water and spontaneous abortion (pregnancy loss 

at 20 or less completed weeks of gestation). The study participants were recruited from three 

facilities of a large managed health care organization which were located in regions of California 

that primarily received either mixed, surface, or groundwater. Recruitment occurred when the 

women scheduled their first prenatal exam after confirmation of pregnancy. A group of 5,342 

subjects completed a telephone interview that obtained information on demographics, previous 

pregnancy history, employment status, consumption of tap and bottled water, use of alcohol, 

tobacco, and caffeine, and other factors. At the time of enrollment in the study, each woman was 

at least 18 years of age, at 13 or less weeks of gestation, spoke English or Spanish, and could 

provide with certainty the date of her last menstrual period. Following adjustment for elective 

VI - 12 November 15, 2005 
termination of pregnancy, ectopic or molar pregnancies, and multiple gestations, a total of 5,144 

pregnancies remained for analysis. 

Waller et al. (1998) quantified exposure to trihalomethanes by estimating the subject’s 

daily tap water intake at 8 weeks gestation. Concentration of total trihalomethanes and any 

available data on individual trihalomethanes were obtained directly from the utility supplying 

drinking water to a subject’s address or zip code. Total trihalomethane levels were calculated by 

averaging all measurements taken by the utility supplying a participant’s home. Each participant 

was assigned a personal exposure classification (high or low) to total trihalomethanes (TTHM) 

and individual trihalomethanes (THM) based on the following criteria. A high personal exposure 

to TTHM was defined as drinking 5 or more glasses of cold tap water per day and having a 

TTHM level of 75 :g/L or higher. Low personal exposure to TTHM was defined as either 1) 

drinking less than 5 glasses of cold tap water per day, 2) having a TTHM level of less than 75 

:g/L, or 3) receiving water from a utility that provided 95% or greater groundwater. Personal 

exposures to the individual THMs (bromoform, bromodichloromethane and 

dibromochloromethane) were defined in a similar manner, with a high personal exposure being 

defined as drinking 5 or more glasses of cold tap water per day with an individual brominated 

THM level of 16 :g/L or higher for bromoform, 18 :g/L or higher for bromodichloromethane, or 

31 :g/L or higher for dibromochloromethane. Low personal exposures to the individual THMs 

were defined as either 1) drinking less than 5 glasses of cold tap water per day, 2) having an 

individual THM level below the cutoff, or 3) having a TTHM level less than 72 :g/L if individual 

THM levels were not reported. 

The authors found a modest association between consumption of trihalomethanecontaining water and incidence of spontaneous abortion. Increased risk of spontaneous abortion 

was noted starting at approximately 75 :g/L. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for women who drank 

5 or more glasses of cold tap water per day containing an average TTHM level of 75 :g/L or 

higher during their first trimester was 1.8 (95% C.I. 1.1, 3.0). An estimated 18.4% of the study 

participants were exposed to TTHM at or above this level. Because heating can volatilize and 

thus reduce TTHM levels in water, the study authors recalculated personal TTHM consumption 

using total tap water consumption (i.e., hot plus cold). This recalculation resulted in an OR of 1.2 

(C.I. 0.8, 1.9) for high personal exposure that was substantially lower than the OR of 1.8 for high

personal exposure based on consumption of cold tap water alone. This result implicates volatile 

agents in the association between tap water consumption and risk of spontaneous abortion. 

Of the four individual THMs, only high bromodichloromethane exposure was associated 

with spontaneous abortion alone (adjusted OR = 2.0, 95% C.I. 1.2, 3.5) and after adjustment for 

other THMs in a logistic regression model (adjusted OR = 3.0, C.I. 1.4, 6.6). Waller et al. (1998) 

noted that there was no additive or other effect from showering or swimming. Therefore, no 

adjustment was required for these variables. Potential misclassification of exposure was 

identified as the primary limitation of this study. Concentration levels for most subjects were 

based on test results for a single day, and thus do not reflect potential variation in trihalomethane 

levels over time. In addition, the exposure to THMs from sources other than ingestion could not 

be fully characterized. 

VI - 13 November 15, 2005 
Because exposure misclassification appeared to be a limitation of the Waller et al. (1998) 

study, Waller et al. (2001) reported a reanalysis of exposure data from that study. The objective 

of the new analysis was to examine how use of alternative methods for estimation of exposure 

would affect associations between TTHM exposure and risk of spontaneous abortion. This 

reanalysis did not address dose-response relationships between individual brominated 

trihalomethanes and occurrence of spontaneous abortion. Two exposure analyses were tested. 

The first method used the utility-wide average concentration (the metric used in Waller et al., 

1998). The second method used THM measurements taken from the water system sampling site 

nearest the subject’s home. For each method, the authors performed 1) an unweighted analysis; 

2) an analysis weighted by a factor intended to reduce exposure misclassification (see below); and 

3) an analysis within a subset of the cohort that possibly had less exposure misclassification than 

the entire cohort. The weighted and subset analyses were performed in an effort to reduce 

exposure misclassification. 

The utility-wide average method estimated the concentration of total trihalomethanes by 

averaging all distribution measurements taken by the subject’s utility during the first trimester of 

pregnancy. In contrast to the method used in Waller et al. (1998) the time interval was not 

expanded in order to capture a measurement and thus reduce missing data in cases where no 

measurements were available in the first trimester. For weighted analyses of the utility-wide 

average data, the study authors calculated a weighting factor that reflected the variance of the 

utility-wide average. This factor approached 1 if the variance (as estimated using the standard 

deviation, SD) was small and approached 0 if the variance was large: 

weightutility-wide average = 1 - (SDutility-wide average/mean TTHM level across sampling data base) 

The mean TTHM level across the sampling database was 50 :g/L for the years 1990­

1991. The weighting factor was set to 0 for women whose SD was greater than 50 :g/L. The 

weighting factor for women served by groundwater utilities was set to 1, because (at the time that 

the study was conducted) groundwater was often not chlorinated, trihalomethane levels in these 

utilities were assumed to be negligible, and the utilities were exempt from quarterly TTHM 

measurements. 

The closest-site method took the average of all measurements taken during the first 

trimester of pregnancy at the water distribution site nearest to the subject’s home. The closestsite approach used TTHM measurements taken from the water system sampling site nearest the 

subject’s home and adjusted for distance between the subject’s home and the sampling site. For 

the weighted analyses, a factor was created that would give a high weight to women living near a 

water utility sampling site and low weight to women living at a distance from a sampling site: 

weightclosest-site = 1 - [(miles to closest sampling site)2

/10] 

If a subject lived more than 3.16 miles (the square root of 10) from a sampling site, the weight 

was set to 0. Weighting factors for women served by groundwater utilities were set to 1 as 

previously described. 

VI - 14 November 15, 2005 
For the subset approach, analyses were restricted to groups of women for whom the 

exposure assessment was likely to be more accurate. Subset analyses using the utility-wide 

average TTHM concentration included women whose utility measurements were all within 20 

:g/L of each other and women served by groundwater utilities. Subset analyses using the closestsite average concentrations used women who lived within 0.5 miles of the utility sampling site 

and all women served by groundwater utilities. An ingestion metric was calculated using 

individual daily cold tap water intake at eight weeks gestation as determined in Waller et al. 

(1998). A categorical ingestion exposure metric was created using the first trimester THM 

concentration dichotomized at 75 :g/L and cold tap water ingestion dichotomized at 5 glasses per 

day. Ingestion was also estimated by multiplying the TTHM concentration by cold tap water 

consumption. A metric to capture exposure to trihalomethanes during showering was created by 

multiplying THM concentration by typical shower duration and the frequency of showering. 

Use of the utility-wide approach generally resulted in odds ratios equivalent to or slightly 

higher than the closest-site approach. Odds ratios obtained using the utility-wide average method 

for estimating TTHM (but not the closest-site method) became progressively stronger in the 

weighted and subset analyses. The study authors reported a positive, monotonic dose-response 

relationship between spontaneous abortion rate and an exposure metric incorporating TTHM and 

personal ingestion. The study authors noted that a major limitation of this reanalysis is the lack of 

a “gold standard” with which to compare the estimated TTHM ingestion of subjects in the study. 

In the absence of such a standard, it is not possible to determine whether the reanalysis actually 

reduced exposure misclassification. The conclusions reached by the study authors were 1) there 

was no advantage in using the closest-site method over the utility-wide method for exposure 

analysis; 2) use of variance-based weighting factors and subset analyses is defensible and resulted 

in some increases of odds ratio, but resulting loss of sample size may limit the utility of these 

techniques; and 3) use of a variety of exposure assessment techniques may lessen the impact of 

bias resulting from utility-specific factors such as inconsistencies in sampling density or 

unrecognized contamination problems. 

The reanalysis conducted by Waller et al. (2001) identified evidence for differential 

misclassification in the prior analysis of an area predominantly served by ground water (“Zone 

A”) reported in Waller et al. (1998). The effect of this misclassification was to bias the original 

estimate of the relationship between TTHM ingestion and spontaneous abortion away from the 

null. Over 400 of the women in the study cohort resided in Zone A, an area within a large mixedsource utility that received predominantly groundwater. Zone A was not sampled for THMs 

during the study period. Because other areas within the utility frequently had high TTHM 

concentrations, use of a utility-wide approach for estimating TTHM concentration probably 

resulted in an overestimation of exposure for Zone A residents. An investigation by the study 

authors revealed that although the spontaneous abortion rate of women in Zone A was low 

overall, women who drank at least 5 glasses of water per day had a spontaneous abortion rate of 

14.6%. The reason for the high spontaneous abortion rate among women consuming large 

amounts of Zone A water was unclear, but was reported to be consistent with other 

epidemiological studies that found high rates of spontaneous abortion among women ingesting 

large amounts of unchlorinated water in Region 1 of the original study. Exclusion of Zone A 

residents or recoding them to a level determined by later testing within the zone decreased the 

VI - 15 November 15, 2005 
adjusted OR for high exposure to TTHM (TTHM $75 :g/L and intake $ 5 glasses per day) to 1.5 

(95% C.I. 0.8, 2.8) as compared to the adjusted OR of 1.8 (95% C.I. 1.1, 3.0) identified in the 

original analysis (Waller et al., 1998). The impact of this finding on the adjusted OR calculated 

for individual brominated THMs is currently unknown, but is expected to be addressed in a future 

publication by Waller et al. 

King et al. (2000) conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study to examine the 

relationship between TTHM or individual THMs and risk for stillbirth of fetuses greater than 500 

grams. The study cohort was assembled from a perinatal database in Nova Scotia, Canada and 

consisted of 49,756 singleton births that occurred between 1988 and 1995. Exposure was 

assigned by relating the mother's residence at the time of delivery to the levels of total and 

individual THMs measured in public water supplies. Maternal age, parity, smoking during 

pregnancy, infant's sex, and neighborhood family income were evaluated as potential 

confounders. Relative risks (RR) were adjusted for smoking and maternal age. Exposure to 

TTHMs, chloroform, and bromodichloromethane were associated with increased risk of stillbirth. 

Analysis of the results suggested that exposure to bromodichloromethane was a stronger predictor 

of risk than exposure to chloroform. Risk doubled for women exposed to a 

bromodichloromethane level of greater than or equal to 20 :g/L when compared to women 

consuming concentrations of less than 5 :g/L (adjusted RR = 1.98, 95% C.I. 1.23, 3.49). When 

subcategories of stillbirth (unexplained deaths and asphyxia-related deaths) were examined, 

relative risk estimates for asphyxia-related deaths increased by 32% for each 10 :g/L increase in 

concentration of bromodichloromethane. As noted by the authors, a potential limitation of this 

study was misclassification of exposure as a result of mobility within the study population 

(estimated to affect less than 10% of study subjects). This study did not examine early fetal death 

(e.g. spontaneous abortion) because the perinatal database employed in this investigation 

contained information only on fetuses that weighed 500 grams or more. 

Dodds and King (2001) conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton births among 

49,842 residents of Nova Scotia, Canada between 1988 and 1995 to assess the relationship 

between exposure to THMs and birth defects. Information on exposure concentrations consisted 

of routine water monitoring data obtained from the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment 

and reflected samples collected from within the water distribution system. The birth defects 

examined had previously been reported in other epidemiological studies, and included neural tube 

defects, cardiovascular defects, oral clefts, and chromosomal abnormalities. The perinatal 

information used in the study was obtained from the Nova Scotia Atlee perinatal database. This 

database contains information abstracted from medical records and includes infant diagnoses 

among stillborn and live born infants up to the time of discharge from the hospital after birth. In 

addition, information on prenatally diagnosed congential anomalies was obtained from pregnancy 

terminations. Inclusion of these data was deemed important because, in Nova Scotia, 

approximately 80% of neural tube defects are detected antenatally and the pregnancy is electively 

terminated. Exposure windows were selected to target the period before or during gestation when 

exposure to a potential developmental toxicant or mutagen might have the most profound effect 

on a particular developmental or genotoxic endpoint. The selected windows were as follows: 

average bromodichloromethane concentrations from one month before and one month after 

conception were used for analysis of neural tube defects; concentrations during the first two 

VI - 16 November 15, 2005 
months of pregnancy were used for analysis of cardiac defects and oral clefts; and the average 

concentrations three months before pregnancy were used for the analysis of chromosomal 

abnormalities. Estimates of relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were obtained from 

Poisson regression models. Maternal age, parity, maternal smoking, and neighborhood family 

income were assessed as potential confounders. The categories used for bromodichloromethane 

concentration were <5 :g/L; 5 - 9 :g/L; 10 - 19 :g/L; and $ 20 :g/L. 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane at concentrations $ 20 :g/L was associated with 

increased risk of neural tube defects (adjusted RR = 2.5; 95% C.I. 1.2, 5.1) when adjusted for 

maternal age and income level. However, there was no evidence of a dose-response trend with 

increasing concentration of bromodichloromethane. In addition, the study authors noted that this 

point estimate was “fairly unstable” as a result of the low number of cases (n=10) in the $20 :g/L 

exposure category. For cardiac defects, a significant reduction in risk was associated with 

exposure to concentrations of $20 :g/L (RR = 0.3; 95% C.I. 0.2, 0.7) and there was a trend of 

decreasing risk with increasing exposure. The study authors considered it unlikely that exposure 

above $20 :g/L was actually protective. They suggested that this may be a chance finding or a 

reflection of a negative association of bromodichloromethane with other disinfection byproducts 

in this region which may increase cardiac risks. There was no apparent trend or significant 

association for exposure to bromodichloromethane and occurrence of cleft defects or 

chromosomal aberrations. 

Fenster et al. (2003) examined the relationship between semen quality and exposure to 

trihalomethanes in home tap water, using data from the California Men’s Reproductive Health 

Study. The participants were 157 healthy men from couples without known factors for infertility, 

recruited from among 324 men after their wives met eligibility criteria for a prospective study of 

menstrual function and fecundity. All participants completed an extensive baseline interview that 

included questions on demographic factors, reproductive history, medical history related to risk of 

infertility, occupational exposures, consumption of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, and daily 

consumption of cold tap water (or beverages made from cold tap water) at home. Cotinine was 

measured in saliva samples as an indicator of exposure to tobacco smoke. Semen specimens (two 

samples from each participant in most cases) were obtained between May 1990 and September 

1991. Semen parameters assessed included semen volume, sperm concentration, and percent 

sperm motility. The percentage of sperm with normal morphology was estimated by two methods 

(the strict method and a modified form of the World Health Organization method of 1987). 

Motile sperm were analyzed for straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity, linearity (the ratio of 

straight line velocity to curvilinear velocity), amplitude of head displacement, and percentage of 

progressively motile sperm. Total trihalomethane levels were assigned based on water utility 

measurements taken during the 90 days preceding semen collection (an interval corresponding to 

the period of spermatogenesis). Semen parameters were analyzed as continuous variables with 

statistics accounting for repeated measures from the same man. Analyses were performed using 

the following exposure variables: 1) utility-wide TTHM levels; 2) utility-wide individual THM 

levels; 3) a TTHM ingestion metric obtained by multiplying TTHM concentration (:g/L) by cold 

home tap water consumption (glasses/day); and 4) self-reported usual daily consumption of cold 

water at home (glasses/day). All final models were adjusted for duration of abstinence before 

VI - 17 November 15, 2005 
sample collection, age, smoking status as determined by cotinine level, work in temperatures 

greater than 80°F, education, income, and race. 

TTHM level was not associated with decrements in semen quality. Data on individual 

THMs were not included in the report; however, the authors noted that individual THM levels 

were not strongly associated with any semen parameter, with the exception of an inverse 

association between exposure to bromodichloromethane and linearity of sperm motion. Use of an 

adjusted continuous model resulted in a decrease in linearity of - 0.09 ± 0.04 per unit increase in 

bromodichloromethane concentration. Monotonic, dose-related trends were not evident for the 

various measures of TTHM exposure and sperm motility, concentration, or count. The highest 

level of ingestion metric (concentration multiplied by cold tap water ingestion) was associated 

with a strong decrease in percent normal morphology and an increase in head defects. A 

difference of -7.1 (95% C.I. -12.7, -1.6) was observed for percent morphologically normal sperm 

as determined by the modified WHO method at the highest level (>160 :g/L x glasses/day) when 

compared to the lowest level (<40 :g/L x glasses/day). However, there was no appreciable 

decrement in percent normal morphology when assessed using the strict criteria. Consumption of 

cold home tap water appeared to be weakly related to decreases in percent normal morphology. 

For every cup of cold home tap water consumed, percent normal morphology (modified WHO 

method) decreased -0.48 (standard error = 0.43) and percent normal (strict method) decreased 

by0.31 (standard error = 0.21). Consumption of cold home tap water was not associated with any 

other semen parameter. 

The study authors noted the following strengths and weaknesses of this investigation. 

Strengths of the study included a prospective study design, a healthy population, data on potential 

confounders, and state-of-the-art semen analysis techniques. Potential limitations include 1) 

possible exposure misclassification resulting from use of quarterly utility measurements for 

estimation of exposure in the home; 2) incomplete characterization of personal exposure (e.g., no 

information was collected on potential inhalation and dermal exposure via showering, bathing, or 

swimming, or on factors such as storage or filtration of tap water that might modify THM levels); 

and 3) lack of data on exposure to other disinfection byproducts in tap water that are known 

spermatotoxicants in animals, such as halogenated acetic acids. An additional limitation may be 

the lack of consistency in sperm morphology results for the two methods employed. However, as 

noted by the study authors, there was no information available that directly compared the methods 

utilized in this study. Because the selection criteria used in this investigation resulted in a study 

population more representative of fertile men, the results can not necessarily be generalized to a 

larger population. The results of this study suggest the need for further study of the effects of 

disinfection byproducts (including THMs and haloacetic acids) on semen quality. 

Shaw et al. (2003) evaluated the relationship between congenital malformations and 

trihalomethane exposure using data from two previous case-control studies. In the first study, the 

study population consisted of all livebirths and fetal deaths (after 20 weeks of gestation) 

occurring among residents of 55 California counties between June 1989 and May 1991. Cases of 

neural tube defects (anencephaly, spina bifida cystica, craniorachischisis, or iniencephaly) among 

live births, fetal deaths, or electively terminated fetuses were compared with control liveborn 

singleton infants randomly selected from each hospital. In the second study, the study population 

VI - 18 November 15, 2005 
consisted of all deliveries (live or stillborn) between January 1987 and December 1988 among 

California residents. Cases were defined as infants or fetuses with orofacial clefts, conotruncal 

heart defects, or neural tube defects that had not been included in the first study. Controls were 

randomly selected from births in the same area and time period. 

In both studies, mothers were interviewed to obtain medical and reproductive history and 

to determine all locations where they had resided for at least 2 weeks during the periconceptional 

period. Exposure to THM was estimated by matching each address to a municipal water supply 

and requesting data from the company on measured or estimated concentrations of total THM, 

chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform associated with 

each address and time period. Effects were estimated using a continuous measure of THM and 

also using categorical measures (0, 1-24 ppb, 25-49 ppb, 50-74 ppb, $75 ppb). In addition, 

effects associated with exposure to chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and 

dibromochloromethane (data on bromoform were inadequate for the assessment) above or below 

the 80th percentile concentration were estimated. For study 1, neural tube defects were inversely 

associated with total THM both as a continuous and a categorical variable (adjusted odds ratios 

were from 0.16 to 0.9). For study 2, there was no association between THM as a continuous 

variable and neural tube defects or other malformations. An increased incidence of neural tube 

defects was observed for the lowest category of THM (adjusted OR of 2.2), but an exposureresponse relationship was not observed. When exposure to brominated THMs was evaluated, 

either no effect or reduced odds ratios were observed for all of the malformations considered in 

the study (ORs ranged from 0.59 to 1.2). The authors concluded that these results did not provide 

evidence of an association between exposure to THM and the occurrences of congenital 

malformations, but noted that the potential for exposure misclassification may have caused 

associations to be underestimated 

Windham et al. (2003) examined menstrual cycle characteristics in relation to the 

presence of brominated trihalomethanes in tap water in a prospective study of women living in 

northern California. Data were also reported for chloroform and total trihalomethanes. The 

relationships examined included: 1) cycle characteristics and concentration of individual 

trihalomethanes, total trihalomethanes, and total brominated trihalomethanes in tap water; 2) 

cycle characteristics and estimated water consumption (total trihalomethanes); and 3) cycle 

characteristics and duration of showering (total trihalomethanes). The target population was 

married women of reproductive age (18-39 years old) who were members of the Kaiser 

Permanente Medical Care Program. Participants in the study were enlisted between May 1990 

and June 1991. Participants were selected from among nearly 6500 women using a short 

screening interview to identify women who were more likely to become pregnant (i.e., those who 

reported a menstrual period within the last six weeks, were not surgically sterilized, did not use 

birth control pills or IUDs, and were non-contracepting for less than 3 months). Out of 1092 

eligible women, a total of 403 women collected first morning urine samples daily for 2-9 

menstrual cycles (average 5.6 cycles) for measurement of steroid metabolites. The participants 

filled out a daily diary during the urine collection phase and recorded vaginal bleeding as number 

of pads or tampons. These data (diary and urinary hormone metabolites) were used to estimate 

menstrual parameters such as cycle and phase length. Cycle length was calculated from the first 

day of menses to the day before onset of the next menses. When the available data permitted, the 

VI - 19 November 15, 2005 
cycle was divided into the follicular phase (first day of menses through estimated day of 

ovulation) and the subsequent luteal phase. Between 1424 and 1714 cycles were available for 

evaluation of each parameter. 

Information on water consumption (as unheated tap water or drinks made from unheated 

tap water at home, drinks made from heated tap water at home, and bottled water) and other 

variables (age, race, education, employment, income, pregnancy history, exercise type and 

frequency, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption) was collected in a baseline telephone 

interview prior to urine collection. Information on the number of showers taken at home per week 

and their duration was also collected. Showering was examined as minutes per week and by 

combining the duration and cycle-specific trihalomethane level to create combinations of high 

and low exposure. Exposure to trihalomethanes was estimated from quarterly utility monitoring 

data and information on drinking water and other tap water use collected during the baseline 

interview. A 90-day exposure time period was assigned for each cycle because trihalomethane 

monitoring was conducted by the utilities on a quarterly (i.e., about 90 days) basis. A period of 

60 days before and 30 days after each cycle start date was selected for the 90-day window. 

Cycle-specific exposures to total trihalomethanes and individual trihalomethanes were calculated 

by averaging all trihalomethane measurements taken by a participant's utility at various points in 

the distribution system (i.e., the "utility-wide average" described by Waller et al., 1998, 2001) 

during the that 90-day period. Because the brominated trihalomethanes were highly correlated 

and thus difficult to examine independently, the study authors also examined the sum of the levels 

of the three brominated compounds. Exposure levels for the brominated trihalomethanes were 

examined as categorical variables (quartiles). The cycle-specific total trihalomethane 

concentration was examined as a categorical and continuous variable, as well as combined with 

amount of unheated tap water and the sum of heated and unheated tap water consumed, to 

calculate ingestion metrics. Statistical analyses were conducted using the menstrual cycle as the 

unit of observation. Menstrual parameters were analyzed as continuous or categorical variables 

in relation to primarily categorical exposure indices and the methods used accounted for repeated 

measures from the same individual. Numerous covariates reflecting demographic, reproductive 

history, and lifestyle factors were examined in relation to categorical trihalomethane levels and 

ingestion to identify potential confounders. Age, pregnancy history, body mass index, caffeine 

consumption, and alcohol consumption, as well as race and smoking, were included as variables 

in all adjusted models. 

Increased intake of individual brominated compounds or total brominated trihalomethanes 

was associated with significantly shorter cycles when examined by quartile (Table VI-3). Similar 

decrements were observed in follicular, but not luteal, phase length. Dose-response patterns were 

evident for both individual and total brominated trihalomethanes. The strongest association for 

an individual compound was observed for dibromochloromethane, with adjusted decrements of 

1.2 days (95% C.I. -2.0, -0.38) for mean cycle length and 1.1 days (95% C.I. -1.9, -0.25) for mean 

follicular phase length at the highest quartile ($20 :g/L). Adjusted decrements for 

bromodichloromethane at the highest quartile of exposure ($16 :g/L) were -0.74 (95% C.I. -1.5, 

-0.02) for cycle length and -0.80 (95% C.I. -1.5, -0.08) for follicular phase length. In contrast to 

the brominated trihalomethanes, a clear association with reduced cycle length was not observed 

for chloroform even at the highest quartile ($17 :g/L) (difference -0.3 days; 95% C.I. -1.0, 0.40). 

VI - 20 November 15, 2005 
Menses length was slightly increased at the highest quartile for bromodichloromethane exposure. 

For categorical variables, the odds of having a long cycle (OR = -1.2; 95% C.I. -2.0, -0.40) or 

long follicular phase (OR = -1.1; 95% C.I. -1.9, -0.29) were significantly reduced at the highest 

quartile for summed brominated trihalomethane concentration ($45 :g/L). These data suggest 

that exposure to brominated trihalomethanes (or other disinfection by-products that are associated 

with brominated trihalomethanes in these waters) may affect ovarian function. 

Windham et al. (2003) also examined relationships between total trihalomethane 

(brominated compounds plus chloroform) exposure and menstrual parameters. A monotonic 

decrease in mean cycle length was observed with increasing total trihalomethane exposure 

category. At concentrations greater than 60 :g/L, the adjusted decrement was 1.1 day (95% C.I. 

-1.8, -0.40) when compared to concentrations of 40 :g/L or less. The decrease in follicular phase 

length was similar (-0.94 day; 95% C.I. -1.6, -0.24). Cycles with total trihalomethane 

concentrations above the current MCL of 80 :g/L were shorter by about one day as well (0.99 

days; 95% C.I. -2.2, 0.17). A unit decrement in mean cycle and follicular phase length of 0.18 

days per 10 :g/L increase in total trihalomethane concentration (95% C.I. -0.29, -0.07) was 

determined when the cycle-specific total trihalomethane level was examined as a continuous 

variable. When ingestion patterns were examined, mean cycle and phase lengths showed little 

variation in relation to consumption of unheated tap water at home. In contrast, increased 

consumption of heated tap water was associated with significantly decreased cycle and follicular 

phase lengths. The observed decrements were greater than one day with daily consumption of 

three or more drinks made from heated tap water. These decrements were reduced by adjustment, 

particularly when caffeine was included in the model; the adjusted decrement in cycle length was 

0.68 days (95% C.I. -2.1, 0.72).

VI - 21 November 15, 2005 
c 

Table VI-3 Means and Adjusted Differences in Menstrual Cycle and Follicular Phase 

Length by Quartile of Individual and Summed Brominated Trihalomethanes 

Compound 

Quartile of Exposurea 

1b 2-3 4 

Mean ± SE 

(days) 

Adjusted Differencec 

(95% CI) 

Adjusted Differencec 

(95% CI) 

Cycle Length 

Bromodichloromethane 29.8 (0.30) -0.59 (-1.2, -0.02) -0.74 (-1.5, -0.02) 

Dibromochloromethane 30.0 (0.33) -0.69 (-1.4, -0.02) -1.2 (-2.0, -0.38) 

Bromoform 29.7 (0.26) -0.42 (-0.96, 0.13) -0.79 (-1.4, -0.14) 

Sum of Brominated 

Compounds 

30.0 (0.34) -0.72 (-1.4, -0.04) -1.2 (-2.0, -0.40) 

Follicular Phase 

Bromodichloromethane 17.0 (0.31) -0.54 (-1.1, 0.01) -0.80 (-1.5, -0.08) 

Dibromochloromethane 17.1 (0.34) -0.62 (-1.3, 0.05) -1.1 (-1.9, -0.25) 

Bromoform 16.9 (0.27) -0.30 (-0.83, 0.23) -0.78 (-1.4, -0.14) 

Sum of Brominated 

Compounds 

17.2 (0.35) -0.66 (-1.3, 0.02) -1.1 (-1.9, -0.29) 

Source: Windham et al. (2003) 

a Top quartiles for bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, bromoform, and the summed 

brominated compounds are $16, $20, $12, and $45 :g/L, respectively. b Difference from reference group; the mean provided is unadjusted with standard error (SE) 

Adjusted for age, race, body mass index, income, pregnancy history, caffeine and alcohol 

consumption, and smoking. 

A non-monotonic relationship was observed for mean cycle length and an ingestion metric 

combining total trihalomethane concentration and consumption of unheated tap water, with the 

highest category (>60 :g/day) showing a decrement of 0.4 days and the third category (>40-60 

:g/day) showing a decrement of one day. Use of an ingestion metric based on total home tap 

water consumption (i.e., heated and unheated tap water) revealed a more consistent pattern of 

reduced cycle length, with adjusted decrements of greater than one day for cycle (-1.1 day; 95% 

C.I. -2.2, -0.06) and follicular phase (-1.1 day; 95% C.I. -2.2, 0.03) lengths at >40 :g/day. 

Examination of time spent showering did not reveal additional risks with longer showers. The 

unadjusted mean cycle length varied little by time spent showering. Following adjustment, there 

was a tendency toward decreased length with any category of showering above 35 minutes/week. 

This relationship was stronger for follicular phase duration than for cycle length. For example, 

VI - 22 November 15, 2005 
the adjusted mean decrements at the longest duration ($ 105 minutes) were -0.68 days (95% C.I. 

-2.0, 0.68) for cycle length and -1.2 days (95% C.I. -2.6, 0.26) for follicular phase length. When 

combined with TTHM concentration, decrements in cycle and follicular phase length were seen at 

the higher TTHM (>60 :g/L) and longer showers ($ 70 minutes) categories (-1.2 and -1.6 days 

respectively). However, the confidence intervals were wide for all duration categories and a clear 

dose response pattern (i.e., shorter lengths at higher durations) was not evident. 

The study authors noted several strengths and potential limitations of this study. Strengths 

include the use of a prospective study design, use of biologic measures to determine menstrual 

parameters, and consideration of many potential confounders. Potential limitations include a 

study sample that may not be representative of the general population, and exposure 

misclassification due to a lack of information on other sources of exposure such as washing, 

cooking and cleaning, as well as exposures outside the home. 

There are two observations in this study that might suggest involvement of compounds 

other than trihalomethanes in the reduction of cycle length. First, the more consistent association 

of decreased cycle length reported for heated compared to unheated tap water is unexpected if 

trihalomethanes alone are the causative agent. This is because trihalomethanes volatilize from 

heated water and exposure to these compounds should therefore be lower for heated tap water, 

unless the volatilized compound is inhaled. It is not known if the women stayed in the room 

while heating water and inhaled the trihalomethanes. Second, examination of time spent 

showering did not reveal additional risks with longer showers. This is also counter to the 

expected trend, as elevated blood levels of trihalomethanes have been documented after 

showering (Backer et al., 2000; Miles et al., 2002) as a result of dermal and inhalation exposure. 

However, information on shower duration was collected by interview and the reported lengths 

may not have accurately reflected actual shower duration. Other factors that influence exposure 

could explain the failure to observe an increased risk with longer showers (e.g., shower water 

temperature, ventilation, etc.), but these data were not available. 

Because the study by Windham et al. (2003) is the first to examine changes in menstrual 

cycle function in relation to tap water exposure, there are no supporting data on the association of 

disinfection by-products other than the trihalomethanes with changes in menstrual cycle function. 

Although this study suggests that bromodichloromethane and other brominated trihalomethanes 

(or other disinfection byproducts associated with them) have effects on ovarian function, no 

definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the identity of the compounds responsible for these 

effects based on the available data. 

Dodds et al., (2004) performed a population-based case-control study to examine the 

relationship between THM exposure during pregnancy and stillbirth in Nova Scotia and Eastern 

Ontario, Canada. Population-based perinatal databases were used to identify all stillbirths 

occurring between July 1999 and December 2001. Cases included women who had stillborn 

infants (i.e., a fetus weighing more than 500 g at delivery, not including pregnancy termination 

for fetal anomaly) and controls were women who delivered a live born infant during the same 

time period. A large number of controls was selected to maximize the statistical power of the 

study. The water use behavior of study participants was evaluated through use of a telephone 

VI - 23 November 15, 2005 
interview and residential tap water samples were collected. A total exposure metric was 

calculated from various exposure sources including bathing and showering. Odds ratios were 

adjusted for potential confounding factors (i.e., age, province of residence, household income) 

and multi-variate analyses were conducted separately for total THM, chloroform and 

bromodichloromethane and for subgroups of cause of death. Asphyxia-related deaths and 

unexplained deaths were considered of primary interest in this study. 

The study results were based on 112 cases and 398 controls. The mean total THM level 

was 57 ug/L among cases and 55 ug/L among controls. The maximum concentration of total 

THM, chloroform, and bromodichloromethane among study participants was 318, 315, and 21 

ug/L, respectively. Subjects with a total THM level of greater than 80 ug/L had a 2-fold higher 

risk of stillbirth (OR = 2.2, 95% C.I. = 1.1-4.4) relative to women that were not exposed to THM. 

Similar results were seen for chloroform (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.0-4.8) and 

bromodichloromethane (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.0-4.5). When considering the total dose metric, 

women with the highest exposure to bromodichloromethane had 2.5 times the risk of stillbirth 

compared with those with no exposure (OR = 2.5, 95% C.I. = 1.3-4.9). The largest odds ratio 

(OR = 4.0, 95% C.I. = 1.4-11) was observed in women consuming more than 5 glasses of water 

each day at a total THM concentration of greater than 50 ug/L. Bathing and showering were 

considered to contribute to increased risk of stillbirth at high concentrations of THM. Although 

the highest risks for stillbirth were consistently observed in the highest exposure category, no 

dose-response relationship could be demonstrated for risks related to either the total THM 

concentration or the total THM exposure metric. 

King et al. (2004) performed an exposure assessment as part of the case-control study of 

stillbirth and abruptio placentae conducted in Nova Scotia and Eastern Ontario (Dodds et al., 

2004). Residential water samples were analyzed for specific and total THMs and haloacetic 

acids. Temporal and spatial variation within the water distribution systems was examined and the 

impact of water use behaviors on the total exposure metric was determined. A similar level of 

total THM in the two provinces was associated with a different mixture of specific disinfection 

byproducts. The correlation between total THMs and bromodichloromethane was high in Nova 

Scotia (r=0.63), but low in Ontario (r=0.26). Significant spatial variation was observed in large 

water distribution systems and water use behaviors were shown to significantly affect the total 

exposure metric with showering accounting for approximately 60% of the total THM exposure. 

This study highlighted the importance of the direct measurement of different species of 

byproducts, the sampling of individual households rather than distribution systems and 

incorporation of water use behaviors in estimating the exposure of subjects in epidemiological 

investigations. 

Infante-Rivard (2004) performed a hospital-based case control study in Canada to evaluate 

the relationship between THM exposure, gene polymorphism, and intrauterine growth restriction. 

Cases were defined as newborns whose birth weight was below the 10th percentile for gestational 

age and sex, based on Canadian standards. Controls were newborns born at the same hospital 

with a birth weight above the 10th percentile. Participants in the study included 493 cases and 472 

controls born at the same medical center between May 1998 and June 2000. Mothers of 

newborns were interviewed to gather information on demographics, water use behavior, and 

VI - 24 November 15, 2005 
medical history. Water concentrations of total THM, chloroform, bromoform, 

bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane were derived from regulatory data for 189 

distribution systems. Exposure estimates were determined for both drinking water and 

showering. Mothers and newborns were characterized for genetic polymorphism in the CYP2E1 

gene and in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene. 

For the overall study population, no association was demonstrated between THM 

exposure (total THM or constituent compounds) and intrauterine growth restriction (odds ratios 

ranged from 0.62 to 2.44). Both average and cumulative exposure via drinking water and 

showering were considered. Odds ratios were adjusted to account for confounding factors 

including, gestational age, sex, race, maternal weight gain, prepregnancy body mass index, 

smoking during the third trimester, primiparity, preeclampsia and previous intrauterine growth 

restriction. An association was observed between intrauterine growth restriction and exposure to 

total THM concentrations above the 90th percentile (29.4 ug/L) in those newborns with 1 or 2 

variant alleles in the gene for CYP2E1 (OR = 13.2, 95% C.I. 1.19-146.72). This finding suggests 

that exposure to THM may affect fetal growth in genetically susceptible newborns. 

In a retrospective cohort study, Wright et al. (2004) used birth certificate data on 196,000 

infants to evaluate the effect of total THM exposure on various indices of fetal development. 

Birth certificate data from 1995 to 1998 were derived from towns in Massachusetts with 

populations greater than 10,000. Information on birth weight and gestational age was linked with 

town-specific aggregate data on THM concentrations. Concentration data included water 

concentrations of total THM, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, total haloacetic acids, 

dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-

furanone (MX). Mutagenicity of water samples was also considered in the analysis. 

Reductions in mean birth weight were associated with elevated exposure to individual 

THMs, MX, and mutagenic activity. For total THM, exposures in the 50th-90th percentile (33 to 

74 ug/L) were associated with a 12 g reduction in mean birth weight (95% C.I. = -7 to -16 grams), 

while exposure to concentrations greater than 74 ug/L (>90th percentile) was associated with an 

18 g reduction in mean birth weight (95% C.I. = -10 to -26 g). Similar associations were 

observed for chloroform and bromodichloromethane. Exposure to haloacetic acids was not 

associated with decreases in mean birth weight. An association was observed between increased 

THM exposure, mutagenicity and increased gestational age/reduced risk of preterm delivery. 

Dose-response trends were observed for THM concentrations and risk of small for gestational age 

(SGA), which is defined as a birth weight below the 10th percentile of birth weight matched on 

gestational age, sex, and race. Statistically significant increased risks of SGA were observed for 

total THM at >33 ug/L (ORs of 1.06 to 1.13 for mid and high concentration categories), 

chloroform at >26 ug/L (ORs of 1.05 to 1.11 for mid and high concentration categories), and 

bromodichloromethane at >5 ug/L (ORs of 1.1 to 1.15 for mid and high concentration categories). 

The primary limitation of this study was the potential for exposure misclassification due to the 

use of town average data for exposure estimates. 

Savitz et al. (2005) was a population-based, prospective cohort of 2,413 pregnant women 

from 3 water systems in the U.S., 2000-2004. Estimated TTHM, HAA9, and TOX (total organic 

VI - 25 November 15, 2005 
halide) exposures during pregnancy were considered. Individual brominated THMs and HAA 

species were examined. Indices examined included concentration, ingested amount, exposure 

from showering and bathing, and an integration of all exposures combined. Weekly or biweekly 

distribution system DBP concentration data were collected and linked with maternal residence 

and water consumption data (during first and second trimesters). Periconceptual, early and late 

gestational exposure windows were examined. Outcomes examined were early (<12 wks) and 

late (>= 12 wks) pregnancy fetal loss, preterm birth, small for gestational age, and term birth 

weight. Potential confounding factors considered were maternal age, tobacco use, race, ethnicity, 

education, marital status, income, alcohol use, caffeine consumption, body mass index, age at 

menarche, employment, diabetes, pregnancy history, prior fetal loss, induced abortion history, 

vitamin use. 

No association with pregnancy loss was seen when high TTHM exposures were compared 

to low exposures. When examining individual THMs, a statistically significant association was 

found between bromodichloromethane and pregnancy loss. Although non-statistically significant, 

an increased risk similar in magnitude was seen between dibromochloromethane and pregnancy 

loss. Some increased risks were seen for losses at greater than 12 weeks’ gestation for TTHM, 

bromodichloromethane, and TOX, but most results generally did not provide support for an 

association. Preterm birth showed a small inverse relationship with DBP exposure (i.e. higher 

exposures were less likely to have a preterm birth), but this association was weak.TTHM 

exposure of 80 ug/L was significantly associated with twice the risk for small-for-gestational-age 

(SGA) births during the third trimester. 

Toledano et al. (2005) evaluated the association between exposure to total THM in public 

water supplies and stillbirths and birthweight. Three water zones in the UK were selected for 

study. National registries were used to identify stillbirths and low or very low birth weight 

deliveries between 1992 and 1998. Postal code from the registry was used to link each birth with 

a location in each water zone. The weighted average total THM concentrations for the 3-month 

period prior to birth (corresponding to the last trimester for full-term births) was estimated using 

data from mandatory sampling conducted by the water supply companies and modeling to 

estimate missing data. Exposure to total THM was categorized as low, medium, or high; ranges 

in each category varied between water zones. Odds ratios for stillbirth were adjusted for maternal 

age and an index of socioeconomic deprivation (the Carstairs index). Odds ratios for low and 

very low birth weight were adjusted for these variables as well as for sex of infant (low birth 

weight only) and year of study. The adjusted odds ratios for stillbirths and low and very low 

birthweight increased slightly with exposure to total THM in one of the three water zones (United 

Utilities) but not the others. Odds ratios for this zone ranged from 1.09 (for low exposure) to 1.21 

(for high exposure). Lower 95% confidence limits for all of the odds ratios were close to unity 

(values were from 0.98 to 1.14). When the three zones were considered together, the odds ratio 

for stillbirths was increased with high exposure to total THM (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00 -1.23). 

Odds ratios for other comparisons were not increased. The authors reported that concentrations 

of bromodichloromethane and total brominated THM were not associated with an increased risk 

of stillbirths or low or very low birthweight, but did not provide the data from this analysis. 

VI - 26 November 15, 2005 
2. Dibromochloromethane 

a. Cancer 

No workplace or other epidemiological cancer studies were located in which humans were 

exposed exclusively or primarily to dibromochloromethane. 

b. Pregnancy, Birth Defects, and Reproductive Function 

Nine studies were located that specifically sought to investigate associations between 

dibromochloromethane and reproductive or developmental endpoints (Kramer et al., 1992; Waller 

et al., 1998; King et al., 2000; Dodds and King, 2001; Fenster et al., 2003, Shaw et al., 2003; 

Windham et al., 2003; Infante-Rivard et al., 2004; Savitz et al., 2005). The studies of Kramer et 

al. (1992), Waller et al. (1998), Fenster et al. (2003), Shaw et al. (2003); Windham et al. (2003); 

Infante-Rivard et al. (2004), and Savitz et al., (2005) are summarized below. The studies by King 

et al. (2000) and Dodds and King (2001) are not presented because dibromochloromethane 

concentrations in water were too low to allow quantitative assessment of exposure-response 

relationships. 

Kramer et al. (1992) reported the results of a population-based case-control study that 

examined potential associations between exposure to trihalomethanes in tap water and occurrence 

of low birth weight (159 cases, 795 controls), preterm delivery (342 cases, 1710 controls), and 

intrauterine growth retardation (187 cases, 935 controls). Data on pregnancy outcomes for cases 

and controls were collected from Iowa birth certificates for non-Hispanic white singleton births 

during the period January 1, 1989 to June 30, 1990. Pregnancy outcomes were defined as 

follows: low birth weight was defined as body weight less than 2,500 grams; prematurity was 

defined as delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation; and intrauterine growth retardation was 

defined as body weight less than the 5th percentile of weight for gestational age. The study 

population was restricted to residents of small towns (population 1,000 to 5,000) where all tap 

water was derived from a single source (surface water, shallow wells, or deep wells). The 

concentration of dibromochloromethane in tap water was estimated from a municipal water 

survey of tap water conducted in 1986 and 1987. Exposure was assigned based on the mother’s 

town of residence at delivery, as reported on the baby’s birth certificate. A separate analysis was 

conducted for each of the three endpoints, with five randomly selected controls used for each 

affected newborn. The study data were adjusted for maternal age, number of previous children, 

marital status, education, number of prenatal visits, and maternal smoking. This study did not 

identify any association between dibromochloromethane concentration ($4 :g/L in the highest 

exposure category) in tap water and occurrence of low birth weight, prematurity, or intrauterine 

growth retardation (OR=0.8, 1.1, and 0.9, respectively). 

Waller et al. (1998) conducted a prospective study in pregnant women to examine the 

association between consumption of trihalomethanes in drinking water and spontaneous abortion 

(defined as pregnancy loss at 20 or less weeks of gestation). The study participants were 

recruited from three branches of a large managed health care organization that were located in 

regions of California that received either mixed, surface, or groundwater. The protocol used for 

VI - 27 November 15, 2005 
this study is provided in the summary for bromodichloromethane in section VI.B.1.b. Exposure 

to dibromochloromethane exposure was quantified by estimating the participant’s daily tap water 

intake at eight weeks gestation. Any available data on dibromochloromethane concentration were 

obtained directly from the utility supplying drinking water to a subject’s address or zip code. 

Exposure classifications (high or low) for ingestion of dibromochloromethane were assigned to 

each participant based on the following criteria. A high personal exposure to 

dibromochloromethane was defined as drinking five or more glasses of cold tap water per day and 

having a dibromochloromethane concentration of 31 μg/L or higher. Low personal exposure to 

dibromochloromethane was defined as either 1) drinking less than five glasses of cold tap water 

per day, 2) having a dibromochloromethane level below the cutoff, or 3) having a total 

trihalomethanes level of less than 72 μg/L if dibromochloromethane concentration was not 

reported. 

High personal exposure to dibromochloromethane was not associated with increased risk 

of spontaneous abortion, when data were adjusted for gestational or maternal age at interview, 

smoking, history of pregnancy loss, maternal race, and employment during pregnancy (adjusted 

OR for all regions = 1.3, 95 percent C.I. = 0.7 – 2.4) or when other trihalomethanes were included 

as covariates (adjusted OR for all regions = 0.8, C.I. = 0.2 – 2.8). The primary limitation of this 

study is potential misclassification of exposure. Concentration levels for most subjects were 

based on test results for a single day, and thus do not reflect potential variation in trihalomethane 

levels over time. In addition, the exposure to trihalomethanes from sources other than ingestion 

could not be fully characterized. 

Windham et al. (2003) examined menstrual cycle characteristics in relation to the 

presence of brominated trihalomethanes in tap water in a prospective study of women living in 

northern California. Data were also reported for chloroform and total trihalomethanes. The 

relationships examined included: 1) cycle characteristics and concentration of individual 

trihalomethanes, total trihalomethanes, and total brominated trihalomethanes in tap water; 2) 

cycle characteristics and estimated water consumption (total trihalomethanes); and 3) cycle 

characteristics and duration of showering (total trihalomethanes). The target population was 

married women of reproductive age (18-39 years old) who were members of the Kaiser 

Permanente Medical Care Program. Details of the protocol used for this study and a complete 

review of the results for total brominated compounds are provided in the summary of results for 

bromodichloromethane in Section VI.B.1.b. 

Increasing levels of individual brominated compounds or total brominated 

trihalomethanes were associated with significantly shorter menstrual cycles when examined by 

quartile (Table VI-2 above). Similar decrements were observed in follicular, but not luteal, phase 

length. Dose-response patterns were evident for both individual and total brominated 

trihalomethanes. Dibromochloromethane showed the strongest association for an individual 

compound with adjusted decrements of 1.2 days (95% C.I. -2.0, -0.38) for mean cycle length and 

1.1 days (95% C.I. -1.9, -0.25) for mean follicular phase length at the highest quartile ($20 :g/L). 

These data suggest that exposure to dibromochloromethane and other brominated trihalomethanes 

(or other disinfection by-products that are associated with brominated trihalomethanes in these 

waters) could affect ovarian function. However, the physiological impacts of the relatively small 

VI - 28 November 15, 2005 
(i.e., approximately one day) decreases in menstrual cycle and follicular phase lengths, 

respectively, associated with ingestion of tap water are currently unknown. 

Fenster et al. (2003) examined the relationship between semen quality and exposure to 

trihalomethanes in home tap water, using data from the California Men’s Reproductive Health 

Study. Details of the protocol used for this study and a complete review of the results for total 

brominated compounds are provided in the summary of results for bromodichloromethane in 

Section VI.B.1.b. The level of dibromochloromethane in home tap water was not strongly 

associated with any semen parameter. 

Shaw et al. (2003) evaluated the relationship between congenital malformations and 

trihalomethane exposure using data from two previous case-control studies. In the first study, the 

study population consisted of all livebirths and fetal deaths (after 20 weeks of gestation) 

occurring among residents of 55 California counties between June 1989 and May 1991. Cases of 

neural tube defects (anencephaly, spina bifida cystica, craniorachischisis, or iniencephaly) among 

live births, fetal deaths, or electively terminated fetuses were compared with 644 control liveborn 

singleton infants randomly selected from each hospital. In the second study, the study population 

consisted of all deliveries (live or stillborn) between January 1987 and December 1988 among 

California residents. Cases were defined as infants or fetuses with orofacial clefts, conotruncal 

heart defects, or neural tube defects that had not been included in the first study. Controls were 

randomly selected from births in the same area and time period. Details of the protocol used for 

this study and a complete review of the results for total brominated compounds are provided in 

the summary of results for bromodichloromethane in Section VI.B.1.b. Exposure to 

dibromochloromethane was not associated with increases in the incidence of any measure of 

congenital malformations in either study. 

Infante-Rivard (2004) performed a hospital-based case control study in Canada to evaluate 

the relationship between THM exposure, gene polymorphism, and intrauterine growth restriction. 

Cases were defined as newborns whose birth weight was below the 10th percentile for gestational 

age and sex, based on Canadian standards. Controls were newborns born at the same hospital 

with a birth weight above the 10th percentile. Participants in the study included 493 cases and 472 

controls born at the same medical center between may 1998 and June 2000. Details of the 

protocol used for this study and a complete review of the results for total brominated compounds 

are provided in the summary of results for bromodichloromethane in Section VI.B.1.b. No 

association was demonstrated between exposure to dibromochloromethane and intrauterine 

growth restriction (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.27-1.44). 

Savitz et al. (2005) was a population-based, prospective cohort of 2,413 pregnant women 

from 3 water systems in the U.S., 2000-2004. Estimated TTHM, HAA9, and TOX (total organic 

halide) exposures during pregnancy were considered. Individual brominated THMs and HAA 

species were examined. Details of the protocol used for this study and a complete review of the 

results for total brominated compounds are provided in the summary of results for 

bromodichloromethane in Section VI.B.1.b. Although non-statistically significant, an increased 

risk similar in magnitude was seen between dibromochloromethane and pregnancy loss. 

VI - 29 November 15, 2005 
3. Bromoform 

a. Cancer 

No workplace or other epidemiological cancer studies were located in which humans were 

exposed exclusively or primarily to bromodichloromethane. 

b. Pregnancy, Birth Defects, and Reproductive Function 

Four studies were located that examined associations between bromoform consumption or 

concentration in tap water and reproductive endpoints (Waller et al., 1998; Windham et al., 2003; 

Fenster et al., 2003; Infante-Rivard et al., 2004). 

Waller et al. (1998) conducted a prospective study in pregnant women to examine the 

association between trihalomethanes in drinking water and spontaneous abortion (pregnancy loss 

before reaching the 21st week of gestation). The study participants were recruited from three 

branches of a large managed health care organization that were located in regions of California 

that received either mixed, surface, or groundwater. A detailed description of the study protocol 

is provided in the summary for bromodichloromethane in section VI.B.1.b. 

The authors quantified exposure to trihalomethanes by estimating the participant's daily 

tap water intake at eight weeks gestation. Data on concentration of total trihalomethanes and any 

available data on bromoform were obtained directly from the utility supplying drinking water to a 

subject's address or zip code. Each participant was assigned a personal exposure classification 

(high or low) to bromoform based on the following criteria. High personal exposure was defined 

as drinking five or more glasses of cold tap water per day containing a bromoform concentration 

of 16 :g/L or higher. Low personal exposure to bromoform was defined as either 1) drinking less 

than five glasses of cold tap water per day, 2) having a bromoform level below the cutoff, or 3) 

having a total trihalomethanes level of less than 72 :g/L if bromoform concentration was not 

reported. No association with incidence of spontaneous abortion was observed for bromoform 

when data were adjusted for gestation or maternal age at interview, smoking, history of 

pregnancy loss, maternal race and employment during pregnancy (AOR for all regions = 1.0, 95% 

C.I. = 0.5 - 2.0) or when other trihalomethanes were included as covariates (AOR for all regions = 

0.7, 95% C.I. = 0.2 - 2.1). The primary limitation of this study is potential misclassification of 

exposure. Bromoform concentrations for most subjects were based on test results for a single 

day, and thus do not reflect potential variation in tap water levels over time. In addition, the 

exposure to bromoform from sources other than ingestion could not be fully characterized. 

Windham et al. (2003) examined menstrual cycle characteristics in relation to the 

presence of trihalomethanes in home tap water in a prospective study of women living in northern 

California. The relationships examined included: 1) cycle characteristics and concentration of 

individual trihalomethanes, total trihalomethanes, and total brominated trihalomethanes in tap 

water; 2) cycle characteristics and estimated water consumption (total trihalomethanes); and 3) 

cycle characteristics and duration of showering (total trihalomethanes). The target population 

was married women of reproductive age (18-39 years old) who were members of the Kaiser 

VI - 30 November 15, 2005 
Permanente Medical Care Program. A detailed description of this study is provided in the 

summary for bromodichloromethane in section VI.B.1.b. 

Increasing levels of individual brominated compounds or total brominated 

trihalomethanes in home tap water were associated with significantly shorter cycles when 

examined by quartile (Table VI-3 above). Similar decrements were observed in follicular, but not 

luteal, phase length. Dose-response patterns were evident for both individual and total 

brominated trihalomethanes. Bromoform had adjusted decrements of 0.79 days (95% C.I. -1.4, 

-0.14) for mean cycle length and 0.78 days (95% C.I. -1.4, -0.14) for mean follicular phase length 

at the highest quartile ($12 :g/L). These data suggest that bromoform and other brominated 

trihalomethanes (or other disinfection by-products that are associated with brominated 

trihalomethanes in these waters) may affect ovarian function. Because the study by Windham et 

al. (2003) is the first to examine changes in menstrual cycle function in relation to tap water 

exposure, there are no supporting data on the association of disinfection by-products other than 

the trihalomethanes with changes in menstrual cycle function. Thus, although this study indicates 

an association of bromoform exposure with effects on ovarian function, no definitive conclusions 

can be drawn from the current data regarding the identity of the compounds in tap water 

responsible for the observed effects. The physiological impacts of the relatively small (i.e., less 

than one day) decreases in menstrual cycle and follicular phase lengths observed in this study are 

unknown. 

Fenster et al. (2003) examined the relationship between semen quality and exposure to 

trihalomethanes in home tap water, using data from the California Men’s Reproductive Health 

Study. The participants were 157 healthy men from couples without known risk factors for 

infertility, recruited from among 324 men after their wives met eligibility criteria for a 

prospective study of menstrual function and fecundity. A detailed description of this study is 

provided in the summary for bromodichloromethane in section VI.B.1.b. Bromoform level in 

home tap water was not strongly associated with decrements in any semen parameter. Details of 

the analysis of individual THMs were not included in the report. 

Infante-Rivard (2004) performed a hospital-based case control study in Canada to evaluate 

the relationship between THM exposure, gene polymorphism, and intrauterine growth restriction. 

Cases were defined as newborns whose birth weight was below the 10th percentile for gestational 

age and sex, based on Canadian standards. Controls were newborns born at the same hospital 

with a birth weight above the 10th percentile. Participants in the study included 493 cases and 472 

controls born at the same medical center between may 1998 and June 2000. Details of the 

protocol used for this study and a complete review of the results for total brominated compounds 

are provided in the summary of results for bromodichloromethane in Section VI.B.1.b. No 

association was demonstrated between exposure to bromoform and intrauterine growth 

restriction. 

C. High Risk Populations 

High risk (or susceptible) populations are those which experience more adverse effects at 

comparable levels of exposure, which experience adverse effects at lower exposure levels than 

VI - 31 November 15, 2005 
the general population, or which experience a higher than average exposure because they live or 

work in settings with elevated environmental concentrations of the chemical of interest. The 

enhanced response of these susceptible subpopulations may result from intrinsic or extrinsic 

factors. Factors that may be important include, but are not limited to: impaired function of 

detoxification, excretory, or compensatory processes that protect against or reduce toxicity; 

differences in physiological protective mechanisms; genetic differences in metabolism; 

developmental stage; health status; gender; or age of the individual. For brominated 

trihalomethanes, high risk populations may potentially include those with elevated levels of 

CYP2E1 (via exposure to inducing substances or because of altered physiological or health states) 

or elevated levels of glutathione-S-transferase theta. These factors are discussed in greater detail 

in Section VII.D.3 of this document. 

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that children may suffer 

disproportionately from some environmental health risks. These risks may arise because the 

neurological, immunological, and digestive systems of children are still developing (U.S. EPA, 

(1998a). In addition, children may incur greater exposure because they eat more food, consume 

more fluids, and breathe more air in proportion to their body weight when compared to adults 

(U.S. EPA, 1998a). Factors contributing to potentially greater risk in children are discussed in 

Section VII.D.2 of this document. 

D. Summary 

Limited human health data are available for the brominated trihalomethanes. In the past, 

bromoform was used as a sedative for children with whooping cough. Doses of 50 to 100 mg/kgday usually produced sedation without apparent adverse effects. Some rare instances of death or 

near-death were reported, although these cases were generally attributed to accidental overdoses. 

No human toxicological data were available for bromodichloromethane or 

dibromochloromethane. 

Numerous epidemiological studies have examined the association between water 

chlorination and increased cancer mortality rates. Very few studies have examined the 

association between cancer and exposure to brominated trihalomethanes, and possible increased 

cancer incidence in bladder was have been suggested. Recent studies have examined the 

association of chlorinated water use with various pregnancy outcomes, including low birth 

weight, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth , and 

birth defects. An association has been reported for exposure to bromodichloromethane (or a 

closely associated compound) and a moderately increased risk of spontaneous abortion during the 

first trimester. An association has also been reported for exposure to bromodichloromethane (or a 

closely associated compound) and 1) stillbirth of fetuses weighing more than 500 g, 2) reduction 

in birth weight (small for gestational age), and 3) increased risk of neural tube defects in women 

exposed to $20 :g/L of bromodichloromethane prior to conception through the first month of 

pregnancy. An association has been reported for total brominated trihalomethanes and reduced 

menstrual cycle and follicular phase length in women of child-bearing age. Among the individual 

brominated trihalomethanes, dibromochloromethane displayed the strongest association with 

altered menstrual function. A study of semen quality in healthy men found an association 

VI - 32 November 15, 2005 
between increased exposure to bromodichloromethane in residential tap water and decreased 

sperm linearity; exposure to dibromochloromethane or bromoform was not associated with 

decrements in semen quality. 

To directly conclude from these studies that bromodichloromethane and 

dibromochloromethane are developmental or reproductive toxicants in humans can be 

complicated by the fact that there are many disinfection byproducts in chlorinated water. 

Nevertheless, these studies raise significant concern for possible human health effects. The 

methodology used to estimate exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in tap water has been 

examined with the goal of refining estimates of intake of these compounds in epidemiological 

studies. 

For the brominated trihalomethanes, populations at high risk may potentially include those 

with elevated levels of CYP2E1 (via exposure to inducing substances or because of altered 

physiological or health states) or elevated levels of glutathione-S-transferase theta. In addition, 

users of hot tubs and swimming pools may experience additional exposure to brominated 

trihalomethanes. 

VI - 33 November 15, 2005 
VII. MECHANISM OF TOXICITY 

A. Role of Metabolism 

The toxicity of the brominated trihalomethanes is related to their metabolism. This 

conclusion is based largely on the observation that liver and kidney, the chief target tissues for 

these compounds, are also the primary sites of their metabolism. In addition, treatments which 

increase or decrease metabolism also tend to increase or decrease trihalomethane-induced toxicity 

in parallel. Pankow et al. (1997), for example, examined the relationship between metabolism of 

dibromochloromethane and hepatotoxicity. Serum leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity (an 

indicator of hepatotoxicity) increased in a dose-dependant fashion with any treatment that 

increased the metabolism of dibromochloromethane (e.g. pretreatment with isoniazid or mxylene). 

B. Biochemical Basis of Toxicity 

The precise biochemical mechanisms which link brominated trihalomethane metabolism 

to toxicity are not certain, but many researchers have proposed that toxicity results from the 

production of reactive intermediates. These reactive intermediates are believed to form covalent 

adducts with various cellular molecules and to impair the function of those molecules, resulting in 

cell injury. Reactive intermediates may arise from the oxidative (dihalocarbonyls) or the 

reductive (free radicals) pathways of metabolism as discussed in Section III.C. Support for this 

mode of action has been obtained from in vitro studies of bromodichloromethane. Under both 

aerobic and anoxic conditions, bromodichloromethane is metabolized to intermediates that 

covalently bind to rat microsome proteins and lipids. Direct evidence showing a relationship 

between the levels of covalent binding intermediates generated by the oxidative or reductive 

pathways and the extent of toxicity is not currently available for brominated trihalomethanes. 

Free radical generation by the reductive pathway for brominated trihalomethane 

metabolism may result in lipid peroxidation. Although evidence demonstrating that lipid 

peroxidation actually accounts for the observed cellular toxicity associated with brominated 

trihalomethanes is lacking, at least one study has established that lipid peroxidation does occur in 

conjunction with brominated trihalomethane metabolism. De Groot and Noll (1989) reported that 

all three brominated trihalomethanes induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes in vitro, 

and that this was maximal at low oxygen levels (between 1 and 10 mm Hg of O2). The authors 

interpreted these data to support the concept that lipid peroxidation is caused by free radical 

metabolites generated by the reductive metabolism of trihalomethanes. 

Glutathione has been implicated in both defense against toxicity induced by brominated 

trihalomethanes and in generation of mutagenic metabolites. Gao et al. (1996) examined the 

effect of glutathione on the toxicity of bromodichloromethane in vivo and in vitro. Depletion of 

glutathione by pretreatment of male F344 rats with the glutathione synthesis inhibitor buthionine 

sulfoximine increased the hepatotoxicity of a single gavage dose of 400 mg/kg 

bromodichloromethane administered in 10% Emulphor®. Biochemical indicators of 

hepatotoxicity (e.g. AST, ALT, LDH) were increased approximately 11-fold and the severity of 

VII - 1 November 15, 2005 
morphological changes (centrilobular vacuolar degeneration and hepatocellular necrosis) was 

greater in the glutathione-depleted animals. Serum and urinary markers of renal damage were 

also significantly increased by glutathione depletion. Renal tubule necrosis was observed only in 

the glutathione-depleted group. Overall, glutathione depletion appeared to enhance hepatotoxicity 

more than nephrotoxicity, an effect that was attributed to organ-specific differences in 

bromodichloromethane metabolism. The addition of glutathione to reaction mixtures of rat 

hepatic or renal microsomal fraction and radiolabeled bromodichloromethane resulted in 92% and 

20% reductions in protein binding to bromodichloromethane, respectively. The difference in 

response to glutathione addition was interpreted as evidence for existence of different metabolic 

pathways in liver and kidney. Bromodichloromethane binding to lipid in liver microsomes under 

anaerobic conditions was decreased in the presence of glutathione, suggesting that glutathione can 

react with the dihalomethyl radical. 

In contrast to the apparent protective role of glutathione described above, studies in strains 

of S. typhimurium that express rat theta class glutathione S-transferase suggest that conjugation 

with glutathione leads to formation of mutagenic metabolites (Pegram et al., 1997; DeMarini et 

al., 1997, Landi et al., 1999b). These studies are described in greater detail in Section V.F.1. 

Proposed pathways for generation of the mutagenic species are outlined in Figure III-2, also 

located in Section III.C.1. Briefly, similar mutational specificity, site specificity, and mutation 

spectra for the three brominated trihalomethanes support the conclusion that they are activated by 

one or more common pathways. In contrast, the data do not support a glutathione S-transferase 

mediated pathway for the structurally-related trihalomethane chloroform. This finding suggests 

that chloroform and the brominated trihalomethanes may in some instances be metabolized by 

different pathways. 

C. Mode of Action of Carcinogenesis 

Administration of individual brominated trihalomethanes has been associated with 

formation of liver tumors (bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane), kidney tumors 

(bromodichloromethane), and tumors of the large intestine (bromodichloromethane, bromoform) 

in some experimental animals. The mode of action by which brominated trihalomethanes induce 

tumors in laboratory animals is not known. However, two general modes of action have been 

proposed: 1) formation of DNA adducts resulting from interaction with one or more classes of 

reactive metabolites and 2) production of cytotoxicity coupled with regenerative hyperplasia. 

The production of reactive metabolites from trihalomethanes is well-established. Classes 

of reactive metabolites produced include dihalocarbonyls produced by oxidative metabolism and 

and dihalomethyl radicals produced by reductive metabolism. Additional evidence suggests that 

reactive species can be also formed via glutathione conjugation (DeMarini et al., 1997; Pegram et 

al., 1997). Detection of adduct formation and consistent evidence of DNA reactivity in standard 

assays are two lines of experimental evidence that would strongly support the adduct formation 

hypothesis. At present there are no in vivo data available on DNA adducts resulting from 

metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes. DNA reactivity can be inferred from test results of 

mutagenic and genotoxic potential. As noted previously (U.S. EPA, 1994b), synthesis of the 

VII - 2 November 15, 2005 
overall weight of evidence for genotoxicity of individual brominated trihalomethanes is 

complicated by the use of a variety of testing protocols, different strains of test organisms, 

different activating systems, different dose levels, different exposure methods (gas versus liquid), 

and in some cases, problems due to evaporation of the test chemical. Overall, a majority of 

studies yielded more positive results for bromoform and bromodichloromethane, and evidence of 

mutagenicity is considered adequate for these chemicals. Study results for the mutagenicity of 

dibromochloromethane are mixed, and the overall evidence for mutagenicity of this chemical is 

judged to be inconclusive (U.S. EPA, 1994b). 

Alternatively, the induction of tumors by individual brominated trihalomethanes could 

involve an epigenetic mode of action. Induction of tumors in animal studies has been noted to 

occur primarily at sites where cytotoxicity was observed (i.e., liver and kidney), and there appears 

to be a correlation between hepatotoxicity and liver tumorigenicity of brominated trihalomethanes 

in mice (bromodichloromethane > dibromochloromethane > bromoform) (U.S. EPA, 1994b). 

This raises the possibility that regenerative hyperplasia caused by the cytotoxic effects of 

brominated trihalomethanes may contribute to the tumorigenic potential of these chemicals. A 

brief review of studies that have evaluated regenerative hyperplasia following exposure to 

brominated trihalomethanes is provided below. 

A number of studies have measured cell proliferation in liver and/or kidney following 

exposure to brominated trihalomethanes. Miyagawa et al. (1995) observed evidence for the 

induction of hepatocyte proliferation in male B6C3F1 mice following a single oral gavage dose of 

dibromochloromethane in corn oil at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or at one half the MTD 

(200 or 400 mg/kg). Proliferation was assessed by incorporation of [3

H]- thymidine using the in 

vivo-in vitro replicative DNA synthesis assay at 24, 39, and 48 hours postexposure. 

Potter et al. (1996) investigated cell proliferation in the kidney of male F344 rats. Test 

animals received 0.75 or 1.5 mmol/kg of bromodichloromethane in 4% Emulphor® by gavage for 

1, 3, or 7 days. The administered doses corresponded to 123 or 246 mg/kg-day for 

bromodichloromethane, 156 or 312 mg/kg-day for dibromochloromethane, and 190 or 379 

mg/kg-day for bromoform. Cell proliferation in the kidney was assessed in vivo by [3

H]-

thymidine incorporation. No statistically significant effect of bromodichloromethane on tubular 

cell proliferation was observed following exposures of up to 7 days, although high labeling levels 

were observed in 3 of 4 rats at the 246 mg/kg-day dose of bromodichloromethane. 

NTP (1998) evaluated cell proliferation in the kidney and liver of Sprague-Dawley rats as 

part of a short-term reproductive and developmental toxicity screen of bromodichloromethane. 

The compound was administered in drinking water for 35 days. Groups of male and female rats 

were exposed to drinking water concentrations of 0, 100, 700 and 1300 ppm 

bromodichloromethane using the study design described in Table V-6 (Section V.D.1). BrdU 

labeling index (LI) was unchanged in the livers and kidneys of Group B males at doses up to 69 

mg/kg-day. A small but statistically significant increase in the LI was noted in the livers and 

kidneys of Group C females in the 1300 ppm dose group (126 mg/kg-day). The study authors 

noted that the result in females was probably biologically insignificant. 

VII - 3 November 15, 2005 
Melnick et al. (1998) exposed female B6C3F1 mice (10/dose) to bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, or bromoform in corn oil via gavage for 3 weeks (5 days/week). BrdU 

was administered to the animals during the last 6 days of the study, and hepatocyte labeling index 

(LI) analysis was conducted. Time-adjusted doses of 107, 336, and 357 mg/kg of 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, respectively, resulted in 

significantly elevated hepatocyte proliferation as measured by the LI. The authors compared the 

dose response for liver toxicity (including hepatic enzyme activity and LI data) and 

tumorigenicity (using data from previously published NTP bioassays) for the brominated 

trihalomethanes using the Hill equation model. This analysis indicated that the shape of the dose 

response as well as the Hill exponents were different for liver toxicity and tumorigenicity. The 

authors concluded that these data do not support a causal relationship between liver 

toxicity/reparative hyperplasia and tumor development. 

Coffin et al. (2000) examined the effect of bromodichloromethane, 

dibromochloromethane, or bromoform administered by corn oil gavage or in drinking water on 

cell proliferation and DNA methylation in the liver of female B6C3F1 mice. Administration of 

all three brominated trihalomethanes by gavage or in drinking water decreased methylation of the 

c-myc gene. The LOAELs identified for liver toxicity and increased cell proliferation in animals 

administered in corn oil were 150-,, 100-, and 200 mg/kg , all the lowest doses tested, for 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, respectively. The 

histopathology findings for animals receiving bromoform in the drinking water were similar to 

those observed in the lowest-dose gavage group. The results of the single-dose drinking water 

experiment suggest slightly lower LOAELs for liver toxicity of 138, 171- and 301 mg/kg-day for 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, respectively. It had previously 

been shown that bromodichloromethane and dibrmomchloromethane administered by corn oil 

gavage at 75- or 150 mg/kg-day and 50- and 100 mg/kg-day, respectively, caused significant 

dose-dependent increases of helpatocellular adenoma and adenocarcinoma female mice,(NTP 

1987, NTP 1985). Bromoform administered in corn oil at 100- or 200 mg/kg-day is not 

carcinogenic to female B6C3F1 mice (NTP 1989a). 

Torti et al. (2001) conducted 1-week and 3-week inhalation exposure studies of 

bromodichloromethane in wild type and transgenic mice. Bromodichloromethane toxicity was 

transient. Regenerative lesions and increased labeling index were evident in the kidney cortex of 

mice exposed to concentrations of 10 ppm and above for one week. After three weeks of 

bromodichloromethane exposure, damaged areas of kidney cortex were entirely regenerated 

(residual scarring was present) and labeling index measurements had returned to near baseline 

levels. The study authors noted that these results are in contrast to those observed in similar 

experiments performed with chloroform, where treatment of F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice resulted 

in continued cytotoxicity and elevated cell turnover for up to 90 days (Larson et al., 1996; 

Templin et al., 1996). The mechanistic basis for these different responses to structurally similar 

compound is unclear, but may reflect an induced change in metabolism or emergence of a 

resistant cell population in animals treated with bromodichloromethane. 

VII - 4 November 15, 2005 
George et al. (2002) reported that exposure of male F344/N rats to bromodichloromethane in drinking water for two years at a level that significantly enhanced the prevalence and 

multiplicity of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas had no effect on hepatocellular 

proliferation. In the same study, the prevalence of renal tubular hyperplasia, but not tumor 

incidence, was significantly increased at the high dose. 

Lock et al. (2004) administered bromodichloromethane by gavage in corn oil to male 

F344 rats (5/group) at doses of 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg and male B6C3F1 mice (6/group) at doses of 

0, 25, or 50 mg/kg-day for 5 days per week over a 28-day period. No change was observed in 

body weight or clinical chemistry markers of liver or kidney injury in exposed rats and mice. 

Kidney histopathology was not altered in mice, but mild renal tubule injury was observed in 2 of 

5 rats exposed to the highest dose of bromodichloromethane (100 mg/kg-day). Increased cell 

proliferation was observed in all rats exposed to the highest dose, but was not seen in low-dose 

rats or in mice at either dose level. It had previously been shown does-dependent increase in 

incidences of large intestine and kidney tumors in male rats exposed at 50 or 100 mg/kg-day in 

dose-dependent manner (NTP 1987). It also had previously been shown does-dependent increase 

in incidences of kidney tumors in male mice exposed at 25 or 50 mg/kg-day in dose-dependent 

manner (NTP 1987). 

Based on an extensive evaluation of carcinogenicity data, cytotoxicity coupled with 

regenerative hyperplasia is considered the primary mode of action for tumor formation following 

exposure to high concentrations of chloroform, a structurally-related trihalomethane which has 

low genotoxic potential (U.S. EPA, 2000c). However, two lines of evidence suggest that 

chloroform is not a prototypical trihalomethane. First, the weight-of-evidence for at least two of 

the brominated trihalomethanes indicates that they are genotoxic. This contrasts with the 

negative weight of evidence evaluation for chloroform. Second, there is evidence that the 

brominated trihalomethanes are readily bioactivated to mutagenic products via a glutathione Stransferase mediated pathway, while chloroform is bioactivated only at very high concentrations. 

Therefore, a common mode of action for carcinogenicity of chloroform and brominated 

trihalomethanes cannot be assumed on the basis of current experimental evidence. Data to 

support a nonlinear primary mode of action for tumor development in liver, kidney, and large 

intestine are currently lacking for the brominated trihalomethanes. In the absence of such 

information, combined with a positive weight-of-evidence evaluation for genotoxicity, the mode 

of action for tumor development is assumed to be a linear process. 

D. Interactions and Susceptibilities 

1. Potential Interactions 

The toxicity of the brominated trihalomethanes appears to result from cytochrome P450­

mediated metabolism to reactive metabolites (U.S. EPA, 1994b). Therefore, agents which 

increase or decrease the activity of enzymes responsible for metabolism of brominated 

trihalomethanes may modify toxicity. Pankow et al. (1997) observed that pretreatment with 

isoniazid or m-xylene (inducers of CYP2E1 and CYP2B1/CYP2B2, respectively) increased the 

VII - 5 November 15, 2005 
hepatotoxicity of dibromochloromethane in male rats, as measured by elevated serum leucine 

aminopeptidase activity. Hewitt et al. (1983) observed that pretreatment with acetone, a CYP2E1 

inducer, potentiated the acute toxicity of bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane in 

male rats. Thornton-Manning et al. (1993) also found that pretreatment with acetone potentiated 

the acute hepatotoxicity of bromodichloromethane in male rats. Conversely, the cytochrome 

P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole prevented bromodichloromethane-induced hepatotoxicity in 

rats (Thornton-Manning et al. 1993). Current findings regarding the existence of glutathionemediated pathways for brominated trihalomethane metabolism (see sectionV.E.1) suggest that 

treatments or agents which alter glutathione-S-transferase activity may potentially modify the 

toxicity of brominated trihalomethanes. 

The severity of brominated trihalomethane toxicity is potentially affected by the vehicle of 

administration. Vehicle effects are well-documented in the toxicity of chloroform (e.g., Bull et 

al. 1986; Jorgenson et al. 1985) and there is some evidence that similar effects occur with 

brominated trihalomethanes. In a study of vehicle effects on the acute toxicity of 

bromodichloromethane, a high dose (400 mg/kg) of the chemical was more hepato- and 

nephrotoxic when given in corn oil compared to aqueous administration, but this difference was 

not evident at a lower dose (200 mg/kg) (Lilly et al. 1994). 

2. Greater Childhood Susceptibility 

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that children may suffer 

disproportionately from some environmental health risks. These risks may arise because the 

neurological, immunological, and digestive systems of children are still developing (U.S. EPA, 

(1998a). In addition, children may incur greater exposure because they eat more food, consume 

more fluids, and breathe more air in proportion to their body weight when compared to adults 

(U.S. EPA, 1998a).

U.S. EPA (1998a) recently identified three key questions to consider when evaluating 

health risks in children from exposure to drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBP) such as 

the brominated trihalomethanes: 

• Is there information which shows that the disinfectant or DBP causes effects in the 

developing fetus or impairs ability to conceive and bear children? If it causes this 

type of problem will it occur at a lower dose than that which will cause other types 

of effects? 

• If the disinfectant or DBP causes cancer, are children more likely to be affected by 

it than are adults? 

• If the disinfectant or DBP causes some noncancer toxic effect, are children more 

likely to be affected by it than are adults? 

VII - 6 November 15, 2005 
The data available for evaluation of these issues as they relate to brominated trihalomethanes are 

addressed below. 

a. Effects on the fetus and ability to conceive and bear children 

General Results from Animal Studies 

Animal studies on the reproductive and developmental effects of brominated 

trihalomethanes are summarized in Section V.E. At the present time, there are limited studies on 

dibromochloromethane with one reported developmental effects at doses that were comparable to 

those of maternal toxicity. There are two studies reported developmental toxicity of bromoform. 

One study reported developmental effects at dose lower than the level that caused maternal 

toxicity. There is no data that indicates that either of these chemicals impairs ability to conceive 

and bear offsprings. Studies of these chemicals in animals indicate that reproductive and 

developmental effects occur at doses slightly higher than those observed to cause liver and renal 

effects. 

Bromodichloromethane has the most extensive database for developmental and 

reproductive effect among the brominated trihalomethanes. Study results for the reproductive 

and developmental effects of bromodichloromethane are mixed. No reproductive or 

developmental effects were observed at doses up to approximately 116 mg/kg-day in females or 

68 mg/kg-day in males in studies conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats (NTP, 1998). Adverse 

reproductive or developmental effects were not observed in rabbits exposed to doses as high as 55 

or 76 mg/kg-day in drinking water on gestation days 6 to 29 (CCC, 2000c,d; Christian et al., 

2001a, b). Increased incidences of sternebral aberrations (Ruddick et. al., 1983) and decreased 

ossification sites in the forelimb and hindlimb (CCC, 2000b; Christian et al., 2001a) have been 

observed in Sprague-Dawley rats administered bromodichloromethane in corn oil and drinking 

water, respectively, at doses which induced maternal toxicity. 

Reproductive effects of bromodichloromethane have been noted in rodent assays. 

Klinefelter et al. (1995) observed effects on sperm motility in rats administered 39 mg/kg-day in 

drinking water for 52 weeks, but these effects were not accompanied by histopathological 

changes in male reproductive tissues. Narotsky et al. (1997) observed a significantly increased 

incidence of full litter resorption (FLR) in F344 rats treated with 50 or 75 mg/kg-day 

bromodichloromethane by aqueous gavage throughout the period of organogenesis. This effect 

was described as an all-or-nothing phenomenon, in that the litter was either fully resorbed or 

appeared normal at parturition. This pattern was interpreted by the study authors as evidence for a 

maternally-mediated mechanism, rather than a direct effect of bromodichloromethane on the 

developing embryo. Bielmeier et al. (2001) observed increased incidence of FLR in F344 rats 

treated with 75 or 100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane by aqueous gavage on one or more days 

during the interval from gestation day 6 to 10. This response was strain-specific and FLR was not 

observed in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with up to 100 mg/kg-day on gestation days 6 to10. 

Analysis of hormone profiles reported by Bielmeier et al. (2001, 2004) suggest that 

VII - 7 November 15, 2005 
bromodichloromethane disrupts normal endocrine function in F344 rats, either by inhibiting LH 

secretion or by decreasing luteal responsiveness to LH. 

Data from Epidemiological Studies 

No information on developmental and reproductive effects is available from human 

studies that examined populations exposed exclusively or primarily to brominated 

trihalomethanes. Several studies of exposure to chlorinated water have identified potential 

associations between bromodichloromethane intake or concentration in tap water and adverse 

health effects. These studies have examined associations between exposure to 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birth weight, 

prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, spontaneous abortion, still birth) and reproductive 

function (sperm quality, menstrual cycle function). Summaries of these studies are provided in 

Section VI.B.1. Weak, but significant, associations have been noted for 1) ingestion of $18 :g/L 

during the first trimester of pregnancy and increased risk spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR 2.0, 

95% C.I. 1.2, 3.5; adjusted OR with adjustment for other trihalomethanes 3.0, 95% C.I. 1.4, 6.6) 

(Waller et al., 1998); 2) exposure to concentrations$20 :g/L and increased risk of stillbirth 

(adjusted OR 1.98, 95% C.I. 01.23, 3.49) (King et al., 2000); and 3) exposure to 

concentrations$20 :g/L and increased risk of neural tube defects (Dodds and King, 2001). 

In epidemiological studies of reproductive function, exposure to bromodichloromethane in 

tap water was associated with decreased menstrual cycle length (Windham et al., 2003). The 

observed decrease at the highest quartile of exposure ($16 :g/L) was less than one day (-0.74 

days, 95% C.I. -1.5, -0.02). The decrease in overall cycle length appeared to result from 

decreased follicular phase length (-0.80, 95% C.I. -1.5, -0.08), suggesting that the 

bromodichloromethane has an effect on ovarian function. In a study of semen quality, exposure 

to bromodichloromethane was associated with significantly decreased sperm linearity (- 0.09 ± 

0.04 per unit increase in bromodichloromethane concentration), but associations with other semen 

quality or sperm motility parameters were not observed (Fenster et al, 2003). 

Modes of action have not been proposed to explain the responses attributed to 

bromodichloromethane in the epidemiological studies described in Section VI.B.1. The results of 

in vitro studies (see Section V.H.2) using differentiated human placental trophoblasts in primary 

culture suggest that the placenta is a target tissue for adverse effects of bromodichloromethane in 

humans and that this could be related to adverse effects on human pregnancy (Chen et al., 2003, 

2004). Exposure of primary cultured trophoblasts to 0.02-2000 :M bromodichloromethane in the 

culture medium significantly decreased secretion of immunoreactive and bioactive chorionic 

gonadotropin (CG), a glycoprotein that plays a major role in maintenance of the human conceptus 

during early pregnancy. The events at the molecular and biochemical level that cause decreased 

secretion are unknown, but could include direct effects on synthesis (e.g., glycosylation or 

dimerization) or indirect effects via disruption of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) 

activity (a putative major regulator of placental CG synthesis and secretion). If substantiated, an 

effect on GnRH would parallel one of the proposed mechanisms for pregnancy loss in F344 rats 

(Bielmeier et al. 2001; 2004). 

VII - 8 November 15, 2005 
Full Litter Resorption in F344 Rats 

The results of the Narotsky et al. (1997) and Bielmeier et al. (2001) studies identify FLR 

as the most sensitive female reproductive response among the currently available animal studies. 

Strain-specific FLR observed in F344 rats exposed to bromodichloromethane is of concern 

because associations have been noted between exposure to bromodichloromethane in tap water 

and adverse pregnancy outcomes (spontaneous abortion, stillbirth) in epidemiological studies. 

There are two issues to consider regarding the relevance of FLR observed in F344 rats to human 

health. The first issue is whether the mechanism responsible for this effect in rats is applicable in 

humans. Although the exact mechanism of FLR in F344 rats is unknown, the high incidence of 

FLR during the LH-dependent period of pregnancy and the lack of response thereafter suggests 

an LH-mediated mechanism. Serum progesterone levels were reduced at 12 and 24 hours after 

dosing in all rats that experienced FLR. Because LH is required to stimulate progesterone 

secretion by the corpus luteum during the period of pregnancy examined by Bielmeier et al. 

(2001), these data are consistent with an effect of bromodichloromethane on LH secretion and/or 

single transduction. Although the hormone profile data collected by Bielmeier et al. (2001) did 

not detect an effect on LH levels, subsequent work with a more sensitive assay demonstrated 

reduced LH levels following bromodichloromethane exposure (Bielmeier et al., 2004). This 

result supports an effect on LH secretion. Although species differences exist, rats and humans 

are similar in that either LH (in rats) or chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; in humans) is required at 

specific periods for maintenance of pregnancy (Bielmeier et al., 2001; 2004). LH and hCG act 

via the same receptor in rats and humans. Thus, if bromodichloromethane reduces luteal response 

to LH in F344 rats by inhibition or down-regulation of the LH/hCG receptor, then it might also be 

expected to have effects on hCG signal transduction in humans. If this were the case, 

bromodichloromethane would be expected to increase the risk of early termination of pregnancy 

in humans. 

An alternative hypothesis is that bromodichloromethane causes FLR by a mechanism that 

involves alteration of maternal LH secretion. Bielmeier et al. (2004) demonstrated reduced LH 

serum levels in pregnant F344 rats treated with bromodichloromethane, indicating an effect on 

LH secretion. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus regulates 

LH secretion in the rat. GnRH from the cytotrophoblast is thought to regulate hCG secretion in 

the human placenta. An effect of bromodichloromethane on hCG secretion by human 

cytotrophoblast cells has been demonstrated in vitro (Chen et al., 2003, 2004). Although the 

mode of action underlying this in vitro effect is unknown, it is possible that 

bromodichloromethane could inhibit hCG secretion in a manner analogous to LH secretion. If so, 

bromodichloromethane would be expected to increase the risk of early termination of pregnancy. 

Even if this were not the case, interference of bromodichloromethane with maternal LH secretion 

in humans would be expected to have other adverse effects on reproductive function in the 

female, whether or not it was able to cause an event similar to full-litter resorption. It should be 

noted that a possible contributing effect of bromodichloromethane on luteal responsiveness to LH 

has not been ruled out. 

VII - 9 November 15, 2005 
The second issue to consider in evaluating these data concerns the use of the F344 strain 

as a model for reproductive effects in humans. The Sprague-Dawley rat is often identified as the 

preferred rodent model in reproductive and developmental toxicity testing. However, this 

preference is based on pragmatic considerations (high fecundity, favorable maternal behavior, 

availability of extensive historical control data for reproductive and developmental endpoints), 

and is not based on any evidence that there are important physiological or biochemical 

differences between young adults of these strains or that one is strain is inherently a more relevant 

biological model for human reproductive health than the other. Thus, the fact that this response 

has been observed in F344 rats but not in Sprague Dawley rats is not a reason to consider that the 

effect may not be applicable to humans. Based on these considerations, in accordance with U.S. 

EPA policy, the results of this study are considered relevant to human health in the absence of 

data that demonstrate otherwise. 

b. Childhood Cancer and Noncancer Effects 

Bioactivation to reactive metabolites is an apparent prerequisite for toxicity and 

carcinogenicity of the brominated trihalomethanes. Therefore, an important issue in the 

assessment of childhood risk of cancer and other adverse effects is whether the enzymes 

responsible for metabolism are more active in fetuses, neonates, and or children than in adults. 

This section evaluates the available data for developmental expression and/or activity of three key 

metabolizing enzymes that are known or anticipated to bioactivate the brominated 

trihalomethanes: CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2 (in rodents only), and glutathione-S-transferase theta. 

CYP2E1 

Carcinogenicity of brominated trihalomethanes has been shown to be at least partly 

related to bioactivation by the cytochrome P450 isoform CYP2E1 (U.S. EPA, 1994b). Thus, a 

higher level of CYP2E1 activity in children relative to adults might predispose children to greater 

toxicity. Studies of human fetal liver have produced contradictory results, but suggest that 

CYP2E1 protein is either not expressed or is expressed at levels lower than in adults (Hakkola et 

al., 1998). Carpenter et al. (1996) detected immunoreactive CYP2E1 protein in liver samples 

from fetuses ranging from 16 to 24 weeks in gestational age. The samples obtained were from 

fetuses whose mothers did not have a history of alcohol use. The immunoreactive protein 

exhibited a slightly lower molecular weight than observed for CYP2E1 from adult liver samples. 

Expression of the corresponding mRNA was confirmed in a fetal liver sample of 19 weeks 

gestational age by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, 

CYP2E1 mRNA was not detectable in a fetal liver sample of 10 weeks gestational age, 

suggesting (in the opinion of the study authors) that CYP2E1 expression may be related to 

specific stages of fetal development. The catalytic capability of CYP2E1 protein in human fetal 

microsomes was demonstrated by measuring the rate of ethanol oxidation to acetaldehyde. The 

rate of conversion varied from 12 to 27% of that measured in adult microsomes. Treatment of 

fetal hepatocytes in primary culture with ethanol or clofibrate indicated that fetal CYP2E1 protein 

is inducible (approximately two-fold compared to untreated cells). 

VII - 10 November 15, 2005 
Vieira et al. (1996) detected small amounts of CYP2E1 mRNA in fetal liver samples 

(approximately 5 to 10% of the levels in adult liver) collected from fetuses aged 14 to 40 weeks. 

However, these authors could not detect immunoreactive CYP2E1 protein in any of 27 fetal liver 

samples Other studies have failed to detect either CYP2E1 protein or mRNA in fetal liver 

samples. Cresteil et al. (1985) and Komori et al. (1989) did not detect immunoreactive protein or 

mRNA in fetal liver samples of less than 16 weeks gestational age. Jones et al. (1992) did not 

detect CYP2E1 mRNA or protein in liver samples that were of similar gestational age (16 to 18 

weeks) to the samples examined by Carpenter et al. (1996). Juchau and Yang (1996) did not 

detect CYP2E1 mRNA by RT-PCR in human embryonic tissues between days 45 and 60 of 

gestation. The factors contributing to the different results are unknown, but may include interindividual variability, gestational age of the tissue examined (for the samples less than 16 weeks 

gestational age), or the existence of factors other than developmental stage that control 

expression. 

Information on the presence of CYP2E1 in human fetal tissues other than the liver is 

limited. Vieira et al. (1998) examined the mRNA content of human fetal lung and kidney. 

CYP2E1 mRNA was expressed at a very low level in both tissues and the levels remained stable 

after birth. Studies of human fetal brain tissue indicate that CYP2E1 is expressed in human 

embryonic brain tissue (see Juchau et al., 1998) and that relatively low levels of CYP2E1 mRNA, 

immunoreactive protein, and catalytically active protein are present during the early fetal period 

of development (Brzezinski et al., 1999). In one study, a dramatic increase in CYP2E1 was 

observed at approximately gestation day 50, and a fairly constant level was maintained until at 

least day 113 (Brzezinski et al., 1999). The relevance of the data for lung and brain is uncertain, 

since these organs are not known to be targets for brominated trihalomethane toxicity. 

Vieira et al. (1996) investigated age-related variations in human CYP2E1 protein levels 

and catalytic activity from birth through adulthood. These authors observed a rapid increase in 

the immunoreactive CYP2E1 microsomal content within 24 hours after birth that was 

independent of the gestational age of the newborn. This activation was accompanied by a 

demethylation of cytosine residues in the 5'-regulatory region of the gene, suggesting that 

methylation of specific residues prevents transcription in the fetal liver. The CYP2E1 protein 

level gradually increased during the first year and reached the adult level in children aged 1 to 10 

years. CYP2E1 catalytic activity was assessed by determination of in vitro hydroxylation of 

chlorzoxazone in 89 microsomal preparations. Chlorzoxazone hydroxylation activity increased 

within 24 hours after birth and steadily increased during the first year. Catalytic activity reached 

adult levels at age 1 to 10 years. 

Animal studies of CYP2E1 expression during development have given variable results. 

One study indicated that CYP2E1 is expressed in the fetal rat liver and placenta and that levels 

are increased in rat pups exposed to ethanol in utero or via lactation (Carpenter et al., 1997). 

Liver samples from rat fetuses exposed to ethanol in utero showed a 2.4-fold increase in protein 

levels and 1.5-fold increase in catalytic activity (Carpenter et al., 1997). Other authors have 

reported that hepatic CYP2E1 gene transcription in rats is activated at birth and that the amount 

VII - 11 November 15, 2005 
of CYP2E1 reaches a peak prior to weaning (see Ronis et al., 1996). The protein level then falls 

to approximately 25% of the peak level and remains stable into adulthood (Ronis et al., 1996). 

The regulation of CYP2E1 is complex when examined at both the molecular (Lieber 

1997) and physiological (Ronis et al. 1996) levels. The factors and processes responsible for the 

increase in CYP2E1 protein levels and activity at birth have not been clearly identified. At the 

physiological level, there is some evidence from rodent studies to suggest that growth hormone 

regulates the constitutive expression of CYP2E1 (Ronis et al., 1996). The reduction of CYP2E1 

from peak levels before weaning is reported to coincide with the increased levels of growth 

hormone and with development of adult levels of growth hormone receptors (Ronis et al., 1996). 

The occurrence of peak expression after birth has been attributed to a role of CYP2E1 in 

gluconeogenesis, since there is a very high demand for energy production from glucose at this 

developmental stage (see Ronis et al. 1996; Vieira et al. 1996). 

CYP2B1/2 (Rodents) 

Research conducted by Pankow et al. (1997) suggests that the closely-related CYP 

isoforms 2B1 and 2B2 participate in the catabolism of dibromochloromethane in rats. These 

isoforms show greater than 97% homology of amino acid sequence and have highly similar 

genomic organization. To date, these isoforms have not been reported in adult or fetal human 

tissues (Nelson et al., 1996; Juchau et al., 1998). Omiecinski et al. (1990) detected low levels of 

CYP2B isoform mRNA in fetal rat liver on gestation day 15 (the earliest day in development 

when the authors were able to macroscopically recognize and dissect the fetal liver) using the 

polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although the levels of mRNA expression were “substantially 

lower” lower at day 15 than observed later in development, expression was clearly inducible by 

pretreatment of pregnant rats with phenobarbital. Both constitutive and phenobarbital-induced 

levels of mRNA increased with developmental age, reaching maximal levels at approximately 

three weeks postpartum. No measurements of CYP2B activity were made in this study, so it is 

not known whether changes in mRNA levels were paralleled by changes in catalytic activity. 

Juchau et al. (1998) reviewed a series of experiments that employed the selective substrate 

probe pentoxyresorufin to test for CYP2B1/2 catalytic activity in fetal rat tissues. The overall 

conclusion upon examination of all results was that if CYP2B isoforms are expressed in fetal rats, 

they occur at biologically insignificant levels. Asoh et al. (1999) examined the catalytic activity 

of CYP2B isoforms in fetal rat liver and found very low activity, a finding consistent with the 

conclusion of Juchau et al. (1998). 

Gebremichael et al. (1995) investigated the postnatal developmental profile of CYP2B1 in 

Sprague-Dawley rats. CYP2B1 activity was detectable as early as seven days postnatally and 

exhibited a variable pattern of expression (no clear trend evident) when assayed at days 14, 21, 

50, and 100. Asoh et al. (1999) examined the induction of CYP2B isoforms in neonatal rats. The 

level of CYP2B catalytic activity was markedly higher at five days after birth relative to levels 

observed in fetal hepatic tissue. Oral or intraperitoneal administration of phenobarbital to 

pregnant rats increased the level of CYP2B expression and activity in neonates. Overall, these 

VII - 12 November 15, 2005 
findings suggest that CYP2B isoform activity is likely to be lower in fetuses than in neonates or 

adults and that increased levels of activity may be observed in fetuses and neonates exposed to 

inducing xenobiotics. The significance of this information for risk of cancer in human fetuses, 

neonates, and children is uncertain since, as noted above, the CYP2B1/2 isoforms have not been 

identified in humans. 

Glutathione S-Transferase Theta 

Recent mutagenicity studies suggest that brominated trihalomethanes can also be activated 

to mutagens by the product of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) theta gene GSTT1-1 (DeMarini 

et al.,1997; Landi et al., 1999b). Children and the fetus could potentially experience increased 

risk of adverse effects if the activity of this enzyme was higher at these life stages than in adults. 

Information on the developmental expression of GST genes is currently limited. Although other 

classes of GSTs (alpha, mu, and pi) are expressed in fetal liver, Mera et al. (1994) reported that 

theta-class GSTs were expressed in only adult liver. This finding suggests that the fetus does not 

experience increased risk as a result of GST theta-mediated mutagenicity. The occurrence of 

increased risk in children cannot be evaluated, since postnatal developmental pattern of GST theta 

is unknown. 

c. Childhood Cancers: Other Considerations 

There are no studies that have examined the carcinogenicity of brominated 

trihalomethanes in immature animals. Examination of childhood cancer data compiled by the 

National Cancer Institute (Ries et al. 1999) indicates that the incidence of hepatic, renal, and 

intestinal cancer (the types of cancer observed in animal studies of bromodichloromethane) from 

causes other than genetic predisposition are low. Primary neoplasms of the liver are rare in 

children younger than 15 years of age. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (the type of 

neoplasm observed in mice treated with bromodichloromethane or dibromochloromethane) 

decreased in children younger than 15 years of age during the period 1975 to 1995. The 

incidence rate of renal carcinoma remained very low (well under one case per million) in children 

younger than 15 years during the period 1975 to 1995. Trend data were not available in Ries et 

al. (1999) for intestinal cancer. These data do not address cancers that may be initiated in 

childhood and manifested in adults. 

d. Conclusion 

The available evidence for developmental expression of enzymes known to metabolize 

brominated trihalomethanes supports the conclusion that children do not experience greater risk 

from exposure to these compounds than do adults. At present there are no cancer incidence data 

from humans to suggest that brominated trihalomethanes contribute to increased risk of cancer in 

children. 

VII - 13 November 15, 2005 
3. Other Potentially Susceptible Populations 

a. Subpopulations with altered levels of CYP2E1 

CYP2E1 catalyzes the metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes to reactive 

intermediates that mediate toxicity. Individuals with higher levels of CYP2E1 activity may 

therefore be at greater risk for adverse health effects. This section describes factors associated 

with increased levels of CYP2E1 activity and subpopulations who may be at increased risk as a 

result of these factors. 

Genetic Polymorphisms 

Significant inter-ethnic differences exist in CYP2E1 polymorphism (Ronis et al., 1996; 

Lieber, 1997) and it is possible that these differences could influence susceptibility to toxic 

effects. The CYP2E1 polymorphisms currently reported in the literature are located in the 5'-

flanking (noncoding) regions of the gene, while the coding regions of the gene which specify 

sequence appear to be well conserved among various ethnic groups (Ronis et al., 1996). 

Mutations in the 5'-region of a gene can affect the regulation of gene expression. The rare mutant 

c2 polymorphism of CYP2E1 is reported to be associated with higher transcriptional activity, 

protein levels, and catalytic activity than the more common wild type allele (Lieber et al., 1997). 

As reported by Lieber et al. (1997), the highest frequency of the c2 allele occurs in the Taiwanese 

(0.28) and Japanese (0.19 to 0.27) populations. The frequencies in African-Americans, 

European-Americans, and Scandinavians are much lower, generally in the range 0.01 and 0.05. 

Efforts to link the occurrence of the c2 allele to higher rates of CYP2E1-mediated liver disease 

have yielded inconsistent results. Thus, the functional significance of CYP2E1 polymorphism is 

presently uncertain, and no conclusion can as yet be drawn about the relative risk for different 

ethnic populations exposed to brominated trihalomethanes. 

Altered Physiological or Health States 

The physiological functions of CYP2E1 include lipid metabolism and ketone utilization 

(Lieber, 1997). Induction of CYP2E1 is observed in many conditions that elevate circulating 

levels of lipids, including consumption of a high-fat or low-carbohydrate diet, starvation, obesity, 

and insulin-dependent diabetes. Among the individuals likely to be affected by such conditions, 

diabetics constitute the most clearly-defined susceptible population. Induction of CYP2E1 in 

uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes is well-studied. In animals, this induction results in 

elevated levels of CYP2E1 in the liver, kidney, and lung (Ioannides et al., 1996). Acetone (a 

substrate of CYP2E1) is thought to be the inducing compound (Ronis et al., 1996). As a result of 

induction, diabetic animals are more susceptible to the toxicity of some chemicals metabolized by 

CYP2E1. While there are no specific data for the brominated trihalomethanes, this phenomenon 

has been demonstrated for other halogenated compounds including chloroform, carbon 

tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, and bromobenzene (Ioannides et al., 1996). Because the animal 

and human orthologues of CYP2E1 show similar substrate specificity and bioactivation potential, 

it is possible that diabetic humans may also be more susceptible to CYP2E1-mediated toxicity. 

VII - 14 November 15, 2005 
As CYP2E1 levels are reduced by insulin treatment, increased toxicity would be anticipated only 

in poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetics (Ioannides et al., 1996). 

Alcohol consumption 

CYP2E1 contributes to the metabolism of ethanol in humans and animals. Consumption 

of ethanol induces CYP2E1 and chronic alcohol consumption is reported to result in as much as a 

10-fold induction (Lieber, 1997). Hence, concurrent exposure to ethanol and brominated 

trihalomethanes may increase susceptibility to adverse health effects. This interaction is of 

concern because concurrent exposure to brominated trihalomethanes and ethanol is likely to occur 

in a significant number of people. At present, there are no human or animal studies which 

examine this interaction for brominated trihalomethanes. However, Wang et al. (1994) reported 

that a single 100 mg/kg oral dose of ethanol administered to rats significantly increased the 

toxicity of the structurally-related trihalomethane chloroform (also metabolized by CYP2E1). 

Lieber (1997) noted that the hepatotoxicity of commonly used industrial solvents (e.g. carbon 

tetrachloride, bromobenzene, and vinylidene chloride) and anesthetics (enflurane and halothane) 

was increased in heavy drinkers, with a pattern of damage that was consistent with the selective 

expression and induction of CYP2E1 in certain regions of the liver. 

Concurrent exposure to other CYP2E1 inducers including pharmaceuticals 

Because CYP2E1 is highly inducible by a wide range of xenobiotic compounds, prior 

exposure to such inducers may potentially play a significant role in brominated trihalomethane 

toxicity. Known inducers of CYP2E1 include certain therapeutic agents (acetaminophen, 

isoniazid), volatile anaesthetics (halothane, isoflurane), and solvents (acetone, benzene, carbon 

tetrachloride, trichloroethylene) (Raucy, 1995). Individuals exposed to or consuming these 

inducers on a regular basis may therefore be at greater risk for brominated trihalomethane 

toxicity. 

b. Subpopulations with altered levels of glutathione S-transferase theta 

Individuals with Genetic Polymorphisms 

Genotoxicity studies in bacteria (discussed in section V.F.1) indicate that brominated 

trihalomethanes can be activated to mutagens by the product of the glutathione S-transferase theta 

gene GSTT1-1 (DeMarini et al.,1997; Landi et al., 1999b). If similar pathways for bioactivation 

exist in humans, GSTT1-1 polymorphism may influence susceptibility to brominated 

trihalomethane-mediated toxicity. GSTT1-1 is characterized by a deletion polymorphism which 

results in total loss of glutathione S-transferase-2 activity in individuals (10 to 60% of the 

population depending upon ethnicity and race) homozygous for the null genotype (GSTT1-1-/-). 

Individuals who are heterozygous for GSTT-1 (GSTT1-1+/-) have intermediate levels of enzyme 

activity, while individuals homozygous for GSTT-1 (GSTT1-1+/+) have the highest levels. Landi 

et al. (1999b) have suggested that GSTT1-1+/+ individuals may experience excess genotoxic risk 

when exposed to brominated trihalomethanes, particularly in organs which express glutathione-SVII - 15 November 15, 2005 
transferase-theta and come in direct contact with brominated trihalomethanes. Potential target 

sites would include the gastrointestinal tract and the bladder. 

Concurrent Exposure to Inducers 

If GSTT-1-mediated pathways for bioactivation of brominated trihalomethanes exist in 

humans, factors which induce this enzyme may increase the risk of adverse health effects from 

exposure. Although GSTT-1 is constitutively expressed, the level of its expression can be altered 

by exposure to exogenous chemicals. Landi (2000) has summarized information on factors which 

increase expression of the enzyme. In rats, aspirin increased GSTT-1 levels in the colon. Alphatocopherol, coumarin; and other anticarcinogenic drugs increased gastric and esophageal levels; 

and indole-3-carbinol and coumarin increased GSTT-1 levels in the liver. In mice, phenobarbital 

induced hepatic GSTT-1 levels. Data for humans are limited, but there are indications that the 

dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables enhances the expression of GSTT-1. It is possible that 

consumption of these substances by GSTT-1 positive individuals could result in increased risk of 

adverse effects. However, there are presently no data available for evaluation of this hypothesis. 

c. Subpopulations with altered levels of putative protective compounds 

Glutathione depletion has been observed to increase the hepatotoxicity of 

bromodichloromethane (Gao et al., 1996). On the basis of these data, Gao et al. (1996) proposed 

that populations with low baseline levels of glutathione (e.g., due to dietary deficiencies of 

glutathione precursors such as cysteine and selenium) may be more sensitive to 

bromodichloromethane-induced toxicity. 

d. Possible gender differences 

Apparent gender-related differences in the toxicity of brominated trihalomethanes have 

been noted in studies where male and female animals were exposed concurrently (e.g. Aida, 

1992a; Daniel, 1990; NTP,1987, 1989a; Tobe et al., 1982). In general, male rats and mice appear 

to be somewhat more sensitive to the hepatic and renal toxicity induced by brominated 

trihalomethanes than are females, although there are exceptions to this pattern (eg. the chronic 

oral exposure study of bromoform conducted by NTP, 1989a in mice and the short-term study of 

bromoform conducted by Aida et al., 1992a). While the basis for the apparent greater sensitivity 

of males is unknown, the difference may be related to gender-specific differences in the level of 

enzymes responsible for bioactivation of brominated trihalomethanes to toxic metabolites, or to 

gender-specific differences in cellular protective mechanisms. It is important to note that at 

present there is no evidence for gender-related differences in the activity levels of CYP2E1 or 

GSTT-1 in humans. 

E. Summary 

It is generally believed that the toxicity of the brominated trihalomethanes is related to 

their metabolism. This conclusion is based largely on the observation that liver and kidney, the 

VII - 16 November 15, 2005 
chief target tissues for these compounds, are also the primary sites of their metabolism. In 

addition, treatments which increase or decrease metabolism also tend to increase or decrease 

trihalomethane-induced toxicity in parallel. 

Metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes is believed to occur via oxidative and 

reductive pathways. Limited structure-activity data for brominated trihalomethanes and the 

structurally-related trihalomethane chloroform suggest that bromination may influence the 

proportion of compound metabolized via the oxidative and reductive pathways, with brominated 

compounds being more extensively metabolized by the reductive pathway. Additional evidence 

suggests that a GSH-mediated pathway may play an important role in metabolism of brominated 

trihalomethanes. These data raise the possibility that brominated trihalomethanes may induce 

adverse effects (toxicity and carcinogenicity) via several different pathways. 

The precise biochemical mechanisms which link brominated trihalomethane metabolism 

to toxicity have not been characterized, but many researchers have proposed that toxicity results 

from the production of reactive intermediates. Reactive intermediates may arise from either the 

oxidative (dihalocarbonyls) or the reductive (free radicals) pathways of metabolism. Such 

reactive intermediates are known to form covalent adducts with various cellular molecules, and 

may impair the function of those molecules and cause cell injury. Free radical production may 

also lead to cell injury by inducing lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes. Direct evidence 

showing a relationship between the level of covalent binding intermediates generated by either 

pathway and the extent of toxicity is not available for the brominated trihalomethanes. 

Manipulation of cellular glutathione levels suggests that this compound may play a protective 

role in brominated trihalomethane-induced toxicity. 

Individual brominated trihalomethanes have been shown to induce tumors in laboratory 

animals. The mechanism by which brominated trihalomethanes induce tumors in target tissues 

has not been fully characterized. DNA adducts can be formed by interaction of reactive 

metabolites (resulting from oxidative and reductive metabolism) with DNA. In addition, 

preliminary evidence suggested that DNA adducts can be formed through conjugation with 

glutathione and bioactivation of the resulting conjugates. Comparison of dose-response data for 

liver and kidney toxicity (including cell proliferation) and tumorigenicity in mice and rats 

suggests that tumor formation occurs at concentrations lower than those which stimulate cell 

proliferation. 

Interaction with agents which increase or decrease the activity of enzymes responsible for 

metabolism of brominated trihalomethanes may modify carcinogenicity/toxicity. Pretreatment 

with inducers of CYP2E1 has been observed to increase the hepatotoxicity of 

bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane in male rats. Pretreatment with m-xylene, an 

inducer of the CYP2B1/CYP2B2 isoforms, increased the hepatotoxicity of 

dibromochloromethane in male rats. Conversely, administration of the cytochrome P450 

inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole prevented bromodichloromethane-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 

Recent findings indicating possible glutathione-mediated metabolism of brominated 

VII - 17 November 15, 2005 
trihalomethanes suggest that treatments or agents which alter glutathione-S-transferase activity 

could potentially modify the toxicity of brominated trihalomethanes. 

The severity of brominated trihalomethane toxicity is potentially affected by the vehicle of 

administration. In a study of vehicle effects on the acute toxicity of bromodichloromethane, a 

high dose (400 mg/kg) of the chemical was more hepato- and nephrotoxic when given in corn oil 

compared to aqueous administration, but this difference was not evident at a lower dose (200 

mg/kg). 

A number of potentially sensitive subpopulations have been identified for health effects of 

brominated trihalomethanes. A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that children may 

suffer disproportionately from some environmental health risks. These risks may arise because 

the neurological, immunological, and digestive systems of children are still developing. In 

addition, children may incur greater exposure because they eat more food, consume more fluids, 

and breathe more air in proportion to their body weight when compared to adults. U.S. EPA has 

identified three key questions to consider when evaluating health risks to children from drinking 

water disinfection byproducts (DBP), including the brominated trihalomethanes: 1) Is there 

information which shows that the DBP causes effects in the developing fetus or impairs ability to 

conceive and bear children? 2) If the DBP causes cancer, are children more likely to be affected 

by it than are adults? and 3) If the DBP causes a noncancer toxic effect, are children more likely 

to be affected by it than are adults? There are limited available animal studies reported 

developmental effects from oral exposure to dibromochloromethane and bromoform. These 

developmental effects in animals occurred at doses slightly higher than those which induce 

histopathological effects in the liver and kidney. There is no evidence that these compounds 

impair the ability to conceive or have offsprings. 

Epidemiological studies have found an association between exposure to 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water and increased spontaneous abortion and increased 

stillbirth. These studies raise concern for human health effects, although the occurrence of 

multiple disinfection byproducts in drinking water is a significant source of uncertainty with 

resect to the causative agent. The results of in vitro studies using cultured human placental 

trophoblasts show that bromodichloromethane can affect hormone secretion and affect the 

morphological differentiation, suggesting that the placenta is a possible target of 

bromodichloromethane toxicity in humans. 

Exposure to bromodichloromethane has been linked to reproductive effects in animals. In 

rats, exposure to bromodichloromethane resulted in reduced sperm motility; this effect was not 

accompanied by histopathologic changes in the male reproductive system. Exposure of pregnant 

F344 rats to bromodichloromethane on one or more days during the luteinizing hormonedependent period of gestation causes full litter resorption. This response is not observed in 

similarly exposed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. The pregnancy loss observed in F344 rats may 

result from perturbation of LH secretion or signaling processes. 

VII - 18 November 15, 2005 
At present, there are no cancer data which indicate that brominated trihalomethanes 

contribute to increased risk of cancer in children. No studies were located which examined preor post-pubertal cancer rates in humans in relation to brominated trihalomethane exposure. 

Cancer bioassays of brominated trihalomethanes conducted in mice and rats have not used study 

designs that included perinatal exposure. 

The available evidence suggests that the toxic effects of brominated trihalomethanes are 

mediated by the enzymes CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2 (in rodents), and glutathione S-transferase theta 

(GSTT-1). The weight of evidence from studies of the developmental expression of these 

enzymes supports the conclusion that children do not experience greater risk from brominated 

trihalomethane exposure as a result of higher metabolic activity. 

In addition to children, other potentially sensitive populations include those with altered 

levels or activity of CYP2E1 or GSTT-1 and those with altered levels of glutathione. Factors 

contributing to increases in CYP2E1 activity potentially include genetic polymorphisms; altered 

physiological or health states; alcohol consumption; and concurrent exposure to other inducers, 

including some pharmaceuticals and solvents. Factors contributing to increased GSTT-1 activity 

include genetic polymorphisms and concurrent exposure to inducers. Based on observations in 

animals, human populations with reduced levels of glutathione as a result of dietary deficiency or 

other factors may experience increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of bromodichloromethane. 

Apparent gender-related differences in the toxicity of brominated trihalomethanes have 

been noted in studies where male and female animals were exposed concurrently. In general, 

male rats and mice appeared to be more sensitive than females to liver and renal toxicity, 

although some exceptions to this pattern have been noted. There is no evidence for a similar 

pattern of gender response in humans. 

VII - 19 November 15, 2005 
VIII. QUANTIFICATION OF TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS 

This section quantifies the toxicological effects of brominated trihalomethanes based on 

health effects information presented in Sections V and VI. At present, there are two basic 

approaches to quantification of toxicological effects: the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach and benchmark dose modeling. Benchmark dose (BMD) modeling (U.S. EPA, 1995; 

2000b) was chosen as the preferred approach for quantifying toxicological effects of the 

brominated trihalomethanes. BMD modeling avoids several limitations of the NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach, including: 1) the slope of the dose-response plays little role in determining the 

NOAEL; 2) the NOAEL (or LOAEL) is limited to the doses tested experimentally; 3) the 

determination of the NOAEL is based on scientific judgement, and is subject to inconsistency; 

and 4) experiments using fewer animals tend to produce larger NOAELs, and as a result may 

produce larger health advisories (HAs) or reference doses (RfDs) (U.S. EPA, 1995) that may not 

be sufficiently protective of human health. In contrast, benchmark doses (BMDs) are not limited 

to the experimental doses, appropriately reflect the sample size, and can be defined in a 

statistically consistent manner. The BMD approach was therefore selected for quantification of 

the toxicological effects of the brominated trihalomethanes. Values for HAs and RfDs derived 

using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL approach are presented in the text for comparison with 

those obtained using the BMD approach. 

The methods employed for BMD modeling are described in Appendix A. The modeling 

was performed using the BMDS software (Version 1.2) developed by the U.S. EPA National 

Center for Environmental Assessment. The BMDs and BMDLs were calculated based on a BMR 

of 10% extra risk for all quantal endpoints analyzed. For continuous data, the BMR was defined 

as 1.1 standard deviations, which corresponds to an additional risk of approximately 10% when 

the background response rate is assumed to be 1% with normal variation around the mean and 

constant standard deviation (Crump, 1995). The BMDL10 was defined as the 95% lower bound 

on the corresponding BMD estimate. Confidence bounds were automatically calculated by the 

BMDS software using a likelihood profile method. 

A. Bromodichloromethane 

1. Noncarcinogenic effects 

a. One-day Health Advisory 

Studies of the acute toxicity of bromodichloromethane are summarized in Table VIII-1. 

Lilly et al. (1994) administered single doses of bromodichloromethane by either oil or aqueous 

gavage to male F344 rats at dose levels of 200 or 400 mg/kg. This study identified a LOAEL of 

200 mg/kg-day based on histologic lesions in the kidney and changes in urinary parameters. A 

NOAEL value was not identified for either vehicle. Data for hepatic vacuolar degeneration and 

renal tubular degeneration obtained using the aqueous vehicle were modeled using the BMDS 

software. BMD and BMDL10 values of 263 and 182 mg/kg-day, respectively, were calculated 

using the hepatic data. BMD and BMDL10 values of 131 and 8.9 mg/kg-day, respectively, were 

VIII - 1 November 15, 2005 
obtained using the renal data. The BMDL10 for renal tubular degeneration is the lowest calculated 

across studies, but is not considered a reliable estimate because there is insufficient information to 

accurately characterize the shape of the dose-response curve in the region of interest. 

Thornton-Manning et al. (1994) administered bromodichloromethane to female F344 rats 

by aqueous gavage for five consecutive days at dose levels ranging from 75 to 300 mg/kg-day. 

This study identified a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 150 mg/kg-day based on 

increased liver and kidney weights and histologic lesions in the liver (mild centrilobular 

hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration) and in the kidney (mild renal tubule vacuolar 

degeneration). An analogous study (Thornton-Manning et al., 1994) conducted in female 

C57BL/6J mice indicated that the mice were less sensitive to bromodichloromethane than the 

rats, as no treatment-related histologic lesions were observed in the liver or kidney. However, 

similar NOAEL and LOAEL values were identified based on increased liver weight and changes 

in serum chemistry parameters. Data for renal tubular degeneration in rats were analyzed using 

the BMD approach. BMD and BMDL10 values of 133 and 65 mg/kg-day, respectively, were 

calculated for this endpoint. The BMD is in close agreement with the BMD value calculated for 

the same endpoint using the data of Lilly et al. (1994). 

Two reproductive studies which examined full litter resorption were also considered for 

derivation of the One-day HA. Bielmeier et al. (2001) examined the occurrence of full litter 

resorption in F344 rats treated with 0, 75 or 100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane by aqueous 

gavage on gestation day 9. The LOAEL for this effect was 75 mg/kg-day. Narotsky et al. (1997) 

evaluated the same endpoint in F344 rats administered 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg-day on gestation 

days 6 through 15. Full litter resorption was observed at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day. The NOAEL and 

LOAEL in this study were thus identified as 25 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively. When data from 

these studies were analyzed using the BMD approach, BMD values of 48 and 23 mg/kg-day were 

obtained for the Narotsky et al. (1997) and Bielmeier et al. (2001) studies, respectively. The 

higher value from the Narotsky et al. (1997) study was considered the more reliable estimate of 

the BMD because it was based on response data that included lower doses, one of which was an 

apparent NOAEL. The BMDL10 calculated from the Narotsky et al. (1997) data was 30 mg/kgday. 

Three additional studies were considered as candidates for derivation of the One-day HA. 

Lilly et al. (1997) administered single doses of bromodichloromethane by aqueous gavage to 

male F344 rats at dose levels ranging from 123 to 492 mg/kg. Based on changes in urinary 

parameters, this study identified a NOAEL of 164 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 246 mg/kg-day. 

No histopathological examination was conducted in this study. The study by French et al. (1999), 

which investigated immune system response, identified a similar NOAEL value. However, the 

database for immune response to bromodichloromethane is limited when compared to 

information on hepatic and renal toxicity. Adverse effects were noted only at the highest dose 

and frank effect level, and evidence for vehicle effects on immunotoxicity endpoints was 

observed. Keegan et al. (1998) administered single doses of bromodichloromethane to male F344 

rats by gavage at dose levels ranging from 21 to 246 mg/kg. The study authors identified a 

NOAEL of 41.0 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 81.9 mg/kg-day based on elevations in serum 

markers of hepatotoxicity (ALT, AST, and SDH). Histopathological examination was not 

VIII - 2 November 15, 2005 
conducted and this was considered to be a limitation of the investigation. These three studies 

were not considered further for derivation of the One-day Health Advisory (HA), and thus data 

reported in them were not analyzed using the BMD approach. 

The study conducted by Narotsky et al. (1997) was selected for derivation of the One-day 

HA. The critical effect in this study was full litter resorption observed in pregnant F344 rats 

treated with bromodichloromethane. The BMDL10 value calculated for this endpoint was 30 

mg/kg-day, which is roughly half of the most reliable BMDL10 value calculated for 

histopathological changes in kidney (Thornton-Manning et al., 1994). Although dosing in the 

Narotsky et al. (1997) study lasted from gestation days 6 through 15, a subsequent study by 

Bielmeier et al. (2001) indicated that a single dose (75 mg/kg) of bromodichloromethane on 

gestation day 9 was sufficient to elicit full litter resorption in the same strain of rats. Since there 

is presently insufficient information available to fully assess the occurrence of reproductive 

effects in humans exposed to bromodichloromethane, use of data for full litter resorption was 

adopted as a conservative approach to derivation of the One-day HA. The One-day HA for a 10­

kg child is calculated using the following equation: 

(30 mg/kg-day) (10 kg)

One-day HA = = 1.0 mg/L

(300) (1 L/day)

where: 

30 mg/kg-day = BMDL10 based on incidence of full litter resorption in F344 

rats treated with bromodichloromethane on gestation days 6 

to 15. 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

300 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines. This 

value includes a factor of 10 to protect sensitive human 

populations; a factor of 10 for extrapolation from animals 

to humans; and a factor of 3 to account for database 

limitations and uncertainty regarding possible reproductive 

effects of bromodichloromethane in humans 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

For comparative purposes, the One-day HA was derived using the conventional 

NOAEL/LOAEL approach would also be based on data from the Narotsky et al. (1997) study. 

This study identified a NOAEL of 25 mg/kg-day based on FLR, which was the lowest value 

among the candidate studies. Using this NOAEL and an uncertainty factor of 300 as described 

VIII - 3 November 15, 2005 
-- 

--

Table VIII-1 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA for Bromodichlo

Reference Species 

Sex 

n Dose Route Exposure 

Duration 

Endpoints NOAEL 

mg/kg-day 

LOAEL 

mg/kg-day 

BMD 

mg/kg-

Lilly et al. (1994) 

Rat 

F344 

M 

6 0 

200 400 

Gavage 

(oil) 

Single Dose Body, liver, and 

kidney weights, serum and urine chemistry, liver and kidney histology 

200 

(minimal renal 

tubule 

degeneration and 

necrosis, changes 

in urinary 

parameters) 

Not mod

Lilly et al. (1994) 

Rat 

F344 

M 

6 0 

200 400 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

Single Dose Body, liver, and 

kidney weights, serum and urine chemistry, liver and kidney histology 

200 

(minimal renal 

tubule 

degeneration, 

changes in 

urinary 

parameters) 

263 

131 

Lilly et al. (1997) 

Rat 

F344 

M 

5 0 

123 164 246 328 492 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

Single Dose Body, liver, and 

kidney weights, serum and urine chemistry 

164 246 

(changes in 

urinary 

parameters) 

Not mod

Keegan et al. (1998) 

Rat 

F344 

M 

6 0 

21 31 41 82 

123 164 246 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

Single Dose Body, liver, and 

kidney weights, serum chemistry 

41 82 

(elevated ALT, 

AST, and SDH 

activities) 

Not mod

VIII - 4 
--

Table VIII-1 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BMD 

Sex Duration mg/kg-day mg/kg-day mg/kg-

French et al. (1999) 

Rat 

C57BL/6 

F 

6 0 

75 

150 300 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

5 days Body, spleen, and 

thymus weights, immune function 

150 300 (FEL) 

(mortality, 

decreased body 

weight, altered 

immune 

Not mod

response) 

ThorntonManning et al. (1994) 

Rat 

F344 

F 

6 0 

75 

150 300 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

5 days Body, liver, and 

kidney weights, serum chemistry, liver and kidney histology 

75 150 

(increased liver 

and kidney 

weights, mild 

centrilobular 

hepatocellular 

vacuolar 

133 

degeneration, 

mild renal tubule 

vacuolar 

degeneration) 

Thornton- Mouse 6 0 Gavage 5 days Body, liver, and 75 150 Not modManning et C57BL/ 75 (aqueous) kidney weights, (increased liver al. (1994) 6J 100 serum chemistry, weight, elevated 

F liver and kidney ALT and SDH 

histology activities) 

Narotsky et Rat 12­ 0 Gavage Gestation Body weight, 25 50 48 al. F344 14 25 (oil) days 6-15 clinical signs, (full-litter (1997) * F 50 (water)** developmental resorption) 

75 parameters 

Bielmeier et Rat 8­ 0 Gavage Gestation day Full litter resorption; 75 23 al. (2001)* F344 11 75 (aq) 9 hormone profiles (full-litter 

F 100 resorption) 

* The NOAEL and LOAEL values listed are for reproductive or developmental effects. ** The NOAEL and LOAEL values were the same in either vehicle. BMD modeling was performed on aqueous vehicle data only. 

VIII - 5 
above, the One-day HA for a 10-kg child calculated using the conventional approach would be 

0.8 mg/L (rounded from 0.83 mg/L). 

b. Ten-day Health Advisory 

Sixteen studies were considered for derivation of the Ten-day HA for 

bromodichloromethane. These studies are summarized in Table VIII-2 below. Aida et al. 

(1992a) administered microencapsulated bromodichloromethane in the diet to Wistar rats for one 

month at dose levels ranging from 20.6 to 203.8 mg/kg-day. This study identified a NOAEL of 

61.7 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 189.0 mg/kg-day in male rats based on histologic changes in the 

liver (swelling of hepatocytes, single cell necrosis, hepatic cord irregularity, and bile duct 

proliferation). Analysis using the BMD approach calculated BMD and BMDL10 values of 34 and 

17 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on data for liver cell vacuolization in females. 

Data from four of the other candidate studies are consistent with the histopathological 

results obtained by Aida et al. (1992a). Melnick et al. (1998) administered 

bromodichloromethane by gavage to female B6C3F1 mice for 5 days/week for 3 weeks and 

identified a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day (duration-adjusted NOAEL of 54 mg/kg-day) and a 

LOAEL of 150 mg/kg-day (duration-adjusted LOAEL of 107 mg/kg-day) based on histologic 

changes in the liver (hepatocyte hydropic degeneration). Analysis using the BMD approach 

calculated duration-adjusted BMD and BMDL10 values of 31 and 8.4 mg/kg-day, respectively, for 

this endpoint. Condie et al. (1983) administered bromodichloromethane by gavage to male CD-1 

mice for 14 days and identified a NOAEL of 74 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 148 mg/kg-day 

based on minimal to moderate liver and kidney lesions. Analysis using the BMD approach 

calculated BMD and BMDL10 values of 24 and 7.5 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on data for 

histopathological changes in the liver. NTP (1998) conducted histopathologic examinations in 

conjunction with a study of reproductive and developmental toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. 

Although no reproductive or developmental toxicity was observed at the dose levels investigated, 

histopathological changes were noted in the liver of males rats treated with the compound for 35 

days. The NOAEL and LOAEL for this effect were 9 and 38 mg/kg-day, respectively. Analysis 

of data for single cell hepatic necrosis using the BMD approach calculated BMD and BMDL10 

values of 35 and 18 mg/kg-day, respectively, which are virtually identical to the values calculated 

using the liver cell vacuolization data for females from the Aida et al. (1992b) study. Coffin et al. 

(2000) observed hydropic degeneration in female mice treated with 150 mg/kg-day 

bromodichloromethane in corn oil for 11 days. These data were not modeled because other 

studies utilized doses lower than 150 mg/kg-day, which allowed better characterization of 

response in the low-dose region of the dose-response curve. 

In contrast to the studies described above, Chu et al. (1982a) did not observe any 

microscopic lesions in the liver when Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 

bromodichloromethane at doses up to 68 mg/kg-day in the drinking water for 28 days. The 

studies of Munson et al. (1982) and NTP (1987) did not conduct histopathological examinations. 

These studies identified NOAELs ranging from 50 to 150 mg/kg-day and LOAELs ranging from 

125 to 300 mg/kg-day for other endpoints, including depressed humoral immunity (Munson et al., 

VIII - 6 November 15, 2005 
1982), decreased weight gain (NTP, 1987; rats), and increased mortality and gross renal 

pathology (NTP, 1987; mice). These data were not analyzed by the BMD approach. 

Seven studies that examined developmental and/or reproductive endpoints were evaluated. 

Two studies reported the incidence of full litter resorption in F344 rats following treatment with 

bromodichloromethane. Bielmeier et al. (2001) examined the occurrence of full litter resorption 

in F344 rats treated with 0, 75 or 100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane by aqueous gavage on 

gestation day 9. The LOAEL for this effect was 75 mg/kg-day. Narotsky et al. (1997) evaluated 

the same endpoint in F344 rats administered 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg-day on gestation days 6 

through 15. Full litter resorption was observed at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day. The NOAEL and 

LOAEL in this study were thus identified as 25 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively. When data from 

these studies were analyzed using the BMD approach, BMD values of 48 and 23 mg/kg-day were 

obtained for the Narotsky et al. (1997) and Bielmeier et al. (2001) studies, respectively. The 

higher value from the Narotsky et al. (1997) study was considered the more reliable estimate of 

the BMD because it was based on response data that included lower doses, one of which was an 

apparent NOAEL. The BMDL10 calculated from the Narotsky et al. (1997) data was 30 mg/kgday. Ruddick et al. (1983) observed an increased incidence of sternebral aberrations in the pups 

of Sprague-Dawley rats administered bromodichloromethane in corn oil by gavage. Statistical 

analysis of the published data indicated that the NOAEL and LOAEL for this effect were 100 

mg/kg-day and 200 mg/kg-day, respectively. The BMD and BMDL10 obtained for this study 

were 27 and 15 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

The remaining reproductive/developmental studies sponsored by the Chlorine Chemistry 

Council (CCC) were also evaluated. These studies were summarized by Christian et al. (2001a, 

b). CCC (2000a, b) examined developmental toxicity in New Zealand rabbits and identified 

developmental NOAELs of 76 and 55 mg/kg-day (the highest doses tested in each study). The 

CCC (CCC, 2000c,d) also examined reproductive and developmental toxicity in Sprague Dawley 

rats. In a range-finding study (CCC, 2000c), F1 generation pups exposed to 

bromodichloromethane via lactation and possibly by consumption of water supplied to the dams 

exhibited reduced body weights and body weight gains. These effects occurred at exposure levels 

which also resulted in maternal toxicity. Biologically meaningful average daily doses could not 

be established in this experiment; therefore, the concentration-based NOAEL and LOAEL values 

for developmental effects were 50 and 150 ppm based on changes in F1 pup body weight and 

body weight gain. In a subsequent developmental study, CCC (2000d) identified NOAEL and 

LOAEL values of 45 and 82 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on decreased number of ossification 

sites per fetus for the forelimb phalanges and hindlimb metatarsals and phalanges. This effect 

was observed at doses associated with maternal toxicity. Endpoints from these studies were not 

modeled because other studies identified adverse effects at lower doses. 

Data for maternal toxicity from three reproductive/developmental studies were also 

considered for derivation of the 10-day HA for bromodichloromethane. Narotsky et al. (1997) 

observed decreased maternal body weight gain on gestation days 6 to 8 in female rats 

administered 25 mg/kg-day (the lowest dose tested) by aqueous gavage in 10% Emulphor. BMD 

modeling identified BMD and BMDL10 values of 18 and 10 mg/kg-day, respectively, for this 

VIII - 7 November 15, 2005 
endpoint. The data reported in this study did not permit evaluation of body weight or body 

weight gain at other time points during the treatment period. CCC (2000d) reported decreased 

maternal body weight gain at several time points in pregnant rats administered 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water, with the most severe effect observed immediately after 

initiation of treatment on gestation days 6 to 7. The NOAEL and LOAEL for decreased body 

weight on gestation days 6 to 7 were 18.4 and 45 mg/kg-day, respectively. When body weight 

gain for this interval was modeled, the resulting BMD and BMDL10 values were approximately 

18 and 15 mg/kg-day, respectively. However, the modeled fits to the data were poor, and the 

results were not considered sufficiently reliable for derivation of a health advisory. To address 

this problem, body weight gain data for gestation days 6 to 9 were also modeled. Reliable values 

of 23 and 18 mg/kg-day were obtained for the BMD and BMDL10, respectively. The CCC 

(2000b) study observed decreased maternal body weight gain at several time points in pregnant 

rabbits administered bromodichloromethane in the drinking water on gestation days 6 to 29. The 

NOAEL and LOAEL for decreased maternal body weight gain (corrected for gravid uterine 

weight) on gestation days 6 to 21 were 13.4 and 35.3 mg/kg-day, respectively. A BMD value of 

50 mg/kg-day was obtained for this data set, but the BMDS software failed to identify the 

corresponding BMDL10. No further modeling was attempted since this value was well above the 

lowest BMDs obtained in some other candidate studies. 

As evident from the data in Table VIII-2, the four studies that examined histopathological 

changes in the liver are in close agreement, having identified BMD values ranging from 24 to 35 

mg/kg-day. The corresponding BMDL10 values ranged from 7.5 to 18 mg/kg-day. Maternal 

toxicity occurred in rats at similar levels in two developmental studies. These studies identified 

BMD values of 18 and 23 mg/kg-day, with corresponding BMDL10 values of 10 and 18 mg/kgday. The NTP (1998) and CCC (2000d) drinking water studies were selected to derive the Tenday HA. Selection of these studies was based on the administration of bromodichloromethane in 

drinking water, the most relevant route of exposure. In addition, these studies utilized a lower 

range of doses, which provided information on the shape of the dose-response curve in the region 

of interest. The Ten-day HA is calculated according to the following equation: 

(18 mg/kg-day) (10 kg) 

Ten-day HA = = 0.60 mg/L (rounded to 0.6 mg/L)

(300) (1 L/day) 

where: 

18 mg/kg-day = BMDL10 based on single cell hepatic necrosis in rats 

administered bromodichloromethane in the drinking water 

for 35 days or decreased maternal body weight gain on 

gestation days 6-9 in pregnant female rats administered 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water. 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

VIII - 8 November 15, 2005 
300 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines. This 

value includes a factor of 10 to protect sensitive human 

populations and a factor of 10 for extrapolation from 

animals to humans, and a factor of 3 to account for 

database limitations and uncertainty regarding possible 

reproductive effects of bromodichloromethane in humans 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

For comparative purposes, the Ten-day HA derived using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach would be based on data from the CCC (2000d) study. This study identified a NOAEL 

of 18 mg/kg-day based on reduced maternal body weight gain in pregnant rabbits. Using this 

NOAEL and an uncertainty factor of 300 as described above, the Ten-day HA for a 10-kg child 

calculated using the conventional approach would be 0.60 mg/L (rounded to 0.6 mg/L). 

VIII - 9 November 15, 2005 
-- 

Table VIII-2 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for Bromodichlo

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BMD 

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-

Aida et al. (1992a) 

Rat 

Wistar 

M, F 

7 Male 

0 

21 62 

189 

Feed 1 month Clinical signs, body 

weight, serum chemistry, hematology, histology 

62 189 

(liver 

histopathology 

in males) 

34 

Females 

0 

21 66 

204 

Chu et al. Rat 10 0 Drinking 28 days Clinical signs, serum 68 No data to (1982a) SD 0.8 water chemistry, histology 

M 8 

68 

Condie et al. (1983) 

Mouse 

CD-1 

8-

16 

0 

37 

Gavage 

(oil) 

14 days Serum enzymes, PAH 

uptake in vitro, 

74 148 

(elevated ALT, 

24 

M 74 histology decreased PAH 

148 uptake, liver and 

kidney 

histopathology) 125 

Melnick et Mouse 10 0 Gavage 3 weeks Body and liver 75 150 31 † al. B6C3F1 75 (oil) (5 d/wk) weights, serum (liver (1998) F 150 chemistry, liver histopathology) 

326 histology 

Munson et Mouse 8- Males Gavage 14 days Body and organ 50 125 Not modal. CD-1 12 0 (aq.) weights, serum (depressed (1982) M, F 50 chemistry, humoral 

125 hematology, and immunity) 250 immune function 

VIII - 10 
-- 

Table VIII-2 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BMD 

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-

NTP (1987) 

Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

5 0 

38 75 

150 

Gavage 

(oil) 

14 days Body weight, clinical 

signs, gross necropsy 

150 300 

(decreased 

weight gain) 

Not mod

300 600 

NTP (1987) 

Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

5 0 

19 38 75 

150 

Gavage 

(oil) 

14 days Body weight, clinical 

signs, gross necropsy 

75 150 (FEL)‡ 

(mortality, 

lethargy, gross 

renal pathology) 

Not mod

300 

Coffin et al. Mouse 10 0 Gavage 11 days Relative liver wt., 150 Not mod(2000) B6C3F1 150 (oil) liver histopathology; 

F 300 labeling index 

NTP Rat 5­ 0 Drinking 35 days Body and organ 9 38 35 (1998) SD 

M 

(group A) 

13 9 

38 67 

water weights, serum 

chemistry, hematology, gross 

(liver 

histopathology) 

necropsy, histology, sperm evaluation 

Ruddick et al. (1983)* 

Rat 

SD 

9­

14 

0 

50 

Gavage 

(oil) 

Gestation 

days 6-15 

Body and organ weights; maternal 

100 200 

(sternebral 

27 

F 100 

200 

serum chemistry; hematology, and 

aberrations) 

histopathology; developmental parameters 

VIII - 11 
--

Table VIII-2 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BMD 

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-

Narotsky et Rat 12­ 0 Gavage Gestation Body weight, clinical 25 50 48 al. (1997)* F344 14 25 (oil) days 6-15 signs, developmental (developmental ) (full-litter 

F 50 (Emul­ parameters resorption) 

75 phor)** 

- 25 18 

(maternal) (reduced 

matermal body 

weight gain 

gestation days 

6-8, aqueous 

vehicle only) 

Bielmeier et Rat 8­ 0 Gavage Gestation Full litter resorption; 75 23 al. (2001)* F344 11 75 (aq) day 9 hormone profiles (full-litter 

F 100 resorption) 

CCC Rat 10 0 ppm Drinking Males 64 Reproductive and 50 ppm 150 ppm Not mod(2000c)* SD 50 ppm water days developmental (reduced F1 pup 

M, F 150 ppm parameters weight and 

450 ppm Females 74 weight gain) 

1350 ppm days 

CCC (2000d)* 

Rat 

SD 

F 

25 0.0 

2.2 

18.4 45.0 

Drinking 

water 

Gestation 

days 6-21 

Reproductive and developmental parameters 

45.3 

(developmental) 

82.0 

(reduced 

number of 

ossification sites 

Not mod

82.0 in phalanges or 

metatarsals 

occurring with 

maternal 

toxicity) 

18.4 45 23 

(maternal) (reduced 

maternal body 

weight gain 

gestation days 

6-7) 

VIII - 12 
Table VIII-2 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BMD 

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-

CCC Rabbit 5 0.0 Drinking Gestation Reproductive and 76.3 - Not mod(2000a)* NZW 13.9 water days 6-29 developmental (developmental) 

F 32.3 parameters 

76.3 

CCC Rabbit 25 0 Drinking Gestation Clinical sign, gross 55 - Not mod(2000b)* NZW 1.4 Water days 6-29 lesions, reproductive (developmental) 

F 13.4 

35.6 55.3 

and developmental endpoints 13.4 

(maternal) 

35.3 

(reduced 

corrected 

50 

maternal body 

weight gain 

gestation days 

6-29) 

* The NOAEL and LOAEL values listed are for reproductive or developmental effects. ** The NOAEL and LOAEL values were the same for developmental effects in either vehicle. The LOAEL for maternal toxicity was 2

aqueous vehicle (10% Emulphor). The NOAEL and LOAEL for maternal toxicity using the corn oil vehicle were 25 mg/kg-day and 

respectively. BMD modeling was performed on aqueous vehicle data only. 

† BMD and BMDL10 calculated using duration adjusted doses 

Abbreviations: FEL, Frank effect level; SD, Sprague-Dawley; NZW, New Zealand White 

VIII - 13 
c. Longer-term Health Advisory 

Two rodent oral exposure studies conducted by NTP (1987) were considered for 

derivation of the Longer-term HA for bromodichloromethane. In addition, eight reproductive 

studies were considered. These studies are summarized in Table VIII-3 below. 

NTP (1987) administered bromodichloromethane by gavage to F344/N rats for 5 

days/week for 13 weeks at dose levels ranging from 19 to 300 mg/kg-day. Based on decreased 

weight gain, this study identified a NOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 150 mg/kg-day. 

Treatment-related hepatic and renal lesions were observed only at the high dose. In a similar 

study, NTP (1987) administered bromodichloromethane by gavage to B6C3F1 mice for 5 

days/week for 13 weeks at dose levels ranging from 6.25 to 100 mg/kg-day for males and from 25 

to 400 mg/kg-day for females. This study identified a NOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 

100 mg/kg-day based on histologic alterations in the kidney (focal necrosis of the proximal renal 

tubular epithelium and nephrosis) of male mice. BMD analysis using the BMDS program 

identified duration-adjusted BMD values of 63 and 75 mg/kg-day for focal necrosis of renal 

tubular epithelium in males and vacuolated cytoplasm in the liver of females, respectively. The 

corresponding BMDL10 values for these renal and hepatic effects were 35 and 47 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. 

Eight reproductive or developmental studies (Ruddick et al., 1983; Narotsky et al., 1997; 

Bielmeier et al. 2001; CCC, 2000a,b,c,d; CCC, 2002) were also considered for derivation of the 

Longer-term HA. CCC (2002) identified a LOAEL of 150 ppm (approximately 11.6 to 40.2 

mg/kg-day) for delayed sexual maturation in F1 male rats in a two-generation study of 

bromodichloromethane administered in drinking water. The LOAEL for parental effects in the 

study was also 150 ppm, based on decreased body weight and body weight gain in F0 females and 

F1 males and females. Bielmeier et al. (2001) examined the occurrence of full litter resorption in 

F344 rats treated with 0, 75 or 100 mg/kg-day bromodichloromethane by aqueous gavage on 

gestation day 9. The LOAEL for this effect was 75 mg/kg-day. Narotsky et al. (1997) evaluated 

the same endpoint in F344 rats administered 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg-day on gestation days 6 

through 15. Full litter resorption was observed at 50 and 75 mg/kg-day. The NOAEL and 

LOAEL in this study were thus identified as 25 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively. When data from 

these studies were analyzed using the BMD approach, BMD values of 48 and 23 mg/kg-day were 

obtained for the Narotsky et al. (1997) and Bielmeier et al. (2001) studies, respectively. The 

higher value from the Narotsky et al. (1997) study was considered the more reliable estimate of 

the BMD because it was based on response data that included lower doses, one of which was an 

apparent NOAEL. The BMDL10 calculated from the Narotsky et al. (1997) data was 30 mg/kgday. Studies conducted by NTP (1998) did not detect reproductive or developmental toxicity at 

doses up to 116 mg/kg-day. Two studies conducted in New Zealand White rabbits did not detect 

developmental effects at doses up to 55 and 76 mg/kg-day, respectively (CCC, 2000a,b). 

Three additional studies in rats identified developmental effects that occurred at dose 

levels that also resulted in maternal toxicity. In a range-finding study (CCC, 2000c), F1 

generation pups exposed to bromodichloromethane via lactation and possibly by consumption of 

VIII - 14 November 15, 2005 
water supplied to the dams exhibited reduced body weights and body weight gains. Biologically 

meaningful daily doses could not be established in this experiment; therefore, the concentrationbased NOAEL and LOAEL values are 50 ppm and 150 ppm. based on reduced body weight and 

body weight gain in the F1 pups. In a subsequent developmental study, CCC (2000d) identified 

NOAEL and LOAEL values of 45 and 82 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on decreased number of 

ossification sites per fetus for the forelimb phalanges and hindlimb metatarsals and phalanges. 

These reversible developmental delays occurred at doses which also resulted in maternal. 

Endpoints from these studies were not modeled because other effects were observed at lower 

doses. Ruddick et al. (1983) observed an increased incidence of sternebral aberrations in the pups 

of Sprague-Dawley rats administered bromodichloromethane in corn oil by gavage. Statistical 

analysis of the published data indicated that the NOAEL and LOAEL for this effect were 100 

mg/kg-day and 200 mg/kg-day, respectively. The lowest dose tested was 50 mg/kg-day. The 

BMD and BMDL10 obtained for this study were 27 and 15 mg/kg-day, respectively. However, 

examination of the modeling output indicated that none of the available models fit the data well in 

the low-dose region of the curve. Therefore, the reliability of these values is questionable. 

The Narotsky et al. (1997) and CCC (2000d) studies identified BMDL10 values of 10 and 

18 mg/kg-day based on reduced maternal body weight gain. The CCC data were considered the 

most relevant since they were obtained from a drinking water study which utilized concentrations 

that resulted in daily doses well below those used in the Narotsky study. The NTP (1987) and the 

Narotsky et al. (1997) studies provided similar, but higher, BMDL10 values, based on 

reproductive and histopathological endpoints. The NTP (1987) study utilized 

bromodichloromethane doses as low as 6.3 mg/kg-day, in contrast to the reproductive study 

conducted by Narotsky et al. (1997) in which the lowest dose was 25 mg/kg-day. The NTP 

(1987) data thus provide more information about the shape of the dose-response curve in the 

region of interest. The BMD data for focal necrosis of renal tubular epithelium and reduced body 

weight gain in pregnant female rats were thus selected as the most reliable basis for determining 

the Longer-term HA. Using the lower of the two values, the duration-adjusted BMDL10 of 18 

mg/kg-day for reduced maternal body weight gain, the Longer-term HA for a 10 kg child is 

calculated according to the following equation: 

(18 mg/kg-day) (10 kg) 

Longer-term HA = = 0.60 mg/L (rounded to 0.6 mg/L)

(300) (1 L/day) 

where: 

18 mg/kg-day = BMDL10 based on decreased maternal body weight gain on 

gestation days 6-9 in pregnant female rats administered 

bromodichloromethane in the drinking water. 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

VIII - 15 November 15, 2005 
300 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines. This 

value includes a factor of 10 to protect sensitive human 

populations and a factor of 10 for extrapolation from 

animals to humans, and a factor of 3 to account for 

uncertainty regarding possible reproductive effects of 

bromodichloromethane in humans 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

The Longer-term HA for adults is calculated as follows: 

Longer-term HA = 

(18 mg/kg-day) (70 kg) 

(300) (2 L/day) 

= 2.1 mg/L (rounded to 2 mg/L)

where: 

18 mg/kg-day = BMDL10 based on reduced body weight gain in female rats 

administered bromodichloromethane in the drinking water 

70 kg = Assumed body weight of an adult 

300 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines. This 

value includes a factor of 10 to protect sensitive human 

populations and a factor of 10 for extrapolation from 

animals to humans, and a factor of 3 to account for 

database limitations and uncertainty related to potential 

reproductive effects of bromodichloromethane in humans 

2 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 70-kg adult 

For purposes of comparison , a Longer-term HA derived using the conventional 

NOAEL/LOAEL approach would be based on the study conducted by CCC (2000d). This study 

identified a NOAEL of 18.4 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 45 mg/kg-day based on reduced body 

weight gain on gestation days 6 to 7. Using the NOAEL of 18.4 mg/kg-day, and assuming 

drinking water ingestion of 1 L/day and an uncertainty factor of 300 (including factors of 10 for 

interspecies extrapolation and protection of susceptible populations and a factor of 3 for database 

limitations and uncertainty regarding potential reproductive effects in humans), the Longer-term 

HA for a 10 kg child would be 0.6 mg/L. The Longer-term HA for a 70 kg adult consuming 2 

L/day would be 2 mg/kg-day. 

VIII - 16 November 15, 2005 
Table VIII-3 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA for Bromodich

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg

NTP (1987) 

Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

10 0 

19 38 75 

Gavage 

(oil) 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, histology 

75 150 

(decreased 

weight gain) 

Not mo

150 300 

(hepatic and 

renal lesions at 

300) 

NTP (1987) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

10 Male 

0 

6.3 

13 25 50 

Gavage 

(oil) 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, histology 

50 100 

(renal lesions) 

63 

100 

Female 75 

0 

25 50 

100 200 400 

Ruddick et al. (1983)* 

Rat 

SD 

F 

9­

14 

0 

50 

100 

Gavage 

(oil) 

Gestation days 

6-15 

Body and organ weights; maternal serum 

100 200 

(increased 

incidence of 

27 

200 chemistry; 

hematology, and histopathology; developmental 

sternebral 

variations) 

parameters 

Narotsky et Rat 12­ 0 Gavage Gestation days Body weight, 25 50 48 al. F344 14 25 (oil) 6-15 clinical signs, (developmental) (full-litter (1997) * F 50 (aq)** developmental resorption) 

75 parameters - 25 18 

(maternal) (reduced 

maternal body 

weight gain 

gestation days 6­

8, aq. vehicle) 

VIII - 17 
--

Table VIII-3 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg

Bielmeier et Rat 8­ 0 Gavage Gestation day Full litter 75 23 al. (2001)* F344 11 75 (aq) 9 resorption; (full-litter 

F 100 hormone profiles resorption) 

CCC Rat 10 0 ppm Drinking Males Reproductive/ Developmental Developmental Not mo(2000c)* SD 

M, F 

50 ppm 

150 ppm 

water 64 days developmental 

parameters 

50 ppm 150 ppm450 ppm 

1350 ppm 

Females 

74 days 

Parental 

50 ppm 

Parental 

50 ppm 

CCC (2000d)* 

Rat 

SD 

F 

25 0.0 

2.2 

18.4 45.0 82.0 

Drinking 

water 

Gestation days 

6-21 

Reproductive/ developmental parameters 

45.3 

(developmental) 

82.0 

(reduced number 

of ossification 

sites in phalanges 

or metatarsals 

Not mo

occurring with 

maternal 

toxicity) 

18.4 45 23 

(maternal) (reduced 

maternal body 

weight gain 

gestation days 6­

7) 

CCC (2002)* Rat 

SD 

M, F 

30 0 ppm 

50 ppm 

150 ppm 450 ppm 

Drinking 

water 

Two 

generations 

Reproductive parameters 

50 ppm 

(offspring) 

150 ppm 

(delayed sexual 

maturation in F1 

males) 

Not mo

50 ppm 

(parental) 

150 ppm 

(Reduced body 

wt and body wt 

gain in F0 

females and F1 

males and 

females) 

VIII - 18 
Table VIII-3 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg

CCC (2000a)* 

Rabbit 

NZW 

5 0 

4.9 

Drinking 

Water 

Gestation day 6 

to 29 

Body weight, clinical signs, 

76.3 

(developmental) -

Not mo

F 13.9 

32.3 

reproductive and developmental 

76.3 parameters 

CCC Rabbit 25 0 Drinking Gestation days Clinical sign, 55.3 - Not mo(2000b)* NZW 1.4 Water 6-29 gross lesions, (developmental) 

F 13.4 

35.6 

reproductive and developmental 13.4 35.3 50 

55.3 endpoints (maternal) (reduced (develop

maternal body 

weight gain 

‡ BMDL10 value was derived using duration-adjusted doses. 

† Modeled using Crump Benchmark Dose Software * The NOAEL and LOAEL values listed are for reproductive/developmental effects. 

** The developmental NOAEL and LOAEL values were the same in either vehicle. The LOAELs for maternal toxicity were 25 mg/kg

for the aqueous and corn oil vehicles respectively. BMD modeling was performed on aqueous vehicle data only. 

Abbreviations: NA, Not available; SD, Sprague-Dawley; NZW, New Zealand White 

VIII - 19 
d. Reference Dose, Drinking Water Equivalent Level and Lifetime Health Advisory 

This section reports the existing RfD value for bromodichloromethane and describes the 

derivation of the RfD for this compound. This section also describes the calculation of Drinking 

Water Equivalent Level and Lifetime Health Advisory values which require the RfD as input. 

For this document, new and existing studies were reviewed and appropriate candidate data were 

selected for benchmark dose (BMD) modeling. The results of BMD modeling were used in 

conjunction with appropriate uncertainty factors to calculate the RfD. A comparison of the RfD 

derived using the BMD approach to the results obtained using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach is also provided. 

Description of the Existing RfD 

The existing RfD for bromodichloromethane is 0.02 mg/kg-day (IRIS, 1993a). This value 

was derived using a duration-adjusted LOAEL of 17.9 mg/kg-day identified for renal cytomegaly 

in B6C3F1 mice administered bromodichloromethane by corn oil gavage for 5 days/week for 102 

weeks (NTP, 1987). An uncertainty factor of 100 was used to account for extrapolation from 

animal data and for protection of sensitive human subpopulations. An additional factor of 10 was 

used because the RfD was based on a LOAEL (although it was considered minimally adverse) 

and to account for lack of reproductive data. 

Identification of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD 

Several studies of chronic duration were considered for derivation of the RfD for 

bromodichloromethane. These studies are summarized in Table VIII-4 below. NTP (1987) 

administered bromodichloromethane to F344/N rats by gavage in corn oil at doses of 50 or 100 

mg/kg-day for 5 day/week for 102 weeks. This study identified a LOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day based 

on histologic alterations in the liver and kidney. In a similar study, NTP (1987) administered 

bromodichloromethane by gavage in corn oil to B6C3F1 mice for 5 days/week for 102 weeks at 

dose levels of 25 or 50 mg/kg-day for males and 75 or 150 mg/kg-day for females. Based on 

histologic alterations in the liver, kidney, and thyroid of male mice, this study identified a 

LOAEL of 25 mg/kg-day, which is consistent with the value identified in the rat study. In a third 

study, Tobe et al. (1982) administered microencapsulated bromodichloromethane to Wistar rats in 

the diet at dose levels ranging from 6 to 168 mg/kg-day. Histologic data for the animals exposed 

to bromodichloromethane were reported by Aida et al. (1992b). This study identified a LOAEL 

for male rats of 6 mg/kg-day on the basis of histopathologic changes in the liver. 

Ten reproductive and/or developmental toxicity studies (Ruddick et al., 1983; Klinefelter 

et al., 1995; Narotsky et al., 1997; NTP, 1998; Bielmeier et al. 2001; CCC, 2000a,b,c,d; CCC, 

2002) were considered for derivation of the RfD in addition to the chronic studies. The 

investigations of Ruddick et al. (1983), Klinefelter et al. (1995), and Narotsky et al. (1997) 

identified NOAELs or LOAELs in rats that were substantially higher than the LOAEL identified 

by Aida et al. (1992b) (Table VIII-4 below). The studies conducted by NTP (1998) did not 

observe developmental or reproductive effects at doses up to 116 mg/kg-day. The study by 

Bielmeier et al. (2001) identified a free-standing LOAEL of 75 mg/kg-day in F344 rats. The 

studies conducted by CCC (2000a,b) identified NOAELs of 55 and 76 mg/kg-day, respectively, 

VIII - 20 November 15, 2005 
for developmental effects in New Zealand White rabbits. The study conducted in rats by CCC 

(2000c) identified concentration-based NOAEL and LOAEL values of 50 ppm and 150 ppm for 

reduced body weight and body weight gain in F1 pups. The study conducted in rats by CCC 

(2000d) identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 45 mg/kg-day and 82 mg/kg-day, respectively 

on the basis of decreased ossification sites per fetus per litter in the forelimb and hindlimb. Lowrange LOAEL values for maternal toxicity ranged from 13 to 25 mg/kg-day (CCC, 2000b; CCC 

2000d; Narotsky et al., 1997). CCC (2002) identified a LOAEL of 150 ppm (approximately 11.6 

to 40.2 mg/kg-day) for delayed sexual maturation in F1 male rats in a two-generation study of 

bromodichloromethane administered in drinking water. The LOAEL for parental effects in the 

study was also 150 ppm, based on decreased body weight and body weight gain in F0 females and 

F1 males and females. Since these studies identified NOAEL and/or LOAEL values substantially 

higher than that identified by Aida et al. (1992b), they were not further considered for derivation 

of the RfD. 

Method of Analysis 

Selected data from the candidate studies were analyzed using the benchmark dose (BMD) 

modeling approach. Initially, data sets for potentially sensitive endpoints were selected as 

described in U.S. EPA (1998b) and analyzed using the Crump Benchmark Dose Modeling 

Software (K. S. Crump, Inc.). Results of this analysis are summarized in Table VIII-5. 

Following the release of Version 1.2 of the BMDS program (U.S. EPA, 2000a), a subset of the 

most sensitive endpoints identified using the Crump software was reanalyzed in accordance with 

proposed U.S. EPA (2000b) recommendations. An advantage of analysis with the BMDS 

software is that several additional models are available to fit the data. The results of the analysis 

with the BMDS software are included in Table VIII-4. 

Choice of Principal Study and Critical Effect for the RfD 

Three data sets for histopathological effects in liver were analyzed using the BMDS 

software (Table VIII-4). BMD modeling identified several endpoints with BMD values lower 

than the conventionally determined LOAEL of 6 mg/kg-day (Aida, 1992b). The lowest BMD 

values were obtained for fatty degeneration (1.9 mg/kg-day) in male rats (Aida et al., 1992b) and 

for kidney cytomegaly (2.0 mg/kg-day) in male mice (NTP, 1987). Comparably low BMD values 

were also obtained for granulomas observed in the liver of male rats (2.1 mg/kg-day) and for fatty 

degeneration in the liver of female rats (3.1 mg/kg-day) in the study conducted by Aida et al. 

(1992b). In contrast, the BMD values calculated for endpoints examined in other studies were 

approximately 10- to 20-fold higher. 

VIII - 21 November 15, 2005 
--

----

--

Table VIII-4 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD for Bromodichlorom

Reference Species 

Sex 

n Dose Route Exposure 

Duration Endpoints NOAEL (mg/kg-day) LOAEL (mg/kg-day) BMD (mg/kg-

NTP Rat 50 0 Gavage 102 weeks Body weight, 50 (1987) F344/N 50 (oil) (5 d/wk) clinical signs, (lesions of 

M, F 100 gross necropsy, kidney and liver) 

histology 

NTP Mouse 50 0 Gavage 102 weeks Body weight, 25 2.0 (1987) B6C3F1 25 (oil) (5 d/wk) clinical signs, (lesions of liver, 

M, F 50 gross necropsy, kidney, and 

histology thyroid) 

Aida et al. (1992b) 

Rat 

Wistar 

40 Male 

0 

Diet 24 months Body weight, 

clinical signs, 

6 

(liver fatty 

3.1 

M, F 6 

26 

serum biochemistry, 

degeneration and 

granuloma) 

138 

Female 

0 8 

32 

gross necropsy, histology 1.9 

168 2.1 

Ruddick et al. (1983)b 

Rat 

SD 

9­

14 

0 ppm 

50 ppm 

Gavage 

(oil) 

Gestation days 

6-15 

Body and organ weights; 

100 200 

(sternebral 

27 

F 150 ppm maternal serum variations) 

450 ppm chemistry; 

1350 hematology, and 

ppm histopathology; 

developmental parameters 

Narotsky et Rat 13­ 0 Gavage Gestation days Body weight, 25 50 48 al. (1997) b F344 14 75 (oil) 6-15 clinical signs, (developmental) (full-litter 

100 (water) developmental resorption) 

parameters 

VIII - 22 
-- 

--

-- --

-- -- 

--

Table VIII-4 (cont.) 

Klinefelter et al. (1995)b 

Rat 

F344 

7 0 

22 

Drinking 

water 

52 weeks Body and organ 

weights, gross 

22 39 

(decreased sperm 

M 39 necropsy, velocities) 

histology, sperm motion parameters 

Bielmeier et al. (2001)b 

Rat 

F344 

8­

11 

0 

75 

Gavage 

(aq) 

Gestation day 

9 

Full litter resorption, 

75 

(full-litter 

23 

F 100 hormone resorption) 

profiles, body weight 

CCC (2000a)b 

Rabbit 

NZW 

5 0 

4.9 

Drinking 

Water 

Gestation days 

6-29 

Body wt., clinical signs, 

76 

F 13.9 reproductive 

32.3 developmental 76.3 parameters 

CCC (2000b)b 

Rabbit 

NZW 

25 0 

1.4 

Drinking 

water 

Gestation days 

6-29 

Maternal feed and water 

55 

(developmental) 

F 13 intake, body 

36 wt.; gross 55 lesions; uterine 

weight, no. implantation sites, uterine contents, and no. 13.4 35.3 50 corpora; Fetal (maternal) (reduced (maternwt., gross ext. alterations, skel. 

maternal body 

weight gain) 

alterations, sex, visceral alterations 

CCC (2000c)b 

Rat 

SD 

10 0 ppm 

50 ppm 

Drinking 

water 

Males 

64 days 

Reproductive/ developmental 

50 ppm 150 ppm 

M,F 150 ppm parameters 

450 ppm Females 

1350 74 days 

ppm 

VIII - 23 
Table VIII-4 (cont.) 

CCC (2000d)b 

Rat 

SD 

F 

25 0.0 

2.2 

18.4 

Drinking 

water 

Gestation days 

6-21 

Reproductive/ developmental parameters 

45 

(developmental) 

82 

(reduced no. of 

ossification sites 

– 

(developm

45.0 82.0 

in phalanges or 

metatarsals 

occurring with 

maternal 

toxicity) 

18.4 45 23 

(maternal) (reduced (matern

maternal body 

weight gain) 

CCC Rat 30 0 ppm Drinking Two Reproductive/ 50 150 Not mod(2002) SD 50 ppm water generations developmental (offspring) (delayed sexual 

M, F 150 ppm parameters maturation in F1 

450 ppm males) 

50 150 Not mod

(parental) (decrecreased 

body weight and 

body weight gain 

in F0 females and 

F1 males and 

females) 

a BMDL10 values were derived using duration-adjusted doses.b Ruddick et al. (1983); Klinefelter et al. (1995), Narotsky et al. (1997), Bielmeier et al. (2001), and CCC (2000a-d)are included in this ta

reproductive and/or developmental studies. The NOAEL, LOAEL, BMD, and BMDL10 values listed are for reproductive and/or develop

c Data modeled using Crump BMD softwared No histopathological abnormalities were noted in this study, and similar effects on sperm velocity were not observed in NTP (1998); th

velocity were not modeled 

e Data were not modeled since effects occurred at higher doses than other candidate endpoints 

– Indicates that data were not modeled 

Abbreviations: NZW, New Zealand White; SD, Sprague-Dawley 

NOTE: The short-term reproductive and developmental toxicity study conducted by NTP (1998) was not included in this table because n

reproductive effects were noted at dose levels ranging from 67 to 126 mg/kg-day. 

VIII - 24 
Table VIII-5 Summary of Preliminary BMD Modeling Results for the 

Bromodichloromethane RfD 

Study Endpoint Modeled BMDL10 (mg/kg-day) * 

Subchronic NTP (1987) 

mouse study 

Focal necrosis of renal tubular epithelium in males 34 

Vacuolated hepatocytes in females 64 

Chronic NTP (1987) rat 

study 

Kidney cytomegaly in males No acceptable fit 

Liver necrosis in males 36.5 

Liver fatty metamorphosis in males No acceptable fit 

Clear cell changes in liver of females No acceptable fit 

Chronic NTP (1987) mouse 

study 

Kidney cytomegaly in males 0.96 

Liver fatty metamorphosis in males 7.5 

Thyroid follicular cell hyperplasia in females 15 

Chronic Aida et al. (1992b) 

rat study 

Fatty degeneration in liver of males 2.38 

Granulomas in liver of males 4.5 

Fatty degeneration in liver of females 1.20 

Granulomas in liver of females No acceptable fit 

* BMD modeling conducted on duration-adjusted doses using the Crump BMD Software (K. S. Crump, Inc.). 

The chronic study conducted by Aida et al. (1992b) was selected for derivation of the 

RfD. The lowest dose utilized in this study was 6 mg/kg-day (in contrast to low doses of 22 to 75 

mg/kg-day utilized in other candidate studies), which provides some information on the shape of 

the dose-response curve in the region of interest. The lowest BMD (1.9 mg/kg-day) was obtained 

for fatty degeneration in the liver of male mice. The corresponding BMDL10 for this endpoint 

was 0.8 mg/kg-day. The incidence of this lesion was strongly dose-dependent, with incidences of 

0/24, 5/14, 12/13, and 19/19 observed at the doses of 0, 6, 25, and 138 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

The occurrence of this lesion in rats treated with bromodichloromethane is consistent with current 

understanding of the mode of action of brominated trihalomethanes. This endpoint was therefore 

selected to derive the RfD for bromodichloromethane. 

Derivation of the RfD 

The BMDL10 calculated for fatty degeneration in the liver of male rats in the chronic rat 

study conducted by Aida et al. (1992b) was selected as the most appropriate basis for derivation 

of the RfD for bromodichloromethane. The RfD is calculated according to the following 

equation: 

VIII - 25 November 15, 2005 
(0.8 mg/kg-day) 

RfD = = 0.003 mg/kg-day (3 :g/L)

(300)

where: 

0.8 mg/kg-day = Duration-adjusted BMDL10 based on fatty degeneration of the 

liver in male rats 

300 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines. This value 

includes a factor of 10 to account for intrahuman variability, 

and a factor of 10 for interspecies variability, and a factor of 

3 to account for uncertainty related to possible human 

reproductive effects suggested (causality can not be 

established from available data) by epidemiological studies. 

A composite UF of 300 was used. The standard factors of 10 were used for interspecies 

extrapolation and for protection of sensitive subpopulations. An additional factor of 3 was used 

to account for database deficiencies related to possible reproductive or developmental effects in 

humans. Use of an additional uncertainty factor of 3 is supported by findings in epidemiological 

studies (Waller et al., 1998; King et al., 2000) which suggest potential associations between 

bromodichloromethane exposure via drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes and 

changes in semen quality. Although the results of the epidemiological studies can not establish 

that bromodichloromethane caused the observed effects, they do raise significant concern for 

potential reproductive effects in exposed human populations, and the inclusion of an additional 

uncertainty factor is thus considered appropriate for protection of human health. 

The DWEL for bromodichloromethane is calculated as follows: 

(0.003 mg/kg-day) (70 kg) 

DWEL = = 0.100 mg/L (100 :g/L)

2 L/day 

where: 

0.003 mg/kg-day = RfD for bromodichloromethane 

70 kg = Assumed weight of an adult 

2 L/day = Assumed water consumption by a 70-kg adult 

Lifetime Health Advisory 

VIII - 26 November 15, 2005 
The Lifetime Health Advisory (HA) represents that portion of an individual’s total 

exposure that is attributed to drinking water and is considered protective of noncarcinogenic 

health effects over a lifetime of exposure. Bromodichloromethane has been categorized with 

respect to carcinogenic potential as Group B2: Probable human carcinogen (IRIS, 1993a). 

Therefore, in accordance with U.S. EPA Policy, a Lifetime HA is not recommended. 

Alternative Approach for Derivation of the RfD 

Use of the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL approach represents an alternative means for 

deriving the RfD and DWEL. Aida et al. (1992b) identified a LOAEL of 6 mg/kg-day in male 

rats on the basis of histopathological changes in the liver. Using this value and a composite 

uncertainty factor of 3,000 (including factors of 10 for interspecies extrapolation, protection of 

sensitive subpopulations, and use of a LOAEL, and a factor of 3 for database limitations and 

uncertainty regarding potential reproductive effects in humans), the RfD derived using the 

conventional approach is 0.002 mg/kg-day. Assuming a body weight of 70 kg and drinking water 

ingestion of 2 L/day, the corresponding DWEL is 0.07 mg/L (70 :g/L). 

2. Carcinogenic Effects 

a. Categorization of Carcinogenic Potential 

Previous Evaluations 

The Carcinogenic Risk Assessment Verification Endeavor (CRAVE) group of the 

U.S. EPA reviewed the available evidence on the carcinogenicity of bromodichloromethane and 

assigned it to Group B2: probable human carcinogen (IRIS, 1993a). Assignment to this category 

is appropriate for chemicals where there are no or inadequate human data, but which have 

sufficient animal data to indicate carcinogenic potential. 

IARC has recently re-evaluated the carcinogenic potential of bromodichloromethane 

(IARC 1999a). IARC concluded that there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity for 

bromodichloromethane in experimental animals, but inadequate evidence in humans. On this 

basis, IARC classified bromodichloromethane as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly carcinogenic 

to humans. 

Categorization of Carcinogenic Potential Under the Proposed 1999 Cancer Guidelines 

Cancer Hazard Summary 

Under the proposed guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) 

bromodichloromethane is likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes. This descriptor is 

appropriate when the available tumor data and other key data are adequate to demonstrate 

carcinogenic potential to humans. This finding is based on the weight of experimental evidence 

in animal models which shows carcinogenicity by modes of action that are relevant to humans. 

VIII - 27 November 15, 2005 
Supporting Information for Cancer Hazard Assessment 

Human Data 

The information on the carcinogenicity of bromodichloromethane from human studies is 

inadequate. There are no epidemiological data specifically relating increased incidence of cancer 

to exposure to bromodichloromethane. There are equivocal epidemiological data describing a 

weak association of chlorinated drinking water exposures with increased incidences of bladder, 

rectal, and colon cancer. U.S. EPA has determined that these studies cannot attribute the 

observed effects to a single compound, as chlorinated water contains numerous other disinfection 

byproducts that are potentially carcinogenic. 

Animal Data 

The carcinogenicity of bromodichloromethane in male and female animals has been 

investigated in a well-designed and conducted corn oil gavage study conducted in rats and mice, a 

dietary exposure study in rats, and two drinking water studies in rats. Additional data are 

available from a study in which male Strain A mice were exposed to bromodichloromethane by 

intraperitoneal injection. No data are available on the carcinogenic potential of 

bromodichloromethane administered via the inhalation or dermal routes. 

In the corn oil gavage study (NTP, 1987), statistically significant increases were observed 

in the incidences of neoplasms of the large intestine and kidney in male and female rats, the 

kidney in male mice, and liver in female mice. The neoplasms observed in the large intestine and 

kidney are considered rare neoplasms based on historical control data for the tested strains. In the 

feeding study (Aida et al., 1992b), exposure to microencapsulated bromodichloromethane did not 

result in statistically significant increases in any tumor type. Observed neoplastic lesions 

included three cholangiocarcinomas and two hepatocellular adenomas in high-dose females, one 

hepatocellular adenoma in a control female, one cholangiosarcoma in a high-dose male, and one 

hepatocellular carcinoma each in a low- and a high-dose male. In the drinking water study 

conducted by Tumasonis et al. (1985), hepatic neoplastic nodules, hepatic adenofibrosis, and 

lymphosarcoma were significantly increased in female rats. No significant increase in the 

occurrence of any tumor type was observed in male rats. Renal adenoma or adenocarcinoma 

were noted in two males and one female treated with bromodichloromethane, while neither tumor 

type was reported in the control group. In the drinking water study conducted by George et al. 

(2002), the prevalence of neoplastic lesions in the liver was significantly increased only at the 

lowest administered dose. Intraperitoneal injection of Strain A mice with bromodichloromethane 

resulted in an apparent increase in the number of pulmonary adenomas per animals, although the 

response did not reach statistical significance in any dose group. 

Structural Analogue Data 

Trihalomethanes structurally related to bromodichloromethane have shown varying 

degrees of carcinogenic potential in rodents. Chloroform, the most extensively characterized 

trihalomethane, is reported to be carcinogenic at high doses in several chronic animal bioassays, 

with significant increases in the incidence of liver tumors in male and female mice and significant 

VIII - 28 November 15, 2005 
increases in the incidence of kidney tumors in male rats and mice (U.S. EPA, 2001a). The 

occurrence of tumors in animals exposed to chloroform is demonstrably species-, strain-, and 

gender-specific, and has only been observed under dose conditions that caused cytotoxicity and 

regenerative cell proliferation in the target organ. The cancer database for structurally-related 

brominated trihalomethanes is more limited, but includes well-conducted studies performed by 

the National Toxicology Program. In a two-year corn oil gavage study of bromoform, NTP 

(1989a) found clear evidence for carcinogenicity in female rats and some evidence of 

carcinogenicity in male rats based on occurrence of tumors of the large intestine (adenomatous 

polyps or adenocarcinoma). In a two-year corn oil gavage study of dibromochloromethane, NTP 

(1985) determined that there was some evidence of carcinogenicity in female mice and equivocal 

evidence of carcinogenicity in male mice, based on the occurrence of hepatocellular adenomas 

and carcinomas. Other, less well-documented, oral exposure studies (Tobe et al., 1982; 

Kurokawa, 1987; Voronin et al., 1987) found no evidence for carcinogenicity of bromoform or 

dibromochloromethane. 

Other Key Data 

Bromodichloromethane is formed as a byproduct of drinking water disinfection with 

chlorine. Exposure to bromodichloromethane may occur via ingestion of tap water, via dermal 

contact during showering or bathing, or by inhalation of bromodichloromethane volatilized 

during household activities. Absorption of single oral doses appears to be extensive. 

Bromodichloromethane is rapidly metabolized and eliminated predominately as expired volatiles, 

carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide. Only a small amount (less than 10%) is eliminated in urine 

or in feces. No comprehensive tissue data are available regarding the bioaccumulation or 

retention of bromodichloromethane following repeated exposure. However, because of the rapid 

metabolism and excretion of bromodichloromethane, marked accumulation and retention is not 

expected. 

Bromodichloromethane itself is not directly reactive with DNA. Metabolism to reactive 

species is a prerequisite for toxicity, as inferred from metabolic induction and inhibition studies. 

In vitro and in vivo studies of the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of bromodichloromethane 

have yielded both positive and negative results. Synthesis of the overall weight of evidence from 

these studies is complicated by the use of a variety of testing protocols, different strains of test 

organisms, different activating systems, different dose levels, different exposure methods (gas 

versus liquid) and, in some cases, problems due to evaporation of the test chemical. However, 

because a majority of studies yielded positive results, bromodichloromethane is considered to be 

at least weakly mutagenic and genotoxic. Recent studies conducted with strains of Salmonella 

that express rat theta-class glutathione S-transferase suggest that mutagenicity of the brominated 

trihalomethanes may be mediated by glutathione conjugation. 

Mode of Action 

The mode of action for tumor induction by bromodichloromethane has not been clearly 

elucidated and may involve contributions from multiple bioactivation pathways. In each case, 

toxicity is believed to result from interaction of reactive metabolites with cellular 

macromolecules. Proposed bioactivation pathways for bromodichloromethane include: 1) 

VIII - 29 November 15, 2005 
production of reactive dihalocarbonyls by oxidative metabolism; 2) production of reactive 

dihalomethyl radicals by oxidative metabolism; and 3) formation of DNA-reactive species via a 

glutathione-dependent pathway. The relative contribution of each pathway to tumor induction by 

bromodichloromethane has not been characterized. It is possible that only the latter two 

processes lead to DNA damage in vivo, because the highly reactive dihalocarbonyl intermediate 

may not survive long enough to enter the nucleus and react with DNA. For this reason, 

cytotoxicity may be the primary consequence of the oxidative pathway. Cytotoxicity coupled 

with regenerative hyperplasia is considered the primary mode of action for tumor formation 

following exposure to high concentrations of chloroform, a structurally-related trihalomethane 

which has low genotoxic potential. Data to support a similar primary mode of action for tumor 

development in liver, kidney, and large intestine are currently lacking for bromodichloromethane. 

In the absence of such information, combined with a positive weight-of-evidence evaluation for 

genotoxicity, the mode of action for tumor development is assumed to be a linear process. The 

processes leading to tumor formation in animals are expected to be relevant to humans. 

Conclusion 

Under the proposed guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) 

bromodichloromethane is likely to be carcinogenic to humans by the oral route. This weight-ofevidence evaluation is based on 1) observations of tumors in animals treated by oral pathways; 2) 

lack of epidemiological data specific to bromodichloromethane and equivocal data for drinking 

water drinking water exposures that cannot reliably be attributed to bromodichloromethane 

among multiple other disinfection byproducts; 3) positive results for a majority of the available 

genotoxicity and mutagenicity tests; and 4) metabolism and mode of action that are reasonably 

expected to be comparable across species. Although no cancer data exist for exposures via the 

dermal or inhalation pathways, the weight-of-evidence conclusion is considered to be applicable 

to these pathways as well. The finding for inhalation is based on the observation that patterns of 

metabolizing enzyme activity in male rats are similar for exposure via the inhalation and gavage 

routes. Bromodichloromethane absorbed through the skin is expected to be metabolized and 

cause toxicity in much the same way as bromodichloromethane absorbed by the oral and 

inhalation routes. 

b. Choice of Study for Quantification of Carcinogenic Risk 

In accordance with the Proposed 1999 Cancer Guidelines (U.S. EPA, 1999), 

quantification of cancer risk is appropriate for compounds categorized as likely to be 

carcinogenic to humans. Five oral exposure studies were available for quantification of the 

carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to bromodichloromethane. Detailed summaries of 

these studies are provided in Section V.G.1. The two-year study conducted by NTP (1987) in rats 

and mice was selected for quantification of carcinogenic effects associated with exposure to 

bromodichloromethane. Selection of this study was based on significantly increased incidence of 

several tumor types, monotonic dose response curves, and comprehensive documentation of study 

design and results. 

In the NTP (1987) study, groups of male and female F344/N rats (50/sex/dose) received 0, 

50, or 100 mg/kg-day gavage doses of bromodichloromethane in corn oil. The doses were 

VIII - 30 November 15, 2005 
administered 5 days/week for 102 weeks. In a similar experiment, groups of male and female 

B6C3F1 mice (50/sex/dose) were administered doses of 0, 25, or 50 mg/kg-day (males) or 0, 75, 

or 150 mg/kg-day (females) for 5 days/week for 102 weeks. All animals were subjected to gross 

and microscopic examinations for neoplastic lesions. Survival of all dosed animals was 

comparable to or greater than the corresponding control group. Statistically significant increases 

were observed in the incidences of neoplasms of the large intestine and kidney in male and 

female rats, the kidney in male mice, and the liver in female mice (Table VIII-6). The authors 

noted that neoplasms of the large intestine and kidney are uncommon tumors in F344/N rats and 

B6C3F1 mice. They concluded that under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, clear 

evidence of carcinogenic activity existed for male and female rats and mice. 

VIII - 31 November 15, 2005 
Table VIII-6 Tumor Frequencies in Rats and Mice Exposed to Bromodichloromethane in 

Corn Oil for 2 Years - Adapted from NTP (1987) 

Animal Tissue/Tumor Tumor Frequency 

Male rat Control 50 mg/kg 100 mg/kg 

Large 

intestinea 

Adenomatous polyp 0/50 3/49 33/50b 

Adenocarcinoma 0/50 11/49b 38/50b 

Combined 0/50 13/49b 45/50b 

Kidney a Tubular cell adenoma 0/50 1/49 3/50 

Tubular cell adenocarcinoma 0/50 0/49 10/50b 

Combined 0/50 1/49 13/50b 

Female rat Control 50 mg/kg 100 mg/kg 

Large 

intestine c 

Adenomatous polyp 0/46 0/50 7/47b 

Adenocarcinoma 0/46 0/50 6/47b 

Combined 0/46 0/50 12/47b 

Kidney Tubular cell adenoma 0/50 1/50 6/50b 

Tubular cell adenocarcinoma 0/50 0/50 9/50b 

Combined 0/50 1/50 15/50b 

Male mouse 

Kidney d Tubular cell adenoma 

Control 

1/46 

25 mg/kg 50 mg/kg 

2/49 6/50 

Tubular cell adenocarcinoma 

Combined 

0/46 

1/46 

0/49 4/50 

2/49 9/50b 

Female mouse Control 75 mg/kg 150 mg/kg 

Liver Hepatocellular adenoma 

Hepatocellular carcinoma 

1/50 

2/50 

13/48b 23/50b 

5/48 10/50b 

Combined 3/50 18/48b 29/50b 

a One rat died at week 33 in the low-dose group and was eliminated from the cancer risk calculation.

b Statistically significant at p<0.05, compared to controls.

c Intestine not examined in four rats from control group and three rats from high-dose group. d In the control group, two mice died during the first week, one mouse died during week, nine and one escaped in week 79. One

mouse in the low-dose group died in the first week. All of these mice were eliminated from the cancer risk calculations.

VIII - 32 November 15, 2005 
Use of the NTP rodent studies (NTP,1987) for derivation of cancer risk estimates for 

bromodichloromethane is complicated by the use of corn oil as a dosing vehicle. Although a 

vehicle effect has not been reported for brominated trihalomethanes, it can be inferred from 

studies of chloroform carcinogenicity that such an effect might exist, at least for hepatic tumors in 

mice. Therefore, in the case of bromodichloromethane, the U.S. EPA believes that the most 

appropriate basis of the cancer risk estimate is the incidence of renal tumors in male mice. Renal 

tumors are considered to be appropriate because these tumors were increased in a dose-dependent 

manner in both mice (male) and rats (both sexes). 

c. Choice of Approach and Rationale 

The LMS model (U.S. EPA, 1986) and the default linear approach described by the 

Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1996; 1999) were used to 

quantify the cancer risk associated with exposure to bromodichloromethane. Although data are 

mixed, the weight of evidence indicates that bromodichloromethane is mutagenic (see Section 

V.F.1). Furthermore, recent studies (Melnick, et al. 1998; George et al., 2002) suggest that 

induction of hepatic tumors occurs at doses of bromodichloromethane that have marginal or no 

effect on hepatocyte labeling index, indicating that regenerative hyperplasia is not required for 

tumor induction. Thus, use of a linear approach was considered appropriate for quantification of 

cancer risk associated with exposure to bromodichloromethane. 

d. Cancer Potency and Risk Estimates 

The available estimates for cancer risk associated with bromodichloromethane are 

summarized in Table VIII-7. U.S. EPA (1994b) recommended use of a cancer potency estimate 

of 6.2 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 as reported in IRIS (1993a). This value was derived in accordance 

with the 1986 Guidelines for Carcinogenic Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1986), based on the 

occurrence of renal tumors in male mice. A unit risk of 1.8 x 10-6 was estimated using an 

assumed body weight of 70 kg and a drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L. This estimate was used 

to calculate a drinking water concentration of approximately 6 :g/L associated with a 10-5 risk 

(0.6 :g/L for 10-6 risk). 

A cancer potency value of 3.5 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 (U.S. EPA, 1998b) was derived using 

the LMS method and an animal-to-human conversion factor of body weight3/4 (Table VIII-7). The 

use of body weight3/4 is consistent with recommendations in U.S. EPA (1992b). This potency 

factor is also based on the occurrence of renal tumors in male mice. A unit risk of 1 x 10-6 (:g/L)-

1

 was estimated for bromodichloromethane using an assumed body weight of 70 kg and a 

drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L. This estimate was used to calculate a drinking water 

concentration of approximately 10 :g/L associated with a 10-5 risk (1 :g/L for 10-6 risk). 

Cancer risk estimates were also obtained using the LED10 (the lower 95% confidence limit 

on a dose associated with 10% extra risk) of 3.0 x 103 :g/kg-day for renal tumors in mice and 

assuming a linear mode of action for the carcinogenicity of bromodichloromethane (Table VIII7). A cancer potency value of 3.4 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 was derived using this approach. A unit 

risk of 9.6 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1 was estimated for bromodichloromethane using an assumed body 

weight of 70 kg and a drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L. This estimate was used to calculate a 

VIII - 33 November 15, 2005 
drinking water concentration of approximately 10 :g/L associated with a 10-5 risk (1 :g/L for 10-6 

risk). These values are closely similar to corresponding values derived using the LMS approach 

with body weight scaling to the 3/4 power. 

Table VIII-7 Summary of Cancer Risk Estimates for Bromodichloromethane 

Method of Estimation Tumor Site Species Sex Slope Factor 

(mg/kg-day)-1 

Unit Risk 

(:g/L)-1 

LED10 

(:g/kgday) 

10-5 Risk 

Concentration 

(:g/L) 

LMS Method Using 

BW3/4Conversion 

Liver Mouse F 6.9×10-2 2.0×10-6 - 5 

(U.S. EPA, 1998b) 

Kidney Rat M 

F 

5.5×10-3 

6.1×10-3 

1.6×10-7 

1.7×10-7 

- 64 

57 

Mouse M 3.5×10-2 1.0×10-6 - 10 

Large 

intestine 

Rat M 

F 

1.7×10-2 

6.1×10-3 

4.9×10-7 

1.7×10-7 

- 20 

57 

LMS Method Using 

BW2/3Conversion 

Liver Mouse F 1.3×10-1 3.7×10-6 - 3 

U.S. EPA (1994b)* 

Kidney Rat M 

F 

8.7×10-3 

9.5×10-3 

2.5×10-7 

2.7×10-7 

- 40 

37 

Mouse M 6.2×10-2 1.8×10-6 - 6 

Large 

intestine 

Rat M 

F 

2.5×10-2 

4.9×10-3 

7.1×10-7 

1.4×10-7 

- 14 

72 

LED10/Linear Method Liver Mouse F 6.5×10-2 1.9x10-6 1.5×103 5 

(U.S. EPA, 1998b) Kidney Rat M 

F 

8.1×10-3 

8.8×10-3 

2.3x10-7 

2.5x10-7 

1.2×104 

1.1×104 

43 

40 

Mouse M 3.4 x 10-2 9.6 x10-7 3.0 x103 10 

Large 

intestine 

Rat M 

F 

2.8×10-2 

1.0×10-2 

8x10-7 

3x10-7 

3.5×103 

9.6×103 

12 

34 

* Based on information adapted from IRIS (1993a) 

B. Dibromochloromethane 

1. Noncarcinogenic effects 

a. One-day Health Advisory 

Four candidate studies that investigated the acute oral toxicity of dibromochloromethane 

were available. These studies are summarized in Table VIII-8 (below). Bowman et al. (1978) 

administered dibromochloromethane by gavage to ICR Swiss mice at doses ranging from 500 to 

4,000 mg/kg and found that sedation and anesthesia resulted at doses of 500 mg/kg or higher. 

NTP (1985) conducted a preliminary range-finding study in which F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice 

were administered dibromochloromethane by gavage at doses ranging from 160 to 2,500 mg/kg 

and found that death may result from doses at 310 mg/kg or higher in mice or rats. More 

recently, Müller et al. (1997) investigated the cardiotoxic effects of acute oral 

VIII - 34 November 15, 2005 
dibromochloromethane exposure in male Wistar rats. In this study, rats administered doses of 83 

or 167 mg/kg exhibited transient changes in cardiovascular parameters, while rats administered 

doses of 333 or 667 mg/kg exhibited persistent alterations in at least one of the cardiovascular 

parameters that lasted throughout the postexposure observation period. Finally, Korz and 

Gatterman (1997) investigated the behavioral toxicity of acute oral dibromochloromethane 

exposure in male golden hamsters and observed only transient effects on the behavioral 

parameters investigated. 

These studies were not considered adequate for deriving the One-day HA, since more 

sensitive endpoints such as histopathology were not evaluated. Therefore, the Ten-day HA for 

dibromochloromethane (0.6 mg/L) calculated below is recommended for use as the One-day HA. 

b. Ten-day Health Advisory 

Studies considered for derivation of the Ten-day HA for dibromochloromethane are 

summarized in Table VIII-9 below. The key studies in this group are those of Aida et al. (1992a), 

Condie et al. (1983), and Melnick et al. (1998). These studies reported effects on sensitive 

endpoints and had data suitable for BMD analysis. Use of the remaining studies was limited by a 

variety of considerations, including lack of data suitable for BMD analysis (Chu et al., 1982a; 

NTP, 1996; Coffin et al., 2000), toxicological relevance or difficulty in interpretation of the most 

sensitive endpoint (NTP, 1985; Munson et al. 1982), and occurrence of effects only at the frank 

toxicity level (NTP, 1985). 

Melnick et al. (1998) administered dibromochloromethane to female B6C3F1 mice by 

gavage for 5 days/week for 3 weeks and identified a NOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day (durationadjusted NOAEL of 71 mg/kg-day) and a LOAEL of 192 mg/kg-day (duration-adjusted LOAEL 

of 137 mg/kg-day) based on histologic changes in the liver (hepatocyte hydropic degeneration). 

BMD analysis calculated BMD and BMDL10 values of 112 and 68 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Table VIII-8 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA for 

Dibromochloromethane 

Reference Species Route Exposure 

Duration 

Dose 

(mg/kg-day) Result 

Bowman et al. Mouse Gavage Single 500 - 4000 Sedation; anesthesia; increased 

(1978) ICR Swiss (aqueous) dose mortality 

NTP (1985) Rat 

F344/N 

Mouse 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

Single 

dose 

160 - 2500 Lethargy; death 

B6C3F1 

Müller et al. Rat Gavage Single 83 - 667 Transient changes in blood pressure; 

(1997) Wistar (olive oil) dose effects on cardiac muscle contractility 

Korz and Hamster Gavage Single 50 Transient changes in post-treatment 

Gatterman (olive oil) dose behavior 

(1997) 

VIII - 35 November 15, 2005 
-- 

Table VIII-9 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for 

Dibromochloromethane 

Reference Species Sex n Dose Route Exposure Duration Endpoints NOAEL (mg/kg-day) LOAEL (mg/kg-day) BMD (mg/kg-d

Aida et al. (1992a) 

Rat 

Wistar 

M, F 

7 Males 

0 

18 56 

173 

Feed 1 month Body weight, clinical 

signs, serum biochemistry, hematology, histology 

18.3 56 

(liver 

histopathology) 

29 14 

Females 

0 

34 

101 

332 

Chu et al. Rat 10 0 Drinking 28 days Clinical signs, serum 68 Not mode(1982a) SD 0.7 water biochemistry, 

M 8.5 histology 

68 

Condie et al. (1983) 

Mouse 

CD-1 

M 

8­

16 

0 

37 74 

Gavage 

(oil) 

14 days Serum enzymes, PAH 

uptake in vitro, 

histology 

74 147 

(elevated ALT, 

decreased PAH, 

3.5 

147 liver and kidney 

histopathology) 11 

Melnick et Mouse 10 0 Gavage 3 weeks Body and liver 100 (marginal) 192 112* 

al. B6C3F1 50/37 (oil) (5 d/wk) weights, serum (liver 

(1998) F 100/71 chemistry, liver histopathology) 

192/137 histology 417/298 

Munson et Mouse 8­ 0 Gavage 14 days Body and organ 50 125 Not modeal. CD-1 12 50 (aqueous) weights, serum (decreased (1982) M, F 125 chemistry, humoral 

250 hematology, immune immunity) 

function 

VIII - 36 
--

-- 

Table VIII-9 (cont.) 

Reference Species Sex n Dose Route Exposure Duration Endpoints NOAEL (mg/kg-day) LOAEL (mg/kg-day) BMD (mg/kg-dNTP (1985) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

5 0 

60 

125 250 500 

Gavage 

(oil) 

14 days Body weight, clinical 

signs, gross necropsy 

250 500 (FEL) 

(mortality, 

lethargy, gross 

pathology) 

Not mode

1000 

NTP (1985) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

5 0 

30 60 

125 

Gavage 

(oil) 

14 days Body weight, clinical 

signs, gross necropsy 

60 125 

(stomach lesions) 

143 

250 218 500 

NTP (1996) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

10 Males 

0 4 

12 28 

Drinking 

water 

29 days Body weight, serum 

chemistry, hematology, gross necropsy, histology, sperm evaluation 

28 Not mode

Females 

0 

6-7 

17-20 48-48 

Coffin et al. Mouse 10 0 Gavage 11 days Relative liver wt.; 100 Not mode(2000) B6C3F1 100 (oil) liver histopathology; 

F 300 labeling index 

*BMD and BMDL10 calculated using duration-adjusted doses 

Abbreviations :FEL, Frank Effect Level; SD, Sprague-Dawley 

– No data 

VIII - 37 
These values are considerably higher (approximately 5- to 10-fold) than BMD and BMDL10 

values calculated for hepatic effects using data from Condie et al. (1983) or Aida et al. (1992a). 

Condie et al. (1983) administered dibromochloromethane by gavage to male CD-1 mice 

for 14 days and identified a NOAEL of 74 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 147 mg/kg-day based on 

minimal to moderate liver and kidney injury. Histologic changes in the liver included focal 

inflammation and cytoplasmic vacuolization similar to that observed in the study by Aida et al. 

(1992a). Effects in the kidney included minimal to slight epithelial hyperplasia at the high dose 

and minimal to slight mesangial hypertrophy at all (non-control) doses. Data for cytoplasmic 

vacuolization and renal mesangial hypertrophy were analyzed by BMD modeling. The lowest 

BMD and BMDL10 (3.5 and 1.6 mg/kg-day, respectively) among all candidate studies were 

identified for mesangial hypertrophy. However, the pattern of dose-response for this endpoint 

(0/16, 4/5, 7/10, 7/10 at doses of 0, 37, 74, and 147 mg/kg-day, respectively) resulted in generally 

poor curve fits (0.1<goodness of fit p value>0.49) and a high degree of model-dependence (See 

summary of modeling results in Appendix A). Thus, confidence in the reliability of the BMD for 

renal effects was low. The BMD and BMDL10 values for hepatic cytoplasmic vacuolization were 

higher (11 and 6.9 mg/kg-day, respectively). These results were based on incidences of 1/16, 3/5, 

4/10, and 8/10 at doses of 0, 37, 74, and 147 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

The study by Aida et al. (1992a) was selected as the basis for derivation of the Ten-day 

HA. In this study, Wistar rats of both sexes were administered microencapsulated 

dibromochloromethane in the diet for one month. The dose levels ranged from 18.3 to 173.3 

mg/kg-day for males and from 34.0 to 332.5 mg/kg-day for females. A NOAEL of 18.3 mg/kgday and a LOAEL of 56.2 mg/kg-day were identified based on histologic changes (cell 

vacuolization, swelling, and single cell necrosis) in the livers of male rats. BMD analysis of data 

for hepatic cell vacuolization calculated BMD and BMDL10 values of 29 and 6.7 mg/kg-day in 

females and 14 and 5.5 mg/kg-day in males, respectively. The BDML10 for hepatic cell 

vacuolization in male rats was selected for calculation of the 10-day HA because it was 

considered the lowest reliable value based on examination of the raw data and modeling results. 

The incidence of this lesion was 0/7, 1/7, 3/7, and 7/7 at doses of 0, 18, 56, and 173 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. 

Based on the BMDL10 calculated from the data of Aida et al. (1992a), the Ten-day HA is 

derived as follows: 

(5.5 mg/kg-day) (10 kg) 

Ten-day HA = = 0.55 mg/L (rounded to 0.6 mg/L) 

(100) (1 L/day) 

5.5 mg/kg-day = BMDL10 based on hepatic cell vacuolization in rats fed 

dibromochloromethane for one month 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

VIII - 38 November 15, 2005 
100 = Composite uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW 

guidelines; includes a factor of 10 for interspecies 

variation and a factor of 10 for protection of sensitive 

human populations 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

The Ten-day HA was calculated using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL approach for 

comparison with the value obtained using the BMD approach. The Aida et al. (1992a) study 

identified a NOAEL of 18.3 mg/kg-day based on the absence of hepatic effects in rats. Using this 

value and the assumptions described above, the Ten-day HA would be 1.8 mg/L (rounded to 2 

mg/L). 

c. Longer-term Health Advisory 

Four candidate studies were considered for derivation of the Longer-term HA for 

dibromochloromethane. These studies are summarized in Table VIII-10 (below). Selected data 

from three of these studies were modeled using the BMD approach. The results of BMD analysis 

are included in Table VIII-11. 

Chu et al. (1982b) administered dibromochloromethane to Sprague-Dawley rats in the 

drinking water at doses ranging from 0.57 to 236 mg/kg-day. This study identified a NOAEL of 

49 mg/kg-day, and a LOAEL of 224 mg/kg-day based on mild hepatic lesions (increased 

cytoplasmic volume and vacuolation due to fatty infiltration) observed in males. BMD and 

BMDL10 values of 18 and 5.3 mg/kg-day, respectively, were calculated for hepatic vacuolization 

using the BMDS software. Daniel et al. (1990) identified a LOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day based on 

hepatic lesions (centrilobular lipidosis) observed in male Sprague-Dawley rats and on kidney 

lesions (tubular degeneration) observed in female Sprague-Dawley rats administered 

dibromochloromethane by gavage for 90 consecutive days. BMD and BMDL10 values of 20 and 

4.2 mg/kg-day, respectively, were calculated for renal tubular degeneration using the Crump 

BMD software (K. S. Crump, Inc.). NTP (1985) administered doses of dibromochloromethane 

ranging from 15 to 250 mg/kg-day to male and female mice. The compound was administered by 

gavage in corn oil, five days per week for 13 weeks. NOAEL and LOAEL values of 125 and 250 

mg/kg-day were identified on the basis of renal and hepatic lesions. BMD and BMDL10 values 

were not calculated since lesions occurred only at the high dose of 250 mg/kg-day. 

The NTP (1985) study conducted in rats was selected as the basis for derivation of the 

Longer-term HA. In this study, F344/N rats were administered dibromochloromethane by gavage 

at dose levels ranging from 15 to 250 mg/kg for 5 days/week for 13 weeks. Severe lesions and 

necrosis of the kidney, liver, and salivary glands were observed primarily at the high dose. 

However, males exhibited a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of clear cytoplasmic 

vacuoles indicative of fatty metamorphosis in the liver. This effect reached statistical 

VIII - 39 November 15, 2005 
--

Table VIII-10 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA for Dibromoc

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Duration Endpoints NOAEL (mg/kg-day) LOAEL (mg/kg-day) BMD (mg/kg-d

Chu et al. (1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

M, F 

20 Males 

0 

0.57 

6.1 49 

Drinking 

water 

90 days Body weight, serum 

chemistry, histology 

49 224 

(decreased weight gain, mild hepatic lesions) 

18 

224 

Females 

0 

0.64 

6.9 

55 

236 

Daniel et al. Rat 10 0 Gavage 90 days Body weight, clinical 50 20† (1990) SD 50 (oil) signs, serum (hepatic and renal 

M, F 100 biochemistry, gross lesions) 

200 necropsy, histology 

NTP (1985) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

10 0 

15 30 60 

125 

Gavage 

(oil) 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, histology 

30 60 

(hepatic lesions) 

2.5 

250 

NTP (1985) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

10 0 

15 30 60 

Gavage 

(oil) 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, histology 

125 250 

(renal and hepatic lesions) 

Not model

125 250 

* BMDL10 values were derived using duration-adjusted doses. † Modeled using Crump benchmark dose software 

Abbreviations: SD, Sprague-Dawley 

VIII - 40 
significance at 60 mg/kg-day, and this dose was designated the LOAEL. The next lower dose (30 

mg/kg-day) was designated as the NOAEL. BMD analysis using the BMDS program obtained 

duration-adjusted BMD and BMDL10 values of 2.5 and 1.7 mg/kg-day, respectively. These 

values were the lowest calculated among the three studies for which BMD analysis was 

conducted. 

Using the NTP (1985) rat study, the Longer-term HA for the 10-kg child is calculated as 

follows: 

Longer-term HA = 

(1.7 mg/kg-day)(10 kg) 

(100) (1 L/day) 

= 0.17 mg/L (rounded to 0.2 mg/L) 

where: 

1.7 mg/kg-day = Duration-adjusted BMDL10 based on hepatic cell 

vacuolization in rats exposed to dibromochloromethane by oil 

gavage for 13 weeks 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

100 = Composite uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines; 

includes a factor of 10 for interspecies variation and a factor 

of 10 for protection of sensitive human populations 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

The Longer-term HA for a 70-kg adult consuming 2 liters of water per day is calculated 

according to the following equation: 

(1.7 mg/kg-day)(70 kg) 

Longer-term HA = = 0.60 mg/L (rounded to 0.6 mg/L) 

(100) (2 L/day) 

For purposes of comparison, the Longer-term HAs were also calculated using the 

conventional NOAEL/LOAEL approach. NTP (1985) identified a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg-day by 

based on the absence of clinical signs or histologic alterations in rats exposed to 

dibromochloromethane by corn oil gavage for 13 weeks. Using a duration adjusted dose of 21 

mg/kg-day (obtained by multiplying the nominal dose by 5/7) and the assumptions for body 

weight and drinking water ingestion described above, the Longer-term HAs would be 2.1 and 7.5 

mg/kg-day for a 10 kg child and 70 kg adult, respectively. 

VIII - 41 November 15, 2005 
d. Reference Dose, Drinking Water Equivalent Level and Lifetime Health Advisory 

This section reports the existing RfD value for dibromochloromethane and describes the 

derivation of the RfD for this compound. This section also describes the calculation of Drinking 

Water Equivalent Level and Lifetime Health Advisory values which require the RfD as input. 

For this document, new and existing studies were reviewed and appropriate candidate data were 

selected for benchmark dose (BMD) modeling. The results of BMD modeling were used in 

conjunction with appropriate uncertainty factors to calculate the RfD. A comparison of the RfD 

derived using the BMD approach to the results obtained using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach is also provided. 

Description of the Existing RfD 

The existing RfD for dibromochloromethane is 0.02 mg/kg-day (IRIS, 1992). This value 

was derived using a duration-adjusted NOAEL of 21.4 mg/kg-day identified for the occurrence of 

hepatic lesions in F344/N rats administered dibromochloromethane by corn oil gavage, 5 

days/week for 13 weeks . An uncertainty factor of 1000 was used to account for extrapolation 

from animal data, for protection of sensitive human subpopulations, and for use of a subchronic 

study. 

Identification of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD 

Candidate studies considered for derivation of the RfD for dibromochloromethane are 

summarized in Table VIII-11 (below). Tobe et al. (1982) administered microencapsulated 

dibromochloromethane in the diet to Wistar rats for 24 months at dose levels that ranged from 12 

to 278 mg/kg-day. Although the study identified a NOAEL and a LOAEL of 12 and 49 mg/kgday, respectively, based on decreased body weight, changes in clinical chemistry parameters, and 

gross liver appearance in males, a histopathological examination was not conducted. NTP (1985) 

investigated the chronic oral toxicity of dibromochloromethane in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. 

Only LOAEL values were identified in these studies. Specifically, the rat study identified a 

LOAEL of 40 mg/kg-day based on histologic lesions in both male and female rats (e.g., fatty 

change), and the mouse study identified a LOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day based on lesions in the liver 

(fatty metamorphosis) and the thyroid (follicular cell hyperplasia) in the female mice. A thirteenweek oral exposure study in rats (NTP, 1985) examined toxicity at a wider range of doses than 

the chronic studies and identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 30 and 60 mg/kg-day, 

respectively, for histopathological changes in the liver. 

Method of Analysis 

Selected data from the candidate studies were analyzed using the benchmark dose (BMD) 

modeling approach. Initially, data sets for potentially sensitive endpoints were selected as 

described in U.S. EPA (1998b) and analyzed using the Crump Benchmark Dose Modeling 

Software (K. S. Crump, Inc.). Results of this preliminary analysis are summarized in Table VIII12. Following the release of Version 1.2 of the BMDS program (U.S. EPA, 2000a), a subset of 

the most sensitive endpoints identified using the Crump software was reanalyzed in accordance 

with proposed U.S. EPA (2000b) recommendations. An advantage of analysis with the BMDS 

VIII - 42 November 15, 2005 
software is that several additional models are available to fit the data. The results of the analysis 

using the BMDS software are included in Table VIII-11. 

Choice of Principal Study and Critical Effect for the RfD 

Two studies were identified as strong candidates for selection as the principal study. The 

NTP (1985) subchronic study evaluated toxicological effects in male and female rats at five 

concentrations of dibromochloromethane (15, 30, 60, 125, and 250 mg/kg-day) in addition to the 

control. The chemical was administered by gavage in corn oil on five days per week for 13 

weeks. A relatively small sample size of 10 animals/treatment group was utilized. The endpoints 

evaluated included clinical signs, body weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathological 

changes in organs. NOAEL and LOAEL values of 30 and 60 mg/kg-day, respectively, were 

identified on the basis of hepatic lesions using the conventional approach. Analysis of the data 

for fatty metamorphosis in the liver using the BMDS program resulted in a duration-adjusted 

BMD of 2.7 mg/kg-day for this endpoint, with a corresponding duration-adjusted BMDL10 of 1.7 

mg/kg-day. A strength of this study with respect to BMD modeling was the use of additional 

doses at the lower end of the dose-response range. Inclusion of these doses permits more accurate 

characterization of the shape of the dose-response curve and thus less uncertainty in the range of 

interest. 

The second candidate for selection as the principal study for derivation of the RfD was the 

chronic study conducted by NTP (1985). This study evaluated dibromochloromethane effects at 

administered doses of 0, 40 and 80 mg/kg-day. The chemical was administered by gavage in oil 

on five days per week for 104 weeks. The endpoints evaluated included clinical signs, body 

weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathological changes in organs, and a LOAEL of 40 mg/kgday based on hepatic lesions was identified using the conventional approach. Analysis of the data 

for fatty metamorphosis in the liver using the BMDS program resulted in a duration-adjusted 

BMD of 2.5 mg/kg-day for this endpoint, with a corresponding duration-adjusted BMDL10 of 1.6 

mg/kg-day based on duration adjusted doses. 

A potential weakness of the NTP (1985) chronic study is the lack of dose-response 

information at administered doses less than 40 mg/kg-day. A priori, the lack of information 

regarding the shape of the curve at low doses would be expected to result in greater uncertainty 

(and thus wider confidence limits) in the estimate of the chronic BMD. However, the BMD and 

BMDL10 values calculated for fatty metamorphosis in the subchronic and chronic studies are 

closely similar. This observation suggests that there is little potential for cumulative effects on 

the occurrence of this lesion. The slight differences in the values may reflect both experimental 

uncertainty and uncertainty in modeling. 

VIII - 43 November 15, 2005 
--

--

Table VIII-11 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD for Dibromochlorom

Reference Species Sex n Dose (mg/kg-day) Route Exposure Duration Endpoints NOAEL (mg/kg- day) LOAEL (mg/kg-day) BMD (mg/kg-d

Tobe et al. (1982) 

Rat 

Wistar 

M, F 

40 Males 

0 

12 49 

Diet 24 months Body weight, serum 

biochemistry, gross pathology 

12 49 

(serum enzyme 

changes and 

altered liver 

Not modeled 

196 appearance) 

Females 

0 

17 70 

278 

NTP (1985) Rat 10 0 Gavage 13 weeks Body weight, clinical 30 60 2.5 

F344/N 

M, F 

15 30 

(oil) (5 d/wk) signs, serum 

biochemistry, gross 

(hepatic lesions) 

60 

125 

necropsy, histology 

250 

NTP (1985) Rat 50 0 Gavage 104 weeks Body weight, clinical 40 2.7 

F344/N 40 (oil) (5 d/wk) signs, gross necropsy, (hepatic lesions) 

M, F 80 histology 

NTP (1985) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

50 0 

50 

100 

Gavage 

(oil) 

105 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, histology 

50 

(hepatic lesions) 

9.1† 

Borzelleca Mouse 10M 0 Drinking 27 weeks Maternal body 17 171 Not modeand ICR 30F 17 water weight, gross (marginal) (maternal toxicity, (insuff. dCarchman Swiss 171 pathology, fetal possible provided (1982) ** - 685 weight, survival, fetotoxicity) publicatio

teratogenicity 

VIII - 44 
-- 

Table VIII-11 (cont.) 

Reference Species Sex n Dose (mg/kg-day) Route Exposure Duration Endpoints NOAEL (mg/kg- day) LOAEL (mg/kg-day) BMD (mg/kg-dNTP (1996) ** 

Rat 

SD 

M, F 

10 males 

0 

4.2 

12.4

 28.2 

Drinking 

water 

29 days Body weight, serum 

chemistry, hematology, gross necropsy, histology, sperm evaluation 

28 Not mode

 Group A 

females 

0 

6.3 

17.4 46.0 

Group B 

females 

0 

7.1 

20.0

 47.8 

* BMDL10 values were derived using duration-adjusted doses. 

** These studies have been included in this table because they are reproductive/developmental studies and would be considered releva

RfD. However, Borzelleca and Carchman (1982) found only marginal evidence for developmental toxicity at the low-dose level an

did not observe any reproductive or developmental effects at the dose levels evaluated. 

† Modeled using Crump BMD software 

Abbreviations: SD, Sprague-Dawley 

VIII - 45 
Table VIII-12 Results of Preliminary BMD Modeling of Selected Data from NTP (1985) 

Studies 

Study Endpoint Modeled BMDL10 (mg/kg-day) * 

Subchronic NTP (1985) rat study Fatty metamorphosis in liver of male rats 0.93 

Chronic NTP (1985) rat study Fatty metamorphosis in liver of male rats 1.16 

Fatty metamorphosis in liver of female rats No acceptable fit 

"Ground glass" cytoplasm in liver of male rats 4.93 

Nephrosis in liver of female rats 17 

Chronic NTP (1985) mouse study Fatty metamorphosis in liver of female mice 7.68 

Thyroid follicular cell hyperplasia in female 

mice 

7.09 

* BMD modeling was conducted on duration-adjusted values using the Crump BMD software. 

Both studies were considered appropriate for derivation of the RfD. The NTP (1985) 

investigation of chronic toxicity in rats was selected as the principal study on the basis of its 

longer duration. The critical endpoint is hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by the occurrence of fatty 

metamorphosis in the livers of dibromochloromethane-treated animals. This effect was dosedependent, with incidences of 27/50, 47/50, and 49/50 at the duration-adjusted doses of 0, 29, 

and 57 mg/kg-day. Selection of this study is strongly supported by the similar BMD calculated 

for the same effect in the NTP (1985) subchronic study. 

Derivation of the RfD 

The duration-adjusted BMDL10 value from the chronic NTP (1985) rat study was selected 

as the most appropriate basis for derivation of the RfD for dibromochloromethane. The RfD is 

calculated using the following equation: 

(1.6 mg/kg-day) 

RfD = = 0.016 mg/kg-day (rounded to 0.02 mg/kg-day) 

(100) 

where: 

1.6 mg/kg-day = Duration-adjusted BMDL10 based on fatty changes in the 

liver of male rats 

VIII - 46 November 15, 2005 
100 = Composite uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines; 

includes a factor of 10 interspecies extrapolation and a factor 

of 10 for protection of sensitive human populations 

A composite UF of 100 was used. The standard factors of 10 were used for interspecies 

extrapolation and for protection of sensitive subpopulations. Furthermore, no additional 

uncertainty factor was needed to account for an incomplete database. The database for 

dibromochloromethane includes a two-generation study in ICR Swiss mice (Borzelleca and 

Carchman 1982), a developmental toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats (Ruddick et al., 1983), 

and a short-term reproductive and developmental toxicity study in rats (NTP, 1996). Therefore, 

the database is considered nearly complete despite the lack of a developmental toxicity study in a 

second species. 

The DWEL for dibromochloromethane is calculated as follows: 

(0.02 mg/kg-day) (70 kg) 

DWEL = = 0.7 mg/L (700 :g/L)

2 L/day 

where: 

0.02 mg/kg-day = RfD 

70 kg = Assumed weight of an adult 

2 L/day = Assumed water consumption by a 70-kg adult 

Lifetime Health Advisory 

The Lifetime Health Advisory (HA) represents that portion of an individual’s total 

exposure that is attributed to drinking water and is considered protective of noncarcinogenic 

health effects over a lifetime of exposure. Dibromochloromethane is classified with respect to 

carcinogenic potential as Group C: Possible human carcinogen. The Lifetime Health Advisory 

(HA) is therefore calculated as follows: 

(0.7 mg/L) (0.8) 

Lifetime HA = = 0.06 mg/L (60 :g/L)

10

where: 

0.7 mg/kg-day = DWEL 

VIII - 47 November 15, 2005 
0.8 = Relative Source Contribution (RSC), the 

proportion of the total daily exposure 

contributed by the dibromochloromethane in 

drinking water 

10 = Uncertainty factor used in accordance with 

U.S. EPA policy for Group C contaminants to 

account for possible carcinogenicity 

Alternative Approach for Derivation of the RfD 

An alternative approach to the derivation of the RfD is use of the conventional 

NOAEL/LOAEL method. The subchronic oral exposure study conducted by NTP (1985) 

identified a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg-day. Using this value, a duration adjustment factor of 5/7, and 

a composite uncertainty factor of 1000 (includes factors of 10 for interspecies extrapolation, 

protection of sensitive subpopulations, and use of a subchronic study), the resulting RfD is 0.02 

mg/kg-day (the same value as derived using the BMD approach). The corresponding DWEL is 

0.7 mg/L, assuming an adult body weight of 70 kg and a drinking water ingestion rate of 2 

L/day. 

2. Carcinogenic Effects 

a. Categorization of Carcinogenic Potential 

Previous Evaluations of Carcinogenic Potential 

The Carcinogenic Risk Assessment Verification Endeavor (CRAVE) group of the 

U.S. EPA reviewed the available evidence on the carcinogenicity of the brominated 

trihalomethanes and assigned dibromochloromethane to Group C: possible human carcinogen 

(IRIS, 1992). This classification reflects inadequate human data and limited evidence of 

carcinogenicity in animals. 

Based on the 1996 Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment published in 

1996 (U.S. EPA, 1996), dibromochloromethane is classified as cannot be determined. This 

descriptor is considered appropriate when there are no or inadequate data in humans, and limited 

evidence for carcinogenicity in animals. 

IARC (1999c) has recently re-evaluated the carcinogenic potential of 

dibromochloromethane. IARC concluded that there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in 

experimental animals and inadequate evidence in humans for dibromochloromethane. 

Dibromochloromethane is therefore classified as Group 3: not classifiable as to carcinogenicity 

in humans. 

VIII - 48 November 15, 2005 
Categorization of Carcinogenic Potential Under the Proposed 1999 Cancer Guidelines 

Cancer Hazard Summary 

Under the proposed guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) 

dibromochloromethane shows suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to assess 

human carcinogenic potential. This descriptor is appropriate when the evidence from human or 

animal data is suggestive of carcinogenicity, which raises a concern for carcinogenic effects but 

is not judged sufficient for a conclusion as to human carcinogenic potential. This finding is 

based on the weight of experimental evidence in animal models which indicate limited or 

equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity. 

Supporting Information for Cancer Hazard Assessment 

Human Data 

The information on the carcinogenicity of dibromochloromethane from human studies is 

inadequate. There are no epidemiological data specifically relating increased incidence of 

cancer to exposure to dibromochloromethane. There are equivocal epidemiological data 

describing a weak association of chlorinated drinking water exposures with increased incidences 

of bladder, rectal, and colon cancer. U.S. EPA has determined that these studies cannot attribute 

the observed effects to a single compound, as chlorinated water contains numerous other 

disinfection byproducts that are potentially carcinogenic. 

Animal Data 

The carcinogenicity of dibromochloromethane in male and female animals has been 

investigated in a well-designed and conducted corn oil gavage study conducted in rats and mice, 

a dietary exposure study in rats, and a drinking water study in mice. No data are available on the 

carcinogenic potential of dibromochloromethane administered via the inhalation or dermal 

routes. 

In the corn oil gavage study (NTP, 1985), the incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and 

carcinomas and combined adenomas and carcinomas was significantly increased in high-dose 

female mice and the incidence of hepatocellular adenomas was significantly increased in highdose male mice. No evidence was observed for carcinogenicity in male or female rats under the 

experimental conditions employed. Voronin (1987) did not observe significant increases in mice 

treated with dibromochloromethane in drinking water for 104 weeks. Tobe et al. (1982) reported 

no increase in gross tumors in rats treated exposed to dibromochloromethane in the diet for two 

years. 

Structural Analogue Data 

Dibromochloromethane is structurally related to trihalomethanes that have shown 

varying degrees of carcinogenic potential in rodents. Chloroform, the most extensively 

characterized trihalomethane, is reported to be carcinogenic at high doses in several chronic 

VIII - 49 November 15, 2005 
animal bioassays, with significant increases in the incidence of liver tumors in male and female 

mice and significant increases in the incidence of kidney tumors in male rats and mice (U.S. 

EPA, 2001a). The occurrence of tumors in animals exposed to chloroform is demonstrably 

species-, strain-, and gender-specific, and has only been observed under dose conditions that 

caused cytotoxicity and regenerative cell proliferation in the target organ. The cancer database 

for structurally-related brominated trihalomethanes is more limited, but includes well-conducted 

studies performed by the National Toxicology Program. In a two-year corn oil gavage study of 

bromoform, NTP (1989a) found clear evidence for carcinogenicity in female rats and some 

evidence of carcinogenicity based on occurrence of tumors of the large intestine. In a two-year 

corn oil gavage study of bromodichloromethane, NTP (1987) found clear evidence of 

carcinogenicity in male and female rats (tumors of the large intestine), male mice (kidney 

tumors), and female mice (liver tumors). In other bioassays, George et al. (2002) observed a 

significantly increased prevalence of neoplastic lesions in the liver of male rats at the lowest 

dose of bromodichloromethane administered in drinking water, but not at higher doses. 

Tumasonis et al. (1985) reported significantly increased incidences of hepatic neoplastic 

nodules, hepatic adenofibrosis, and lymphosarcoma in female rats exposed to 

bromodichloromethane in drinking water. 

Other Key Data 

Dibromochloromethane is formed as a byproduct of drinking water disinfection with 

chlorine. Exposure to dibromochloromethane may occur via ingestion of tap water, via dermal 

contact during showering or bathing, or by inhalation of dibromochloromethane volatilized 

during household activities. Absorption of single oral doses appears to be extensive. 

Dibromochloromethane is rapidly metabolized and eliminated predominately as expired 

volatiles, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide. Only a small amount (less than 10%) is 

eliminated in urine or in feces. No comprehensive tissue data are available regarding the 

bioaccumulation or retention of dibromochloromethane following repeated exposure. However, 

because of the rapid metabolism and excretion of dibromochloromethane, marked accumulation 

and retention is not expected. 

Dibromochloromethane itself is not directly reactive with DNA. Metabolism to reactive 

species is a prerequisite for toxicity, as inferred from metabolic induction and inhibition studies. 

In vitro and in vivo studies of the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of bromodichloromethane 

have yielded both positive and negative results. Synthesis of the overall weight of evidence 

from these studies is complicated by the use of a variety of testing protocols, different strains of 

test organisms, different activating systems, different dose levels, different exposure methods 

(gas versus liquid) and, in some cases, problems due to evaporation of the test chemical. Study 

results for the mutagenicity of dibromochloromethane are mixed, and the overall evidence for 

mutagenicity of this chemical is judged to be inconclusive (U.S. EPA, 1994b). Recent studies 

conducted with strains of Salmonella that express rat theta-class glutathione S-transferase 

indicate that dibromochloromethane is mutagenic in this test system and suggest that 

mutagenicity is mediated by formation of a reactive glutathione conjugate. 

VIII - 50 November 15, 2005 
Mode of Action 

Limited or equivocal evidence has been obtained for the carcinogenic potential of 

dibromochloromethane. Data to support a primary mode of action for tumor development in the 

liver of mice exposed to dibromochloromethane are lacking. In the absence of such information, 

combined with an inconclusive weight-of-evidence evaluation for genotoxicity, the mode of 

action for tumor development is assumed to be a linear process. The processes leading to tumor 

formation in animals are expected to be relevant to humans. 

Conclusion 

Under the proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) 

dibromochloromethane shows suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to assess 

human carcinogenic potential by the oral route. This weight-of-evidence evaluation is based on 

1) limited or equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity in mice, but not rats, treated by oral 

pathways; 2) lack of epidemiological data specific to dibromochloromethane and equivocal data 

for drinking water drinking water exposures that cannot reliably be attributed to 

dibromochloromethane among multiple other disinfection byproducts; 3) inconclusive results for 

many of the available genotoxicity and mutagenicity tests; and 4) metabolism and mode of 

action that are reasonably expected to be similar to those of structurally-related compounds that 

induce tumors in experimental animals. Although no cancer data exist for exposures via the 

dermal or inhalation pathways, the weight-of-evidence conclusion is considered to be applicable 

to these pathways as well. The finding for inhalation is based on the observation that patterns of 

metabolizing enzyme activity in male rats for the related trihalomethane bromodichloromethane 

are similar for exposure via the inhalation and gavage routes. Dibromochloromethane absorbed 

through the skin is expected to be metabolized and cause toxicity in much the same way as 

dibromochloromethane absorbed by the oral and inhalation routes. 

b. Choice of Study for Quantification of Carcinogenic Risk 

The proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) do not 

indicate dose-response assessment for chemicals for which there is suggestive evidence of 

carcinogenicity, but not sufficient to assess human carcinogenic potential. However, the single 

oral exposure study with positive tumor data for dibromochloromethane suggests significant 

cancer potency for this compound in mice. A quantitative assessment of potency was therefore 

considered appropriate. 

In the absence of other carcinogenicity data, hepatic tumor incidence in female mice was 

selected for estimation of carcinogenic risks associated with dibromochloromethane. These data 

were obtained in an NTP (1985) study in which dibromochloromethane was administered in corn 

oil to male and female B6C3F1 mice (50 mice/sex/dose) by gavage 5 times/week for 104 to 105 

weeks. The administered doses were 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg-day. Survival of dosed female mice 

was comparable to that of the corresponding vehicle-control groups. High-dose male mice had 

lower survival rates than the vehicle controls. At week 82, nine high-dose male mice died of an 

unknown cause. An inadvertent overdose of dibromochloromethane given to low-dose male and 

female mice at week 58 killed 35 male mice, but apparently did not affect the female mice. The 

VIII - 51 November 15, 2005 
c

low-dose male mouse group was, therefore, considered to be unsuitable for analysis of 

neoplasms. Compound-related nonneoplastic lesions were found in primarily in the livers of 

males (hepatocytomegaly, necrosis, fatty metamorphosis) and females (calcification and fatty 

metamorphosis). Nephrosis was also observed in male mice. Statistically significant increases 

in the incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and in the combined incidence of adenomas and 

carcinomas were observed in high-dose female mice. In male mice, a statistically significant 

increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and combined adenomas and carcinomas 

was observed in the high-dose group; however, due to the overdose of dibromochloromethane in 

the mid-dose group, the authors considered the tumor incidence data inadequate for tumor 

analysis. Tumor incidence data from this study are presented in Table VIII-13. 

c. Extrapolation model 

The LMS model (U.S. EPA, 1986) and the default linear approach described by Proposed 

Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1996; 1999) were used to quantify the 

risk associated with exposure to dibromochloromethane. Data for the mutagenicity and 

genotoxicity of dibromochloromethane are mixed (see Section V.F.2). U.S. EPA (1994b) has 

previously determined that the weight of evidence for dibromochloromethane mutagenicity and 

genotoxicity is inconclusive. At the present time there is insufficient evidence to establish with 

certainty that dibromochloromethane exerts its carcinogenic effects via a non-genotoxic 

mechanism. Thus, use of linear approaches was considered appropriate for quantification of 

cancer risk associated with exposure to this compound. 

Table VIII-13 Frequencies of Liver Tumors in Mice Administered Dibromochloromethane 

in Corn Oil for 105 Weeks - Adapted from NTP (1985) 

Treatment 

(mg/kg-day) 

Sex Adenoma Carcinoma Adenoma or Carcinoma 

(combined) 

Vehicle Control M 

F 

14/50 

2/50 

10/50 

4/50 

23/50

 6/50 

50 M 

F

 --a 

4/49

 --

6/49

 --

10/49 

100 M 

F 

10/50 

11/50b 

19/50b 

8/50 

27/50c 

19/50d 

a Male low-dose group was inadequate for statistical analysis.

b p < 0.05 relative to controls.

 p < 0.01 (life table analysis); p = 0.065 (incidental tumor test) relative to controls. d p < 0.01 relative to controls. 

d. Cancer Potency and Unit Risk 

The only tumor data available for dibromochloromethane are for liver tumors in female 

B6C3F1 mice (NTP, 1985). NAS (1987) previously utilized the tumor frequency data reported 

by NTP (1985) to calculate an excess lifetime cancer unit risk of 8.3 x 10-7. The linearized 

VIII - 52 November 15, 2005 
multistage model was utilized, with the assumption that 1 L of water per day containing 1 :g/L 

of dibromochloromethane was ingested. Based on this calculation, the concentration associated 

with a risk of 10-6 is 0.6 :g/L, assuming consumption of 2 L of water per day. 

Other available estimates of cancer risks are summarized in Table VIII-14. U.S. EPA 

(1994b) reported a slope factor of 8.4 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 calculated from the NTP (1985) data 

in the absence of other appropriate tumorigenicity data for dibromochloromethane (IRIS, 1992). 

This value was derived using the LMS model (extra risk) and a scaling factor of body weight2/3, 

as specified in the 1986 Guidelines for Carcinogenic Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1986). The 

reported unit risk and 10-5 risk concentration were 2.4 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 and 4 :g/L, respectively. 

A slope factor of 4.3 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 (U.S. EPA, 1998b) was derived using the LMS 

model and a scaling factor of body weight3/4. The use of body weight3/4 as the scaling factor is 

consistent with recommendations in U.S. EPA. (1992b). A unit risk value of 1.2 × 10-6 (:g/L)-1 

was estimated using an assumed body weight of 70 kg and a drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L. 

This estimate was used to calculate a drinking water 10-5 risk concentration of 8 :g/L (0.8 :g/L 

at 10-6 risk). 

Table VIII-14 Carcinogenic Risk Estimates for Dibromochloromethane 

Method of 

Estimation 

Tumor 

Site Species Sex Slope Factor 

(mg/kg-day)-1 

Unit Risk 

(:g/L)-1 

10-5 Risk 

Conc. (:g/L) 

LED10 

(:g/kg-day) 

LMS Method Using 

BW3/4 Conversion 

U.S. EPA (1998b) 

Liver Mouse F 4.3×10-2 1.2×10-6 8 -

LMS Method Using 

BW2/3 Conversion 

U.S. EPA (1994b)* 

Liver Mouse F 8.4×10-2 2.4×10-6 4 -

LED10/Linear Method 

U.S. EPA (1998b) 

Liver Mouse F 4.0×10-2 1.2x10-6 9 2.5×103 

*Adapted from IRIS (1992) 

Cancer risk estimates were also obtained using the LED10 (the lower 95% confidence 

limit on a dose associated with 10% extra risk) of 2.5 x 103 :g/kg-day for hepatic tumors and 

assuming a linear mode of action for the carcinogenicity of dibromochloromethane (Table VIII14). A cancer potency value of 4.0 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 was derived using this approach. A unit 

risk of 1.2 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 was calculated using an assumed body weight of 70 kg and a drinking 

water ingestion rate of 2 L. This estimate was used to calculate a drinking water concentration 

of 9 :g/L associated with a 10-5 risk (0.9 :g/L for 10-6 risk). These values are similar to values 

derived using the LMS approach with body weight scaling to the 3/4 power. 

VIII - 53 November 15, 2005 
The use of a corn oil vehicle in the NTP (1985) study from which these data are derived 

contributes uncertainty regarding the relevance of this value to exposure via drinking water. The 

U.S. EPA plans to seek data on the tumorigenicity of dibromochloromethane in water in order to 

clarify this issue. 

VIII - 54 November 15, 2005 
C. Bromoform 

1. Noncarcinogenic effects 

a. One-day Health Advisory 

Acute toxicity information on bromoform is limited and no data suitable for BMD 

modeling were identified. Some information is available on the former medicinal use of 

bromoform in humans. In the past, oral doses of bromoform were used as a sedative for children 

with whooping cough. Doses were typically one drop (approximately 180 mg) given three to six 

times per day (Burton-Fanning, 1901). This treatment usually resulted in mild sedation in 

children, although a few rare cases of death or near-death (believed to be due to accidental 

overdoses) have been reported (e.g., Dwelle, 1903; Benson, 1907). Based on a dose of 

540 mg/day given to a 10-kg child, the LOAEL for mild sedation is about 54 mg/kg-day. Using 

these data, the one day-HA for bromoform is calculated according to the following equation: 

(54 mg/kg-day)(10 kg) 

One-day HA = = 5.4 mg/L (rounded to 5 mg/L) 

(100) (1 L/day) 

where: 

54 mg/kg-day = LOAEL based on sedation in children given oral doses of 

bromoform 

10 kg = Assumed weight of a child 

100 = Composite uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW 

guidelines. Includes a factor of 10 for interspecies variation 

and a factor of 10 for protection of sensitive human 

populations 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

b. Ten-day health Advisory 

Candidate studies considered for derivation of the Ten-day HA are summarized in Table 

VIII-15 (below). Condie et al. (1983) administered bromoform by gavage to male CD-1 mice at 

doses ranging from 72 to 289 mg/kg-day for 14 days and identified a NOAEL of 145 mg/kg-day 

and a LOAEL of 289 mg/kg-day. The LOAEL is based on changes in clinical chemistry and on 

minimal to moderate histologic changes in the kidney (intratubular mineralization, epithelial 

hyperplasia, and mesangial hypertrophy and nephrosis) and in the liver (centrilobular pallor, 

mitotic figures, focal inflammation, and cytoplasmic vacuolization). BMD modeling of data for 

renal mesangial hypertrophy calculated BMD and BMDL10 values of 73 and 34 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. 

VIII - 55 November 15, 2005 
Melnick et al. (1998) administered bromoform to female B6C3F1 mice by gavage 5 

days/week for 3 weeks and identified a NOAEL of 200 mg/kg-day (the lowest dose tested) and a 

LOAEL of 500 mg/kg-day based on histologic changes in the liver (hepatocyte hydropic 

degeneration). The duration-adjusted BMD and BMDL10 values for this endpoint were 146 and 

104 mg/kg-day, respectively. 

Munson et al. (1982) identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 125 and 250 mg/kg-day, 

respectively, based on elevated serum enzyme activity in mice. BMD modeling was not 

conducted for this endpoint, since it was not considered a reliable basis for the Ten-day HA in 

the absence of histopathological data. NTP (1989a) identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 

200 and 400 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on the occurrence of stomach nodules in rats and 

mice. A BMD of 167 mg/kg-day was calculated for this endpoint in mice, with a corresponding 

BMDL10 of 66 mg/kg-day. However, occurrence of these nodules may represent a portal of 

entry effect. Chu et al. (1982a) identified a freestanding NOAEL of 80 mg/kg-day in a drinking 

water study conducted in rats. Coffin et al. (2000) identified a LOAEL of 200 mg/kg-day based 

on the occurrence of liver histopathology and increased labeling index. The data of Coffin et al. 

were not modeled because other studies used lower doses and were thus able to better 

characterize the low-dose portion of the dose response curve. 

The study conducted by Aida et al. (1992a) assessed toxicity in Wistar rats administered 

bromoform microencapsulated in the diet at doses ranging from 56 to 728 mg/kg-day. The 

duration of the study was one month. This study identified a NOAEL of 56 mg/kg-day and a 

LOAEL of 208 mg/kg-day based on clinical chemistry changes and histologic changes in the 

liver (cell vacuolization and swelling) of females. BMD modeling of results for liver cell 

vacuolization in female rats calculated BMD and BMDL10 values of 16 and 2.3 mg/kg-day, 

respectively. These were the lowest values observed among modeling results for candidate 

studies for the 10-day HA. On this basis, and because histopathological changes in the liver are 

considered a sensitive indicator of brominated trihalomethane toxicity, the study conducted by 

Aida et al. (1992a) was considered the best choice for derivation of the Ten-day HA. 

VIII - 56 November 15, 2005 
-- 

Table VIII-15 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for Brom

Reference Species n Route Dose Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-

Aida et al. (1992a) 

Rat 

Wistar 

M, F 

7 Feed Males 

0 

62 

187 618 

Females 

0 

1 month Body weight, 

clinical signs, serum biochemistry, hematology, histology 

62 males 

56 females 

187 males 208 females (serum chemistry changes, liver histopathology) 

Male

140 

Fema

16 

56 

208 728 

Chu et al. Rat 10 Drinking 0.7 28 days Clinical signs, 80 Not mo(1982a) SD water 8.5 serum 

M 80 biochemistry, 

histology 

Condie et al. (1983) 

Mouse 

CD-1 

8­

16 

Gavage 

(oil) 

0 

72 

14 days Serum enzymes, 

PAH uptake in 

145 289 

(elevated ALT, 

73 

M 145 vitro, histology decreased PAH, 

289 liver and kidney 

histopathology) 

Melnick et Mouse 10 Gavage 0 3 weeks Body and liver 200 500 146al. B6C3F1 (oil) 200 (5 d/wk) weights, serum (liver (1998) F 500 chemistry, liver histopathology) 

histology 

Munson et Mouse 6­ Gavage 0 14 days Body and organ 125 250 Not moal. CD-1 12 (aqueous) 50 weights, serum (elevated serum (1982) M, F 125 chemistry, enzymes) 

250 hematology, 

immune function 

NTP (1989a) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M 

5 Gavage 

(oil) 

0 

50 

100 200 

14 days Body weight, 

clinical signs, gross pathology 

200 400 

(stomach nodules) 

167 

400 600 

VIII - 57 
-- 

Table VIII-15 (cont.) 

Reference Species n Route Dose Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-

Coffin et al. Mouse 10 Gavage 0 11 days Relative liver 200 Not mo(2000) B6C3F1 (oil) 200 weight; liver (liver 

F 500 histopathology; histopathology; 

labeling index labeling index) 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

5 Gavage 

(oil) 

0 

100 200 400 

14 days Body weight, 

clinical signs, gross pathology 

200 400 

(decreased body weight) 

Not mo

600 800 

Ruddick et al. (1983)** 

Rat 

SD 

14­

15 

Gavage 

(oil) 

0 

50 

Gestation 

days 6-15 

Body and organ weights; maternal 

50 100 

(sternebral 

50 

F 100 

200 

serum chemistry; hematology, and 

aberrations) 

histopathology; developmental parameters 

* Duration-adjusted dose used to calculate BMD and BMDL10 ** Ruddick et al (1983) is included because it is a reproductive study. 

Abbreviations: SD, Sprague-Dawley 

VIII - 58 
Based on the BMDL10 identified in the Aida et al. (1992a) study, the Ten-day HA for a 

10-kg child is calculated according to the following equation: 

Ten-day HA = 

(2.3 mg/kg-day)(10 kg) 

(100) (1 L/day) 

= 0.23 mg/L (rounded to 0.2 mg/L) 

where: 

2.3 mg/kg-day = BMDL10 based on the occurrence of hepatic vacuolization 

in female rats exposed to bromoform in the diet for one 

month 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

100 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines. Includes 

a factor of 10 for interspecies variation and a factor of 10 

for protection of sensitive human populations 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

When the BMDL10 value for liver cell vacuolization in the Aida et al. (1992a) study is 

used, the Ten-day HA for a 10-kg child is calculated to be 0.2 mg/L, assuming a drinking water 

ingestion rate of 1 L/day and use of a composite uncertainty factor of 100. This value is slightly 

lower than the Longer-term HA for a 10 kg child of 0.3 mg/L derived using subchronic data for 

the same histopathological endpoint. This small difference may reflect experimental or BMD 

modeling uncertainty. 

For purposes of comparison, the Ten-day HA may also be derived using the conventional 

NOAEL/LOAEL approach. The lowest LOAEL among the candidate studies was 100 mg/kgday for developmental effects in rats (Ruddick et al., 1983). The NOAEL in this study was 50 

mg/kg-day. Aida et al. (1992a) identified NOAEL values of 56 and 62 mg/kg-day and LOAEL 

values of 187 and 208 mg/kg-day for histopathological changes in male and female rats 

administered bromoform in the diet. Chu et al. (1982a) identified a freestanding NOAEL of 80 

mg/kg-day in rats. The data of Aida et al. (1992a) were selected for calculation of the Ten-day 

HA because the study tested both male and female rats, incorporated more dose levels, and 

identified both NOAEL and LOAEL values and because the NOAEL identified by Chu et al. 

(1982a) is close to the lowest LOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day. Using the NOAEL of 62 mg/kg-day 

for male rats and assuming the default body weight for a child (10 kg), the default drinking water 

intake for a child (1 L/day), and a composite uncertainty factor of 100, the Ten-day HA would be 

6.2 mg/L (rounded to 6 mg/L). 

VIII - 59 November 15, 2005 
c. Longer-term Health Advisory 

Candidate studies for derivation of the Longer-term HA are summarized in Table VIII-16 

below. All studies identified histopathological changes in liver tissue as the critical toxicological 

effect. In one NTP (1989a) study, F344/N rats were administered bromoform by gavage at doses 

ranging from 12 to 200 mg/kg-day for 5 days/week for 13 weeks. This study identified a 

NOAEL of 25 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 50 mg/kg-day based on hepatic vacuolization 

observed in male rats. BMD modeling with the BMDS program calculated a duration-adjusted 

BMD of 4.4 mg/kg-day (based on duration-adjusted doses), with a corresponding BMDL10 of 2.6 

mg/kg-day. These values were the lowest among the candidate studies. 

In an analogous subchronic oral exposure study, NTP (1989a) exposed mice of both 

sexes to doses of bromoform ranging from 25 to 400 mg/kg-day in addition to the control. This 

study identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 100 and 200 mg/kg-day, respectively, based on 

hepatic vacuolization. BMD modeling with the BMDS program calculated a BMD of 88 mg/kgday (based on duration-adjusted doses), with a corresponding BMDL10 of 55 mg/kg-day. These 

values were approximately 20-fold higher than the BMD and BMDL10 calculated for the NTP 

(1989a) oral exposure study in rats. 

Chu et al. (1982b) exposed rats of both sexes to bromoform in the drinking water for 90 

days. The doses of bromoform ranged from 0.64 to 283 mg/kg-day in addition to the control. 

This study identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 57 and 218 mg/kg-day , respectively, based 

on decreased weight gain and mild hepatic lesions in male mice. BMD modeling identified 

BMD and BMDL10 values of 10 and 5.9 mg/kg-day using data for occurrence of hepatic lesions 

in male mice. These values were approximately two-fold higher than the BMD and BMDL10 

values derived using data from the NTP (1989a) oral exposure study in rats. Strengths of this 

study include exposure via drinking water, larger sample size (20 animals/treatment group), and 

the administration of lower doses than used in the NTP (1989a) subchronic studies. Liver 

histopathology data from this study were reported as combined lesions, with the types of lesions 

described in the text. 

The NTP (1989a) oral exposure study conducted in rats was selected for the derivation of 

the Longer-term HA on the basis of the low values obtained for the BMD and BMDL10. 

Selection of this study is strongly supported by the results of Chu et al. (1982b), which identified 

slightly higher values in a drinking water study. 

VIII - 60 November 15, 2005 
Table VIII-16 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA for Bro

Reference Species n Route Dose Exposure Endpoints NOAE LOAEL BM

Sex duration L 

(mg/kg­

(mg/kg-day) (mg/k

day) 

Chu et al. (1982b) 

Rat 

SD 

M, F 

20 Drinking 

water 

Male 

0 

0.65 

6.1 

57 

218 

90 days Body weight, serum chemistry, 

histology 

57 218 

(decreased 

weight gain, 

mild hepatic 

lesions) 

M

1

Fem

No 

Females 

0 

0.64 

6.9 

55 

283 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

10 Gavage 

(corn oil) 

0 

12 25 50 

100 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, histology 

25 50 

(hepatic 

vacuolization) 

4

200 

NTP (1989a) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

10 Gavage 

(corn oil) 

0 

25 50 

100 200 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, histology 

100 200 

(hepatic 

vacuolization) 

8

400 

Ruddick et Rat 9­ Gavage 0 Gestation Body and organ weights; maternal 50 100 5al. (1983)** SD 14 (corn oil) 50 days 6-15 serum chemistry; hematology, and (sternebral 

F 100 histopathology; developmental aberrations) 

200 parameters 

NTP (1989b) Mouse 20 Gavage 0 105 days Continuous breeding reprod. study. 100 200 

ICR 

Swiss 

(corn oil) 50 

100 

Body and organ weights, histopathology, reproductive 

(decreased 

maternal body 

(not m

M, F 200 parameters weight) 

* BMD and BMDL10 calculated using duration-adjusted doses 

** Ruddick et al (1983) is included because it is a reproductive study. – Not modeled 

Abbreviations: SD, Sprague-Dawley 

VIII - 61 
Based on the BMDL10 identified in the NTP (1989a) rat study, the Longer-term HA for a 

10-kg child is calculated according to the following equation: 

Longer-term HA = 

(2.6 mg/kg-day)(10 kg) 

(100) (1 L/day) 

= 0.26 mg/L (rounded to 0.3 mg/L) 

where: 

2.6 mg/kg-day = Duration-adjusted BMDL10 based on the occurrence of 

hepatic vacuolization in male rats exposed to bromoform by 

gavage for 13 weeks 

10 kg = Assumed body weight of a child 

100 = Uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW guidelines; includes 

a factor of 10 for interspecies variation and a factor of 10 

for protection of sensitive human populations 

1 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 10-kg child 

The Longer-term HA for an adult consuming 2 liters of water per day is calculated 

according to the following equation: 

(2.6 mg/kg-day)(70kg) 

Longer-term HA = = 0.91 mg/L (rounded to 0.9 mg/L) 

(100) (2 L/day) 

where: 

2.6 mg/kg-day = Duration-adjusted BMDL10 based on the occurrence of 

hepatic vacuolization in male rats exposed to bromoform by 

gavage for 13 weeks 

70 kg = Assumed body weight of an adult 

100 = Composite uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW 

guidelines; includes a factor of 10 for interspecies variation 

and a factor of 10 for protection of sensitive human 

populations 

2 L/day = Assumed water consumption of a 70-kg adult 

For purposes of comparison, the Longer-term Health Advisories may also be derived 

using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL approach. The chronic oral exposure study conducted 

by NTP (1989a) identified a NOAEL of 25 mg/kg-day based on the absence of clinical signs or 

VIII - 62 November 15, 2005 
histological alterations in rats exposed to bromoform for 13 weeks. Using this value and 

assuming default body weights (10 and 70 mg/kg-day, for adults and children, respectively), 

default drinking water intake rates (1 and 10 L/day for children and adults, respectively), a 

composite uncertainty factor of 100, and an exposure duration factor of 5/7, the Longer-term 

HAs for a child and an adult would be 2 mg/L and 6 mg/L, respectively. 

d. Reference Dose, Drinking Water Equivalent Level and Lifetime Health Advisory 

This section reports the existing RfD value for bromoform and describes the derivation of 

the RfD for this compound. This section also describes the calculation of Drinking Water 

Equivalent Level and Lifetime Health Advisory values which require the RfD as input. For this 

document, new and existing studies were reviewed and appropriate candidate data were selected 

for benchmark (BMD) dose modeling. The results of BMD modeling were used in conjunction 

with appropriate uncertainty factors to calculate the RfD. A comparison of the RfD derived 

using the BMD approach to the results obtained using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach is also provided. 

Description of the Existing RfD 

The existing RfD for bromoform is 0.02 mg/kg-day (IRIS, 1993b). This value was 

derived using a duration-adjusted NOAEL of 17.9 mg/kg-day identified for the occurrence of 

hepatic lesions in F344 rats administered bromoform by corn oil gavage 5 days/week for 13 

weeks (NTP, 1989a). An uncertainty factor of 1000 was used to account for extrapolation from 

animal data, for protection of sensitive human subpopulations, and for use of a subchronic study. 

Identification of Candidate Studies for the Derivation of the RfD 

Three chronic exposure studies, a subchronic exposure study, a prenatal developmental 

toxicity study, and a reproductive toxicity study were considered for derivation of the RfD for 

bromoform. These studies are summarized in Table VIII-17 (below). 

Tobe et al. (1982) administered bromoform microencapsulated in the diet to Wistar rats 

at dose levels ranging from 22 to 619 mg/kg-day for 24 months. A NOAEL of 22 mg/kg-day 

and a LOAEL of 90 mg/kg-day were identified based on gross liver lesions and changes in 

clinical chemistry parameters in male rats. 

NTP (1989a) conducted chronic oral exposure studies in rats and mice. In the rat study, 

animals were administered bromoform by gavage in oil for 5 days/week for 103 weeks at doses 

of 100 or 200 mg/kg-day. This study identified the low dose as the LOAEL based on histologic 

lesions in the liver (fatty change and chronic inflammation). In the mouse study, animals were 

administered bromoform by gavage in corn oil, 5 days/week for 103 weeks at doses of 50 or 100 

mg/kg-day for male mice and 100 or 200 mg/kg-day for female mice. Although no treatmentrelated effects were observed in the male mice at the dose levels tested, treatment-related 

histologic lesions in the liver (fatty changes) were observed in both low- and high-dose females. 

Accordingly, this study identified a LOAEL of 100 mg/kg-day in female mice. 

VIII - 63 November 15, 2005 
A subchronic oral exposure study conducted in rats (NTP, 1989a) was also considered as 

a candidate for derivation of the RfD. This study utilized five doses of bromoform ranging from 

12 to 200 mg/kg-day in addition to the control. The compound was administered to ten animals 

per treatment group by gavage in corn oil, 5 days per week for 13 weeks. The endpoints 

evaluated included body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, and histological changes. This 

study identified a NOAEL and LOAEL of 25 and 50 mg/kg-day, respectively, on the basis of 

histopathological changes (vacuolization) in the liver. The LOAEL identified in this study was 

the lowest among all candidate studies. 

The developmental study conducted by Ruddick et al. (1983) identified NOAEL and 

LOAEL values of 50 and 100 mg/kg-day, respectively, for sternebral variations in the offspring 

of female rats dosed with bromoform on gestation days 6-15. The reproductive toxicity study 

reported by NTP (1989b) identified NOAEL and LOAEL values of 100 and 200 mg/kg-day for 

reduced maternal body weight and decreased postnatal survival and liver histopathology in F1 

mice of both sexes. 

VIII - 64 November 15, 2005 
--

Table VIII-17 Summary of Candidate Studies for Derivation of the RfD for Bromofor

Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg

Tobe et al. (1982) 

Rat 

Wistar 

M, F 

40 Male 

0 

22 90 

364 

Diet 24 months Body weight, serum 

chemistry, gross pathology 

22 90 

(serum chemistry 

changes, gross liver 

lesions) 

Not mo

Female 

0 

38 

152 619 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

10 0 

12 25 50 

100 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

13 weeks 

(5 days/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, histology 

25 50 

(hepatic 

vacuolization) 

4.

200 

NTP (1989a) Rat 

F344/N 

M, F 

50 0 

100 200 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

103 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, histology 

100 

(decreased body 

weight, lethargy, 

mild liver 

1

histopathology) 

NTP (1989a) Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

50 Male 

0 

50 

100 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

103 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Body weight, clinical signs, gross necropsy, histology 

100 (male) 100 (female) 

(decreased body 

weight, mild liver 

histopathology) 

14

Female 

0 

100 200 

Ruddick et al. Rat 9­ 0 Gavage Gestation Developmental toxicity 50 100 5(1983)‡ SD 14 50 (con oil) days 6-15 study; body and organ (developmental) (sternebral 

F 100 weights variations) 

200 200 

(maternal) 

VIII - 65 
Reference Species n Dose Route Exposure Endpoints NOAEL LOAEL BM

Sex Duration (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg-day) (mg/kg

NTP (1989b)‡ Mouse 

B6C3F1 

M, F 

50 0 

50 

100 200 

Gavage 

(corn oil) 

105 days Continuous breeding 

reprod. study. Body and organ weights, histopathology, 

100 200 

(decreased maternal 

body weight; 

reduced postnatal 

-

(not mo

reproductive parameters survival and liver 

histopathology in F1 

generation males 

and females) 

* BMD and BMDL10 values were derived using duration-adjusted doses. † BMD modeled using the Crump BMD software (K. S. Crump, Inc.) ‡ These studies are included because they are reproductive/developmental studies. 

Abbreviations: SD, Sprague-Dawley 

VIII - 66 
Method of Analysis 

Selected data from the candidate studies were analyzed using the benchmark dose (BMD) 

modeling approach. Initially, data sets for potentially sensitive endpoints were selected as 

described in U.S. EPA (1998b) and analyzed using the Crump Benchmark Dose Modeling 

Software (K. S. Crump, Inc.). Following the release of Version 1.2 of the BMDS program (U.S. 

EPA, 2000a), data from the NTP (1989a) subchronic and chronic studies conducted in rats were 

reanalyzed in accordance with proposed U.S. EPA (2000b) recommendations. An advantage of 

analysis with the BMDS software is that several additional models are available to fit the data. 

The results of the analysis using the BMDS software are included in Table VIII-17. 

Choice of Principal Study and Critical Effect for the RfD 

The subchronic study conducted by NTP (1989a) was selected for derivation of the RfD. 

Two factors supported selection of this study. First, the critical effect identified in the subchronic 

study was consistent with the critical effects identified in the chronic NTP studies (fatty changes 

in liver of male rats and female mice). Second, BMD modeling of both data sets supported 

selection of the subchronic study. BMD analysis using the BMDS program calculated a BMD of 

13 mg/kg-day for fatty changes in the liver of males in the chronic study, with a corresponding 

BMDL10 of 1.4 mg/kg-day. The lowest duration-adjusted dose in this study was 71 mg/kg-day 

and the response at this dose was high (49/50). The magnitude of the difference between the 

BMD and BMDL10 values thus reflects considerable uncertainty about the shape of the curve in 

the low-dose region. 

Duration-adjusted BMD and BMDL10 values for hepatic vacuolization in male rats of 4.4 

and 2.6 mg/kg-day, respectively, were obtained using data for the subchronic study. This BMD 

is approximately three-fold less than the BMD calculated from chronic data (above). The 

availability of response data for three doses below 71 mg/kg-day (duration-adjusted dose) in the 

subchronic study provided additional information about the shape of the dose-response curve in 

the region of interest, and thus a more reliable estimate of the BMD. Although the BMDL10 

value for the subchronic study is higher than the value for the chronic study, this observation 

reflects less uncertainty (smaller confidence interval) in the estimate of the subchronic BMD 

when the results for the two studies are compared. The BMDL10 value calculated from the 

subchronic NTP (1987) data was therefore selected for derivation of the RfD for bromoform. 

The remaining studies were eliminated from consideration for the following reasons. 

The study conducted by Tobe et al. (1982) did not identify a suitably sensitive endpoint 

(histopathological examination was not conducted) and the data were never formally published 

or submitted for peer review. The chronic study conducted by NTP (1989a) in mice reported 

mild histopathological changes in female mice at a duration-adjusted dose of 71 mg/kg-day, the 

lowest tested in this gender. However, both the BMD and BMDL10 were higher than those 

identified in the subchronic study in rats, and these values were considered less reliable in the 

absence of data at lower doses. The LOAELs identified in the developmental (Ruddick et al., 

1983) and reproductive (NTP, 1989a) studies were higher than the LOAEL values observed for 

histopathology effects in the NTP subchronic study. The BMD and BMDL10 calculated for 

sternebral variations in the Ruddick et al. (1983) were approximately 10-fold higher than those 

identified in the subchronic study. 

VIII - 67 November 15, 2005 
Derivation of the RfD 

The duration-adjusted BMDL10 from the subchronic NTP (1989a) rat study was selected 

for derivation of the RfD for bromoform. The RfD is calculated using the following equation: 

(2.6 mg/kg-day) 

RfD = = 0.03 mg/kg-day 

100 

where: 

2.6 mg/kg-day = Duration-adjusted BMDL10 based on hepatocellular 

vacuolization in the liver of male rats 

100 = Composite uncertainty factor based on NAS/OW 

guidelines; includes a factor of 10 for interspecies 

variation, a factor of 10 for protection of sensitive human 

populations 

A composite uncertainty factor of 100 was used in the calculation of the bromoform RfD. 

The standard factors of 10 were used for interspecies extrapolation and for protection of 

sensitive subpopulations. No uncertainty factor was added for extrapolation from a subchronic 

to a chronic study because the BMD and BMDL10 for the subchronic study was either 

comparable to or lower than the corresponding values from the chronic study. This observation 

suggests that a cumulative effect on the liver does not occur for the endpoints examined. The 

database for bromoform includes subchronic and chronic bioassays conducted in rats and mice 

(e.g. NTP 1989a), a two-generation reproductive toxicity study in mice (NTP 1989b), and a 

developmental toxicity study in rats (Ruddick et al. 1983). Therefore, the database for 

bromoform was considered sufficient and an uncertainty factor for database deficiencies was not 

included in the calculation. 

The DWEL for bromoform is calculated as follows: 

(0.03 mg/kg-day) (70 kg) 

DWEL = = 1.0 mg/L (1000 :g/L)

2 L/day 

where: 

0.03 mg/kg-day = RfD 

70 kg = assumed weight of an adult 

2 L/day = assumed water consumption by a 70-kg adult 

VIII - 68 November 15, 2005 
Lifetime Health Advisory 

The Lifetime Health Advisory (HA) represents that portion of an individual’s total 

exposure that is attributed to drinking water and is considered protective of noncarcinogenic 

health effects over a lifetime of exposure. Bromoform has been categorized with respect to 

carcinogenic potential as Group B2: Probable human carcinogen (IRIS, 1993b). Therefore, in 

accordance with U.S. EPA Policy, a Lifetime Health Advisory is not recommended. 

Alternative Approach for Derivation of the RfD 

For comparison, the RfD can be calculated using the conventional NOAEL/LOAEL 

approach. The subchronic NTP (1989a) oral exposure study identified a NOAEL of 25 mg/kgday based on absence of histopathological effects in rats exposed to bromoform by gavage in 

corn oil for 13 weeks. Using this value, a duration adjustment factor of 5/7, and an uncertainty 

factor of 1000 (including factors of 10 for interspecies extrapolation, protection of sensitive 

subpopulations, and use of a subchronic study), the RfD would be 0.02 mg/kg-day. The 

corresponding DWEL would be 0.7 mg/L assuming an adult body weight of 70 kg and a 

drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L/day. 

2. Carcinogenic Effects 

a. Categorization of Carcinogenic Potential 

Previous Evaluations of Carcinogenic Potential 

The Carcinogenic Risk Assessment Verification Endeavor (CRAVE) group of the 

U.S. EPA has reviewed the available evidence on the carcinogenicity of bromoform and has 

assigned it to Group B2: probable human carcinogen (IRIS, 1993b). Assignment to this category 

is appropriate for chemicals where there are no or inadequate human data, but which have 

sufficient animal data to indicate carcinogenic potential. 

IARC (1999b) has recently re-evaluated the carcinogenic potential of bromoform. IARC 

concluded that there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals and 

inadequate evidence in humans for bromoform. Bromoform is therefore categorized as Group 3: 

not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans. 

Categorization of Carcinogenic Potential Under the Proposed 1999 Cancer Guidelines 

Cancer Hazard Summary 

Under the proposed guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) 

bromoform is likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. This descriptor is 

appropriate when the available tumor data and other key data are adequate to demonstrate 

carcinogenic potential to humans. This finding is based on the weight of experimental evidence 

in animal models which shows carcinogenicity by modes of action that are relevant to humans. 

VIII - 69 November 15, 2005 
Supporting Information for Cancer Hazard Assessment 

Human Data 

The information on the carcinogenicity of bromoform from human studies is inadequate. 

There are no epidemiological data specifically relating increased incidence of cancer to exposure 

to bromoform. There are equivocal epidemiological data describing a weak association of 

chlorinated drinking water exposures with increased incidences of bladder, rectal, and colon 

cancer. U.S. EPA has determined that these studies cannot attribute the observed effects to a 

single compound, as chlorinated water contains numerous other disinfection byproducts that are 

potentially carcinogenic. 

Animal Data 

The carcinogenicity of bromoform has been investigated in two species. These studies 

include a well-designed and conducted corn oil gavage study conducted in rats and mice and a 

study in which male Strain A mice were administered bromoform by intraperitoneal injection. 

No data are available on the carcinogenic potential of bromoform administered via the inhalation 

or dermal routes. 

In the corn oil gavage study (NTP, 1989a), neoplasms of the large intestine (adenomatous 

polyps or adenocarcinoma) were observed in male and female rats. The response for combined 

adenoma and carcinoma reached statistical significance in female rats. The occurrence of 

tumors of the large intestine in this study was considered biologically significant because they 

are historically rare in rats. NTP (1989a) concluded that there was clear evidence for 

carcinogenicity in females and some evidence of carcinogenicity in males. No evidence of 

bromoform carcinogenicity was observed in male or female mice. Intraperitoneal injection of 

Strain A mice with three concentrations of bromoform resulted in significantly increased tumor 

incidence only at the middle dose tested. 

Structural Analogue Data 

Trihalomethanes structurally related to bromoform have shown varying degrees of 

carcinogenic potential in rodents. Chloroform, the most extensively characterized 

trihalomethane, is reported to be carcinogenic at high doses in several chronic animal bioassays, 

with significant increases in the incidence of liver tumors in male and female mice and 

significant increases in the incidence of kidney tumors in male rats and mice (U.S. EPA, 2001). 

The occurrence of tumors in animals exposed to chloroform is demonstrably species-, strain-, 

and gender-specific, and has only been observed under dose conditions that caused cytotoxicity 

and regenerative cell proliferation in the target organ. The cancer database for structurallyrelated brominated trihalomethanes is more limited, but includes well-conducted studies 

performed by the National Toxicology Program. In a two-year corn oil gavage study of 

bromodichloromethane, NTP (1987) found clear evidence for carcinogenicity in male and 

female rats (large intestine and kidney) and male (kidney) and female (liver) mice. Tumasonis et 

al. (1987) reported a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatic neoplastic 

nodules in rats exposed to bromodichloromethane in the drinking water. In a two-year corn oil 

gavage study of dibromochloromethane, NTP (1985) determined that there was some evidence 

VIII - 70 November 15, 2005 
of carcinogenicity in female mice and equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity in male mice, based 

on the occurrence of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas. George et al. (2002) observed a 

significantly increased prevalence of hepatocellular tumors only at the lowest dose administered 

in a drinking water study. Other oral exposure studies found no evidence for carcinogenicity of 

bromodichloromethane (Aida et al., 1992b) or dibromochloromethane (Tobe et al., 1982; 

Voronin et al., 1987). 

Other Key Data 

Bromoform is formed as a byproduct of drinking water disinfection with chlorine. 

Exposure to bromoform may occur via ingestion of tap water, via dermal contact during 

showering or bathing, or by inhalation of bromoform volatilized during household activities. 

Absorption of single oral doses appears to be extensive. Bromoform is rapidly metabolized and 

eliminated predominately as expired volatiles, carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide. Only a 

small amount (less than 10%) is eliminated in urine or in feces. No comprehensive tissue data 

are available regarding the bioaccumulation or retention of bromoform following repeated 

exposure. However, because of the rapid metabolism and excretion of bromoform, marked 

accumulation and retention is not expected. 

Bromoform itself is not directly reactive with DNA. Metabolism to reactive species is a 

prerequisite for toxicity, as inferred from metabolic induction and inhibition studies. In vitro and 

in vivo studies of the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of bromoform have yielded both 

positive and negative results. Synthesis of the overall weight of evidence from these studies is 

complicated by the use of a variety of testing protocols, different strains of test organisms, 

different activating systems, different dose levels, different exposure methods (gas versus liquid) 

and, in some cases, problems due to evaporation of the test chemical. However, because a 

majority of studies yielded positive results, bromoform is considered to be at least weakly 

mutagenic and genotoxic. Recent studies conducted with strains of Salmonella thatexpress rat 

theta-class glutathione S-transferase suggest that mutagenicity of the brominated trihalomethanes 

may be mediated by glutathione conjugation. 

Mode of Action 

The mode of action for tumor induction by bromoform has not been clearly elucidated 

and may involve contributions from multiple bioactivation pathways. In each case, toxicity is 

believed to result from interaction of reactive metabolites with cellular macromolecules. 

Proposed bioactivation pathways for bromoform include: 1) production of reactive 

dihalocarbonyls by oxidative metabolism; 2) production of reactive dihalomethyl radicals by 

oxidative metabolism; and 3) formation of DNA-reactive species via a glutathione-dependent 

pathway. The relative contribution of each pathway to tumor induction by bromoform has not 

been characterized. It is possible that only the latter two processes lead to DNA damage in vivo, 

because the highly reactive dihalocarbonyl intermediate may not survive long enough to enter 

the nucleus and react with DNA. For this reason, cytotoxicity may be the primary consequence 

of the oxidative pathway. Cytotoxicity coupled with regenerative hyperplasia is considered the 

primary mode of action for tumor formation following exposure to high concentrations of 

chloroform, a structurally-related trihalomethane which has low genotoxic potential. Data to 

support a similar primary mode of action for tumor development in liver, kidney, and large 

VIII - 71 November 15, 2005 
intestine are currently lacking for bromoform. In the absence of such information, combined 

with a positive weight-of-evidence evaluation for genotoxicity, the mode of action for tumor 

development is assumed to be a linear process. The processes leading to tumor formation in 

animals are expected to be relevant to humans. 

Conclusion 

Under the proposed guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1999) 

bromoform is likely to be carcinogenic to humans by the oral route. This weight-of-evidence 

evaluation is based on 1) observations of tumors in rats treated by oral pathways; 2) lack of 

epidemiological data specific to bromoform and equivocal data for drinking water drinking 

water exposures that cannot reliably be attributed to bromoform among multiple other 

disinfection byproducts; 3) positive results for a majority of the available genotoxicity and 

mutagenicity tests; and 4) metabolism and mode of action that are reasonably expected to be 

comparable across species. Although no cancer data exist for exposures via the dermal or 

inhalation pathways, the weight-of-evidence conclusion is considered to be applicable to these 

pathways as well. The finding for inhalation is based on the observation that patterns of 

metabolizing enzyme activity in male rats are similar following exposure to a structurally-related 

compound (bromodichloromethane) via the inhalation and gavage routes. Bromoform absorbed 

through the skin is expected to be metabolized and cause toxicity in much the same way as 

bromoform absorbed by the oral and inhalation routes. 

b. Choice of Study for Quantification of Carcinogenic Risk 

A single oral exposure study was available for the quantification of carcinogenic risk 

associated with oral exposure to bromoform. NTP (1989a) conducted an oral exposure study in 

B6C3F1 mice and F344/N rats. No evidence of carcinogenicity was observed in male B6C3F1 

mice exposed to bromoform via gavage (corn oil) at doses up to 100 mg/kg-day, or in female 

mice exposed at doses up to 200 mg/kg-day for 5 days/week. Male and female F344/N rats (50 

rats/sex/dose) were administered bromoform via gavage at doses of 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg-day for 

5 days/week for 103 weeks (NTP 1989a). At termination, all animals were necropsied, and a 

thorough histological examination of tissues was performed. Adenomatous polyps or 

adenocarcinomas of the large intestine were noted in three high-dose male rats, eight high-dose 

female rats, and one low-dose female rat (Table VIII-18). Despite the small number of tumors 

found, the increase was considered biologically significant because these tumors are historically 

rare in the rat. The study authors concluded that there was some evidence for carcinogenic 

activity in male rats and clear evidence in female rats. 

c. Extrapolation model 

The LMS model (U.S. EPA, 1986) and the default linear approach described by the 

Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1996; 1999) were used to 

quantify the risk associated with exposure to bromoform. Although data are mixed , U.S. EPA 

has previously concluded that the weight of evidence suggests that bromoform is mutagenic (see 

Section V.F.3). At the present time, there are no data which indicate that bromoform-induced 

VIII - 72 November 15, 2005 
tumorigenesis occurs as a consequence of cytotoxicity followed by regenerative hyperplasia. 

Thus, use of a linear approach was considered appropriate for quantification of cancer risk 

associated with exposure to bromodichloromethane. 

Table VIII-18 Tumor Frequencies in Rats Exposed to Bromoform in Corn Oil for 2 Years 

- Adapted from NTP (1989a)

Animal Tissue/Tumor Tumor Frequency 

Control 100 mg/kg 200 mg/kg 

Male rat Large intestine Adenocarcinoma 0/50 0/50 1/50 

Polyp (adenomatous) 0/50 0/50 2/50 

Female rat Large intestine Adenocarcinoma 0/48 0/50 2/50 

Polyp (adenomatous) 0/48 1/50 6/50 

d. Cancer Potency and Unit Risk 

Estimates of cancer risk associated with exposure to bromoform are summarized in Table 

VIII-19. U.S. EPA (1994b) reported a cancer potency estimate of 7.9 x 10-3 (mg/kg-day)-1 for 

bromoform based on the incidence of intestinal tumors in rats and derived using 

recommendations in the 1986 Cancer Guidelines (U.S. EPA, 1986). The calculated value for 

unit risk is 2.3 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1. This estimate was used to calculate a drinking water concentration 

of 40 :g/L associated with a 10-5 risk. 

A cancer potency estimate of 4.6 x 10-3 (mg/kg-day)-1 (U.S. EPA, 1998b) based on the 

incidence of intestinal tumors in rats was calculated using the LMS model and a scaling factor of 

body weight3/4. Use of this scaling factor is consistent with recommendations in U.S. EPA 

(1992b). Unit risk was estimated for bromoform using an assumed body weight of 70 kg and a 

drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L. The calculated value for unit risk is 1.30 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1. 

This estimate was used to calculate a drinking water concentration of 77:g/L associated with a 

10-5 risk (8 :g/L for a risk of 10-6). 

Cancer risk estimates were also obtained using the LED10 (the lower 95% confidence 

limit on a dose associated with 10% extra risk) of 2.2 x 104 :g/kg-day for intestinal tumors and 

assuming a linear mode of action for the carcinogenicity of bromoform (Table VIII-19). A 

cancer potency value of 4.5 x 10-3 (mg/kg-day)-1 was derived using this approach. A unit risk of 

1.3 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1 was calculated using an assumed body weight of 70 kg and a drinking water 

ingestion rate of 2 L. This estimate was used to calculate a drinking water concentration of 78 

:g/L associated with a 10-5 risk (8 :g/L for 10-6 risk). These values are similar to values derived 

using the LMS approach with body weight scaling to the 3/4 power. 

VIII - 73 November 15, 2005 
There are no data to suggest that tumor incidence in the large intestine is influenced by 

the use of an oil vehicle. Therefore, the risk estimates reported above are believed to be 

applicable to drinking water exposures. 

Table VIII-19 Carcinogenic Risk Estimates for Bromoform 

Method of 

Estimation Tumor Site Species Sex Slope Factor 

(mg/kg-day)-1 

Unit Risk 

(:g/L)-1 

LED10 

(:g/kg-day) 

10-5 Risk 

Concentration 

(:g/L) 

LMS Method Using 

BW3/4 Conversion 

U.S. EPA (1998b) 

Large intestine Rat F 4.6×10-3 1.3×10-7 - 77 

U.S. EPA (1994b)* Large intestine Rat F 7.9×10-3 2.3×10-7 - 40 

LED10/Linear Method 

U.S. EPA (1998b) 

Large intestine Rat F 4.5×10-3 1.3x10-7 2.2×104 78 

* Adapted from IRIS (1993b) 

VIII - 74 November 15, 2005 
--

D. Summary 

Table VIII-20 Summary of Advisory Values for Bromodichloromethane, 

Dibromochloromethane, and Bromoform 

Advisory Value Reference 

Bromodichloromethane 

One-day HA for 10-kg child 1 mg/L Narotsky et al. (1997) 

Ten-day HA for 10-kg child 0.6 mg/L NTP (1998) 

Longer-term HA for 10-kg child 0.6 mg/L CCC (2000d) 

Longer-term HA for 70-kg adult 2 mg/L CCC (2000d) 

RfD 0.003 mg/kg-day Aida et al. (1992b) 

DWEL 100 :g/L Aida et al. (1992b) 

Lifetime HA Not applicable 

Oral Slope Factor c 3.5 x 10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 NTP (1987) 

Concentration for excess cancer risk (10-6) 1.0 :g/L NTP (1987) 

Unit Risk 1.0 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 NTP (1987) 

Dibromochloromethane 

One-day HA for 10-kg child b 0.6 mg/L Aida et al. (1992a) 

Ten-day HA for 10-kg child 0.6 mg/L Aida et al. (1992a) 

Longer-term HA for 10-kg child 0.2 mg/L NTP (1985) 

Longer-term HA for 70-kg adult 0.6 mg/L NTP (1985) 

RfD 0.02 mg/kg-day NTP (1985) 

DWEL 700 :g/L NTP (1985) 

Lifetime HA 60 :g/L NTP (1985) 

Oral Slope Factor c 4.3×10-2 (mg/kg-day)-1 NTP (1985) 

Concentration for Excess cancer risk (10-6) 0.8 :g/L NTP (1985) 

Unit Risk 1.2 x 10-6 (:g/L)-1 NTP (1985) 

Bromoform 

One-day HA for 10-kg child 5 mg/L Burton-Fanning (1901) 

Ten-day HA for 10-kg child 0.2 mg/L NTP (1989a) 

Longer-term HA for 10-kg child a 0.2 mg/L NTP (1989a) 

Longer-term HA for 70-kg adult 0.9 mg/L NTP (1989a) 

VIII - 75 November 15, 2005 
--

c 

Advisory Value Reference 

RfD 0.03 mg/kg-day NTP (1989a) 

DWEL 1000 :g/L NTP (1989a) 

Lifetime HA Not applicable 

Oral Slope Factor c 4.56×10-3 (mg/kg-day)-1 NTP (1989a) 

Concentration for Excess cancer risk (10-6) 8 :g/L NTP (1989a) 

Unit Risk 1.3 x 10-7 (:g/L)-1 NTP (1989a) 

a The calculated value for the Longer-term HA was slightly higher than the values for the Ten-day HA. Therefore, 

use of the Ten-day HA for a 10-kg child is recommended as an estimate of the Longer-term HA for a 10-kg child. b Use of the Ten-day HA recommended as a conservative estimate of the One-day HA for a 10-kg child. 

Use of the Longer-term HA recommended as a conservative estimate of the Ten-day HA for a 10-kg child. d The oral slope factor was calculated using the Linearized Multistage model and an animal-to-human scaling factor 

of body weight3/4 

Abbreviations: BW = Body weight; DWEL = Drinking water exposure limit; HA = Health advisory; LMS = 

Linearized Multistage Model 

VIII - 76 November 15, 2005 
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of volatile organic contaminant occurrence data. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, Technical Support Division, Office of Drinking Water and Office of Water. 

(As cited in U.S. EPA, 1994b.) 

Windham, G.C., K. Waller, M. Anderson, et al. 2003. Chlorination byproducts in drinking 

water and menstrual cycle function. Env. Health Perspect. June 111(7) 935-41.. 

Windholz, M., ed. 1976. The Merck Index. Rathway, NJ: Merck &Co., Inc. (As cited in U.S. 

EPA, 1994b). 

Wolf, C.R., D. Mansuy, W. Nastainczyk, G. Deutschmann and V. Ullrich. 1977. The reduction 

of polyhalogenated methanes by liver microsomal cytochrome P-450. Mol. Pharmacol. 13:698-

705. (As cited in U.S. EPA, 1994b.) 

Wright, J.M., J. Schwartz and D.W. Dockery. 2004. The effect of disinfection by-products and 

mutagenic activity on birth weight and gestational duration. Environmental Health Perspectives. 

112(8):920-925. 

IX - 24 November 15, 2005 
Yang, C-Y., B-H. Cheng, S-S. Tsai, et al. 2000. Association between chlorination of drinking 

water and adverse pregnancy outcome in Taiwan. Environ. Health Perspect. 108:765-768. 

Young, T.B., M.S. Kanarek and A.A. Tslatis. 1981. Epidemiologic study of drinking water 

chlorination and Wisconsin female cancer mortality. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 67:1191-1198. (As 

cited in U.S. EPA, 1994b.) 

Young, T.B., D.A. Wolf and M.S. Kanarek. 1987. Case-control study of colon cancer and 

drinking water trihalomethanes in Wisconsin. Int. J. Epidemiol. 16(2):190-197. (As cited in 

U.S. EPA, 1994b.) 

Zeiger, E. 1990. Mutagenicity of 42 chemicals in Salmonella. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. Suppl. 

16(Supplement 18):32-54. (As cited in U.S. EPA, 1994b.) 

Zenick, H., E.D. Clegg, S.D. Perreault et al. 1994. Assessment of male reproductive toxicity: a 

risk assessment approach. In, Hayes, W.A., ed., Principles and Methods of Toxicology. Third 

Edition, New York: Raven Press. pp.937-988. 

Zhao, G., amd J.W. Allis. 2002. Kinetics of bromodichloromethane metabolism by cytochrome 

P450 isoenzymes in human liver microsomes. Chem. Biol. Interact. 140:155-168. 

IX - 25 November 15, 2005 
APPENDIX A 

BENCHMARK DOSE MODELING OF HEALTH EFFECTS ENDPOINTS FOR THE 

BROMINATED TRIHALOMETHANES: BROMODICHLOROMETHANE, 

DIBROMOCHLOROMETHANE, AND BROMOFORM 

A - 1 November 15, 2005 
A. INTRODUCTION 

The limitations of the NOAEL/LOAEL approach as the basis for estimating thresholds of 

toxic effect are well-documented (e.g., U.S. EPA, 1995, 2001b). These limitations include: 

1) the slope of the dose-response plays little role in determining the NOAEL; 

2) the NOAEL (or LOAEL) is limited to the doses tested experimentally; 

3) the determination of the NOAEL is based on scientific judgement, and is subject to 

inconsistency; 

4) experiments using fewer animals tend to produce larger NOAELs, and as a result may 

produce larger health advisories (HAs) or reference doses (RfDs) (U.S. EPA, 1995, 

2001b) that may not be sufficiently protective of human health. 

In contrast, benchmark doses (BMDs) are not limited to the experimental doses, 

appropriately reflect the sample size, and can be defined in a statistically consistent manner. In 

light of these considerations, it is becoming common practice to conduct assessments by 

performing BMD modeling for key endpoints, in addition to identification of NOAELs and 

LOAELs. 

This document describes the analysis of the data relevant to the development of the Oneday, Ten-day, and Longer-term Health Advisories (HAs) for bromodichloromethane (BDCM), 

dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform. Available data of appropriate duration were 

analyzed and the implications of the calculated benchmark doses for the development of HAs 

were considered. Comparisons of the resulting health advisories with existing values are also 

made. Developmental and reproductive toxicity studies were also considered when effects were 

seen at doses comparable to or lower than those causing systemic toxicity in subchronic or 

chronic studies. The data modeled in support of HA development were also used in derivation 

of the reference doses for the three brominated trihalomethanes. 

B. SELECTION OF STUDIES AND ENDPOINTS FOR MODELING 

The large number of candidate data sets for BMD modeling -required development of a 

data prioritization system. The available studies were first reviewed for endpoints and data sets 

appropriate for BMD modeling. Priority for modeling was given to those endpoints that showed 

the greatest toxicological relevance (e.g., developmental/reproductive endpoints, target organ 

histopathology) and ease of interpretation. Ease of interpretation refers to the ability to 

characterize the response as adverse and to translate this into an appropriate response level for 

input into the BMDS program. In addition, endpoints for which the LOAEL was less than ten 

times the lowest LOAEL observed in the category (e.g., 1-day, 10-day, and Longer term HAs, 

RfD etc.) were given priority for modeling. Data considered for BMD and general criteria for 

selection are listed in Tables A-1, A-2, and A-3. 

A - 2 November 15, 2005 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints (mg/kgday) (mg/kg- day) Interp/Toxi cologic 

Relevance 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA Lilly et al. Rat Gavage 6 0 Single Kidney wt 200 400 Yes Low N(1994) M (oil) 200 

400 

Dose 

Rel. kidney wt. 200 400 Yes Low NSerum & urine 200 400 Yes Generally Nchem : low Serum AST, LDH, ALT, Creatinine, BUN Urine pH, osmolality Kidney 200 Yes High Nhistopath minimal renal tubule degeneration and necrosis Liver histopath 200 400 Yes High Nminimal vacuolar degeneration 

A - 3 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (con

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Lilly et al. (1994) 

Rat 

M 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

6 0 

200 

Single 

Dose 

Body wt. 200 400 Yes Moderate 

400 Liver wt – 200 Yes Low 

Rel. liver wt. – 200 Yes Low Kidney weights 200 400 Yes Low Rel kidney wt – 400 NS Yes Low Serum & urine 200 400 Yes Generally chem low Serum AST, LDH, ALT, Creatinine, BUN, urine pH, osmolality 

Kidney histopath 

200 Yes High 

Liver histopath 200 400 Yes High 

A - 4 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (con

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Lilly et al. Rat Gavage 5 0 Single Body wt 48 hr 328 492 (for Yes Low (1997) M (aqueous) 123 Dose post $10%) 

164 246 328 492 

Liver wt 48 hr post 

164 246 Yes Low 

Rel liver wt 48 328 492 Yes Low hr post Kidney wt 24 hr post 

246 328 Yes Low 

Rel kidney 24 hr post 

164 246 Yes Low 

Rel kidney 48 hr post 

328 492 Yes Low 

Serum / urine 123 Yes Moderate chemist SDH 24 hr post 

Keegan et al. 

Rat Gavage 

(aqueous) 

0 

21 

Single 

Dose 

Body wt 82 123 Yes Moderate 

(1998) 31 Liver wt. 41 82 Yes Low 

41 82 

123 164 

Rel kidney wt 123 164 Yes Low 

246 Serum chemistry 41 82 Yes Moderate 

(elevated ALT, AST, and SDH activities) 

A - 5 
Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (con

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

French et Rat Gavage 3-6 0 (water) 5 days Body wt. 150 300 Yes Low al. F (aqueous) 0 (FEL) (at FEL) (1999) (emulph) 

75 

150 300 

Spleen wt. 150 300 Yes Low Thymus wt. 150 300 Yes Low Rel. thymus wt. 150 300 Yes Low MLNC prolif ConA 

150 300 Yes Low 

MLNC prolif PHA 

75 150 Yes ? 

Thornton- Rat Gavage 4-6 0 5 days Body wt 150 300 Yes Moderate Manning F (aqueous) 75 et al. 150 (1994) 300 Liver wt 75 150 Yes Low 

Rel. liver wt. 75 150 Yes Low Kidney wt 75 150 Yes Low Rel. kidney wt. 75 150 Yes Low Serum chemistry (hepatotoxicity) 

75 150 Yes Moderate 

Serum chemistry (renal toxicity) 

150 300 Yes Low 

A - 6 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (con

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Liver/kidney 75 150 Yes High histopath ( mild to moderate centrilobular hepatocell. vacuolar degeneration, mild renal tubule vacuolar degener.) 

ThorntonManning et al. (1994) 

Mouse 

F 

Gavage 

(aqueous) 

5-6 0 

75 

150 

5 days Liver wt 75 150 Yes Low 

Serum chemistry SDH 

75 Yes Moderate 

A - 7 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (con

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA Aida et al. (1992a) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Feed 

7 7 

0 

21 62 

189 M 

204 F 

1 month Body wt (M) 62 189 Yes Moderate 

Liver wt (M) 62 189 Yes Low 

Kidney wt (M) 62 189 Yes Low 

Body wt. (F) 62 204 Yes Moderate 

Rel. liver wt. (F) 62 204 Yes Low 

Liver histopath 

(M) 

62 189 Yes High 

Liver histopath 

(F) 

21 62 Yes High 

Chu et al. Rat Drinking 10 0 28 days Clinical signs 68 Yes Low (1982a) M water 0.8 serum chemistry 

8.0 histology 

68 

Condie et Mouse Gavage 9­ 0 14 days Serum enzymes 74 148 Yes Moderate al. (oil) 10 37 [elevated (1983) 74 SPGT/ALT] 

148 

Decreased PAH 37 74 Yes Low 

uptake in vitro 

Liver Histopath 37? 74 Yes Mod. - High 

Kidney 

Histopath 

74 148 Yes High 

A - 8 
Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints (mg/kgday) (mg/kg- day) Interp/Toxi cologic 

Relevance 

Melnick et al. 

Mouse Gavage 

(oil) 

10 0 

75/54 

3 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Liver wt 75 150 Yes Low 

(1998) 150/107 Serum chem - 75 Yes Moderate 

326/233 

Liver histopath 75 150 Yes High 

Labeling index 75 150 Yes Moderate 

Munson et al. (1982) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(aq) 8­

12 

0 

50 

125 250 

14 days 

Body wt (M) 125 250 Yes Moderate 

Rel liver wt (M) 50 125 Yes Low 

Spleen wt (M) 125 250 Yes Low 

Serum chem (M) 125 250 Yes Low ­ 

SPGT moderate 

SGOT 

Hematology 

(M) 

125 250 Yes Low 

Hemagglut (M) 50 125 Yes Low 

Body wt (F) 125 250 Yes Moderate 

Rel liver wt (F) 50 125 Yes Low 

Spleen wt (F) 50 125 Yes Low 

Rel Spleen wt 

(F) 

50 125 Yes Low 

Serum chem (F) 125 250 yes Low 

SPGT 

SGOT 

A - 9 
Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (co

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Hematology (F) 125 250 Yes Low 

AFC/spleen (F) 50 125 Yes LowModerate? 

Hemagglutin (F) 125 250 Yes Low 

NTP (1987) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

5M 

4­

5F 

0 

38 75 

14 days Body wt (M) 150 300 Yes Moderate 

150 300 600 

NTP (1987) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

5M 

4­

5F 

0 

19 38 75 

14 days Mortality, 

lethargy, gross 

renal pathology 

75 150 

(FEL) 

Yes Low 

150 300 

NTP (1998) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Drinking 

water 

6 0 

9 

38 

30 days Liver histopath 9 38 Yes High 

67 

(Grp A 

males) 

Narotsky et al. (1997) * 

Rat 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

(aq.) 

12­

14 

0 

25 50 75 

Gestation 

days 6-15 

Full-litter 

resorption 

25 50 Yes High 

A - 10 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (co

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Bielmeier et al. 

Rat 

F 

Gavage 

(aq.) 

8­

11 

0 

75 

Gestation 

day 9 

Full-litter 

resorption 

75 Yes High 

(2001) 100 

Coffin et Mouse Gavage 10 0 11 days Liver - 150 Yes High al. (2000) (corn oil) 150 histopathology 

300 

Increased - 200 Yes Moderate 

labeling index 

Increased - 200 Yes Low 

relative liver wt. 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA NTP Rat Gavage 9- 0/0 13 weeks Body weight 75/54 150/107 Yes Moderate (1987) M 

F 

(oil) 10 19/14 

38/27 

(5 d/wk) (M) 

150/107 

(M) 

300/ 

75/54 

150/107 

(F) 214 (F) 

300/214 Yes High 

Hepatic and 150/107 300/ renal histopath 214 (M) 

A - 11 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (co

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

NTP (1987) 

Mouse 

M 

Gavage 

(oil) 

10 0 

6.25/4.5 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk)

 Renal histopath 50/36 100/71 Yes High 

12.5/9 

25/18 

50/36 

100/71 

NTP Mouse Gavage 10 0 13 weeks Liver histopath 50/36 100/71 Yes High (1987) F (oil) 25/18 

50/36 

(5 d/wk) Vacuolated 

cytoplasm 

100/71 

200/142 

400/284 

Reproductive and Developmental Studies Ruddick Rat Gavage 9­ 0 GD 6-15 Sternebral 100 200 Yes High et al. (oil) 14 50 aberrations (1983) 100 

200 

Narotsky Rat Gavage 12­ 0 GD 6-15 Developmental 25 50 Yes Moderate et al. (oil) 14 25 Full litter (vehicle) (1997) 50 resorption 

75 

Narotsky Rat Gavage 12­ 0 GD 6-15 Developmental 25 50 Yes High et al. (aq) 14 25 Full litter (1997) 50 resorption 

75 

Maternal - 25 Yes Moderate to Reduced body high weight gain 

CCC (2000a) 

Rabbit Drinking 

water 

5 0 

4.9 

13.9 32.3 

Gestation 

days 6-29 

Reproductive developmental endpoints 

76 No Potentially 

High 

76.3 

A - 12 
-- --

--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (co

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

CCC Rabbit Drinking 25 0 Gestation Reproductive/ 55 Potentially (2000b) water 1.4 days 6-29 developmental High 

13.4 35.6 55.3 Maternal 13.4 36 Yes Moderate to 

Reduced body high weight gain 

CCC Rat Drinking 10 Females Gestation Reproductive/ 50 ppm 150 Potentially (2000c) water 0 ppm 

50 ppm 

days 0-21 developmental High 

150 ppm 450 ppm 

1350 

ppm 

CCC (2000d) 

Rat Drinking 

water 

25 0.0 

2.2 

18.4 45.0 

Gestation 

days 6-21 

Developmental Reduced number of ossification sites in 

45 82 Yes Moderate 

82.0 phalanges and 

metatarsals Maternal 18.4 45 Yes Moderate to Reduced body high weight gain 

A - 13 
--

Table A-1 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromodichloromethane (co

Reference Species 

Sex 

Route n Doses Exposure 

Duration 

Candidate 

Endpoints 

NOAEL 

(mg/kgday) 

LOAEL

 (mg/kgday) 

L<10*LL† Ease of 

Interp/Toxi cologic Relevance 

Bielmeier et al. (2001) 

Rat Gavage 

(aq.) 

8­

11 

0 

75 

100 

Gestation 

day 9 

Full-litter resorption 

75 Yes High 

† L<LL*10 : LOAEL for endpoint less than 10 times the lowest LOAEL observed across all studies in category 

A - 14 
-- -- -- -- 

--

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dibromochloromethane 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA - none Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA Aida et al. (1992a) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Feed 7 Males 

0 

18 56 

173 

Females 

0 

34 

101 332 

1 month Liver wt (M) 56 173 Yes Moderate 

Rel liver wt (M) 56 173 Yes Moderate Liver histopath (M) 

56 173 Yes High 

Body wt (F) 101 332 Yes Moderate Liver wt (F) 34 101 Yes Low Rel liver wt (F) 34 Yes Low Rel kidney wt (F) 

101 332 Yes Low 

Liver histopath (F) 

101 332 Yes High 

Chu et al. Rat Drinking 10 0 28 days 68 (1982a) M water .7 

8.5 

68 

A - 15 
--

--

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

Condie et Mouse Gavage 8-16 0 14 days Serum SPGT 74 147 Yes Moderate al. M (oil) 37 (1983) 74 

147 Liver histopath 74 147 Yes High 

Renal histopath 74 147 Yes High 

Melnick et Mouse Gavage 10 0 3 weeks Relative Liver 50 Yes Low al. F (oil) 50/37 (5 d/wk) wt (1998) 100/71 

192/137 Serum ALT 100 192 Yes Moderate 417/298 

Serum SDH 50 Yes Moderate Liver histopath 100 192 Yes High Inc. labeling index 

192 417 Yes High 

Munson et al. (1982) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(aq) 

8-12 0 

50 

125 250 

14 days Body wt. (M) 125 150 Yes Moderate 

Rel liver wt (M) 50 125 Yes Low Spleen wt (M) 125 250 Yes Moderate? Rel spleen wt (M) 

125 250 Yes Moderate? 

Hematology -Fibr (M) 

125 250 Yes Low 

Serum chem SGPT (M) 

125 250 Yes Low 

A - 16 
Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

AFC/Spleen (M) 125 250 Yes Moderate *AFC/106 (M) 50 125 Yes Moderate 

Liver wt (F) 125 250 Yes Low Rel liver wt (F) 50 125 Yes Low Hematology -Fibr (F) 

125 250 Yes Low 

Serum SGPT (F) 125 250 Yes ? AFC/spleen (F) 125 250 Yes Moderate AFC/106 (F) 50 125 Yes Moderate 

NTP Rat Gavage 5 0 14 days Body wt (M) 250 500 (FEL) No Moderate (1985) M (oil) 60 

F 125 

250 500 Dark'd kid 250 500 No Low 

1000 medulla (M) 

Mottled liver (M) 

500 1000 No Low 

Dark'd kid medulla (F) 

250 500 No Low 

Mottled liver (F) 250 500 No Low 

A - 17 
Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

NTP Mouse Gavage 5 0 14 days Stomach 125 250 Yes Moderate (1985) M (oil) 30 nodules (F) 

F 60 

125 250 Stomach 60 125 Yes Moderate 500 nodules (M) 

Red'd kid 250 500 No Low medulla (F) Red'd kid medulla (M) 

250 500 No Low 

Mottled liver 125 250 Yes Low (M) Mottled liver (F) 125 250 Yes Low 

Coffin et Mouse Gavage 10 0 11 days Liver - 100 Yes High al. (2000) F (oil) 100 histopathology 

300 

Increased labeling index 

- 100 Yes Moderate 

Increased relative liver wt. 

- 100 Yes Low 

A - 18 
-- -- -- 

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

NTP (1996) 

Rat Drinking 

water 

10 Males 

0 

4.2 

29 days No clearly 

treatment-related adverse effects 

28 

12.4 observed 28.2 

Group 

A 

Females 

0 

6.3 

17.4 46.0 

Group 

B 

Females 

0 

7.1 

20 

47.8 

A - 19 
--

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA Chu et al. (1982b) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Drinking 

water 

20 Males 

0 

0.57 

90 days Liver histopath ­

prevalence (M) 

? ? Yes High 

6.1 

49 

224 

Females Liver histopath ­ Yes High 

0 

0.64 

prevalence (M) 49 224 

6.9 

55 

236 

Daniel et al. 

Rat 

M 

Gavage 

(oil) 

10 0 

50 

90 days Hepatic and 

renal lesions 

50 Yes High 

(1990) F 100 

200 Modeled 

previously by ICF 

NTP (1985) 

Rat Gavage 

(oil) 

10 0 

15 30 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

hepatic lesions Modeled 

30 60 Yes High 

60 

125 250 

previously by ICF 

A - 20 
Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

NTP (1985) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

10 0 

15 30 60 

125 250 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Liver histopath (M) Kidney histopath (F) 

125 250 Yes High 

A - 21 
-- --

-- -- --

-- -- --

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

Reproductive and Developmental Studies Borzelleca and Carchman (1982) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Drinking 

Water 

10 M 

30 F 

0 

17 

171 

685 

25-27 weeks Postnatal body 

wt. (cannot be modeled due to insufficient data on number of 

- 17 

(marginal 

) 

Yes High 

litters evaluated) 

Ruddick Rat Gavage 9-14 0 g.d. 6-15 - None None et al. F (Corn oil) 50 identified identified (1983) 100 

200 

NTP Rat Drinking 10 4.2 29 days - 28.2 (1996) M Water 12.4 

28.2 

NTP (1996) 

Rat 

F 

Drinking 

Water 

10 6.3 

17.4 46.0 

35 days - 46.0 

A - 22 
-- -- --

Table A-2 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling -Dichlorobromomethane (co

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpreta­ 

tion/ Toxicologic Relevance 

NTP Rat Drinking 7.1 13 6 days - 47.8 (1996) F Water 20.0 

47.8 

† L<LL*10 : LOAEL for endpoint less than 10 times the lowest LOAEL observed across all studies in category 

FEL, Frank effect level 

A - 23 
-- --

Table A-3 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromoform 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpretation/ m

Toxicologic 

Relevance 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the One-day HA for Bromoform - No suitable studies Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Ten-day HA for Bromoform Aida et al. Rat Feed 7 Males 1 month Liver histopath 62 187 Yes High (1992a) M 0 (M) 

F 62 

187 618 

Serum LDH 56 208 Yes Low 

Females 

0 

56 BUN (F) 56 208 Yes Low 

208 728 

Liver histopath. 56 208 Yes High (F) 

Chu et al. Rat Drinking 20 0 28 days None 80 Yes (1982a) M water 0.7 

8.5 

80 

Condie et Mouse Gavage 5­ 0 14 days Renal slice 145 289 Yes Low al. M (oil) 16 72 uptake PAH (1983) 145 

289 

Renal Histopath 145 289 Yes High Liver histopath 145 289 Yes High SGPT activity 145 289 Yes Low 

A - 24 
Table A-3 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromoform (cont.) 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpretation/ m

Toxicologic 

Relevance 

Melnick et al. 

Mouse 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

10 0 

200 

3 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Rel Liver wt 200 500 Yes Low 

(1998) 500 

Serum chemistry ALT 

200 500 Yes ? 

Serum 200 500 Yes ? Chemistry SDH Liver histopath 200 500 Yes High Labeling index 200 500 Yes Moderate 

Coffin et Mouse Gavage 10 0 11 days Liver histopath. - 200 Yes High al. (2000) F (oil) 200 

500 

Labeling index - 200 Yes Moderate 

A - 25 
Table A-3 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromoform (cont.) 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpretation/ m

Toxicologic 

Relevance 

Munson et al. (1982) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(aq.) 

7­

12 

0 

50 

125 250 

14 days Liver wt (M) 50 125 Yes Low 

Rel liver wt (M) 50 125 Yes Low Hematology ­ 125 250 Yes Low Fibr (M) *Serum SGOT (M) 

125 250 Yes Low 

NTP (1989a) 

Mouse 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

5 Male 

0 

50 

14 days Stomach 

nodules (M) 

200 400 Yes Moderate 

100 200 400 600 

Female 

0 

100 

Stomach nodules (F) 

400 600 Yes Moderate 

200 400 600 800 

NTP (1989a) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(oil) 

5 0 

100 200 

14 days Body wt (M) 200 400 Yes Moderate 

400 600 800 

A - 26 
Table A-3 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromoform (cont.) 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpretation/ m

Toxicologic 

Relevance 

Candidate Studies for Derivation of the Longer-term HA Chu et al. (1982b) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Drinkin 

g water 

9­

10 

Males 

0 

0.65 

6.1 

90 days Liver 

Histopath (M) 

57 218 Yes High 

57 

218 

Female 

s 

0 

0.64 

6.9 

Liver Histopath (F) 55 283 Yes High 

55 

283 

NTP (1989a) 

Rat 

M 

F 

Gavage 

(corn 

oil) 

10 0 

12 25 50 

100 200 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Liver Histopath. 

25 50 

(hepatic 

vacuoli 

zation) 

Yes High 

A - 27 
Table A-3 Candidate Studies and Data for BMD Modeling - Bromoform (cont.) 

Reference Species Route n Doses Exposure Candidate NOAEL LOAEL L<10*LL† Ease of 

Sex Duration Endpoints Interpretation/ m

Toxicologic 

Relevance 

NTP (1989a) 

Mouse Gavage 

(corn oil) 

10 0 

25 50 

13 weeks 

(5 d/wk) 

Liver Histopath 100 200 Yes High 

100 200 400 

Reproductive and Developmental Studies Ruddick F Gavage 14­ 0 gd 6-15 Sternebra 50 100 Yes High et al. (Corn oil) 15 50 aberrations (1983) 100 

200 

Intraparietal variations 

- - - High 

NTP (1989b) 

Mouse 

M 

Gavage (oil) 

20 20 

0 

50 

105 days No adverse 

effects at doses 

200 - - High 

F 100 

200 

tested 

(NOAE 

L) 

† L<LL*10 : LOAEL for endpoint less than 10 times the lowest LOAEL observed across all studies in category 

A - 28 
C. METHODS 

Benchmark Dose 

The brominated trihalomethane data sets considered for dose-response modeling include 

both quantal and continuous endpoints. EPA’s Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) (U.S. EPA, 

2000a) was used to accomplish all of the model fitting and estimation of the BMD and lower 

95% confidence limit (BMDL). The methods and models applied to both quantal and 

continuous endpoints are presented here. 

Quantal Models 

Seven of the nine quantal models implemented in the BMDS package were used to 

represent the dose-response behavior of the quantal endpoints. Specifically, the models used 

were the gamma model, the logistic and log-logistic models, the probit and log-probit models, 

the multistage model, and the Weibull model. Two other models, the linear and the quadratic 

models, were not fit to the data because they are special cases of both the multistage and the 

Weibull models. If the fitting of the multistage or Weibull models resulted in a linear or a 

quadratic form, then those result were used; otherwise, the linear or quadratic models would not 

provide a fit as good as the multistage or Weibull model and so were not separately obtained. 

The equations defining each of these models are presented here (U.S. EPA, 2000a). In 

all of the following, P(d) represents the probability of response (i.e., adverse effect) following 

exposure to “dose” d. In all of these models, α, β, and γ are model parameters estimated using 

maximum likelihood techniques, as described below. 

Table A-4 Model Equations used in BMD Calculations for Health Advisories 

Model Equation Conditions 

gamma P(d) = γ + (1 - γ)A(1/Γ(a))A I tα-1e-tdt 0 # γ < 1, β $ 0, and α > 1. Γ(x) is the 

gamma function, and the integral runs 

from 0 to βd. 

logistic P(d) = [1 + exp{-(α + βd)}]-1 β $ 0 

loglogistic 

P(d) = γ + (1 - γ)A[1 + exp{-(α + 

βln(d))}]-1 

The log-logistic model has much the 

same form as the logistic model except 

when d = 0, in which case P(d) = g. In 

this case b $ 0, and for the background 

parameter γ, 0 # γ < 1. 

probit P(d) = Φ(α + βd) Φ(x) is the standard normal cumulative 

distribution function and β $ 0. 

A - 29 November 15, 2005 
log-probit P(d) = γ + (1 - γ)AΦ(α + βAln(d)) The log-probit model has a form similar 

to the probit model except when d = 0, 

in which case P(d) = γ. Here 0 # γ < 1, 

and β $1 

multistage 

model 

P(d) = γ + (1 - γ)A(1 - exp{-(β1d + β2d2 

+ ... + βndn)}) 

all the β parameters are restricted to be 

nonnegative and 0 # γ < 1. When 

applied to the brominated 

trihalomethane data sets in these 

analyses, the degree of the multistage 

model (the highest power on dose in the 

above equation, n) was set equal to one 

less than the number of dose groups in 

the experiment being analyzed. 

Weibull 

model1 

P(d) = γ + (1 - γ)(1 - exp{-βda}) The background parameter γ is 

restricted to fall between 0 (inclusive) 

and 1, and β is greater than or equal to 

0. For these analyses, the parameter α 

is constrained to be greater than or 

equal to 1.1 

1

The linear model is a special case of the Weibull model obtained by fixing the parameter α equal to 1. The 

quadratic model is a special case of the Weibull model obtained by fixing the parameter α equal to 2. 

When fitting all of the above-mentioned quantal models, maximum likelihood methods 

were used to estimate the parameters of the models. That method maximizes the logtransformed likelihood of obtaining the observed data, which is (except for an additive constant) 

given by 

L = 3 [ni A ln{P(di

)} + (Ni - ni) A ln{1 - P(di)}] 

where the sum runs over i from 1 to k (the number of dose groups), and for group i, di

 is the dose 

(exposure level), Ni

 is the number of individuals tested, and ni is the number of individuals 

responding (U.S. EPA, 2000a). 

Continuous Models 

The continuous endpoints of interest with respect to brominated trihalomethanes toxicity 

were quantitatively summarized by group means and measures of variability (standard errors or 

standard deviations). The models used to represent the dose-response behavior of those 

continuous endpoints are those implemented in EPA’s Benchmark Dose Software (U.S. EPA, 

A - 30 November 15, 2005 
2000a). These models were the power model, the Hill model, and the polynomial model. These 

mathematical models fit to the data are defined here. In all cases, μ(d) indicates the mean of the 

response variable following exposure to “dose” d. 

The power model is represented by the equation 

μ(d) = γ + βda

where the parameter α is restricted to be nonnegative. [The linear model is obtained when α is 

fixed at a value of 1. The linear model was not separately fit to the data; if the result of fitting 

the power model does not result in the linear form, " = 1, then the linear model does not fit as 

well as the more general power model, by definition.] 

The Hill model is given by the following equation: 

μ(d) = γ + (vdn) / (dn + kn)) 

where the parameters n and k are restricted to be positive. Because the Hill model has four 

parameters to be estimated (γ, v, n, and k), the power n was fixed equal to 1 when the model was 

fit to data sets with only three dose groups, so that the number of estimated parameters did not 

exceed the number of data points. 

The polynomial model is defined as 

μ(d) = β0 + β1d + ... + βndn 

where the degree of the polynomial, n, was set equal to one less than the number of dose groups 

in the experiment being analyzed. Note that U.S. EPA (2000a) recommends the use of the most 

parsimonious model that provides an adequate fit to the data. It may appear that use of a 

polynomial model with degree equal to one less than the number of dose groups would not yield 

the most parsimonious model. However, allowing the model to have that degree is not the same 

as forcing the model to have that degree; in the model fitting, if fewer parameters (e.g., a lower 

degree polynomial) is adequate and consistent with the data, then the fitting will reflect that fact 

and a more parsimonious model will be the result. For these analyses, the values of the β 

parameters allowed to be estimated were constrained to be either all nonnegative or all 

nonpositive (as dictated by the data set being modeled, i.e., nonnegative if the mean response 

increased with increasing dose or nonpositive if the mean response decreased with increasing 

dose). 

In the case of continuous endpoints, one must assume something about the distribution of 

individual observations around the dose-specific mean values defined by the above models. The 

assumptions imposed by BMDS were used in this analysis: individual observations were 

assumed to vary normally around the means with variances given by the following equation: 

2 σi = σ2 A[μ(di

)]r

A - 31 November 15, 2005 
where both σ2

 and ρ were parameters estimated by the model. 

Given those assumptions about variation around the means, maximum likelihood 

methods were applied to estimate all of the parameters, where the log-likelihood to be 

maximized is (except for an additive constant) given by 

2 L = 3 [(Ni

/2)Aln(σi

2

) + (Ni - 1)si

2

/2σi

2

 + Ni{mi - μ(di)}2/2σi ] 

where Ni

 is the number of individuals in group i exposed to dose di, and mi and si are the 

observed mean and standard deviation for that group. The summation runs over i from 1 to k 

(the number of dose groups). 

Goodness of Fit Analyses 

For the quantal models, goodness of fit was determined by the modeling software using 

the chi-square test. This test is based on sums of squared differences between observed and 

predicted numbers of responders. The degrees of freedom for the chi-square test statistic are 

equal to the number of dose groups minus the number of parameters fit by the method of 

maximum likelihood (ignoring those parameters that are estimated to be equal to one of the 

bounds defining their constraints -- see the discussion above about constraints imposed on the 

model parameters). When the number of parameters estimated equals the number of dose 

groups, there are no degrees of freedom for a statistical evaluation of fit. 

For the continuous models, goodness of fit was determined based on a likelihood ratio 

statistic. In particular, the maximized log-likelihood associated with the fitted model was 

compared to the log-likelihood maximized with each dose group considered to have a mean and 

variance completely independent of the means and variances of the other dose groups. It is 

always the case that the latter log-likelihood will be at least as great as the model-associated loglikelihood, but if the model does a “reasonable” job of fitting the data, the difference between the 

two log-likelihoods will not be too great. A formal statistical test reflecting this idea uses the 

fact that twice the difference in the log-likelihoods is distributed as a chi-square random variable. 

The degrees of freedom associated with that chi-squared test statistic are equal to the difference 

between the number of parameters fit by the model (including the parameters σ2

 and ρ defining 

how variances change as a function of mean response level) and twice the number of dose 

groups (which is equal to the number of parameters estimated by the “model” assuming 

independence of dose group means and variances). 

Visual fit, particularly in the low-dose region, was assessed for models that had 

acceptable global goodness-of-fit. Acceptable global goodness of fit was either a p-value greater 

than or equal to 0.1, or a perfect fit when there were no degrees of freedom for a statistical test of 

fit. Choice of 0.1 is consistent with current U.S. EPA guidance for BMD modelling (U.S. EPA, 

2000b). Local fit was evaluated visually on the graphic output, by comparing the observed and 

estimated results at each data point. 

Goodness-of-fit statistics are not designed to compare different models, particularly if the 

different models have different numbers of parameters. Within a family of models, adding 

A - 32 November 15, 2005 
parameters generally improves the fit. BMDS reports the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to 

aid in comparing the fit of different models. The AIC is defined as –2L+2p, where L is the loglikelihood at the maximum likelihood estimates for the parameters, and p is the number of model 

parameters estimated. When comparing the fit of two or more models to a single data set, the 

model with the lesser AIC was considered to provide a superior fit. 

Definition of the BMR and Corresponding BMD and BMDL 

For all of the quantal endpoints analyzed here, the BMDs and BMDLs were defined 

based on BMRs of 5% and 10% extra risk. BMDLs were defined as the 95% lower bound on the 

corresponding BMD estimates. Confidence bounds were calculated by BMDS using a 

likelihood profile method. 

Although the 10% response level was selected as the “point of departure” for all the 

quantal endpoints analyzed here, we have chosen to follow standard practice and include results 

for both the 5% and 10% level of response. In some cases (see discussions below), a comparison 

of the 5% and 10% results gives clues about problems with some of the models. In general, we 

have included both for completeness, as there is no current consensus concerning the most 

appropriate point of departure except in some particular cases (e.g., use of 5% risk for 

developmental toxicity tests where the nesting of effects has been modeled using models 

specifically designed for such experimental designs). 

For the continuous models, BMDs were implicitly defined as follows: 

*μ(BMD) - μ(0)* = δAσ1 

where σ1 is the model-estimated standard deviation in the control group. In other words, the 

BMR was defined as a change in mean corresponding to some multiplicative factor of the 

control group standard deviation. 

The value of δ used in this analysis was 1.1. This value was chosen based on the work of 

Crump (1995), who showed that this choice corresponded to an additional risk of 10% when the 

background response rate was assumed to be 1%, with normal variation around the mean (and 

constant standard deviation). Although the current analyses allowed for nonconstant standard 

deviations and estimated extra risk, while the Crump (1995) comparison was based on constant 

standard deviations and additional risk, the values of 1.1 was used for two reasons. First, the 

difference between additional and extra risk is small when the background rate is 1% or less, so 

that the change from additional to extra risk will have minimal impact on the correspondences 

proven by Crump (1995). Second, there can be no such generic, a priori correspondences when 

standard deviations are allowed to vary in a manner determined only after the model fitting is 

accomplished. Thus, to avoid data set- and model-specific choices for δ, the correspondences 

proven by Crump (1995) can be used as the best available, consistent definition of the 

benchmark response. The definition of the BMR as a change in mean of 1.1 times the control 

standard deviation is very close to the default value of 1 standard deviation recommended by 

recent draft EPA guidelines (U.S. EPA, 2000b). In the following, BMDs and BMDLs 

A - 33 November 15, 2005 
corresponding to δ = 1.1 are denoted BMD10 and BMDL10, because of the just-noted association 

of that value of δ with 10% risk. 

As for the quantal models, for all of the continuous models BMDLs were defined as the 

95% lower bound on the corresponding BMD. Confidence intervals were calculated using a 

profile likelihood method. 

Choice of BMDL 

The following guidance was followed with regard to the choice of the BMDL to use as a 

point of departure for calculation of a health advisory. This guidance is consistent with 

recommendations in U.S. EPA (2000b). For each endpoint, the following procedure is 

recommended: 

1. Models with an unacceptable fit (including consideration of local fit in the low-dose 

region) are excluded. Visual fit, particularly in the low-dose region, was assessed for 

models that had acceptable global goodness-of-fit. 

2. If the BMDL values for the remaining models for a given endpoint are within a factor 

of 3, no model dependence is assumed, and the models are considered 

indistinguishable in the context of the precision of the methods. The models are then 

ranked according to the AIC, and the model with the lowest AIC is chosen as the 

basis for the BMDL. 

3. If the BMDL values are not within a factor of 3, some model dependence is assumed, 

and the lowest BMDL is selected as a reasonable conservative estimate, unless it is an 

outlier compared to the results from all of the other models. Note that when outliers 

are removed, the remaining BMDLs may then be within a factor of 3, and so the 

criteria given in item 2. would be applied. 

4. The BMDL values from all modeled endpoints are compared, along with any 

NOAELs or LOAELs from data sets that were not amenable to modeling, and the 

lowest NOAEL or BMDL is chosen. 

5. Models with an unacceptable fit (including consideration of local fit in the low-dose 

region) are excluded. 

A - 34 November 15, 2005 
D. MODELING RESULTS 

1. Bromodichloromethane 

The majority of endpoints modeled consisted of dichotomous data. BMDS modeling 

results for bromodichloromethane dichotomous endpoints are summarized in Table A-5 below. 

Four sets of continuous data were modeled. These results are summarized in Section f below. 

Detailed output for each model run is compiled in Appendix B, provided in electronic format on 

compact disk. 

a. Developmental and Reproductive studies 

Three data sets for developmental or reproductive toxicity were modeled. When the data 

for full litter resorption (FLR) in rats reported by Bielmeier et al. (2000) were analyzed, the 

BMDL results for the log-logistic model were low relative to the corresponding BMD estimates 

(compared to the estimates obtained from the other models); the results from the log-logistic 

model might be that is considered qualitative outliers. The remaining values are still not within 

factor of 3, indicating some model dependence of the results. In any case, the multistage model 

was chosen as it gave the smallest value for the AIC. 

Modeling of FLR data from Narotsky et al. (1997) also gave the same type of 

questionable results for the log-logistic model (very low BMDLs relative to the BMD). Here, as 

in the case of the Bielmeier et al. (2000) modeling, the initial fit of the log-logistic model does 

not appear to be suspect; the goodness of fit evaluations and visual examinations of the model 

predictions are consistent with the data and with the other models. It appears that there is some 

error or problem with the log-logistic model in the BMDS software that affects the calculation of 

BMDLs for some data sets. When the log-logistic model was eliminated from consideration, the 

remaining BMDLs are within a factor of 3. The log-probit model was selected because it has 

the lowest value for the AIC. 

Data from the study by Ruddick et al. (1983) consisted of the count of the numbers of litters that 

had one or more fetuses with sternebral variations. Although this expression of the response 

rates does not correspond directly to the probability of a response in the offspring of treated 

dams, it is consistent with the full litter resorption results from Bielmeier et al. (2001) and 

Narotsky et al. (1997) in the sense that it relates to effects recorded at the level of the dam. The 

log-logistic and log-probit models could not determine BMDLs for this data set. However, the 

other models did provide estimates of the BMDLs, all of which were within a factor of three of 

one another. The multistage, having the lowest AIC of all the models was selected as the basis 

for the BMDL estimate for this data set. 

b. One-day Health Advisory 

Four data sets were modeled in support of the One-day HA for bromodichloromethane. 

For the Lilly et al. (1994) data on vacuolar degeneration in male rats, the multistage model gave 

questionable results (very high AIC and a goodness of fit p value that appeared unrealistically 

high when the model fit was examined visually) and was eliminated from consideration. The 

A - 35 November 15, 2005 
BMDS software gave warnings on bound calculation for the probit model. All of the remaining 

BMDLs are within factor of 3, so the log-probit model was selected because it has the lowest 

value for the AIC. 

When the data from the same study for renal tubular degeneration were modeled, the 

multistage and log-logistic gave questionable results and were eliminated from consideration. 

The remaining BMDLs are not within a factor of 3, indicating some model dependence of the 

results. The lowest BMDL was thus selected as a reasonable conservative estimate. The gamma 

or Weibull models predict the same BMDL. The gamma model was selected on the basis of 

having the lowest AIC. 

It is perhaps informative to compare the considerations applied here, in the case of the 

renal endpoint, to those applied above to the Narotsky et al. (1997) modeling results. In the case 

of the Narotsky et al. (1997) results, a single model (log-logistic) gave a BMDL10 that was about 

8-fold lower than the corresponding BMD10, whereas the other models gave BMDLs that were 

within a factor of about 2 of the corresponding BMDs. The discrepancy was even greater at a 

BMR of 5%, suggesting that a problem may be associated with that one model. In the case of 

the Lilly et al. (1994) renal effect, after eliminating the obviously problematic model results 

(log-logistic and multistage), the differences between BMDs and corresponding BMDLs are 

present and consistent for all the models at both 5% and 10% response. It is true that some 

models have a greater difference between the BMD and the BMDL than do other models and 

that this model dependence is due, at least in part, to the fact that the BMD estimates fall below 

the lowest nonzero experimental dose. But the choice of the most conservative BMDL is 

intended to cover that model dependence: if there is little information in the region of interest, so 

that otherwise reasonable (good-fitting) models disagree as to the BMDL because of differences 

in possible curve shapes, the most conservative choice is a good one since we can not rule out 

the possibility that the true curve shape is described by the most conservative model. This use of 

the BMD methodology and treatment of model-dependence is much superior to the choice of 

some other (higher) BMR to use in cases where response rate at the lowest nonzero experimental 

dose is greater than 10%. Such an alternative would entail additional arbitrary decisions about 

what the higher BMR should be and how to scale the results corresponding to that BMR so as to 

be consistent with results from studies in which BMDL10s were estimated. 

Renal and hepatic histopathology data were modeled from the study of ThorntonManning et al. (1994). The data for hepatic centrilobular vacuolar degeneration were not 

satisfactorily fit (all goodness of fit p values were less than 0.1) by any model. These data 

displayed some peculiarities: 0% response at the lowest nonzero dose, 100% response at the next 

dose, and then a drop to 75% response at the highest dose. Because of the poor fit, the BMDLs 

for this endpoint can not be used. For renal data, the multistage model gave questionable 

results (very high AIC and a goodness of fit p value that appeared unrealistically high when the 

model fit was examined visually) and was eliminated from consideration. The remaining 

BMDLs were within a factor of 3, and the log-logistic model was selected because it has the 

smallest AIC. 

A - 36 November 15, 2005 
c. Ten-day Health Advisory 

Five data sets were modeled using the BMDS software in support of the Ten-day HA for 

bromodichloromethane. For the Condie et al. (1983) data on liver histopathology, the logistic 

and probit models were eliminated on the basis of poor fit. The rest of the BMDLs were within a 

factor of 3, so the log-logistic model was selected on the basis of the smallest AIC. When renal 

histopathology data from the same study were modeled, the logistic and probit models were 

eliminated for lack of fit. The remaining BMDLs were within a factor of 3, so the models with 

the lowest AIC (Weibull and log-logistic) were examined. The Weibull model results were 

selected on the basis of the smallest BMDL. For the Aida et al. (1992a) data set for liver cell 

vacuolation, questionable results were obtained with the log-logistic model (very low BMDLs 

relative to the BMD). The remaining BMDLs are within a factor of 3 and the multistage model 

was selected because it had the smallest AIC value. When the Melnick et al. (1998) data were 

analyzed, the multistage model was eliminated because it gave a goodness of fit p-value that was 

unrealistically high when the curve fit was evaluated by visual inspection and because the AIC 

was very large. The BMDL values of the remaining models were within a factor of three. The 

result from the Weibull model was selected on the basis of having the lowest AIC value. When 

results for the NTP (1998) study were examined, all models gave acceptable fit. Because all 

BMDLs were within a factor of three of one another, the log-logistic model was selected on the 

basis of the smallest AIC value. 

d. Longer-term Health Advisory 

A single data set (NTP, 1987) was analyzed using the BMDS software in support of the 

Longer-term HA. Results for the logistic and probit models were rejected for lack of fit 

(goodness of fit p values less than 0.1). The remaining p values were within a factor of 3, so the 

log-probit model was selected on the basis of the smallest AIC. 

e. RfD 

Several data sets that had previously given low BMDL10 estimates when modeled using 

the Crump benchmark dose software (THC and THWC programs; K.S. Crump, Inc.) were 

reanalyzed using the BMDS software and current guidance for evaluation of results. An 

advantage of the BMDS package is that it includes several additional model options for data 

analysis. Results for the models (Weibull, multistage) common to both programs were in close 

agreement. However, one or more of the additional models available in the BMDS sometimes 

fit the data better when analyzed by the criteria set forth in Section C (above). In these cases the 

BMD and BMDL values changed by a small amount. Where appropriate, these revised values 

were used to calculate health advisories and RfDs. 

Data for kidney cytomegaly from the chronic NTP (1987) study in male mice were 

remodeled using the BMDS program. The results from the logistic and probit models were 

rejected for lack of fit (p <0.10). Estimates of the BMDL10 calculated by the Weibull and 

multistage models were identical to estimates derived using the Crump benchmark dose software 

(0.96 mg/kg-day). The results for the BMDL10 varied by more than a factor of 3, indicating a 

degree of model dependence. The log-logistic model gave a very low value for the BMDL10 and 

A - 37 November 15, 2005 
was eliminated from further consideration. Of the remaining models, the log-probit model gave 

the lowest value for the AIC and the corresponding BMDL10 was thus selected as a candidate for 

derivation of the RfD. 

When data for fatty degeneration in the liver of female rats (Aida et al., 1992b) were 

remodeled using the BMDS program, all models fit the data adequately. The resulting BMDL10 

values were within a factor of three, indicating model independence. The BMDL10 calculated 

using the probit model was selected as a candidate for derivation of the RfD because it had the 

lowest AIC value. 

6. Modeling of Continuous Endpoints 

Four continuous data sets for maternal body weight gain were modeled in support of 

Health Advisory and RfD derivation: Narotsky et al. (1997); CCC (2000b) and CCC (2000d). 

Data fitting problems were encountered when attempting to model these data sets using BMDS 

Version 1.2. Therefore, these data sets were modeled using BMDS Version 1.3. This version 

was not available when the analysis of dichotomous data sets for other endpoints was performed. 

For the Narotsky et al. (1997) study, body weight gain data for gestation days 6 to 8 were 

modeled. To facilitate modeling, a constant value of 20 was added to each mean so that all 

modeled data were positive. This procedure is considered an acceptable approach for 

transforming data prior to modeling continuous data with the BMDS software (W. Setzer, U.S. 

EPA, personal communication). The BMDS tests for variance rejected the hypothesis that there 

is a constant variance for this data set. The modeled variance available in BMDS did a good job 

of describing the variation in the variances (p-value of 0.76), when a constant value of 20 was 

added to the means. 

When the models were fit to the transformed data, modeling the nonconstant variance in 

terms of the means plus a constant value of 20, the fits to the means (plus 20) were all good. 

Note that the number of parameters for the power and polynomial models are misspecified in 

BMDS (because the power hits the bound of 1 and the polynomial is linear), and so the AIC and 

p-value for fit are incorrect. The correct values can be found in the output for the linear model. 

The results for the Narotsky et al. (1997) body weight gain data are summarized below: 

Model Log-likelihood AIC BMD BMDL 

Power (linear) -84.84 177.68 12.0 9.0 

Polynomial -84.84 177.68 12.0 9.0 

Hill -82.83 177.66 18.3 10.2 

Even though the Hill model has two more parameters than the power (linear) model, the 

decrease in the log-likelihood gained by those extra parameters is enough to give the slight edge 

to the Hill model in terms of AIC. Thus, the model of choice is the Hill model, since the BMDs 

were within a factor of 3 of one another). 

A - 38 November 15, 2005 
To validate the choice of the constant used in the modeling of this data set, we 

investigated the effect of adding different constants to the means, with respect to the estimates 

from the Hill model. Different constants added to the mean change the parameter estimates 

obtained in the maximization of the likelihood. In fact, the choice of the constant can be viewed 

as the determination of another parameter that gives the best fit of the model to the data – in this 

case allowing the model for the variance to be improved. Note that benchmark responses 

(BMRs) defined in terms of a change in the mean equal to some multiple of the control standard 

deviation will be appropriate even with the transformed data, because adding a constant to a set 

of observations does not alter the standard deviation of the transformed data. Thus, the choice of 

the BMR defined as 1.1 standard deviations is consistent for any choice of added constant. (Any 

differences in BMDs and BMDLs noted with different added constants is due to differences in 

the fitted model parameters, not the definition of the BMR). 

In addition to the added constant of 20 that was used for the comparisons above, we also 

examined adding constants of 10, 15, 25, or 30. The results of adding the different constants on 

the outcome of the Hill model are summarized below: 

Constant Added Log-likelihood BMD BMDL 

10 -82.83 18.7 11.1 

15 -82.73 18.4 10.6 

20 -82.71 18.3 10.2 

25 -83.37 19.2 10.4 

30 -84.22 19.9 8.5 

Because the log-likelihood measures the goodness of fit, it can be seen that the constant 

of 20 is the best choice from among those that we tried. Since the changes in the BMDs and 

BMDLs are minor in the region of 20, we did not attempt to fine-tune the choice of the constant 

any further. For the Narotsky et al. (1997) data set, the Hill model applied to the data (with a 

constant of 20 added to the means) was selected as the best basis for BMD estimation. We 

confirmed that the polynomial and power models (which both still defaulted to a linear form) did 

not yield a log-likelihood as large as that from the Hill model, for the choice of 20 as the added 

constant. The Hill model yielded a BMD of 18, with a BMDL of 10. 

For the CCC (2000b) study, data for body weight gain in rabbits on gestation days 6 to 29 

(corrected for gravid uterine weight) were modeled. For this data set, the hypothesis of constant 

variance could not be rejected at the 0.05 level (p = 0.20). Thus, for all of the modeling 

considered, we have assumed constant variance. 

The best-fitting polynomial model was linear. Unfortunately, the linear model did not 

describe the data well (p-value for goodness of fit less than 0.001). In contrast, both the power 

model and the Hill model gave adequate fits to the data (p-values of 0.28 and 0.52, respectively). 

The following table summarizes the outputs for the various models: 

A - 39 November 15, 2005 
Model Log-likelihood AIC BMD BMDL 

Polynomial 

(linear) 

141.10 -276.2 35.4 29.3 

Power 146.47 -284.94 50.3 Failed 

Hill 147.04 -284.08 53.7 Failed 

Even though the Hill model provided a slightly larger log-likelihood, the gain was not 

sufficient to decrease the AIC below that associated with the power model (the Hill model uses 1 

extra parameter, and thus the comparison of the AICs says that the improvement in the fit -- the 

log-likelihood -- is not enough to make up for the fact that there is that one extra parameter). 

[Note: the AICs in the BMDS output files are incorrectly calculated because the log-likelihoods 

are positive numbers rather than negative numbers.] The power model would be the model of 

choice, given that the BMDs for the two models that fit the data are within a factor of 3. 

However, BMDS did not complete the calculation of the BMDL for either the power or the Hill 

model. Nevertheless, it appears that the magnitude of the BMD (around 50 mg/kg) would not 

make this endpoint the critical one with respect to finding a health-protective starting point for 

RfD determination (i.e., compare 50 mg/kg to the BMDs from other endpoints). 

Two data sets for body weight gain were modeled for the CCC (2000d) study in rats. 

The decrease in body weight gain was most severe on gestation days 6 to 7. Here, as in the case 

of the Narotsky et al. (1997) data set, a constant needed to be added to make the model of the 

variance acceptable. However, this data set was problematic. No model available in BMDS fit 

the data, regardless of how they were transformed by adding a constant. The power and 

polynomial models defaulted to the linear form which clearly did not describe the change in the 

means as a function of dose. The Hill model had the required curvature to describe the pattern of 

the means as a function of dose, but the problem for that model (as well as for the others) was 

that no good model of the variance can be determined just by adding a constant to observations. 

The best constant found was around 10, which reduced the log-likelihood for the fitted model to 

-246.17. This is compared to the log-likelihood for the independent means, independent 

variances model of -240.49. The comparison of these two models would not accept the fitted 

model (p-value slightly less than 0.025). As can be seen on the figure in the electronic Appendix 

B for this particular choice, the means are well fit by the model, but the variances are not wellmodeled, especially in the control group, for which the estimated standard deviation is greater 

than the observed standard deviation. The BMD for that run is 17.7 and the BMDL is 14.5. 

These are the smallest from among the runs that we made (using added constants of between 0 

and 100, and also the constant variance model), for which the BMDs ranged between 18.3 and 

19, and the BMDLs ranged between 15.3 and 15.7. It is clear that the BMD and BMDL 

estimates are not especially sensitive to the choice of the added constant. Considering that the 

models overpredict the observed control standard deviation, these BMD estimates may be 

viewed as slight overestimates, if anything. But because the fits are not particularly good, some 

caution might be warranted if one is considering using these results as the basis for regulation. 

A - 40 November 15, 2005 
To obtain a more reliable estimate of the BMD for decreased body weight observed in 

CCC (2000d), body weight gain data were also modeled for gestation days 6 to 9. These data 

also required transformation with a constant. This was accomplished by starting the search for 

the constant with a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 500. In this case, it was determined that a 

value of about 250, added to the means, produced an acceptable model of the change in variance 

as a function of the mean (p-value of about 0.21), and yielded the largest maximized likelihood 

for the power model. This result was first compared to other choices of constants around 250 

(e.g., 240 and 260), then to values that were progressively further away (e.g., values of 200 and 

300, 90 and 400, etc.). We did not fine-tune the estimate of the constant, since the BMD 

estimates were stable when the added constant was 240, 250, or 260. 

The power model was selected for the above search for the constant because it provided a 

much better fit to the transformed data than did the Hill model or the polynomial model for 

preliminary choices for the added constant (30 and 55). Because the final choice of the constant 

was so different from the preliminary choices, we compared the fits of the models to the 

transformed data using 250 as the added constant and the results are summarized here: 

Model Log-likelihood AIC BMD BMDL 

Power -304.942 619.885 22.9 18.4 

Polynomial -336.201 682.403 34.0 Failed 

Hill -413.929 839.858 Failed Failed 

The Hill model did not fit the data at all (perhaps due to a vanishingly small estimate of 

the parameter k, which may be due to the fact that the model did not correctly maximize the 

likelihood). The polynomial model did not fit the data well and is much less satisfactory than 

the power model (compare the AICs in the table above). Even for the power model, the p-value 

for goodness of fit was 0.036, which is less than the standard critical p-value of 0.05. However, 

for this data set which is nonmonotonic, the power model does a satisfactory job. Consequently, 

the reasonable choice for the BMD is 23 and for the BMDL is 18, for this data set. 

A - 41 November 15, 2005 
Table A-5 Benchmark Dose Modeling Results for Bromodichloromethane (Dichotomous 

Endpoints) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

DEVELOPMENTAL OR REPRODUCTIVE STUDIES 

Bielmeier et al. (2001) Rat Female Full Litter Resorption 

Gamma 1.0 24.9923 3 (2) 36 2.1 42 4.3 

Logistic 0.77 25.0528 2 (2) 31 8.6 40 16 

Log-logistic 1.0 24.9223 3 (2) 40 0.8 46 1.6 

Log-probit 1.0 24.9223 3 (2) 41 5.3 45 7.7 

Multistage 0.91 23.1120 1 16 2.1 23 4.2* 

Probit 0.83 24.9874 2 (2) 28 7.9 37 15 

Weibull 1.0 24.9223 3 (2) 26 2.1 34 4.3 

Narotsky et al. (1997) Rat Female Full Litter Resorption 

Gamma 0.68 30.3049 3 (2) 36 11 49 22 

Logistic 0.47 31.0964 2 (2) 41 25 54 39 

Log-logistic 0.68 30.3427 3 (2) 36 0.13 (?) 48 5.9 (?) 

Log-probit 0.72 30.1687 3 (2) 36 21 48 30* 

Multistage 0.68 30.4257 2 33 10 47 21 

Probit 0.53 30.8108 2 (2) 40 23 52 37 

Weibull 0.67 30.3983 3 (2) 35 10 49 22 

Ruddick et al. (1983) Rat Female Sternebral Aberrations 

Gamma 0.44 64.2926 3 (3) 16 7.1 30 15 

Logistic 0.66 62.5139 2 (2) 22 14 43 28 

Log-logistic 0.47 64.2131 3 (3) 19 Failed 33 Failed 

Log-probit 0.49 64.1729 3 (3) 23 Failed 37 Failed 

Multistage 0.74 62.2980 2 13 7.1 27 15* 

Probit 0.67 62.5023 2 (2) 22 14 42 27 

Weibull 0.44 64.2965 3 (3) 14 7.1 29 15 

A - 42 November 15, 2005 
Table A-5 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR 1-DAY HA 

Lilly et al. (1994) Rat Male Hepatic midzonal vacuolar degeneration (Aqueous vehicle) 

Gamma 0.63 3.8029 3 (1) 187 135 206 156 

Logistic 1.0 4.0000 2 (2) 290 145 292 174 

Log-logistic 0.99 2.0468 3 (1) 240 164 250 182 

Log-probit 1.0 2.0000 3 (1) 258 168 263 182* 

Multistage 1.0 (?) 298.31 2 6.4 0.1 9.2 0.28 

Probit 1.0 4.0000 2 (2) 281 184 (W) 285 187 (W) 

Weibull 1.0 2.0006 3 (1) 294 144 307 170 

Lilly et al. (1994) Rat Male Renal Tubule degeneration (Aqueous vehicle) 

Gamma 1.0 9.6389 3 (1) 119 4.3 131 8.9* 

Logistic 1.0 11.6382 2 (2) 163 19 171 35 

Log-logistic 1.0 9.6382 3 (1) 163 0.00078 

(?) 

170 0.00625 

(?) 

Log-probit 1.0 11.6382 3 (2) 152 11 160 16 

Multistage 1.0 (?) 102.1000 2 6.4 0.13 9.2 0.12 

Probit 1.0 11.6302 2 (2) 132 17 144 33 

Weibull 1.0 11.6302 3 (2) 92 4.4 110 8.9 

Thornton-Manning et al. (1994) Rat Female Hepatic centrilobular vacuolar degeneration (Poor fit: no model 

selected 

Gamma 0.01 19.0705 3 (2) 40 5.5 53 11 

Logistic <0.01 21.4063 2 (2) 34 16 54 29 

Log-logistic <0.01 17.3420 3 (2) 55 13 67 22 

Log-probit 0.02 17.9809 3 (2) 53 16 64 22 

Multistage 0.01 20.1038 2 17 5.0 31 10 

Probit <0.01 219.846 2 (2) 31 15 52 29 

Weibull 0.02 19.6598 3 (2) 23 5.1 37 10 

Thornton-Manning et al. (1994) Rat Female Renal tubular degeneration 

Gamma 1.0 10.3742 3 (1) 99 45 109 60 

A - 43 November 15, 2005 
Table A-5 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Logistic 1 12.3178 2 (2) 138 42 141 63 

Log-logistic 1 10.3178 3 (1) 127 51 133 65* 

Log-probit 1 12.3178 3 (2) 123 54 128 66 

Multistage 1 (?) 445.4650 2 3.4 0.06 4.4 0.08 

Probit 1 12.3178 2 (2) 128 38 133 58 

Weibull 1 12.3179 3 (2) 127 39 133 56 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR THE 10-DAY HA 

Condie et al. (1983) Mouse Male Hepatic centrilobular pallor 

Gamma 0.19 30.0268 3 (2) 11 2.2 17 4.5 

Logistic <0.01 33.9633 2 (2) 14 7.9 23 14 

Log-logistic 0.30 28.7294 3 (2) 19 4.4 24 7.5* 

Log-probit 0.26 29.2521 3 (2) 18 6.0 23 8.6 

Multistage 0.16 30.6962 2 4.2 2.1 8.5 4.3 

Probit <0.01 34.7900 2 (2) 13 7.6 22 14 

Weibull 0.18 30.3429 3 (2) 7.2 2.1 12 4.4 

Condie et al. (1983) Mouse Male Renal epithelial hyperplasia 

Gamma 0.88 35.6018 3 (2) 75 46 83 56 

Logistic 0.10 40.0819 2 (2) 25 15 40 27 

Log-logistic 0.98 35.3785 3 (2) 112 48 117 58 

Log-probit 0.84 37.3705 3 (3) 109 51 113 59 

Multistage 0.38 37.5968 2 46 17 58 31 

Probit 0.08 40.7541 2 (2) 21 13 35 24 

Weibull 0.98 35.3785 3 (2) 120 41 125 53* 

Aida et al. (1992a) Rat Female Liver cell vacuolization 

Gamma 0.56 23.4101 3 (2) 18 8.5 36 17 

Logistic 0.23 25.2544 2 (2) 50 27 83 49 

Log-logistic 0.60 23.2879 3 (2) 19 0.0015 (?) 35 0.1 (?) 

Log-probit 0.65 21.5114 3 (2) 34 20 49 28 

A - 44 November 15, 2005 
Table A-5 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Multistage 0.78 21.4146 1 16 8.5 34 17* 

Probit 0.25 25.0481 2 (2) 46 25 76 46 

Weibull 0.57 23.4143 3 (2) 17 8.5 34 17 

Melnick et al. (1998) Mouse Female Hepatocyte hydropic degeneration 

Gamma 0.99 26.2625 3 (2) 28 4.2 35 8.5 

Logistic 0.82 26.8455 2 (2) 24 11 36 20 

Log-logistic 0.91 26.5313 3 (2) 31 11 38 16 

Log-probit 0.96 26.3532 3 (2) 32 12 38 17 

Multistage 1.0? 445.4650 2 3.4 0.076 4.4 0.082 

Probit 0.89 26.5905 3(2) 24 11 34 19 

Weibull 1.0 26.2278 3(2) 23 4.2 31 8.4* 

NTP (1998) Rat Male Single cell hepatic necrosis 

Gamma 1.0 14.4941 3 (1) 26 12 28 15.125 

Logistic 1.0 16.3653 2 (2) 34 12 35 16.9848 

Log-logistic 1.0 14.3662 3 (1) 33 15 34 18.4508* 

Log-probit 1.0 16.3653 3 (2) 33 15 334 17.4679 

Multistage 0.93 15.1127 1 16 4.8 20 9.4 

Probit 1.000 16.3653 2 (2) 31 10 32 15 

Weibull 1.000 16.3653 3 (2) 30 9.8 32 14 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR THE LONGER-TERM HA 

NTP (1987) Mouse Female Hepatic Vacuolated Cytoplasm 

Gamma 0.27 32.2103 3 (2) 57 28 73 42 

Logistic 0.04 37.1630 2 (2) 54 33 80 54 

Log-logistic 0.38 31.1109 3 (2) 60 33 74 46 

Log-probit 0.41 30.9082 3 (2) 62 35 75 47* 

Multistage 0.32 31.6422 1 44 20 63 37 

Probit 0.05 36.4925 2 (2) 55 32 80 54 

Weibull 0.20 33.6311 3 (2) 46 21 65 35 

A - 45 November 15, 2005 
--

--

--

--

--

--

--

Table A-5 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR THE RfD 

Aida et al. (1992b) Rat Female Hepatic Fatty Degeneration 

Gamma 1.0 46.8266 5.1 0.71 5.8 1.4 

Logistic 0.99 44.8652 2.0 1.3 3.4 2.3 

Log-logistic 1.0 42.8266 6.7 2.0 7.1 2.9 

Log-probit 1.0 46.8266 5.9 2.0 6.4 2.7 

Multistage 1.0 48.8266 2.9 0.56 4.0 1.1 

Probit 1.0 44.8296 1.8 1.2 3.1 2.1* 

Weibull 1.0 46.8266 3.3 0.65 4.4 1.3 

Aida et al. (1992b) Rat Male Hepatic Fatty Degeneration 

Gamma 1.0 29.3001 3 (2) 1.2 0.39 2.1 0.80 

Logistic 0.15 34.2633 2 (2) 2.6 1.5 4.4 2.7 

Log-logistic 0.98 29.3760 3 (2) 2.1 0.51 3.0 0.94 

Log-probit 1.0 29.3074 3 (2) 2.2 0.99 3.0 1.4 

Multistage 1.0 29.3001 2 0.73 0.43 1.5 0.88 

Probit 0.17 33.8989 2 (2) 2.6 1.6 4.4 2.9 

Weibull 1.0 29.3001 3 (2) 1.1 0.39 1.9 0.80* 

Aida et al. (1992b) Rat Male Hepatic Granulomas 

Gamma 0.99 34.9241 3 (1) 1.0 0.67 2.1 1.4 

Logistic 0.13 42.0098 2 (2) 4.2 2.6 7.0 4.6 

Log-logistic 0.66 38.0328 3 (2) 1.9 0.37 3.0 0.82 

Log-probit 0.87 35.6192 3 (1) 2.4 1.6 3.5 2.3 

Multistage 0.95 36.8960 2 1.1 0.67 2.2 1.4 

Probit 0.15 41.5172 2 (2) 3.8 2.4 6.4 4.4 

Weibull 0.99 34.9241 3 (1) 1.0 0.67 2.1 1.4* 

NTP (1987) Mouse Male Hepatic Focal Necrosis 

Gamma 1.0 15.6352 3 (1) 44 27 49 34 

Logistic 1.0 17.4602 2 (2) 65 30 66 38 

A - 46 November 15, 2005 
Table A-5 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Log-logistic 1.0 15.4604 3 (1) 59 28 61 34 

Log-probit 1.0 17.4602 3 (2) 57 28 60 34 

Multistage 1.0 16.0769 1 40 23 47 32 

Probit 1.0 17.4602 2 (2) 60 28 62 36 

Weibull 1.0 15.4603 3 (1) 60 27 63 35* 

NTP (1987) Mouse Male Kidney Cytomegaly 

Gamma 0.76 72.3705 0.58 0.47 1.2 0.96 

Logistic <0.01 88.5494 3.3 2.1 5.3 3.8 

Log-logistic 1.0 73.8361 1.5 3.6E-9 2.2 1.1E-7 

Log-probit 0.99 71.8572 1.4 1.1 2.0 1.5* 

Multistage 0.45 74.3705 0.58 0.47 1.2 0.96 

Probit <0.01 92.6760 2.8 2.0 4.8 3.6 

Weibull 0.76 72.3705 0.58 0.47 1.2 0.96 

* Selected model result for endpoint. 

AIC Akaike Information Criterion 

BMD Benchmark Dose 

BMDL 95% lower confidence level on BMD 

G-O-F Goodness-of-Fit 

HA Health Advisory 

? Results questionable on the basis of visual inspection or probable calculation error 

W BMDS gave a warning message: “BMDL computation is at best imprecise for these data” 

A - 47 November 15, 2005 
2. Dibromochloromethane 

BMDS modeling results for dibromochloromethane are summarized in Table A-6 below. 

Detailed output for each model run is compiled in Appendix B, provided in electronic format on 

compact disk. 

a. Developmental and Reproductive Studies 

No data were modeled. The generation F2b day 14 postnatal body weight data of 

Borzelleca and Carchman (1982) were considered for modeling. However, the study authors did 

not report the number of litters examined for this continuous endpoint. Since this information is 

required as input, the data could not be modeled. 

b. One-day Health Advisory 

No data were modeled for the One-day HA. 

c. Ten-day Health Advisory 

Seven data sets were modeled in support of the Ten-day HA. When data were analyzed 

for the liver cell vacuolation in female rats (Aida et al. 1992a), the multistage model gave 

questionable results and was eliminated from consideration. The remaining BMDL values were 

within a factor of 3, so the estimate from the Weibull and gamma models was selected on the 

basis of the smallest AIC. For the same endpoint in male rats (Aida et al. 1992a), model fit was 

adequate in all cases and all BMDL values were within a factor of 3. The multistage model was 

selected on the basis of the smallest AIC. 

Liver and kidney histopathology data from the study by Condie et al. (1983) were 

analyzed. In the analysis of kidney data, the BMDLs calculated by the logistic and probit 

models were eliminated because the models fit the data poorly. Among the remaining models, 

the log-logistic BMDLs are smallest by more than a factor of 3. Thus, this result was examined 

as a possible outlier. Although this model does at times have difficulty calculating reasonable 

lower bounds, the BMDs in this case are also smaller than the BMDs from the other models 

(although not by a factor of 3 for all them – the BMDLs calculated by the logistic model are 

more than 3-fold below any other BMDL). In addition, the AIC value is much lower for loglogistic than for the other models. Thus, the BMDL calculated by the log-logistic model was 

selected. 

With respect to the Condie et al. (1983) liver histopathology data, the log-logistic model 

gives the smallest BMDL by more than a factor of 3. However, the BMDs are within a factor of 

3 of the BMDs generated by other models and the AIC for the log-logistic model is not the 

lowest. The log-logistic results were therefore considered as outliers. Among the remaining 

options, the Weibull and gamma models have the lowest AIC, and the BMDL calculated by 

these models was selected. 

A - 48 November 15, 2005 
Data for stomach nodules in male and female rats (NTP, 1985) were also analyzed. In 

females, all calculated BMDLs are within a factor of 3, so the result from the multistage model 

was selected on the basis of having the smallest AIC. In males, the log-logistic model has the 

smallest AIC and the lowest BMDL. 

In the analysis of the Melnick et al. (1998) results for hepatic hydropic degeneration in 

female mice, the multistage model failed to fit the data. All remaining results were similar and 

the BMDL calculated by the log-logistic model was selected on the basis of the lowest AIC. 

d. Longer-term Health Advisory 

Two data sets for hepatic lesions reported in Chu et al. (1982b) were modeled in support 

of the Longer-term HA. When liver histopathology data for male rats was analyzed, the loglogistic model calculated a BMDL that was more than 3-fold lower than those from some other 

models. However, both the AIC and the BMD calculated by the log-logistic model were the 

lowest among all models. The BMDL calculated by this model was thus selected. When data 

for liver lesions in female rats were analyzed, no model adequately fit the data (all p values were 

less than 0.1). Thus, no BMDL was selected from this data set. 

Data for fatty metamorphosis in the liver of male rats that had previously been modeled 

using the Crump software was reanalyzed using the BMDS program. All models adequately fit 

the data for this endpoint. All resulting BMDL values were within a factor of three, with the 

exception of the estimate calculated using the log-probit model The value calculated using the 

probit model was selected on the basis of the lowest AIC. 

e. RfD 

Two data sets from the NTP (1985) chronic oral exposure study were modeled using the 

BMDS software in support of the RfD for dibromochloromethane. These data sets were selected 

after inspection of the results for BMD modeling of key dibromochloromethane endpoints using 

the Crump software (K. S. Crump, Inc.). For fatty metamorphosis in the liver of male rats, all 

models fit the data acceptably, although the p value for the probit model was marginal (p = 

0.16). All BMDL values were within a factor of three, with the exception of the log-logistic 

model. Results from the log-logistic model were selected on the basis of the lowest AIC value. 

For ground glass cytoplasm in the liver of male rats, all models fit the data acceptably and the 

BMDL values were within a factor of three. The results for the probit model were selected on 

the basis of the lowest AIC. 

A - 49 November 15, 2005 
Table A-6 Benchmark Dose Modeling Results for Dibromochloromethane 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE STUDIES (NONE) 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR 1-DAY HA (NONE) 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR 10-DAY HA 

Aida et al. (1992a) Rat Female Liver cell vacuolization 

Gamma 1.0 15.4833 3 (2) 24 3.2 30 6.7 

Logistic 0.91 15.7862 2 (2) 24 10 34 17 

Log-logistic 0.99 15.5265 3 (2) 24 7.5 30 12 

Log-probit 1.0 15.4078 3 (2) 25 8.4 30 12 

Multistage 1 (?) 347 2 3.4 0.063 4.4 0.064 

Probit 0.95 15.6586 2 (2) 22 8.9 32 16 

Weibull 1.0 15.4833 3 (2) 21 3.2 29 6.7* 

Aida et al. (1992a) Rat Males Liver cell vacuolization 

Gamma 0.76 20.0153 3 (2) 12 2.5 18 5.1 

Logistic 0.77 20.0459 2 (2) 17 8.0 26 14 

Log-logistic 0.56 20.8287 3 (2) 14 2.7 20 5.3 

Log-probit 0.57 20.7294 3 (2) 14 6.0 19 8.6 

Multistage 0.98 19.3422 2 7.0 2.7 14 5.5* 

Probit 0.80 19.9157 2 (2) 15 7.4 24 13 

Weibull 0.83 19.7280 3 (2) 12 2.6 18 5.3 

Condie et al (1983) Mouse Male Renal mesangial hypertrophy 

Gamma 0.12 36.8675 3 (1) 3.8 2.6 7.8 5.3 

Logistic <0.01 47.0265 2 (2) 12 7.7 22 15 

Log-logistic 0.49 33.8237 3 (1) 16 0.7 3.5 1.6* 

Log-probit 0.11 36.7799 3 (1) 8.9 5.6 13 8.1 

Multistage 0.12 36.8675 2 (1) 3.8 2.6 7.8 5.3 

Probit <0.01 46.9299 2 (2) 12 8.0 22 16 

Weibull 0.12 36.8675 3 (1) 3.8 2.6 7.8 5.3 

Condie et al. (1983) Mouse Male hepatic cytoplasmic vacuolization 

A - 50 November 15, 2005 
Table A-6 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Gamma 0.32 43.8699 3 (2) 5.4 3.4 11 6.9 

Logistic 0.15 45.1424 2 (2) 15 9.4 27 18 

Log-logistic 0.33 43.9124 3 (2) 3.3 1.5 7.0 3.3 

Log-probit 0.23 44.4103 3 (2) 14 8.5 20 12 

Multistage 0.13 45.8578 3 5.7 3.4 12 6.9 

Probit 0.16 44.9950 2 (2) 14 9.2 26 18 

Weibull 0.32 43.8699 3 (2) 5.4 3.4 11 6.9* 

NTP (1985) Mouse Female Stomach nodules 

Gamma 0.98 16.2743 3 (2) 167 38 225 78 

Logistic 0.86 17.1462 2 (2) 209 104 284 170 

Log-logistic 0.98 16.2955 3 (2) 163 34 222 73 

Log-probit 0.99 16.1399 3 (2) 166 74 218 106 

Multistage 0.99 14.3879 1 152 37 218 77* 

Probit 0.90 16.8628 2 (2) 197 95 267 158 

Weibull 0.97 16.3761 3 (2) 162 37 227 77 

NTP (1985) Mouse Male Stomach nodules 

Gamma 0.91 18.5058 3 (1) 75 33 153 67 

Logistic 0.64 21.8294 2 (2) 191 97 306 168 

Log-logistic 0.93 18.5021 3 (1) 68 26 143 54* 

Log-probit 0.68 19.4319 3 (1) 122 69 176 99 

Multistage 0.91 18.5858 1 75 33 153 67 

Probit 0.65 21.7110 2 (2) 174 88 284 154 

Weibull 0.91 18.5858 3 (1) 75 33 153 67 

Melnick et al (1998) Mouse Female hepatic hydropic degeneration 

Gamma 0.99 12.6487 3 (1) 76 55 84 64 

Logistic 1.0 14.0080 2 (2) 123 56 126 70 

Log-logistic 1.0 12.0080 3 (1) 108 59 112 68* 

Log-probit 1.0 14.0080 3 (2) 107 60 111 68 

A - 51 November 15, 2005 
-- -- -- -- --

Table A-6 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Multistage program failed! 

Probit 1.0 14.0080 2 (2) 112 56 116 68 

Weibull 1.0 14.0080 3 (2) 112 56 117 68 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR LONGER-TERM HA 

Chu et al. (1982b) Rat Male Hepatic lesions 

Gamma 0.84 65.3956 3 (2) 14 6.2 29 13 

Logistic 0.79 65.6217 2 (2) 22 12 43 23 

Log-logistic 0.88 65.1734 3 (2) 8.6 2.5 18 5.3* 

Log-probit 0.72 65.8723 3 (2) 37 15 54 22 

Multistage 0.84 65.3956 2 14 6.2 29 13 

Probit 0.79 65.6176 2 (2) 22 12 43 24 

Weibull 0.84 65.3956 3 (2) 14 6.2 29 13 

Chu et al. (1982b) Rat Female Hepatic lesions 

Gamma 0.04 67.0864 3 (3) Flat Curve Estimated No BMDs – 

Logistic 0.09 64.3869 2 (2) 66 26 127 49 

Log-logistic 0.09 64.3474 3 (2) 48 9.8 101 21 

Log-probit 0.04 67.0864 3 (3) 4800 38 6900 54 

Multistage 0.09 64.3615 2 54 15 110 30 

Probit 0.09 64.3843 2 (2) 64 25 125 48 

Weibull 0.09 64.3615 3 (2) 54 15 110 30 

NTP 1985 Rat Male Fatty Metamorphosis (Subchronic) 

Gamma 0.90 42.3900 3 (3) 2.6 0.44 3.9 0.91 

Logistic 0.97 40.3442 2 (2) 1.2 0.76 2.4 1.5 

Log-logistic 0.81 42.9172 3 (3) 4.1 0.20 5.5 0.42 

Log-probit 0.85 42.6546 3 (3) 4.3 1.1 5.4 1.6 

Multistage 0.92 43.8670 4 1.0 0.49 2.1 1.0 

Probit 0.98 40.1651 2 (2) 1.3 0.84 2.5 1.7* 

Weibull 0.92 42.2885 3 (3) 2.4 0.45 3.9 0.92 

A - 52 November 15, 2005 
Table A-6 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR THE RfD 

NTP (1985) Rat Male Hepatic Fatty Metamorphosis - Chronic 

Gamma 0.53 105.8690 3 (2) 0.81 0.57 1.7 1.2 

Logistic 0.34 106.2850 2 (2) 1.2 0.86 2.4 1.7 

Log-logistic 1.0 107.4950 3 (3) 1.7 0.071 2.7 0.15 

Log-probit 0.86 105.5270 3 (2) 1.9 1.1 2.7 1.6* 

Multistage 0.53 105.8690 2 0.81 0.57 1.7 1.2 

Probit 0.16 107.2230 2 (2) 1.4 1.1 2.8 2.2 

Weibull 0.53 105.8690 3 (2) 0.81 0.57 1.7 1.2 

NTP (1985) Rat Male Ground Glass Cytoplasm - Chronic 

Gamma 1.0 181.2470 3 (3) 6.1 2.4 10 5.0 

Logistic 0.58 179.5560 2 (2) 6.3 5.1 12 9.7 

Log-logistic 1.0 181.2470 3 (3) 7.6 1.6 12 3.5 

Log-probit 1.0 181.2470 3 (3) 9.1 6.3 13 9.1 

Multistage 1.0 181.2470 3 4.3 2.4 8.6 5.0 

Probit 0.62 179.4870 2 (2) 6.0 4.9 11 9.4* 

Weibull 1.0 181.2470 3 (3) 5.5 2.4 9.8 5.0 

*Selected model result for endpoint. 

AIC Akaike Information Criterion 

BMD Benchmark Dose 

BMDL 95% lower confidence level on BMD 

G-O-F Goodness-of-Fit 

HA Health Advisory 

? Results questionable on the basis of visual inspection or probable calculation error 

W BMDS gave a warning message: “BMDL computation is at best imprecise for these data” 

A - 53 November 15, 2005 
3. Bromoform 

BMDS modeling results for dibromochloromethane are summarized in Table A-7 below. 

Detailed output for each model run is compiled in Appendix B, provided in electronic format on 

compact disk. 

a. Developmental and Reproductive Studies 

Data from the study by Ruddick et al. (1983) consisted of the count of the numbers of 

litters that had one or more fetuses with sternebral variations. This expression of the response 

rates does not correspond directly to the probability of a response in the offspring of treated 

dams. All of the model fit the data and all of the BMDL results for 10% extra risk are within 

a factor of three of one another, so the results from the log-probit model were selected, because 

that model had the lowest AIC. 

b. One-day Health Advisory 

BMD calculations were not conducted in support of the One-day HA due to a lack of 

appropriate data. 

c. Ten-day Health Advisory 

Six data sets were modeled in support of the Ten-day HA. Modeling results for each data 

set were evaluated using the criteria given in Section C. For the Aida et al. (1992a) data on liver 

cell vacuolation in female rats, all models fit well and (with one exception) give the same AIC. 

The log-logistic results appear to be qualitative outliers because they are more than 3 times less 

than the next closest BMDLs, even though the BMD is the second largest. The BMDL 

calculated by this model was thus rejected in favor of the next lowest BMDL (Weibull model). 

When the same endpoint was modeled in male rats (Aida et al. 1992), the probit model either 

failed or gave a warning message for the lower bound calculations and results were thus 

eliminated. The remaining models calculated very similar BMDLs. The Weibull model was 

selected because it gave the lowest AIC among the remaining models. 

For histopathological effects in the kidney of male mice (Condie et al., 1983), two 

models (logistic and probit) had somewhat higher BMDLs and the largest values for AIC. If 

these results are eliminated as qualitative outliers, the remaining BMDLs are within a factor of 

3. The Log-probit model was selected from among the remaining models because it gave the 

lowest AIC. Modeling of data on liver histopathology from the same study gave a similar 

pattern of results. Results from the probit and logistic models were eliminates as qualitative 

outliers (high AICs and BMDLs that were higher by more than a factor of 3 from the lowest 

BMDL). The remaining BMDLs are within a factor of 3 and so the Log-probit model was 

selected because it had the lowest AIC. 

Melnick et al. (1998) reported data for hydropic degeneration in the liver of female mice. 

The multistage model gave questionable results (very high AIC and a goodness of fit p value that 

appeared unrealistically high when the model fit was examined visually) for this data set that 

A - 54 November 15, 2005 
appeared to reflect a calculation error in the BMDS software. The BMDLs estimated by the 

remaining models are very close. The Log-probit model was selected because it has the lowest 

AIC. When data for stomach nodules in male mice were modeled (NTP, 1989a), all models 

gave an acceptable fit and all BMDLS were within a factor of three. The results from the 

multistage model were selected because it had the lowest AIC. 

d. Longer-term Health Advisory 

Three data sets were modeled in support of the longer-term Health Advisory for 

Bromoform. No models adequately fit (i.e. all p values for goodness of fit were less than 0.1) 

the Chu et al. (1982b) data for hepatic lesions in female rats (nonmonotonic dose response). 

Thus, none of the calculated BMDLs were candidates for deriving the Longer-term Health 

Advisory. For the same endpoint in male rats (Chu et al. 1982b), the multistage model gave a 

bad fit and was eliminated from consideration. The log-logistic BMDLs are the lowest of the 

remaining values, but there is a spread of greater than 3. The result for the log-logistic model 

was eliminated as a qualitative outlier, since this model gave the largest BMDs but the BMDLs 

were among the lowest observed (i.e. gave a wide confidence interval). The remaining BMDL 

values were similar and the probit model was selected because it gave the lowest AIC value. 

Modeling of the NTP (1989a) data for hepatic vacuolation in female mice gave similar results 

across all models. The Log-probit model was selected because it gave the lowest AIC . 

e. RfD 

Two data sets from the oral exposure study conducted in rats by NTP (1989a) were 

modeled using the BMDS program for consideration in derivation of the RfD. For hepatic 

vacuolization in male rats exposed to bromoform for 13 weeks, no fit was obtained for the 

multistage model. The BMDL values calculated using the remaining models were with a factor 

of 3, with the exception of the log-logistic model. The results from the Weibull model were 

selected on the basis of the lowest AIC value. With respect to data for fatty changes in the liver 

of male rats chronically exposed to bromoform (NTP, 1989a), all models gave acceptable fits. 

BMDLs calculated by all models except the log-logistic were within a factor of 3. The loglogistic model was eliminated as a qualitative outlier, since it gave the highest BMDs but very 

low BMDLs (i.e. it resulted in a very wide confidence interval). Of the remaining models, the 

lowest AIC was observed for the multistage and it was therefore selected. 

A - 55 November 15, 2005 
Table A-7 Benchmark Dose Modeling Results for Bromoform 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

REPRODUCTIVE STUDIES 

Ruddick et al. (1983) Rat Females Sternebral Aberrations 

Gamma 0.85 67.302 3 (3) 16 9.2 32 19 

Logistic 0.70 66.0887 2 (2) 33 23 59 42 

Log-logistic 0.90 67.3517 3 (3) 19 6.4 35 14 

Log-probit 0.87 65.6053 3 (2) 35 23 50 33* 

Multistage 0.85 67.339 3 15 9.1 31 19 

Probit 0.74 65.9551 2 (2) 30 21 55 40 

Weibull 0.85 67.3711 3 (3) 16 9.2 32 19 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR 1-DAY HA (NONE) 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR 10-DAY HA 

Aida et al. (1992a) Rat Females Liver cell vacuolization 

Gamma 1.0 12.3758 3(2) 23 1.1 28 2.3 

Logistic 1.0 12.3758 2 (2) 45 5.2 47 9.6 

Log-logistic 1.0 12.3758 3 (2) 42 0.29 45 0.61 

Log-probit 1.0 12.3758 3 (2) 32 2.6 35 3.7 

Multistage 1.0 14.3758 3 9.1 1.9 14 2.4 

Probit 1.0 12.3758 2 (2) 36 4.8 40 9.0 

Weibull 1.0 12.3758 3 (2) 11 1.1 16 2.3* 

Aida et al. (1992a) Rat Males Liver cell vacuolization 

Gamma 0.99 2.2426 3 (1) 73 44 81 53 

Logistic 1.0 4.0000 2 (2) 116 56 118 57 

Log-logistic 1.0 2.0014 3 (1) 91 48 95 56 

Log-probit 1.0 4.0000 3 (2) 95 49 93 56 

Multistage 0.76 4.2093 1 46 14 59 28 

Probit 1.0 4.0000 2 (2) 118 failed 121 58 (W) 

Weibull 1.0 2.0000 3 (1) 134 40 140 51* 

Condie et al. (1983) Mouse Male Renal mesangial nephrosis 

A - 56 November 15, 2005 
Table A-7 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Gamma 0.46 32.2294 3 (2) 45 9.1 64 19 

Logistic 0.13 38.0766 2 (2) 54 30 85 54 

Log-logistic 0.51 31.9498 3 (2) 49 6.6 68 14 

Log-probit 0.53 31.8168 3 (2) 57 23 73 34* 

Multistage 0.40 32.6120 2 29 8.7 51 18 

Probit 0.16 34.4823 2 (2) 52 29 82 52 

Weibull 0.44 32.4190 3 (2) 35 8.9 56 18 

Condie et al. (1983) Mouse Male Centrilobular pallor 

Gamma 0.38 30.0854 3 (2) 44 7.4 61 15 

Logistic 0.10 33.0715 2 (2) 46 25 73 45 

Log-logistic 0.46 29.5813 3 (2) 51 8.8 67 17 

Log-probit 0.46 29.5362 3 (2) 56 20 70 28* 

Multistage 0.31 30.6200 2 29 7.0 49 14 

Probit 0.11 32.6482 2 (2) 45 25 71 44 

Weibull 0.35 30.4002 3 (2) 32 7.2 50 15 

Melnick et al. (1998) Mouse Female Liver hydropic degeneration 

Gamma 0.99 8.3184 3 (1) 177 111 196 135 

Logistic 1.0 10.2790 2 (2) 190 85 199 123 

Log-logistic 1.0 8.2790 3 (1) 191 123 199 146* 

Log-probit 1.0 10.2790 3 (2) 189 127 198 146 

Multistage 1.0 (?) 396.414 2 64 0.099 9.2 0.16 

Probit 1.0 10.2790 2 (2) 182 78 197 115 

Weibull 1.0 10.2790 3 (2) 172 88 196 118 

NTP (1989a) Mouse Male Stomach nodules 

Gamma 0.43 20.0036 3 (2) 165 46 208 82 

Logistic 0.22 22.0653 2 (2) 158 77 223 131 

Log-logistic 0.48 19.6930 3 (2) 165 55 206 89 

Log-probit 0.50 19.4922 3 (2) 176 66 211 95 

A - 57 November 15, 2005 
-- --

Table A-7 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Multistage 055 18.7358 1 116 32 167 66* 

Probit 0.25 21.5725 2 (2) 162 74 222 127 

Weibull 0.38 20.6462 3 (2) 137 35 188 68 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR THE LONGER-TERM HA 

Chu et al. (1982b) Rat Female Hepatic lesions 

Gamma flat curve fit no BMD – 

Logistic 0.06 53.0088 2 (2) 38 23 69 44 

Log-logistic 0.07 51.4919 3 (2) 10 4.1 21 8.6 

Log-probit 0.05 52.6957 3 (2) 36 18 51 26 

Multistage 0.07 51.9025 2 16 8.2 32 17 

Probit 0.06 52.9040 2 (2) 35 22 65 42 

Weibull 0.07 51.9025 3 (2) 16 8.2 32 17 

Chu et al.(1982b) Rat Male Liver lesions 

Gamma 0.45 56.7134 3 (3) 31 1.6 36 3.3 

Logistic 0.66 54.7588 2 (2) 5.1 2.8 10 5.6 

Log-logistic 0.45 56.7134 3 (3) 45 0.8 48 1.6 

Log-probit 0.45 56.7134 3 (3) 37 4.3 41 6.1 

Multistage <0.01 202.7 2 2.5 1.1 3 1.9 

Probit 0.67 54.6647 2 (2) 5.3 3.0 10 5.9* 

Weibull 0.45 56.7024 3 (3) 13 1.6 19 3.3 

NTP (1989a) Mouse Female Hepatic vacuolization 

Gamma 0.73 30.3981 3 (2) 69 35 82 51 

Logistic 0.27 33.9813 2 (2) 68 41 96 66 

Log-logistic 0.80 30.0241 3 (2) 70 38 87 54 

Log-probit 0.85 29.6545 3 (2) 74 41 88 55* 

Multistage 0.62 31.6064 2 53 24 76 45 

Probit 0.33 33.0847 2 (2) 68 40 95 64 

A - 58 November 15, 2005 
Table A-7 (cont.) 

Model G-O-F 

p value AIC No. 

paramet. 

05 10 

BMD BMDL BMD BMDL 

Weibull 0.61 31.3715 3 (2) 56 28 81 46 

CANDIDATE STUDIES FOR THE RfD 

NTP (1989a) Rat Male Hepatic vacuolation - Subchronic 

Gamma 0.70 65.8698 3 (2) 2.2 1.3 4.4 2.6 

Logistic 0.65 66.1399 2 (2) 3.9 2.4 7.3 4.7 

Log-logistic 0.49 68.4402 3 (3) 2.5 0.45 4.4 0.94 

Log-probit 0.61 66.4811 3 (2) 5.5 2.9 8.0 4.2 

Multistage - 661.889 6 2.1 0.0064 2.4 0.0084 

Probit 0.65 66.0888 2 (2) 3.9 2.6 7.8 5.3 

Weibull 0.70 65.8698 3 (2) 2.2 1.3 4.4 2.6* 

NTP (1989a) Rat Male Fatty Changes in Liver - Chronic 

Gamma 1.0 84.7983 3 (3) 29 0.66 32 1.4 

Logistic 0.89 82.8323 2 (2) 1.9 1.2 3.8 2.4 

Log-logistic 1.0 82.7983 3 (2) 51 0.016 53 0.033 

Log-probit 1.0 84.7983 3 (3) 38 0.97 41 1.4 

Multistage 0.99 82.7983 2 8.9 0.66 13 1.4* 

Probit 0.98 82.7996 2 (2) 2.2 1.6 4.5 3.2 

Weibull 1.0 84.7983 3 (3) 12 0.66 16 1.4 

*Selected model results for endpoint. 

AIC Akaike Information Criterion 

BMD Benchmark Dose 

BMDL 95% lower confidence level on BMD 

G-O-F Goodness-of-Fit 

HA Health Advisory 

? Results questionable on the basis of visual inspection or probable calculation error 

W BMDS gave a warning message: “BMDL computation is at best imprecise for these data” 

A - 59 November 15, 2005 
APPENDIX B (Electronic Format) 

Appendix B contains BMD Modeling Output in Electronic Format (compact disk) 

B - 1 November 15, 2005 
APPENDIX C 

Determination of the Relative Source Contribution for Dibromochloromethane (DBCM) 

C - 1 November 15, 2005 
The relative source contribution (RSC) is the percentage of total daily exposure that is 

attributable to tap water when all potential sources are considered (e.g., air, food, soil, and 

water). Ideally, the RSC is determined quantitatively using nationwide, central tendency and/or 

high-end estimates of exposure from each relevant medium. In the absence of such data, a 

default RSC ranging from 20% to 80% may be used. The RSC used in the current and previous 

drinking water regulations for DBCM is 80%. This value was determined by use of a screening 

level approach to estimate and compare exposure from various sources. Information considered 

for DBCM during this process is summarized below. 

The initial step in RSC determination is problem formulation, including identification of 

population(s) of concern, critical health effects, and relevant exposure sources and pathways. 

The occurrence of DBCM in tap water is reasonably well documented. Occurrence is 

widespread as a result of disinfection of drinking water, resulting in broad exposure of the U.S. 

general population. For chronic exposure to DBCM, the most sensitive responses in animal 

studies are histopathological changes in the liver. There is no evidence that children or the fetus 

are more sensitive to these effects than are adults. Although polymorphisms in metabolizing 

enzymes might predispose some groups to greater sensitivity to this compound, no sensitive 

subpopulations have yet been clearly identified. Therefore, the population of concern for 

exposure to DBCM is considered to be the U.S. general population. 

Production and use of DBCM occur mainly on a limited scale in the United States. In the 

past, brominated trihalomethanes have been used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical 

synthesis, as ingredients in fire-resistant chemicals and gauge fluids, and as solvents for waxes, 

greases, resins, and oils (U.S. EPA, 1975). However, use patterns have changed over time. 

DBCM is now reportedly used in laboratory quantities only (ATSDR, 1990). Thus, releases to 

the environment are not anticipated to be significant on a nationwide basis when compared to 

occurrence in disinfected tap water. 

DBCM has been detected in air and food in a few studies, in addition to its presence in 

tap water. No data were available in the materials reviewed for levels of DBCM in soil. DBCM 

is expected to volatilize readily from wet or dry soil surfaces based on its Henry’s Law constant 

and vapor pressure (U.S. EPA, 1987). For this reason, exposure via ingestion of soil is not 

expected to be a significant route of exposure. Therefore, water, food, and air are considered to 

be the relevant pathways for this analysis. 

Evaluation of Occurrence Data 

The next step in RSC determination is to judge whether or not adequate data exist to 

characterize exposure from relevant exposure pathways. Factors to be considered in the 

evaluation of data adequacy include sample size; whether the data represent a random sample 

and are representative of the target population; acceptable analytical detection limits; statistical 

distribution of the data, and estimator precision. In addition, it is important to know whether the 

data are representative of current conditions. The available occurrence data for DBCM in water, 

air, food, and soil are summarized in Chapter IV of this document. Relevant information from 

that chapter is also presented below. 

C - 2 November 15, 2005 
Occurrence Data for Water 

Adequate data are available to estimate central tendency and high-end values for 

exposure to DBCM from treated surface and ground water. Numerous studies (summarized in 

Chapter IV of this document) have examined the levels of DBCM in disinfected water. Of these 

studies, the Information Collection Rule (ICR) data (U.S. EPA, 2001) most closely met the 

requirements for sample size, geographic representation, reporting of analytical limits, and 

relevance to current conditions. This survey examined the occurrence of brominated 

trihalomethanes in public water supplies (PWSs) serving at least 100,000 persons as required by 

the Information Collection Rule promulgated by U.S. EPA in May of 1996 for disinfectants and 

disinfection byproducts (D/DBPs). The rule covered both surface and ground water systems. 

Monitoring data were collected from about 300 water systems operating 501 plants over the18­

month period between July 1997 and December 1998. At each plant, samples were collected 

monthly and analyzed for a variety of D/DBPs on a monthly or quarterly basis. DBCM was 

among the analytes evaluated quarterly (U.S. EPA, 2001). Five samples were taken each quarter 

at each plant – one of the finished water and four of the water in the distribution system. Of the 

four samples from the distribution system, one represented a sample with the same residence 

time as a finished water sample held for a specific period of time, two represented approximate 

average water residence times in the system, and one sample was taken where water residence 

time in the system is the longest. For each plant and reporting period, EPA compiled several 

summary statistics. The Distribution System (DS) Average value is the average of the four 

distribution system samples. The DS High Value is the highest concentration of the four 

distribution system samples collected by a plant in a given quarter. The DS High Value might 

be from any of the four samples and could vary from quarter to quarter depending on which 

sample yielded the highest concentrations in each quarter (U.S. EPA, 2001a). Table C-1 

summarizes the results of all six of the quarterly reporting periods. The DS average and 90th 

percentile values for DBCM in surface water were 4.72 :g/L and 5.57 :g/L, respectively. The 

DS average and 90th percentile values for dibromochloromethane in groundwater water were 

3.09 :g/L and 8.94 :g/L, respectively. 

U.S. EPA set a minimum reporting level (MRL) for DBCM of 1.0 μg/L for the ICR. The 

MRL is a level below which systems were not required to report their monitoring results, even if 

there were detectable levels. Values below the MRL were assigned a value of zero for the 

purpose of calculating averages; this assignment affects the calculation of mean values for 

finished water and DS high results and calculation of all DS average values. 

Data for Occurrence in Air 

Occurrence data for DBCM in ambient outdoor air were available from three reports 

(Brodzinsky and Singh, 1983; Shikiya et al., 1984; Atlas and Shauffler, 1991). Brodzinsky and 

Singh (1983) reviewed and summarized existing data for DBCM concentrations in ambient 

outdoor air for several urban/suburban or source dominated locations across the United States 

(Table C-2). No concentration data were available for rural or remote areas. The authors 

reported mean, median, first and third quartile values, and minimum and maximum values by 

city. In addition, they reported the same measures when the data were grouped by type of 

location (i.e., 

C - 3 November 15, 2005 
Table C-1 DBCM Concentrations Measured in U.S. Public Drinking Water Systems 

Serving 100,000 or More Persons 

Source Data Typea Number of 

Samples Medianb Meanb 90th 

Percentile Range 

DBCM (μg/L) 

Surface 

Water 

Finished 1853 1.9 4.03 12.0 <1.0 - 55.1 

DS Average 1655 2.40 4.72 13.2 0 - 67.3 

DS High 1655 2.9 5.57 15.0 < 1.0 -

67.3 

Ground 

Water 

Finished 604 < 1.0 1.38 4.10 <1.0 - 33 

DS Average 602 1.35 3.09 8.94 0 - 37.5 

DS High 602 2.1 4.60 12.9 <1.0 - 85 

Source: Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (D/DBPs) ICR Data, U.S. EPA (2001). a Finished = sample location after treatment, before entering the distribution system (DS); DS Average = 

average of four sample locations in the DS; DS High = the highest concentration of the four distribution 

system samples collected by a plant in a given quarter. For purposes of calculations, all values below the 

minimum reporting level (MRL) of 1.0 μg/L for all three compounds were assigned a value of zero. b Median and mean of all samples including those below the MRL. 

urban/suburban or source dominated), and when all data were combined. 

Dibromochloromethane was detected in the air samples from Magnolia, AR, El Dorado, TX, 

Chapel Hill, NC, Beaumont TX, and Lake Charles, LA at mean concentrations of 0 ppt, 0.48 ppt, 

14 ppt, 14 ppt, and 19 ppt, respectively. Data from these sites were combined for additional 

statistical analyses. The study authors indicated that a value of 0.0 was entered for samples 

below the detection limit. The detection limits from individual studies were not reported. Mean 

(± standard deviation) outdoor air concentrations in urban/suburban and source dominated 

locations, respectively, were 15 ± 4 ppt and 0.28 ± 0.67 ppt for DBCM. Brodzinsky and Singh 

(1983) also calculated overall (grand) means based on data from all sites. The grand mean value 

for DBCM was 3.8 ppt (n = 89, with 63 nondetects). When expressed on a ng/m3

 basis, the 

corresponding mean value was 0.032 :g/m3

. Assuming an inhalation rate of 20 m3/day, this 

concentration results in a daily intake of 0.6 :g/day. Assuming a rate of 13.2 m3

/day, this 

concentration results in a daily intake of 0.43 :g/day. 

Shikiya et al. (1984) analyzed ambient air samples collected at four urban/industrial 

locations in the California South Coast Air Basin from November 1982 to December 1983 for 

the presence of DBCM. The sampling locations were El Monte, downtown Los Angeles, 

Dominguez, and Riverside. The air samples were analyzed using gas chromatography with 

detection by electron capture. The quantitation limit, defined as a level 10 times greater than the 

noise level, was 10 ppt by volume. The detection limit was defined as three times the noise 

level. Most data in this report were presented graphically. A few additional details were 

C - 4 November 15, 2005 
presented in a short summary statement for each chemical. Summary data for each compound 

included monthly means and composite means. The monthly means were calculated as the 

average of all data at a site that were above the quantitation limit for a single month; samples 

with concentrations below the limit of detection were not included in the calculations. The 

composite means were calculated as the average value of all data for each compound above the 

quantitation limit at each site. Only seventeen percent of the samples had DBCM levels above 

the quantitation limit of 10 ppt (0.085 :g/m3

). The highest reported concentration, monthly 

mean, and mean composite for DBCM were 290 ppt (2.5 :g/m3), 280 ppt (2.4 :g/m3), and 50 ppt 

(0.43 :g/m3

), respectively; all were recorded in downtown Los Angeles in June. Only two 

monthly means were above 160 ppt; the remainder of the monthly means were below 60 ppt. 

Table C-2 Selected Concentration Data for Individual Brominated Trihalomethanes (ppt) 

in Outdoor Air as Summarized in Brodzinsky and Singh (1983)a,b 

City n Nondetects Mean 

(Std dev.) 

Median 3rd 

Quartile 

Maximum Reference 

DBCM 

Individual Sites 

Beaumont, TX 11 0 14 (0.0) 14 14 14 Wallace (1981) 

Chapel Hill, NC 6 0 14 (0.0) 14 14 14 Wallace (1981) 

El Dorado, AR 40 35 0.48 

(0.82) 

0.0 0.82 2.5 Pellizzari et al. 

(1978) 

Lake Charles, LA 4 0 19 (9.6) 21 27 27 Pellizzari (1979) 

Magnolia, AR 28 28 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 0.0 0.0 Pellizzari et al. 

(1978) 

Totals 

Urban/Suburban 21 0 15 (4.2) 14 14 27 -

Source Areas 68 63 0.28 

(0.67) 

0.0 0.0 2.5 -

Grand Totals 89 63 3.8 (6.7) 0.0 2.5 27 -

a

 Includes only data considered to be of adequate, good, or excellent quality by the study authors. b

 Concentrations are reported as parts per trillion by volume

Atlas and Schauffler (1991) collected replicate air samples at various locations on the 

Island of Hawaii during a month-long field experiment to test an analytical method for 

determining halocarbons in ambient air. DBCM was found at a mean level of 0.27 ppt. This 

information was obtained from a secondary source which did not report the detection limit. 

C - 5 November 15, 2005 
Wallace et al. (1982) conducted a pilot study designed to field test personal air-quality 

monitoring methods. Personal air samples were collected from students at two universities: 

Lamar University, Texas, located near a petrochemical manufacturing area, and the University of 

North Carolina (UNC), located in a nonindustrialized area. The samples were analyzed for a 

number of volatile organic compounds, including brominated trihalomethanes. DBCM was not 

detected at either location. Based on an analytical limit of 0.12 :g/m3 or 0.018 ppb, these data 

suggest that exposure via personal air is less than 2.4 :g/day. 

There are several limitations associated with the available data on occurrence of DBCM 

in outdoor air. The available studies were collectively limited to five states (Arkansas, 

California, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Texas). With the possible exception of the Hawaiian 

study (Atlas and Schauffler 1991), all data were collected from urban/suburban or source 

dominated locations. Thus, the data from these studies are not considered to be geographically 

representative of the United States. In addition, sample size was not explicitly reported in the 

Shikiya et al. (1984) study and the reported means were based only on data above the detection 

limit (only 17% of total samples). An independent statistical evaluation could not be performed 

because raw data were not presented. The data presented by Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) were 

obtained from multiple sources and combined results for sampling periods ranging from 

instantaneous grab samples to 24 hour averages (Wallace, 1997). The data from the Shikiya et 

al. (1984) and Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) reports are approximately 20 years old and may not 

accurately reflect current conditions. 

Relatively few studies have reported the concentrations of trihalomethanes in indoor air 

of homes. Kostiainen (1995) identified over 200 volatile organic compounds in indoor air of 26 

houses identified by residents as causing symptoms such as headache, nausea, irritation of the 

eyes, drowsiness, and fatigue. DBCM was not reported among the detected compounds. 

Weisel et al. (1999) measured brominated trihalomethane concentrations in indoor air in 

49 New Jersey residences selected to represent low and high levels of drinking water 

contamination with trihalomethanes. Descriptive statistics for DBCM concentration in water 

were provided for the combined high and low concentration groups, but not for the individual 

groups. One valid 15-minute air sample was collected at each of 48 residences. The indoor air 

concentrations of DBCM averaged 0.44 ± 0.95 :g/m3

 (0.052 ± 0.11 ppb) and 0.53 ± 0.84 :g/m3 

(0.062 ± 0.09 ppb) in the low and high water concentration residences with detection frequencies 

of 5/25 and 7/23, respectively. The detection limit was 0.14 :g/m3

 (C. Weisel, personal 

communication). It was not clear whether the averages were based on all measured samples or 

only those samples that were above the detection limit. For this reason, the data were not used 

for calculation of exposure to DBCM from indoor air. 

It is possible that DBCM has been surveyed in studies of volatile organic compounds in 

air and not reported because it was below detection limits. This has been suggested by Dr. 

Joachim Pleil of the U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, who is highly experienced 

in air monitoring of volatiles including trihalomethanes. According to Dr. Pleil, the analytical 

methods used in analysis of volatile organic compounds are sufficiently sensitive to detect 

DBCM even if is present only in minute quantities. For example, a survey of volatile organic 

compounds in indoor air by Pleil et al. (1985) using EPA Method TO-14 (detection limit 

C - 6 November 15, 2005 
approximately 100 ppt by volume, or 0.85 :g/m3

, for trihalomethanes) would certainly have 

detected DBCM had it been present (J. Pleil, personal communication). 

To accurately estimate total daily inhalation exposures from indoor and outdoor air, the 

following data needs to be evaluated: location and season, the time spent indoors compared with 

outdoors, potential exposures of individuals while showering or bathing, potential exposure from 

volatilization of DBCM during other household activities (e.g., use of dishwashers, toilet 

flushing), exposures of individuals who spend large amounts of time at indoor pools or in hot 

tubs, and potential for occupational exposures (e.g., for laundromat or sewage treatment plant 

workers). The existing measurement data are not adequate for such a refined analysis, but may 

be used to roughly estimate intake from outdoor air. 

Data for Occurrence in Food 

Information on the levels of DBCM in foods and beverages is limited. Chlorine is used 

in food production for applications such as the disinfection of chicken in poultry plants and the 

superchlorination of water at soda and beer bottling plants (Borum, 1991). Therefore, the 

possibility exists for contamination of food from chlorination by-products in foods with resulting 

dietary exposure. 

Two studies have reported analyses of commercial beverages for DBCM. In Italy, 

Cocchioni et al. (1996) analyzed 61 samples of different commercially prepared beverages and 

94 samples of mineral waters for volatile organo-halogenated compounds. Maximum DBCM 

concentrations of 13.9 :g/L (ppb) were found in prepared beverages, with a frequency of 

detection of 43% (26/61), with a detection limit of less than 1 :g/L (ppb). McNeal et al. (1995) 

examined 27 different prepared beverages and mineral waters in the United States for DBCM at 

a detection limit of 0.1 ng/g (ppb). DBCM was detected at 1 ng/g (ppb) in only one of seven 

types of mineral and sparkling waters examined. DBCM was not detected in any of 5 flavored 

noncarbonated beverages examined. DBCM was detected in only 4 of the 13 carbonated soft 

drinks examined at levels of 0.5 to 2 ng/g (ppb). DBCM was not detected in either of the two 

types of beer examined. 

Two studies have tested for DBCM in individual food items. McNeal et al. (1995) tested 

several types of food products and water from canned vegetables in the United States for DBCM. 

DBCM was not detected in any of the samples. The foods examined included two types of 

canned tomato sauce, canned pizza sauce, canned vegetable juice, vegetable waters from two 

types of canned green beans and one type of sweet corn, duck sauces, beef extract, and Lite 

syrup product. Imaeda et al. (1994) examined bean curd commercially available in Japan for 

trihalomethanes. DBCM was not found in any of ten samples analyzed at a detection limit of 0.1 

ppb. 

Kroneld and Reunanen (1990) analyzed pasteurized and unpasteurized cow's milk for 

DBCM content in a study conducted in Turku, Finland. DBCM was detected in only one sample 

of pasteurized milk at 5 :g/L (ppb). The detection limit was not specified and information 

sample size was unavailable in the secondary source that reported this study (U.S. EPA, 1994). 

C - 7 November 15, 2005 
DBCM was not detected in unpasteurized milk. The presence of the DBCM in pasteurized milk 

may have resulted from the use of chlorinated water during processing. 

Estimates for dietary intake of DBCM by residents of the United States were not 

identified in the materials reviewed for this document. Information on the levels in U.S. foods is 

too limited to independently calculate a reliable estimate. However, the available data suggest 

that the concentration of DBCM in foods is low. 

Data for dietary intake of DBCM are available from a study conducted in Japan. Toyoda 

et al. (1990) analyzed the dietary intake of DBCM by 30 housewives in Nagoya and Yokohama. 

Duplicate portions of daily meals were collected for three consecutive days, sampled for DBCM 

and analyzed at a detection limit of 0.2 ppb. The amount and types of food consumed were not 

reported. This omission prevents a comparison of the studied diet to that consumed by the U.S. 

population. The concentration of DBCM in the Japanese diet ranged from undetectable to 

0.6 ppb (average, 0.1 ± 0.2 ppb), and the mean dietary intake was estimated to be 0.3 ± 0.3 

:g/day. These data are considered adequate only for a rough estimate of the dietary intake of 

DBCM. 

Evaluation 

The occurrence data base for DBCM in tap water consists of nationally aggregated data 

and is considered adequate for determination of the RSC. In comparison, fewer occurrence data 

are available for DBCM in food and outdoor air. The available air and food occurrence data, 

although limited, permit rough estimates of intake. 

Determination of the RSC 

The RSC is calculated as follows: 

RSC = 

DIwater 

DItotal (1) 

where: 

DIwater = DIwater, ingestion + DIwater, inhalation + DIwater, dermal (2) 

DItotal = DIwater, total +DIoutdoor air + DIfood (3) 

The estimation of individual terms in these equations is described below. 

C - 8 November 15, 2005 
Exposure Associated with Tap Water Uses 

Exposure to DBCM as a chlorination by-product in residential water can occur via three 

primary exposure routes: 1) by ingestion; 2) by inhalation of DBCM volatilized during use of tap 

water for bathing, showering, and other household activities; and 3) by dermal exposure during 

showering and bathing. The existence of these routes for DBCM is supported by recent study 

data. Kerger et al. (2000) demonstrated that levels of DBCM in indoor air are related to the use 

of tap water for showering and bathing. Increases in the level of DBCM in the breath or blood 

after showering or bathing have been documented in human subjects (Weisel et al., 1999; Backer 

et al., 2000; Lynberg et al., 2001). Quantitative estimates of average daily exposure from 

volatilized DBCM or dermal contact have been calculated and described in the following pages 

for comparison with other routes of intake. These derived values have solid scientific support 

and are sufficient for a reliable estimate. It is important to note that these estimates are for 

exposure of the general population via tap water. Individuals who participate in activities such 

as swimming or hot tub use may experience increased dermal and or inhalation uptake or 

brominated trihalomethanes as a result of increased contact time with disinfected water. It is 

important to note that water in hot tubs and swimming pools is routinely subjected to additional 

disinfection and may not be representative of tap water using for drinking, cooking, and other 

household activities. 

a. Ingestion of DBCM in Drinking Water 

Ingestion of DBCM is calculated by multiplying an appropriate intake rate for tap water 

by the concentration of the compound found in tap water. Mean water intake rates of 1.2 and 0.6 

L/day (NRC, 1999) were used for total mean ingestion from all uses and for direct ingestion (i.e., 

direct ingestion from tap, does not include use of tap water for making coffee and tea, soup, 

etc.), respectively. An adjustment for intake of commercial beverages (e.g., soft drinks or 

mineral waters) was not applied, because the intake of these beverages would be subtracted from 

the daily tap water intake and the available data (e.g., McNeal, 1995) suggest that the level of 

DBCM in such beverages is usually less than or similar to the level found in tap water. 

Assuming a tap water concentration of 4.72 :g/L (the distribution system average for DBCM in 

treated surface water), the total and direct intakes of DBCM via ingestion of tap water are 5.7 :g 

and 2.8 :g, respectively. 

b. Inhalation of Waterborne DBCM 

A three-compartment model approach was used to investigate the exposure from waterrelated dibromochloromethane in indoor air. The three-compartment model employed was that 

of McKone (1987). This model predicts the concentration of a volatile chemical in water (in this 

case, DBCM) in each of three compartments of a house: the shower, the bathroom, and the 

remainder of the house. The three-compartment model recognizes that most household water 

uses are episodic rather than continuous, and room barriers (walls, doors) may restrict the rapid 

mixing of DBCM released into air in one location with whole-house air, leading to occasional 

high levels of DBCM in some rooms (especially those with high water usage, such as the shower 

or laundry). Because concentrations are not constant, results are calculated as a function of time 

throughout the day. Based on the time- and compartment-specific concentration values, human 

C - 9 November 15, 2005 
exposure levels in each compartment can then be calculated based on an assumed pattern of 

human occupancy and behavior within the house. McKone (1987) estimated the source term for 

the release of VOCs from water to air in each of the three compartments by extrapolation from 

measurements of radon release using the VOC-specific Henry’s law constant and the liquid- and 

gas-phase diffusion coefficients. Basic equations and inputs to the model are provided below: 

Transient three-compartment model based on transfer efficiency developed 

by McKone (1987) 

i V dy (t )

= St ji ( ) + ∑ Q ⋅ y t ( ) j ( ) − ∑ Qij ⋅ y t i i

dt i 

0 ∗ VOC ( 0 ∗ WUi (τ τ )⋅ TEi ⋅ F t ,τ τ )⋅ 

i ( ) = 

ι , ι ι , ι

St ∗ τ ι − τ

0 

ι 

⎛ 25 1 ⎞ ⎜ . + 23 ⎟ / /

OL

H ⋅ DG TEi

VOC = TEiRn 

⋅ 

K AVOC = TEi

Rn ⋅ ⎝ DL 

23 ⎠ Rn 

K ARn ⎛ 25 1 ⎞ OL . ⎜ + ⎟ 23 23 / / ⎝ DL H ⋅ DG ⎠VOC 

1 E i ( )⋅ OF t dt inh = 

ED ∫ yt i () 

Dose = Einh ⋅ BR 

Where: 

E

D

D

A interfacial area existing between water and air (cm2

)

BR breathing rate (L/min)

C aqueous-phase concentration (mg/L)

L liquid-phase diffusion coefficient (cm2

/sec)

G gas-phase diffusion coefficient (cm2

/sec)

ED exposure duration (min)

inh inhalation exposure (mg/L, except for radon, which is in pCi/L)

0 * F(t, J , J*

) function = 1 when time t is between Ji

0 and Ji i i , and 0 otherwise

C - 10 November 15, 2005 
S

Q

K

K

H Henry’s law constant (mg/Lair/mg/Lwater)

OL overall mass-transfer coefficient (cm/min)

OLA overall interfacial mass-transfer coefficient (L/min)

OFi

(t) occupancy factor for compartment i at time t (1 if present, 0 if absent)

ij ventilation rate from compartment i to compartment j (L/min)

i emission rate from source in compartment i (mg/min) 

j 

V

J

J

TEi transfer efficiency of chemical j during water use in compartment i (1) 

i

0 time when water device in compartment i starts (min) 

i

* time when water device in compartment i ends (min) 

i volume of compartment i (L) 

WU 0 *

i

(J , J*) volume of water used in compartment i between time Ji

0

 and Ji (L) 

y

i i 

i gas-phase concentration in compartment i (mg/L) 

Rn radon 

voc volatile organic compound 

The following properties of dibromochloromethane at 20°C were used as inputs to the 

model: 

H (mg/Lair/mg/Lwater) = 0.036

DL (cm2

/s) = 9.63 x 10-6

DG (cm2/s) = 8.24 x 10-2

The following human activity and water use patterns were assumed. Four people living in 

the house each take an 8-minute shower every morning, and spend 12 minutes in the bathroom 

immediately thereafter. Each person spends an additional 20 minutes in the bathroom some time 

during the remainder of the day. The second person taking a shower is selected for the purpose 

of comparing exposure estimates. The person being modeled is assumed to spend 75% their time 

indoors by assigning an average daily occupancy factor of 0.75. 

The following specific parameters were used to implement the calculations of the threecompartment model developed by McKone (1987): 

Variable Description Value 

R

R

R

I

I

I

V

V

V

PNUM 

Person 

s 

b 

a 

s 

b 

a 

s 

b 

a 

Number of people in the house 

Designated person for exposure calculation 

Volume of shower 

Volume of bathroom 

Volume of main house 

Volume of water used in shower 

Volume of water used in bathroom 

Volume of water used in main house 

Shower air residence time 

Bathroom air residence time 

Main house air residence time 

2

4 

nd showerer 

2000 L 

10000 L 

400000 L 

350 L 

350 L 

450 L 

3 min 

12 min 

78 min 

C - 11 November 15, 2005 
Variable Description Value 

Qsb Ventilation rate from shower to bathroom 40000 L/hr 

Qbs Ventilation rate from bathroom to shower 40000 L/hr 

Qab Ventilation rate from main house to bathroom 50000 L/hr 

Qba Ventilation rate from bathroom to main house 45000 L/hr 

Qbo Ventilation rate from bathroom to outside 5000 L/hr 

Qao Ventilation rate from main house to outside 258000 L/hr 

SFR 

TEs 

Rn 

Shower flow rate 

TE from shower to air for radon 

11 L/min 

0.7 

TEb 

Rn TE from bathroom to air for radon 0.3 

TEa 

Rn TE from household water to air for radon 0.66 

ts Time in shower 8 min 

tb Time in bathroom after shower 12 min 

tb ’ 

ts 

0 

ts 

* 

tb 

0 

tb 

* 

ta 

0 

ta 

* 

OF 

Time in bathroom during rest of day 

Time when first shower water use starts 

Time when first shower water use ends 

Time when toilet water use starts 

Time when toilet water use ends 

Time when other household water use starts 

Time when other household water use ends 

Daily average occupancy factor 

20 min 

7:00 a.m. 

7:08 a.m. 

12:00 a.m. 

12:00 a.m. 

7:00 a.m. 

11:00 p.m. 

0.75 

BR Breathing rate 9.2 L/min 

Source for BR is U.S. EPA (1995) and for all other values is U.S. EPA (1993). 

Based on these assumptions and parameter values, the model predicts an inhaled dose for DBCM of 540 

:g/year per :g/Lwater.. Dividing this number by 365 days/year and multiplying the result by 4.72 :g/L 

(the distribution system average for DBCM in treated surface water) gives an estimate of 7 :g/day for 

inhalation intake of DBCM volatilized from tap water. 

c. Dermal Absorption of DBCM via Bathing or Showering 

Estimates of dermal uptake of DBCM were obtained using a membrane model approach 

as described in Cleek and Bunge (1993) and Bunge and McDougal (1998). The approach 

assumes that the skin is composed of stratum corneum and viable epidermis. If the 

concentration of the vehicle remains constant and the systemic concentration remains small, the 

dermal absorption of chemicals can be divided into two periods: non-steady state and steady 

state. In the non-steady state period, the chemical is absorbed in the lipophilic stratum corneum. 

The viable dermis acts like a sink for the chemical once the steady-state is achieved. Equations 

are available for calculation of uptake under both steady state and non-steady state conditions. 

Because the duration of exposure to DBCM during showering and bathing (10 minutes; U.S. 

EPA, 1992c) is substantially less than the time to steady state for DBCM absorption through skin 

(3.9 hours; U.S. EPA; 1992c), the non-steady state approach is the default procedure for 

estimating uptake: 

KK Lt p sc w sc event DAevent = 2 AC / 

w 

π 

C - 12 November 15, 2005 
 (4) 

where: 

DAevent = the amount of DBCM (:g) absorbed in a 10-minute shower or bath

A = the surface area exposed during the bath or shower event = 20,000 cm2

 (U.S. EPA,

C

1992)

w = concentration of DBCM in tap water = 4.72 x 10-3 :g/cm3

 (U.S. EPA, 2001)

K = permeability coefficient = 3.9 x 10-3 cm/hr (U.S. EPA, 1992c)

t

L

K

p 

sc/w = stratum corneum-water partition coefficient = 38 (see equation 5) 

sc = diffusion length of the stratum corneum = 1.5 x 10-3 cm (Bunge, personal

 communication) 

event = duration of exposure event = 10 minutes = 0.1667 hours (U.S. EPA, 1992c) 

The stratum corneum-water partition coefficient, Ksc/w, was estimated as recommended by 

Bunge and McDougal (1999):

0 71 K = K . 

= 38 (5) sc w ow / 

where 

Kow = octanol water partition coefficient = 170 for DBCM (U.S. EPA, 1992c) 

When calculated using equation (4) and the input values above, the dermal uptake of DBCM 

during a 10-minute showering or bathing event is approximately 0.65 :g. 

Perhaps the most difficult part of estimating dermal exposure is the determination of the 

permeability coefficient, Kp, in the equation above. Estimates have been obtained from skin 

penetration experiments. Most skin penetration experiments fall into one of two categories: in 

vivo experiments performed on living humans or animals, and in vitro experiments made in 

diffusion cells with excised skin from humans and animals. Determination of permeability 

coefficients in vitro and in vivo generally requires that the exposure concentrations and surface 

area are known and consistent. There is scientific debate over whether in vitro or in vivo 

measurements are the most appropriate way to measure absorption of chemicals. In vitro 

methods can provide quick and direct measures of flux and permeability coefficients. It is also 

advantageous that human skin can be used in vitro when chemicals would be too toxic in in vivo 

studies. Although the actual in vitro experiments are simpler, their use includes many important 

variables (e.g. animal species, thickness of skin, use of fresh or frozen skin, and receptor 

solution) and uncertainties which influence the representativeness of the data. In vivo studies are 

often more elaborate and require more data analysis. 

The U.S. EPA (1992) Dermal Exposure Assessment document used in vitro data to 

estimate the permeability coefficient (Kp) for multiple chemicals. An equation developed by 

Potts and Guy (1993) was used to estimate the Kp of over 200 chemicals, including DBCM, as a 

C - 13 November 15, 2005 
function of the octanol:water partition coefficient (Kow) and molecular weight (MW). The 

equation was derived from an experimental data base compiled by Gordon Flynn (1990), which 

includes data for in vitro dermal absorption of about 90 chemicals from water: 

log K p = − 2 72 . . + 0 71(log Kow ) − 0 006 . MW (6) 

where, 

log Kow = logarithm of the octanol water partition coefficient = 2.23 for DBCM (U.S. EPA, 

1992) 

MW = molecular weight = 208.28 for DBCM 

Despite the adequate correlations for representing experimental permeability data for a 

broad rage of chemicals, experimental data may deviate from predictions made using the Potts 

and Guy equation by one to two orders of magnitude. This variability was clearly demonstrated 

by Vecchia (1997). Although uncertainty in experimental temperature and other data are partly 

responsible, other known/unknown factors may also contribute to this discrepancy. For 

example, the correlation assumes that MW is a good predictor for molecular size. This 

assumption may not be appropriate for groups of compounds with chemical diversities affecting 

molecular size. Halogenated hydrocarbons will occupy the same molar volume as a hydrocarbon 

molecule with a much lower MW. As a result, equations based on MW that are developed from 

databases consisting primarily of hydrocarbons will tend to systematically underestimate 

permeability coefficients for chemically dense compounds such as DBCM, by an order of 

magnitude or perhaps even more for compounds with specific gravity values larger than about 

2.5 and MW greater than 200. 

The Kp was calculated using the procedure of Vecchia and Bunge (2002) to address 

potential underestimation of the Kp for DBCM by the prediction method used in U.S. EPA 

(1992). This calculation used a modification (equation 7) of the Potts and Guy equation 

(equation 6) which incorporates an adjustment factor for density of halogenated compounds 

when compared to non-halogenated hydrocarbons: 

hc 

log K p = − 2 72 . . + 0 71(log Kow ) − 0 006 . MWρ (7) 

ρ halo 

where:

D

log Kow = logarithm of the octanol water partition coefficient = 2.23 for DBCM (U.S. EPA,

1992c)

MW = molecular weight = 208.28 for DBCM

hc = estimated liquid density of the compounds in the Flynn equation upon which equation 

D

(6) was developed = 0.9 (Vecchia and Bunge, 2002)

halo = density of a halogenated hydrocarbon = 2.38 for DBCM (U.S. EPA, 1994)

The resulting value for Kp is 0.03 cm/hr. Substitution of this adjusted value in equation (4) 

results in an uptake estimate of 2.0 :g for a 10-minute showering or bathing event This value is 

C - 14 November 15, 2005 
about 3-fold higher than the estimate obtained for dermal absorption using the unadjusted Kp

value reported in U.S. EPA (1992). The 2 :g value was selected for determination of the RSC 

for DCBM. 

Exposure Associated Via Food and Outdoor Air 

Dietary intake data for DBCM from a Japanese study were used in the absence of intake 

data for U.S. residents. These data were used with the understanding that the composition (and 

thus levels of DBCM) of U.S. and Japanese diets may differ. The grand mean for outdoor air 

concentration calculated by Brodzinsky and Singh (1983) was used to estimate intake from 

outdoor air. Although these data for food intake and air concentrations have limitations, they 

were considered sufficient for a screening level estimate of the RSC. 

Calculation of the RSC 

An example calculation of the RSC is shown below. Results of calculations using 

different exposure assumptions are summarized in Table C-3. 

DIwater = DIwater, ingestion + DIwater, inhalation + DIwater, dermal (2) 

= 5.7 :g/day + 7.0 ug/day + 2.0 :g/day =14.7 :g/day 

DItotal = DIair + DIfood + DIwater (3) 

= 0.4 :g/day + 0.3 :g/day + 14.7 :g/day 

= 15.4 :g/day 

RSC = 

DIwater 

DItotal 

= 

14.7 :g 

15.4:g 

= 0.96 x 100 = 95% 

where: 

DI

DI

DI

DI

DI

DIwater = Intake of DBCM from tap water

total = Intake of DBCM from all relevant sources (i.e., water, air, and food for DBCM)

air = Intake of DBCM from outdoor air, assuming 0.032 :g/m3

 and intake of 13.2 m3/day

food = Intake of DBCM from food = 0.3 :g/day after Toyoda (1990)

water, ingestion = Intake of DBCM from tap water by ingestion (assumes intake of 1.2 L/day)

water, inhalation = Intake of DBCM from tap water by inhalation, as determined using 3­

DI

compartment model; assumes intake of 13.2 m3

/day (U.S. EPA, 1995) 

water, dermal = Dermal absorption of DBCM during bathing or showering using adjusted value of 

Kp; assumes 1 shower or bath/day 

The RSC calculated using the ICR distribution system mean for surface water and U.S. 

EPA default values for inhalation and drinking water ingestion was 0.95 or 95%. Substitution of 

C - 15 November 15, 2005 
groundwater concentration data and/or the direct value for drinking water intake also resulted in 

RSC values greater than 90%. These calculations suggest that an RSC as high as the default 

ceiling of 80% is justified for DBCM. 

The uncertainty in use of 80% for the RSC is related to the quality of data for intake from 

food and outdoor air. The primary concern is that the available data might result in a significant 

underestimate of the actual exposure via these media, resulting in an RSC value that was not 

appropriately protective of health. A series of calculations was performed to test the effect of 

underestimating exposure from outdoor air and/or food on the RSC. An arbitrary 10-fold 

increase in the dietary intake of DBCM while holding intake from other sources constant 

resulted in RSC values of 78% or 81%, depending upon the intake values selected. Increasing 

the intake of DBCM from outdoor air by 10-fold resulted in RSC values of 72% or 76%. 

Increasing both food and air intake of DBCM by 10-fold gave RSC values of 62% or 67%. 

These calculations assumed a tap water concentration of 4.72 :g/L, which is the Information 

Collection Rule distribution system mean for surface water (U.S. EPA, 2001). These 

calculations suggest that an RSC of 80% would be protective of human health even if 

concentrations of DBCM in food or outdoor air were underestimated by a factor of almost 10­

fold. 

Conclusion 

An RSC of 80% is recommended based on the analysis of available data on occurrence of 

DBCM in tap water and other media. The major uncertainties in this analysis are related to 

limited measurement data for DBCM in outdoor air and in food. 

C - 16 November 15, 2005 
c 

Table C-3 Results of RSC Calculations for DBCM 

Water Source Cw 

(:g/L)a 

Condition IRwater 

(L/day)b 

IRair 

(m3/day)c 

DIfood 

(:g/day)d 

DIair 

(:g/day)e 

DIwater 

(:g/day)f 

(

Surface 4.72 Surface Water 0.6 13.2 0.3 0.42 11.8 

1.2 13.2 0.3 0.42 14.7 

Ground 3.09 Ground Water 0.6 13.2 0.3 0.42 10.9 

1.2 13.2 0.3 0.42 12.7 

Surface 4.72 If intake of DBCM 

from food 

0.6 13.2 3.0 0.42 11.8 

increased by 10-fold 1.2 13.2 3.0 0.42 14.7 

Surface 4.72 If intake of DBCM 

from air increased 

0.6 13.2 0.3 4.2 11.8 

by 10-fold 1.2 13.2 0.3 4.2 14.7 

Surface 4.72 If intake of DBCM 

from air and food 

increased by 10-fold 

0.6 13.2 3.0 4.2 11.8 1.2 13.2 3.0 4.2 14.7 

a Concentration of DBCM in water: ICR distribution system mean (U.S. EPA, 2001). b Daily intake rate for water. Values are for direct (0.6 L/day; NRC. 1999) or total mean (1.2 L/day; NRC, 1999) ingestion rates. 

Daily inhalation rate. Value used is consistent with the input value of 9.2 L/min for the three-compartment model used to esti

from indoor air. 

d Daily intake of DBCM in food, based on data from Toyoda et al. (1990). e Daily intake of DBCM in air, based on grand mean for DBCM concentration in outdoor air calculated by Brodzinsky and Sinf Daily intake of DBCM in water from ingestion, inhalation of volatilized compound, and dermal absorption. See text for detag Total daily intake of DBCM from water, outdoor air, and food. 

C - 17 
References Cited 

Atlas, E. and S. Schauffler. 1991. Analysis of alkyl nitrates and selected halocarbons in the 

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