Acetic acid, trichloro-

RTECS #
AJ7875000
CAS #
76-03-9
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
September 2018
Molecular Weight
163.38
Molecular Formula
C2HCl3O2
Synonyms
Aceto-caustin
Acide trichloracetique (French)
Acido tricloroacetico (Italian)
Amchem grass killer
Konesta
Kyselina trichloroctova (Czech)
NA TA
Sodium TCA solution
Trichloorazijnzuur (Dutch)
Trichloressigsaeure (German)
Trichloroacetate
Trichloroacetic acid
Trichloroacetic acid (ACGIH)
Trichloroacetic acid (IUPAC)
Trichloroethanoic acid
Trichloromethanecarboxylic acid

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /rabbit 3500 µg/5S severeXEURAQ MDDC-1715
skin /rabbit 210 µg mildXEURAQ MDDC-1715

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysisintraperitoneal/mouse125 mg/kgMUREAV 188,215,1987
Cytogenetic Analysisoral/mouse500 mg/kgMUREAV 188,215,1987
Cytogenetic Analysisintraperitoneal/chicken200 mg/kgMUREAV 367,253,1996
DNA adductintraperitoneal/mouse2000 nmol/L/1W- intermittentCALEDQ 185,13,2002
DNA Damageoral/mouse300 mg/kgTOXID9 90,101,2006
DNA Damageother cell types/human100 µmol/L/4HMUREAV 741,89,2012
micronucleus testintraperitoneal/mouse300 mg/kg/24HMUREAV 188,215,1987
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium250 µg/plate (+enzymatic activation step)CNJGA8 22,35,1980
other mutation test systemsoral/mouse250 mg/kgMUREAV 343,157,1995
specific locus testliver/mouse12241 µmol/LMUREAV 608,29,2006
sperm morphologyintraperitoneal/mouse125 mg/kg/5DMUREAV 188,215,1987

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
intraperitoneal/mouse 125 mg/kg (5D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)MUREAV 188,215,1987
oral/rat 3025 mg/kg (1-11D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: HomeostasisBDERE* 67,488,2003
oral/rat 3300 mg/kg (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Cardiovascular (circulatory) system
TOXID9 44,82,2005
oral/rat 3000 mg/kg (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)TOXID9 66,24,2002
oral/rat 10000 mg/kg (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Central nervous system
BDERB* 77,47,2006
oral/rat 8 gm/kg (6-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Pre- implantation mortality (e.g., reduction in number of implants per female; total number of implants per corpora lutea)

Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)
TJADAB 40,445,1989
oral/rat 6402 mg/kg (1-22D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Pre- implantation mortality (e.g., reduction in number of implants per female; total number of implants per corpora lutea)

Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Cardiovascular (circulatory) system
JACCDI 32,540,1998

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 427 gm/kg/61W- continuousTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors
TXAPA9 90,183,1987
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 210 gm/kg/12W- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Facilitates action of known carcinogens
CALEDQ 158,185,2000
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 145.6 gm/kg/52W- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Increased incidence of tumors in susceptible strains
TXAPA9 182,55,2002
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 5040 mg/kg/36W- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Facilitates action of known carcinogens
TXCYAC 199,169,2004

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 21 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesisTIVIEQ 3,189,1989
In Vitro/jzxInhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 1408.43 mg/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 25,1989,2011
In Vitro/Non-mammalian species, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 5.9 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell countingTIVIEQ 7,537,1993
In Vitro/praInhibitor Concentration Low: 5 mmol/L/6DIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 25,1638,2011
intraperitoneal/mouse lowest published lethal dose: 500 mg/kgCBCCT* 6,214,1954
intraperitoneal/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 16 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes in urine composition

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes
TXCYAC 378,76,2017
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 16 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes in urine compositionTXCYAC 304,49,2013
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 270 mg/kgNIIRDN 6,879,1982

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 1420 mg/kg/10W- continuousLiver: Changes in liver weight

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Hepatic microsomal mixed oxidase (dealkylation, hydroxylation, etc.)

Biochemical: Effect on specific coenzyme: CoA
TXCYAC 110,103,1996
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 5.04 gm/kg/12W- continuousLiver: Changes in liver weight

Endocrine: Hypoglycemia
JAPTO* 21,81,2001
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 145600 mg/kg/52W- continuousLiver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Increased incidence of tumors in susceptible strains
EVHPAZ 108,343,2000
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 427 gm/kg/61W- continuousLiver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Tumor types after systemic administration not seen spontaneously
EVHPAZ 108,241,2000
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 72.8 gm/kg/52W- continuousLiver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Tumor types after systemic administration not seen spontaneously
EVHPAZ 108,241,2000
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 42 gm/kg/60W- continuousLiver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Tumor types after systemic administration not seen spontaneously
EVHPAZ 108,241,2000
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 3 gm/kg/1W- intermittentLiver: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases
TXCYAC 203,83,2004
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 22.4 mg/kg/28D- continuousKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changesTOXID9 66,62,2002
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 350 mg/kg/1W- continuousLiver: Changes in liver weight

Liver: Other changes
TOXID9 60,159,2001
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 2156 mg/kg/4W- intermittentLiver: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases
TOXID9 -,66,2009
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 1000 mg/kg/5D- continuousLiver: Other changes

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other enzymes
TOXID9 -,236,2009
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 2800 mg/kg/14D- continuousLiver: Other changes

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other enzymes
TOXID9 -,236,2009
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 7007 mg/kg/13W- intermittentBlood: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases
FCTOD7 50,701,2012
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 48 mg/kg/3D- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes in urine compositionTXCYAC 304,49,2013
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 32 gm/kg/90D- continuousLiver: Changes in liver weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other oxidoreductases
TXCYAC 64,71,1990
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 398 mg/kg/10W- continuousLiver: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Dehydrogenases
TOLED5 80,97,1995
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 1040 mg/kg/52D- continuousBlood: Normocytic anemia

Blood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)

Blood: Changes in platelet count
FCTOD7 47,1324,2009
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 12000 mg/kg/10D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainBDERB* 77,47,2006
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 13000 mg/kg/52D- continuousLiver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects
FCTOD7 47,145,2009
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 10000 mg/kg/50D- continuousLiver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects
PCBPBS 89,39,2007
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 264.99 gm/kg/104W- intermittentLiver: Liver function tests impaired

Liver: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain
TOXID9 66,104,2002

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 1 ppmDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Confirmed animal carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Limited EvidenceIMEMDT 63,291,1995
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Sufficient EvidenceIMEMDT 106,430,2014
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 63,291,1995
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 106,430,2014
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 3IMEMDT 63,291,1995
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 2BIMEMDT 106,430,2014
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review: Group 3IMEMDT 84,429,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWEVHPAZ 108,241,2000
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 539,77,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 127,135,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWIMEMDT 84,403,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWJEADV* 13,14,1999
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTXCYAC 198,239,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,546,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 584,1,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 636,242,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 654,114,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWEMMUEG 49,9,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWEMMUEG 50,68,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 721,27,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 751,49,2012
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 751,82,2012
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTXAPA9 254,100,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 762,22,2014
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 783,66,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTXCYAC 307,35,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTXAPA9 261,227,2012
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTXCYAC 313,3,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 775,11,2018
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 831,1,2018

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1988 PESTICIDE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION OR RE-REGISTRATIONFEREAC 54,7740,1989
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1998 STATUS OF PESTICIDESCancelledRBREV* -,338,1998
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 1 ppm (6.7 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 1 ppm (5 mg/m3), 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 1 ppm (6.8 mg/m3), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 1 mg/m3, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 1 ppm (5 mg/m3), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 1 mg/m3, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 1 ppm (7 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 1 ppm (6.7 mg/m3), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 0.75 ppm (5 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 1 ppm (6.7 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAshort term exposure limit 5 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 1 ppm (7 mg/m3), JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 1 mg/m3, 2003

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO TRICHLOROACETIC ACID-air10H time-weighted average 1 ppmNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 81560; Number of Industries 9; Total Number of Facilities 1562; Number of Occupations 21; Total Number of Employees Exposed 35124; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 16821
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 81560; Number of Industries 8; Total Number of Facilities 1353; Number of Occupations 13; Total Number of Employees Exposed 13946

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Inconclusive: Histidine reversion-Ames test
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
On EPA IRIS database
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018