Ethylenimine

RTECS #
KX5075000
CAS #
151-56-4
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
December 2018
Molecular Weight
43.08
Molecular Formula
C2H5N
Synonyms
1H-Azirine, dihydro-
Aethylenimin (German)
Azacyclopropane
Aziran
Aziridin (German)
Aziridine
Dihydro-1H-azirine
Dihydroazirene
Dimethyleneimine
EI
ENT-50324
Ethyleenimine (Dutch)
Ethylene imine
Ethyleneimine
Ethyleneimine (ACGIH:OSHA)
Etilenimina (Italian)
RCRA waste number P054
TL 337

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /mouse 2 ppm/1MJIHTAB 30,7,1948
eye /rabbit 2 mg severeAJOPAA 29,1363,1946
skin /rabbit 10 mg/24H open irritation testJIHTAB 30,63,1948

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysisparenteral/Drosophila melanogaster10 mmol/LMUREAV 6,129,1968
Cytogenetic Analysislymphocyte/human1 µmol/L/1HARTODN 46,61,1980
Cytogenetic Analysisleukocyte/human10 µmol/L/1H22XWAN -,367,1970
Cytogenetic Analysislung/human10 µmol/LMUREAV 4,83,1967
Cytogenetic Analysisintraperitoneal/rat5 mg/kgBJPCAL 6,357,1951
Cytogenetic Analysisinhalation/rat8 µg/L/17WTPKVAL 13,51,1973
Cytogenetic Analysisfibroblast/chicken770 µmol/LMUREAV 81,123,1981
Cytogenetic Analysisintraperitoneal/mammal (species unspecified)5 mg/kgTPKVAL 11,111,1969
Cytogenetic Analysisinhalation/rat0.01 mg/L/45D- intermittentTPKVAL 11,111,1969
Cytogenetic Analysisinhalation/rat0.6 mg/L/8D- intermittentTPKVAL 11,111,1969
DNA Damageinhalation/other insects100 ppmMUREAV 476,149,2001
DNA inhibitionintravaginal/mouse1 pphJIDEAE 62,378,1974
DNA inhibitionintraperitoneal/mouse1 mg/kgMUREAV 46,305,1977
DNA inhibitionHeLa cell/human500 µmol/LCNREA8 38,4445,1978
DNA repair/Escherichia coli1 pphAGACBH 4,286,1974
DNA repair/Salmonella typhimurium1 pphAGACBH 4,286,1974
DNA repair/Bacillus subtilis800 mg/LEVSRBT 24,19,1981
Dominant Lethal Testintraperitoneal/mouse5 mg/kgEVSRBT 24,943,1981
Dominant Lethal Testparenteral/other insects20 mmol/LMUREAV 15,67,1972
Dominant Lethal Testinhalation/Drosophila melanogaster1250 ppmSOGEBZ 11,883,1975
gene conversion and mitotic recombination/Saccharomyes cerevisiae1 pphAGACBH 4,286,1974
gene conversion and mitotic recombinationinhalation/Drosophila melanogaster2700 ppmSOGEBZ 11,1073,1975
heritable translocation testparenteral/Drosophila melanogaster6500 µmol/LIDZAAW 39,155,1964
micronucleus testmultiple/non-mammalian species500 ppb/8D-continuousMUREAV 125,275,1984
mutation in mammalian somatic cellsovary/hamster2 mg/LMUREAV 94,449,1982
mutation in microorganisms/Aspergillus nidulans10 mmol/L (-enzymatic activation step)SOGEBZ 6,220,1970
mutation in microorganisms/Neurospora crassa20 µg/plate (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 53,297,1978
mutation in microorganisms/Saccharomyes cerevisiae1 pph (-enzymatic activation step)AGACBH 4,286,1974
mutation in microorganisms/Bacillus subtilis19300 nmol/L (-enzymatic activation step)JACBBD 25,73,1975
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms600 ppm/2H-continuous (-enzymatic activation step)DBANAD 31,1477,1978
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms500 mg/L (-enzymatic activation step)AMBBBR 6,15,1974
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms2000 ppm (-enzymatic activation step)SOGEBZ 7,948,1971
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms100 mmol/plate (-enzymatic activation step)PCJOAU 15,482,1981
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms1 pph (-enzymatic activation step)ANTBAL 27,738,1982
mutation in microorganisms/Escherichia coli100 mmol/plate (-enzymatic activation step)PCJOAU 22,292,1988
mutation in microorganisms/Other microorganisms100 mmol/plate (-enzymatic activation step)PCJOAU 22,292,1988
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1 pph (+enzymatic activation step)AGACBH 4,286,1974
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium10 µg/plate (-enzymatic activation step)PNASA6 72,5135,1975
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctionmultiple/Drosophila melanogaster1 pph/8H-continuousGNKAA5 21,958,1985
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctionoral/Drosophila melanogaster2 ppmNTIS** PB81-160848
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctionparenteral/Drosophila melanogaster10 mmol/LGENTAE 56,273,1967
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctionintraperitoneal/Drosophila melanogaster10 mmol/LPNASA6 53,282,1965
specific locus testparenteral/silkworm2 mmol/LMUREAV 7,425,1969
Unscheduled DNA Synthesisparenteral/mouse5 mg/kgEVSRBT 24,943,1981

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 800 µg/m3/24H (1D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm ductTPKVAL 14,16,1975
inhalation/rat 19 mg/m3 (6W male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct

Reproductive: Maternal effects: Ovaries, fallopian tubes

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death
TPKVAL 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat 19 mg/m3 (6W male)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Live birth index (Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured after birth)

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Behavioral
TPKVAL 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat 700 µg/m3 (17W male)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Growth statistics (e.g., reduced weight gain)

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects
TPKVAL 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat 0.0007 gm/m3 (1-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Female fertility index (e.g., # females pregnant per # sperm positive females; # females pregnant per # females mated)

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death
TPKVAL 13,70,1973
inhalation/rat 0.0002 gm/m3 (1-4D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)TPKVAL 13,70,1973
inhalation/rat 0.01 gm/m3 (51D male)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth)TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/rat 19 mg/m3 (45D male)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: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth)

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Live birth index (Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured after birth)
TPKVAL 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat 19 mg/m3 (45D male)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Behavioral

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Other postnatal measures or effects

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects
TPKVAL 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat 0.7 mg/m3 (122D male)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Growth statistics (e.g., reduced weight gain)

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Other postnatal measures or effects

Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Delayed effects
TPKVAL 9,59,1967
subcutaneous/mouse 41760 µg/kg (6-14D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Central nervous system

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Eye, ear

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Craniofacial (including nose and tongue)
NTIS** PB223-160
subcutaneous/mouse 41760 µg/kg (6-14D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Extra embryonic structures (e.g., placenta, umbilical cord)

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death
NTIS** PB223-160

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 6500 µg/kg/5D- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors
VOONAW 27(5),88,1981
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 235 mg/kg/76W- continuousTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors

Liver: Tumors
JNCIAM 42,1101,1969
subcutaneous/rat toxic dose: 10 mg/kg/8W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Tumorigenic: Tumors at site of application
BJPCAL 9,306,1954
subcutaneous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 20 mg/kg/67D- intermittentTumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria

Tumorigenic: Tumors at site of application
BJPCAL 9,306,1954

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 25 ppm/8HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)
JIHTAB 30,2,1948
inhalation/guinea pig lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 170 ppm/1HENTOX* -,293,2005
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 150 ppm/1HENTOX* -,293,2005
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 0.1 gm/m3/2HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changesTPKVAL 10,25,1968
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 400 mg/m3/2HBehavioral: Muscle weakness

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 0.4 gm/m3TPKVAL 9,3,1967
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 0.64 gm/m3/2HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in pulmonary vascular resistance

Liver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in blood vessels or in circulation of kidney
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 0.24 gm/m3/2HKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in both tubules and glomeruli

Blood: Changes in bone marrow not included in above

Blood: Changes in spleen
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/rabbit Lowest published lethal concentration: 100 mg/m3/2HBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Blood: Other changes
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.8 mg/m3Peripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes
TPKVAL 14,16,1975
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.008 gm/m3/4HTPKVAL 9,86,1967
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 0.1 gm/m3/2HPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from afferent nerve

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in pulmonary vascular resistance

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in blood vessels or in circulation of kidney
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.01 gm/m3/4HEye: Lacrimation

Behavioral: Irritability

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/rat Lowest published lethal concentration: 15 ppm/8HTOXID9 78,149,2004
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 185 ppm/1HENTOX* -,293,2005
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 100 mg/m3/2H85GMAT -,67,1982
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4 mg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Urine volume increasedBJPCAL 25,223,1965
intraperitoneal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3500 µg/kgKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Urine volume increasedBJPCAL 21,581,1963
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 15 mg/kgENTOX* -,293,2005
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 15 mg/kgBehavioral: General anesthetic

Gastrointestinal: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes
JIHTAB 23,259,1941
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 15 mg/kgENTOX* -,293,2005
skin/guinea pig lethal dose (50 percent kill): 14 mg/kgJIHTAB 30,63,1948
skin/guinea pig lowest published toxic dose: 0.6 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Skin: After topical application: Corrosive
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
skin/rabbit lowest published lethal dose: 50 mg/kg/1HBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Skin: After topical application: Corrosive
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
skin/rabbit lowest published toxic dose: 10 mg/kg/3HBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Skin: After topical application: Corrosive
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
unreported route/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 15 mg/kgBJCAAI 6,160,1952
unreported route/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 0.015 mg/kgTPKVAL 9,3,1967

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/122D- intermittentPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi

Liver: Other changes
TOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/122D- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Blood: Changes in spleen

Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified)
TOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/30D- intermittentPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Recording from peripheral motor nerve

Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified)
TOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/122D- intermittentLiver: Liver function tests impaired

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes primarily in glomeruli

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Proteinuria
TOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/122D- intermittentBlood: Luekopenia

Blood: Angranulocytosis

Blood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)
TOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/122D- intermittentImmunological Including Allergic: Decrease in cellular immune responseTOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.4 mg/m3/122D- intermittentReproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct
TOVEFN 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 19 mg/m3/45D- intermittentReproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct

Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Male fertility index (e.g., # males impregnating females per # males exposed to fertile nonpregnant females)
TOVEFN 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 19 mg/m3/45D- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Changes in testicular weightTOVEFN 9,59,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 700 µg/m3/4H/17W- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Proteinuria

Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified)

Immunological Including Allergic: Decrease in cellular immune response
TPKVAL 9,50,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3/4H/6W- intermittentBehavioral: Muscle weakness

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain
TPKVAL 8,41,1966
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3/30D- intermittentReproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on mitochondrial function
TPKVAL 14,16,1975
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.01 gm/m3/20D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainTPKVAL 13,70,1973
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 0.01 gm/m3/51D- intermittentReproductive: Effects on fertility: Male fertility index (e.g., # males impregnating females per # males exposed to fertile nonpregnant females)

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Related to Chronic Data: Changes in testicular weight
TPKVAL 8,41,1966

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (skin)DTLVS* 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 9,37,1975
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Limited EvidenceIMEMDT 71,337,1999
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human No Adequate DataIMEMDT 9,37,1975
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human No Adequate DataIMEMDT 71,337,1999
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 2BIMEMDT 71,337,1999
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,293,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 584,1,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 54,247,2009

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-airtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3) (skin)DTLVS* 3,111,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (0.88 mg/m3), Carcinogen, JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIATRK-TMW 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3);KZW 2 ppm (3.6 mg/m3), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (0.89 mg/m3), Skin, Carcinogen, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3), skin, carc, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDshort term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (0.89 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYceiling concentration 0.9 mg/m3, Carcinogen, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3), carc, skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANOccupational Exposure Limit 0.5 ppm (0.88 mg/m3), skin, 2B carc, MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3), skin, 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3) (skin), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (0.88 mg/m3), skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAshort term exposure limit 0.02 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENGroup B Carcinogen, JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3), carc 2, skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3), Skin, JAN1993
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)see Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 29,1926.1112CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1 mg/m3) (skin)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-cancer suspect agentCFRGBR 29,1910.1012,1987

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO ETHYLENEIMINE-airCarcinogen use 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1012NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code M0492; Number of Industries 1; Total Number of Facilities 4; Number of Occupations 13; Total Number of Employees Exposed 1093
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code M0492; Number of Industries 2; Total Number of Facilities 19; Number of Occupations 17; Total Number of Employees Exposed 1712

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive/limited: Carcinogenicity-mouse/rat
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: Aspergillus-reversion; In vitro cytogenetics-human
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: CHO gene mutation
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: D melanogaster Sex-linked lethal; UDS in mouse germ cells
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: D melanogaster-reciprocal translocation
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: Histidine reversion-Ames test
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: In vitro cytogenetics-human lymphocyte
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: N crassa-forward mutation; N crassa-reversion
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: S cerevisiae gene conversion
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: S cerevisiae-forward mutation; S cerevisiae-homozygosis
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: S pombe-forward mutation
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
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Ethylenimine, 3514
On EPA IRIS database
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018