US National Toxicology Programme concludes evidence of carcinogenic activity of the halogenated FR TCPP = Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate. The 240-page report presents results of four long-duration (3 month, 2 year) studies of rats and mice, concluding that there was some evidence of carcinogenetic activity of TCPP in male rate and male mice (liver and kidney), some evidence for female rats (uterine) and clear evidence in female mice (liver). A five day oral dose study in male rats showed upregulation of 122 genes in the liver and 20 genes in the kidney. One study showed no mutagenic activity in mice. The report refers to US EPA and OPPT (Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics) conclusion that TCPP is not bioaccumulative but that association with particles in air can increase environmental persistence and that population exposure is expected by vapour inhalation and skin contact with consumer products containing TCPP in offices, homes and indoor environments. Studies show that TCPP can decompose to organo-chlorinated metabolites. pinfa expects that this new evidence of carcinogenicity of this halogenated FR will accelerate regulation to restrict its use. Indeed, Denmark has updated (August 2023) the REACH art. 48 Evaluation Conclusion (Corap) for TCPP recommending identification as SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) and Harmonised Classification and Labelling and restrictions.
“NTP Technical Report on the Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of an Isomeric Mixture of Tris(chloropropyl) Phosphate Administered in Feed to Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley® SD®) Rats and B6C3F1/N Mice”, Technical Report 602, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, June 2023 https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/tr602_508.pdf
“Substance Evaluation Conclusion” report on reaction products of phosphoryl trichloride and 2-methyloxirane (TCPP), Danish Ministry of the Environment, August 2023.