Toxicity studies of tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) administered by gavage to F344/NTac rats and B6C3F1/N mice.

Tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) is used as a flame retardant in electronics, building and construction materials, and automotive materials. Tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) was nominated for toxicology and in vivo genotoxicity study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences because, although human exposure potential may be low, there was concern that this chemical has carcinogenic potential and has not been adequately studied. The compound was also selected for study because dibromo-1-propanol (the core structure of the 2,3-dibromopropyl ether side chain) has been studied by the NTP and found to be carcinogenic. Male and female F344/NTac rats and B6C3F1/N mice were administered tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (approximately 94% pure) in corn oil by gavage for 3 months. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. (Abstract Abridged).