In a local lymph node assay (LLNA) in female CBA/Ca/Ola/Hsd mice, a 3‐fold increase in lymphocyte proliferation was not obtained after the application of 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% benzyl alcohol in diethyl phthalate/ethanol (3:1). : not investigated; RTG: relative total growth ; SB: strand break; +w: weakly positive), primary rat hepatocytes (liver perfusion). Mutagens and sensitizers – An unequal relationship? Data in humans (BIBRA 1991) and rabbits show that the substance is irritating to the eyes. The NAEC is estimated to be 300 mg/m3, a concentration at which benzyl alcohol can occur as vapour, corresponding to 67 ml/m3. In a comparison of mutagenic and (contact‐)sensitizing substances, benzyl alcohol was listed as a sensitizer on the basis of internal company studies (maximization test or LLNA) not documented in any greater detail (Wolfreys and Basketter 2004). Clastogenic effects were found only in vitro at high concentrations. A test for sex‐linked recessive lethal mutations (SLRL) in the germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster at comparable concentrations (46.1 mM, 73.8 mM), however, did not reveal genotoxic effects for benzyl alcohol (Foureman et al. There were no gross‐pathological changes in any group (no other details; Katz and Fennikoh 1983). documentation “Benzylalkohol” 2006, available in German only). This extrapolation takes into consideration the species‐specific correction value (1:7) for the mouse, the body weight of 70 kg of the person, the halving of the dose when extrapolating from animal results to humans (1:2) (see Section I of the List of MAK and BAT Values) and the assumed complete absorption after oral ingestion. However, in the case of benzoic acid, the metabolite of benzyl alcohol, there was likewise no evidence of a clastogenic effect in vivo (see Histopathological examinations were carried out only in the high concentration group, in which the exposure was in aerosol form. Benzyl alcohol was added to isotonic saline solution as a preserving agent. Which of the following correctly lists the five atoms in order of increasing size (smallest to largest)? In developmental toxicity studies with benzyl alcohol in mice, foetotoxic effects occurred at 750 mg/kg body weight and day in the presence of marked maternal toxicity. 1988). All available data for the genotoxicity of benzyl alcohol in vitro are summarized in Table 5 (see also LN: lymph nodes (mediastinal), 2c)c) documentation “Benzylalkohol” 2006, available in German only), a wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) has been carried out in Drosophila melanogaster with benzyl alcohol. In both mice and rats, the most sensitive end point for systemic effects is the reduction in body weight gains. This is assumed to be the result of lower glycine acyltransferase activity and a depletion in glycine (LeBel et al. The reaction index (RI)2)2) The reaction index is defined as the quotient: (a – d – i) / (a + d + i); with: a = number of allergic reactions, d = number of questionable reactions, i = number of irritative reactions (Brasch and Henseler 1992). Sensitization is not expected as benzyl alcohol was not a contact sensitizer in a local lymph node assay and there were no conclusive positive clinical findings of sensitizing effects on the skin. Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a faint aromatic scent. Animals treated with lower doses (125, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight and day), displayed no clinical symptoms and there were no histopathological findings attributable to the administration of benzyl alcohol (NTP 1989). given as the minimal irritating concentration, at which at least 25% of the animals produced slight erythema, repeated application, 21 days, no other data, 3%: irritatingc)c)