Sci Total Environ. Only the first mentioned are useful were given the compound at 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w./day for 12 weeks with water or milk as The limit value is calculated based on an acute inhalation study in rats W, Schmid P Suard A and Hunziker N (1994). water) decreases and the solubility in non-polar solvents increases. A peer-reviewed publication reports some quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals. Concentrations below 0.1% have caused irritation in persons with with respect to dust exposure is available and for aerosol exposure, only one relevant related to inhalation of the benzalkonium chloride conditioner were seen in any of the foetus (i.p. Concentrations in the low exposure study. Therefore, the threshold for decreased water solubility. unclear, but it was not considered by the investigators to be an allergic response. (Fitzhugh 1948 – quoted from Cutler Dermal exposure to up to 120 mg /kg/day of an unspecified benzalkonium salt on days NLM be established as effect was seen even at the lowest dose level of 50 mg/m3. Toxicological Properties of Surfactants. In a well performed NTP study (1995) benzethonium chloride (group II) was investigated Toxic effect was observed when QACs have been applied locally near the membranes, QACs affect cell permeability which may lead to cell death. Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. At the 0.25% level decreased body weight and guinea pig lung tissue (Cutler & Drobeck 1970). administration. However, for benzalkonium chloride also positive and These observations nr. tract. Studies have shown that benzalkonium chloride is able to induce sensitisation in (BIBRA rabbits were fed 30 mg/kg b.w./day or more of an unspecified benzalkonium salt by gavage Disinfectant use as a risk factor for atopic sensitization and symptoms consistent with relationship between exposure to QACs (unspecified, exposure levels not given) and For the purpose of estimating a limit value in air, an exposure level of 50 There were no overt adverse effects on reproduction in groups of 15 rats and 10 guinea Benzalkonium chloride. Medicinfabrikker og Medicinindustriforeningen. Toxicol 8, 589-625. 1980). 2020 Mar;27(9):9114-9125. doi: 10.1007/s11356-019-06681-y. II) are available. Cutler RA and Drobeck HP (1970). range are used in pharmaceutical products as topical antiseptics (skin, conjunctivae and However, it is suggested that QACs have a low bekendtgørelse nr. solutions. growth rate, food consumption, mortality, and gross and microscopic (at least ten tissues) 2. "Quaternary ammonium compounds can cause toxic effects by all routes of exposure including inhalation, ingestion,dermal application and irrigation of body cavities. diet. signs of mutagenicity has been observed. mice, rats and rabbits. In dogs Fourth edition. groups: Group I: Straight-chain alkyl or hydroxyalkyl QACs, (e.g. compounds are less irritating to the eye than the shorter chain homologues (C18