| IDENTIFICATION: 2,4,6-Tribromophenol is a white to almost white crystalline powder with an acrid odor like phenol. 2,4,6-Tribromophenol is an intermediate in the synthesis of fire retardants. 2,4,6-tribromophenol is produced in closed reactors by a non-aqueous processed and discharged as a melt and pelleted for easy handling. It is the most widely produced brominated phenol. HUMAN EXPOSURE: Occupational exposures to this compound may occur by both inhalation and dermal routes. Exposure to 2,4,6-tribromophenol would be trough drinking water and consumption of seafood. ANIMAL/INVERTEBRATE/PLANT STUDIES: 2,4,6-Tribromophenol is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract in mammals and also rapidly excreted via the urine and feces. This compound was not an irritant to rabbit skin, but was moderately irritating to the rabbit eye. It is a skin sensitizer in guinea pigs. A combined repeated dose oral toxicity study with reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test on 2,4,6-tribromophenol in rats showed reduced body weight gain, increases in absolute and liver weights in both sexes, increases in total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio and ALP in blood of male rats. Salivation was noted in both sexes and increase in blood creatinine was observed in male rats. No adverse effects were noted on esterous cyclicity, copulation index, fertility index, duration of gestation period, number of corpora lutea, number of imnplants, toat number of pups and live pups, implantation index, or delivery index in any treated group. Neonatal viability on day four of lactation was and neonatal body weights were lower than controls. In vitro reverse mutation studies with this compound in two types of bacteria were negative. One in vitro chromosomal aberration test was positive with and without metabolic activation. One in vivo micronucleus assay up to the maximum tolerated dose was negative. In the marine environment, 2,4,6-tribromophenol is found in pristine soft bottom habitats. Brominated phenols including 2,4,6-tribromophenol are biosynthesized by algae, polychetes, hemichordates along with marine sponges.[ |