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Nomination Summary for Dihydroxyacetone (N98013)

Nominated Substances: Dihydroxyacetone

Nomination Date: 02/18/1998

Nominator: NCI

Rationale: Sunless tanning products are the fastest growing segment of the suntanning preparation markets. All sunless tanners contain dihyroxyacetone (DHA). Existing information on the toxicity of DHA appears contradictory. It is a mutagen that induces DNA strand breaks, and it is also an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism in higher plants and animals. When DHA was applied to the skin of mice, no carcinogenic effect was observed. However, it is unclear whether this negative response was caused by a failure of the compound to penetrate the skin. NCI is nominating DHA for dermal penetration studies in rats and mice to determine whether it can penetrate the skin. This information will clarify whether additional testing is needed.

NTP Principles: 1, 2, 3, 5

Agents and Status

The following information relates to the specific agent and may include history from earlier or later nominations for this same agent.

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CASRN: 96-26-4

Agent Name: Dihydroxyacetone