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Nomination Summary for Ethylene (N98033)

Nominated Substances: Ethylene

Nomination Date: 08/14/1998

Nominator: International Union, UAW

Rationale: It appears that the complete series of chemicals with conjugated double bonds are highly carcinogenic (butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, furan). Halogenation is not necessary for carcinogenic activity. It would be important to complete the structure-activity series for isolated double bonds as well. Vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, & tetrafluorethylene have been found to have some degree of carcinogenic activity. Commentators have concentrated on their organohalide bond as the moiety responsible for carcinogenic activity. It is plausible that the critical moiety is the isolated double bond.

NTP Principles: not specified

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: 74-85-1

Agent Name: Ethylene