A review of the toxicological and environmental hazards and risks of tetrahydrofuran

Abstract

We present in this paper a review of the toxicological and environmental hazards, exposures and risks of tetrahydrofuran (THF; CASRN 109-99-9). THF is a polar solvent and monomer that is easily absorbed by all routes of exposure. The acute toxicity of THF is low to moderate by all routes. Irreversible corrosive damage to the eye can result from direct contact. However, THF is neither a skin irritant, nor sensitizer. Studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that THF is not mutagenic. Chronic studies have found benign tumors in the kidneys of male rats and in the livers of female mice. These findings have been examined, and although a mode of action is not known, the weight of evidence suggests that these tumors are likely not relevant to human health, but instead secondary to rodent-specific modes of action. THF produces transient sedative effects in rats at high concentrations but no significant neurobehavioral changes or neuropathology in sub-chronic studies. There were no specific effects reported on reproduction or developmental toxicity in rats or mice, with non-specific developmental toxicity observed only in the presence of significant maternal toxicity. The log K(ow) value for THF is less than 3, indicating a low potential for bioaccumulation. THF is inherently biodegradable, thus is not expected to be environmentally persistent. THF does not present an ecotoxicity hazard based on test results in fish, aquatic invertebrates and plants. Exposures to THF in the workplace, to consumers and via environmental releases were modeled and all found to fall below the derived toxicity thresholds.

Effects of an Acetic Acid and Acetone Mixture on the Characteristics and Scaffold–Cell Interaction of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Membranes

“…In fact, these types of solvent are extensively employed because they are considered good solvents for obtaining a fine membrane morphology (bead-free and smooth fibers) and avoiding clogging at the needle tip, which is ideal for automatic operation and massive production [3]. However, these solvents are extremely devastating to human health and harmful to the living environment [4,5]. Alternatively, relatively safe chemicals such as acetone (AC) and acetic acid (AA) were discovered to be applicable for electrospinning of PCL [6].…”

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of End-of-Life Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules

“…Tetrahydrofuran is a carcinogen and when in contact with humans or animals, can cause severe diseases and even death. This substance is mobile in the environment causing contamination of water, soil and air [39]. The o-dichlorobenzene is not carcinogenic but, otherwise, has the same environmental and health effects [40].…”

Liquid crystal alignment behaviors on capsaicin substituted polystyrene films

“…Among the organic solvents, tetrahydrofuran was chosen as a coating solvent for thin lm fabrication, as it has low eco-toxicity and good bio-degradability. 54 The thermal properties of these polymers were examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All the polymers were amorphous because there was only one glass transition observed from their DSC thermogram (Fig.…”