ABSTRACT
An evaluation of the data dealing with various measures of mammalian toxicity as indicators of potential human safety as well as actual human exposures indicate that Alcohol ethoxylates (AE) do not represent a hazard to human health. Treated animals were observed for several days for signs of toxicity. Clinical signs of rats dying from acute doses included diarrhea, diuresis, weight loss, piloerection, lethargy, ataxia, and abnormal posture. Necropsies of animals that succumbed revealed one or more of the following gross abnormalities: congestion of the kidneys, adrenals, liver, lungs and gastrointestinal tract; hemorrhages and proliferation of the gastric mucosa; adhesions of the abdominal viscera; reddish colored urine in the urinary bladder; and paleness of the liver. For acute dermal toxicity studies, the undiluted test material was applied to the clipped, intact skin of the trunk and covered with plastic or an impervious sheeting for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the occlusive material was removed and the remaining material washed away.
