Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone administered in feed to Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats and B6C3F1/N mice.

2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (2H4MBP) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in sunscreens and other personal products in concentrations of up to 6% either alone or in combination formulations and as an indirect food additive in acrylic and modified acrylic plastics that come into contact with food. 2H4MBP was nominated to the National Toxicology Program by the National Cancer Institute due to widespread exposure via sunscreen use and lack of carcinogenicity data. 2H4MBP was also nominated by a private individual to ascertain genotoxic potential. Male and female Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats (after weaning) and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to 2H4MBP (greater than 99% pure) in feed for 2 years. Perinatal studies and 14-week interim evaluations were also conducted in rats. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. (Abstract Abridged).