Toxicity studies of triethylamine administered by inhalation to F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice.

Triethylamine is used primarily as a catalyst to cure the resin systems incorporated into sand cores for foundry molds. It is also used as a curing catalyst in phenol-formaldehyde particle board adhesives, for the precipitation and purification of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics, and in the interfacial polymerization process for the production of polycarbonate resins. Triethylamine was nominated by the United Auto Workers Union for long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity studies based on its high production volume, the large number of occupationally exposed workers, and the lack of carcinogenicity data. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to triethylamine (greater than 99% pure) by whole body inhalation for 2 weeks or 3 months. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. (Abstract Abridged).