The Health Council of the Netherlands has reviewed hexachlorophene,
methotrexate, and N-fluoren-2-ylacetamide. These reports are part of a series,
in which the Health Council evaluates the effects of substances on
reproduction, at request of the Minister of Social affairs and Employment, as a
result of the Dutch regulation on registration of compounds toxic to
reproduction that came into force on 1 April 1995.

The Subcommittee on the Classification of Reproduction Toxic Substances of the
Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) of the Health Council
evaluates the effects on male and female fertility and on the development of
the progeny. Moreover, the Committee considers the effects of a substance on
lactation and on the progeny via lactation.

N-fluoren-2-ylacetamide is predominantly used in laboratories as a positive
control in mutagenicity and carcinogenicity studies. Occupational exposure may
occur in its production and use in laboratories. Chemists, chemical stockroom
workers, and biomedical researchers have the greatest possibility of
occupational exposure to 2-AAF. The primary routes of potential exposure to
2-AAF are inhalation and dermal contact. 2-AAF was intended for use as a
pesticide, but was never marketed because of its carcinogenicity in
experimental animals.

Hexachlorophene is used as disinfectant in soaps, lotions, solutions, powders;
preservative in drugs and cosmetics. In the EU, hexachlorophene is not
permitted for use in cosmetics. Hexachlorphene can be absorbed through the
skin. The substance may cause acute effects on the central nervous system,
resulting in convulsions, respiratory failure and repeated or prolonged contact
with skin may cause dermatitis or skin sensitization, and asthma.

Methotrexate is used to induce (i.e. non-surgical) abortions in very early
pregnancies and to treat ectopic pregnancies, various cancers, rheumatoid
arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic disorders, and psoriasis.
Pharmaceutical production workers and health care staff are among the groups
who may be exposed to antineoplastic agents. Pharmacists who prepare these
drugs or nurses who may prepare and/or administer them are the two occupational
groups who have the highest potential exposure. Additionally, physicians and
operating room personnel may also be exposed through the treatment of patients.
Hospital staff, such as shipping and receiving personnel, custodial workers,
laundry workers and waste handlers, all have potential exposure to these drugs
during the course of their work.

More information

AplusA-online.de - Source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work