The Subchronic Toxicity of Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Administered Orally to Rats.

Abstract : Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGBE), a primary component of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used by the U.S. Navy in shipboard firefighting systems, was assayed for acute and subchronic toxicity in male and female Fischer-344 rats. All animals received equivalent dose volumes. Male rates receiving DGBE (high dose) showed a significant and persistent reduction in body weight after one week exposure; food consumption for these animals was lower during the first three weeks of exposure. Female body weights were unchanged from controls. All rats exposed to EGBE for 13 weeks had elevated liver and spleen weights and exhibited lowered red blood cells counts, lymphocyte counts, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). A dose-related decrease in MCHC was observed in female rats exposed to DGBE. Generally, dose-related gross and microscopic lesions were restricted to the thoracic cavity and respiratory tract where pulmonary congestion and edema were common findings in rats which failed to survive the entire dosing schedule. Lesions compatible with gavage trauma were common in several dose groups exhibiting increased mortality.