Impact
Conducting In Vivo Studies for Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM)
Objective
To better understand the harmful impacts of MCHM to the environment and to human health for the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
Approach
We developed and measured the stability of a dose formulation for MCHM and tested their toxicity with in vivo studies.
Impact
Our work allowed the NTP to understand the toxicity of MCHM exposure. Using our model, this knowledge can be used to study how MCHM affects humans.
Whether it is from a human-caused event or a natural disaster, chemical spills have serious consequences. These events can release toxins that pollute the environment, injure wildlife, disrupt food chains, and pose health risks for humans such as cancer, respiratory issues, reproductive issues, kidney failure, and behavioral issues. Sometimes, little is known about the environmental and human impact of the chemicals until after a disaster has occurred and by that time it could be too late. When chemical spills happen, it is important to act fast to protect public health.
MCHM in the 2014 Elk River Chemical Spill
In 2014, a chemical distribution company accidentally dumped 10,000 gallons of 4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM), into the Elk River near Charleston, West Virginia. MCHM is a colorless foam used to clean coal, removing impurities and separating it from other geological products. Exposure to MCHM can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin and eye irritation, and can irritate the respiratory system.
The Elk River spill polluted the water supply around Charleston, leaving 300,000 residents across nine counties without drinking water for up to five days. Local emergency departments experienced increased visits from impacted residents. The spill led to legislation regulating above-ground water storage tanks aimed at preventing a similar situation in the future. The disaster also highlighted the need for research on the effects of MCHM exposure, which were unknown at the time.
Studying MCHM Toxicity for the National Toxicology Program
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry asked the National Toxicology Program (NTP) to study the toxicity of MCHM. When companies use MCHM to clean coal, they mix it with other chemicals in a mixture called “crude” MCHM.
We helped the NTP to study how pure and crude MCHM can cause skin sensitivity and irritation through in-vivo studies. Our research aimed to develop a method to prepare and store the MCHM mixtures that NTP could use in their experiments. We also showed that the mixtures would remain stable long enough to be used. To do this, we used advanced gas chromatographic techniques to confirm the amount of MCHM was present in the mixtures over time.
NTP’s experiments showed a relationship between exposure to high MCHM concentrations and negative health effects. Our work played a vital role in understandong the consequences of MCHM exposure. The results allowed the NTP’s federal partners to plan for and address exposures to MCHM in the future.
Learn More about RTI’s Analytical Laboratory.
