Zinc deficiency induced by the chelating agent DTPA and its regulatory interpretation for developmental toxicity classification

Aminocarboxylic acid (ethylenediamine-based) chelating agents such as DTPA are widely used in a variety of products and processes. Recently, DTPA was classified in the European Union as a developmental toxicant CLP Category 1B. However, according to the CLP regulation (CLP, 2008) classification as a developmental toxicant requires a chemical to possess an intrinsic, specific property to do so. This paper provides overwhelming evidence that shows the developmental toxicity only seen at a sustained high dose of 1000 mg DTPA/kg bw/day in rats during pregnancy is mediated by zinc depletion which leads to non-specific secondary effects associated with zinc deficiency. Therefore, based on the CLP regulation itself, viz. the lack of a specific, intrinsic property, supported by significant differences in zinc kinetics and physiology between pregnant rats and pregnant women, DTPA should not be classified as a developmental toxicant. Moreover, classification for developmental toxicity resulting from zinc deficiency, and only observed at high doses, would not increase protection of human health; instead, it will only lead to onerous and disproportionate restrictions being placed on the use of this substance.