Putrescine

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 8.9% (22 of 247) of reports.

H226 (29.1%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H290 (12.1%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]

H302+H312 (15.8%): Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal]

H302 (89.5%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (68%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H312 (21.5%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314 (88.7%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (68%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (83.4%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H412 (42.9%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P234, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P390, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P406, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 247 reports by companies from 17 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 22 of 247 reports by companies.

There are 16 notifications provided by 225 of 247 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Water spray. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or appropriate foam. Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

Sweep up, place in a bag and hold for waste disposal. Avoid raising dust. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Observe all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

Do not breathe dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Hygroscopic. Keep tightly closed. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Respiratory: Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU). Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a dust mask type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) respirator. Hand: Compatible chemical-resistant gloves. Eye: Chemical safety goggles. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

Colorless liquid with a strong odor like piperidine; mp = 23-24 deg C; [Merck Index] White solid; mp = 26.8 deg C; [EFSA: DAR - Vol. 1] White hygroscopic solid with an odor like amines; mp = 25-28 deg C; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Colorless oil

Colorless crystals

Leaflets

Strong piperidine-like odor

158.5 °C

Soluble in water with strongly basic reaction

Very soluble in water

0.877 g/cu cm at 25 °C

4.12 [mmHg]

log Kow = -3.42

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /nitroxides/.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen oxides, Hydrogen chloride gas. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

Index of refraction = 1.4969 at 20 °C/D

10.8 (at 20 °C)

pKa = 10.80 (conjugate acid)

Crystals on cooling

When heated to decompoistion it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Crystals from 85% alcohol, mp >275 °C /Putrescine hydrochloride/

Nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy

Quadrupole coupling

Nitrogen Compounds -> Amines, Aliphatic

Pharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15

FCS -> FDA Cumulative Estimated Daily Intake (CEDI)

FCS -> FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR

Attractants

Active substance -> EU Pesticides database: Not approved

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Putrescine is found as colorless oil or crystals or leaflets with a strong piperidine like odor. It is very soluble in water. This chemical is used as a tool in biochemical research and as a chemical intermediate, complexing agent, catalyst in resin technology and synthesis of quaternary ammonium compounds. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Putrescine is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. Occupational exposure to putrescine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where it is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to putrescine by ingestion of certain meats. ANIMAL STUDIES: Putrescine caused a dose related decrease in blood pressure after intravenous administration in rats. The subacute toxicity of putrescine was examined in rats. Putrescine was administered in the diets. Adverse effects were also observed in the high dose group which included decreased body weights associated with diminished food intake was observed.

Uremic toxins such as putrescine are actively transported into the kidneys via organic ion transporters (especially OAT3). Increased levels of uremic toxins can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species. This seems to be mediated by the direct binding or inhibition by uremic toxins of the enzyme NADPH oxidase (especially NOX4 which is abundant in the kidneys and heart) (A7868). Reactive oxygen species can induce several different DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) which are involved in the silencing of a protein known as KLOTHO. KLOTHO has been identified as having important roles in anti-aging, mineral metabolism, and vitamin D metabolism. A number of studies have indicated that KLOTHO mRNA and protein levels are reduced during acute or chronic kidney diseases in response to high local levels of reactive oxygen species (A7869).

Not listed by IARC.

Chronic exposure to uremic toxins can lead to a number of conditions including renal damage, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.

Endogenous, Ingestion, Dermal (contact)

As a uremic toxin, this compound can cause uremic syndrome. Uremic syndrome may affect any part of the body and can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It can also cause changes in mental status, such as confusion, reduced awareness, agitation, psychosis, seizures, and coma. Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding spontaneously or profusely from a very minor injury can also occur. Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, inflammation in the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis), and increased pressure on the heart can be seen in patients with uremic syndrome. Shortness of breath from fluid buildup in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural effusion) can also be present.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

LC50 (rat) = 880-1,300 mg/m3/4hr

LD50 Rat sc 1625 mg/kg /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

LD50 Rat iv 760 mg/kg /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

LD50 Mouse ip 1400 mg/kg /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

LD50 Mouse sc 1880 mg/kg /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

LD50 Mouse iv 510 mg/kg /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/

Kidney dialysis is usually needed to relieve the symptoms of uremic syndrome until normal kidney function can be restored.

Histamine poisoning can result from the ingestion of food containing unusually high levels of histamine. ... Histamine poisoning is characterized by a short incubation period, a short duration, and symptoms resembling those associated with allergic reactions. The evidence supporting the role of histamine as the causative agent is compelling. ... Histamine ingested with spoiled fish appears to be much more toxic than histamine ingested in an aqueous solution. The presence of potentiators of histamine toxicity in the spoiled fish may account for this difference in toxicity. Several potentiators including other putrefactive amines such as putrescine and cadaverine have been identified. Pharmacologic potentiators may also exist; aminoguanidine and isoniazid are examples. The mechanism of action of these potentiators appears to be the inhibition of intestinal histamine-metabolizing enzymes. This enzyme inhibition causes a decrease in histamine detoxification in the intestinal mucosa and results in increased intestinal uptake and urinary excretion of unmetabolized histamine.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Skin, eye and respiratory irritant. /Putresine dihydrochloride/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The acute ... toxicity of ... putrescine ... /was/ examined in Wistar rats. ... Putrescine had an acute oral toxicity of 2000 mg/kg body weight. ... /Putrescine/ caused a dose-related decrease in blood pressure after intravenous administration ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ The ... study was conducted to determine the physiologic significance of these effects by feeding up to flooding doses of putrescine to determine any influence on whole body growth and polyamine metabolism. A total of 96 chicks were fed purified crystalline amino acid diets containing 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0% purified putrescine (four birds per pen, four pens per diet) for 14 days. The feeding of 0.2% putrescine increased growth rate beyond that of controls while further supplements reduced growth and were toxic when 0.8 and 1.0% putrescine were fed. Hepatic and muscle concentrations of ornithine increased with dietary putrescine while the effect in kidney was much less. Putrescine concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle rose when 0.4% putrescine or more was fed. This effect was particularly obvious in muscle in which there were also increases in the concentrations of spermidine and spermine. In a subsequent similar experiment, putrescine was fed at 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5% to determine the effect on the activities of the key enzymes regulating polyamine synthesis. The feeding of putrescine at even 0.1% caused a rapid reduction in hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity while S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and arginase activities were not influenced by diet. It was concluded that excess tissue putrescine can be toxic to whole organisms but small, orally administered doses of this metabolite can promote growth.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ ... This study was designed to determine if biogenic amines, at the concentrations found in animal by-product meals, would reduce performance in broilers or cause lesions. Twelve treatments were used in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement with the main effects being either a corn-soybean meal diet or a corn-soybean meal diet with 10% animal by-products added and either no amines added or added levels of phenylethylamine (4.8 mg/kg), putrescine (49 mg/kg), cadaverine (107 mg/kg), histamine (131 mg/kg), or a combination of all these amines. Levels of biogenic amines used in this study simulated those found in areas with reported problems attributed to biogenic amines. Broilers were monitored for performance, gross lesions, and histologic evidence of lesions at 2, 4, and 6 wk. No consistent effects were observed on performance, and by the conclusion of the trial, no statistical differences were noted in the performance of any of the treatments. No gross lesions were observed on a consistent basis in any of the treatments. Histopathology was likewise unremarkable. On the basis of this study, it would appear that these four biogenic amines, at levels detected in the United States, do not pose a serious health concern for the broiler industry.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ The ... subacute toxicity of ... putrescine ... /was/ examined in Wistar rats. ... In 6-wk studies the biogenic /amine was/ administered in the diet to groups of 10 male and 10 female rats ... at levels of 0, 200, 2000 or 5000 ppm ... in the first study and at levels of 0 or 10,000 ppm in a second study. ... Adverse effects were also observed in the top dose group ... Decreased body weights associated with diminished food intake were ... seen. ... The no-observed-adverse-effect level was 2000 ppm (180 mg/kg body weight/day) for ... putrescine ...

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Putrescine (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LD50; Species: Peromyscus maniculatus (Deer Mouse) oral 1600 mg/kg

Putrescine's production and use in biochemical research and as a chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It is a biogenic polyamine initially detected in decaying animal tissues, but known to be present in all cells and certain bacterial cultures. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 2.3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates putrescine will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase putrescine will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6 hrs. Putrescine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, putrescine is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 49. However, the pKa of putrescine is 10.80, indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as a cation and cations do not volatilize. Putrescine may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation data were not available. If released into water, putrescine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. The pKa indicates putrescine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound contains functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to putrescine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where putrescine is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to putrescine via ingestion of certain meats. (SRC)

Putrescine is a biogenic polyamine and precursor of permidine. It was initially detected in decaying animal tissues, but now known to be present in all cells and certain bacterial cultures and is essential for both normal and neoplastic tissue growth(1).

Putrescine's production and use in biochemical research(1) and as a chemical intermediate(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -3.42(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that putrescine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). However, the pKa of putrescine is 10.80(4), indicating that this compound will almost entirely exist in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(5). Putrescine is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.3 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2010).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -3.42(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that putrescine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 10.80(4) indicates putrescine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2010).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), putrescine, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 2.33 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase putrescine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 6.6X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Putrescine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of putrescine with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 6.6X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Putrescine is expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the presence of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Putrescine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for putrescine(SRC), using a log Kow of -3.42(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of putrescine is estimated as 49(SRC), using a log Kow of -3.42(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that putrescine is expected to have very high mobility in soil. However, the pKa of putrescine is 10.80, indicating that this compound will almost entirely exist in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

A pKa of 10.80(1) indicates putrescine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water and moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. Putrescine is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.3 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2).

Putrescine was tested for but not detected in gasoline nor diesel exhaust(1).

Putrescine levels in fresh pork and beef meat were not detected to 0.6 mg/kg and not detected to 1.75 mg/kg, respectively. Levels in cooked ham and mortadella were not detected to 3.9 mg/kg and not detected to 3.9 mg/kg, respectively. The putrescine content in ripened meat products ranged from 31.6 to 361.9 mg/kg chorizo and 85.9 to 184.5 mg/kg in salchichon(1).

Putrescine was detected, not quantified in unspecified freshwater and marine algae(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that three workers (three of these were female) were potentially exposed to putrescine in the US(1). Occupational exposure to putrescine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where putrescine is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to putrescine via ingestion of certain meats(SRC).

LD50; Species: Peromyscus maniculatus (Deer Mouse) oral 1600 mg/kg

Putrescine's production and use in biochemical research and as a chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It is a biogenic polyamine initially detected in decaying animal tissues, but known to be present in all cells and certain bacterial cultures. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 2.3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates putrescine will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase putrescine will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6 hrs. Putrescine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, putrescine is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 49. However, the pKa of putrescine is 10.80, indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as a cation and cations do not volatilize. Putrescine may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation data were not available. If released into water, putrescine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. The pKa indicates putrescine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound contains functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to putrescine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where putrescine is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to putrescine via ingestion of certain meats. (SRC)

Putrescine is a biogenic polyamine and precursor of permidine. It was initially detected in decaying animal tissues, but now known to be present in all cells and certain bacterial cultures and is essential for both normal and neoplastic tissue growth(1).

Putrescine's production and use in biochemical research(1) and as a chemical intermediate(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -3.42(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that putrescine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). However, the pKa of putrescine is 10.80(4), indicating that this compound will almost entirely exist in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(5). Putrescine is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.3 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2010).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -3.42(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that putrescine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 10.80(4) indicates putrescine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2010).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), putrescine, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 2.33 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase putrescine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 6.6X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Putrescine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of putrescine with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 6.6X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Putrescine is expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the presence of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Putrescine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for putrescine(SRC), using a log Kow of -3.42(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of putrescine is estimated as 49(SRC), using a log Kow of -3.42(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that putrescine is expected to have very high mobility in soil. However, the pKa of putrescine is 10.80, indicating that this compound will almost entirely exist in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

A pKa of 10.80(1) indicates putrescine will exist almost entirely in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water and moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. Putrescine is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.3 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2).

Putrescine was tested for but not detected in gasoline nor diesel exhaust(1).

Putrescine levels in fresh pork and beef meat were not detected to 0.6 mg/kg and not detected to 1.75 mg/kg, respectively. Levels in cooked ham and mortadella were not detected to 3.9 mg/kg and not detected to 3.9 mg/kg, respectively. The putrescine content in ripened meat products ranged from 31.6 to 361.9 mg/kg chorizo and 85.9 to 184.5 mg/kg in salchichon(1).

Putrescine was detected, not quantified in unspecified freshwater and marine algae(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that three workers (three of these were female) were potentially exposed to putrescine in the US(1). Occupational exposure to putrescine may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where putrescine is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to putrescine via ingestion of certain meats(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Observe all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. /1,4-Diaminobutane dihydrochloride 97%/