Search Assignment Sample For Ireland Students

For information and reference only – not to be submitted as your own work. This is a model extract of about 1,200 words showing how a toxicological profile can be written for laboratory workers. It is not a full submission, and you must write your own review of your own assigned chemical.

This extract answers the type of task set in Project 1 of the BC5802 Chemical Safety and Toxicology assignment at University College Cork. It shows how a toxicological profile can be written so a laboratory worker understands Section 11 of a safety data sheet. The method is explained in our guide on how to read Section 11 of a safety data sheet.

1. Introduction

2-Iodopropane (isopropyl iodide, CAS 75-30-9, formula C3H7I) is a colourless to slightly yellow liquid with a relative molecular mass of about 170 (Spectrum Chemical, 2006; Fujifilm Wako, n.d.). It is used in laboratories as an alkylating reagent, and suppliers sell it stabilised with copper (Sigma-Aldrich, n.d.).

It boils at about 88 to 90 °C, has a flash point of 42 °C (closed cup) and a density near 1.70 g/mL (Sigma-Aldrich, n.d.). It is insoluble or practically insoluble in water but freely soluble in ethanol and acetone (Fujifilm Wako, n.d.).

This review explains the toxicological terms in Section 11 of its safety data sheets (SDS). Under REACH, Section 11 must describe the toxicological effects known from testing or experience (European Commission, 2020). The review compares three supplier entries and one older sheet, and states clearly where data are missing.

2. How the hazard is classified

Classification under the CLP Regulation turns test results into hazard categories and H-statements (European Parliament and Council, 2008). Suppliers classify 2-iodopropane differently, which is a useful lesson for readers. Table 1 compares the entries found.

Table 1. Supplier classifications of 2-iodopropane.

All three agree on flammability (H226). They differ on irritation, respiratory effects and oral toxicity. A worker should therefore read the SDS supplied with the bottle in use, and treat the strictest reading as the working assumption.

3. Acute toxicity: LD50 and LC50

LD50 is the dose that kills half of a test group, given in mg per kg of body weight. LC50 is the airborne concentration that kills half of a test group during a stated exposure time (Klaassen, 2018). A lower value means a more toxic substance.

Table 2. Acute toxicity data for 2-iodopropane.

An oral LD50 of 1850 mg/kg sits within the range for acute toxicity category 4 (harmful if swallowed), which is why H302 appears on two of the three entries.

The inhalation figure needs care. It relates to a 30-minute exposure, while classification limits are normally set for four hours, so the two cannot be compared directly. The Spectrum Chemical (2006) sheet itself notes that its LC50 values are estimated on a four-hour basis, which conflicts with the 0.5 hour it lists. This shows why a reader should record the exposure time every time.

4. Irritation, sensitisation and target organs

The older Spectrum Chemical (2006) sheet states that the liquid irritates skin, eyes and the respiratory tract, and may be harmful if absorbed through the skin. The Sigma-Aldrich (n.d.) and Fisher Scientific (n.d.) entries support skin and eye irritation (H315, H319), and Fisher adds respiratory irritation (H335).

The Fujifilm Wako (n.d.) sheet lists skin and eye irritation, sensitisation, single and repeated target organ toxicity and aspiration hazard as “no data available”. “No data available” does not mean “safe”. It means the supplier found no test result to report. Laboratory staff should therefore use gloves, eye protection and a fume cupboard as if irritation were present.

5. Mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity (CMR)

CMR substances are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. Section 11 usually reports these three endpoints separately.

Table 3. CMR-related entries for 2-iodopropane.

The sources disagree on carcinogenicity, and the statement in the older sheet is not backed by a cited study. A careful review reports both entries and does not choose the more alarming one without evidence.

Analogue note only. 2-Bromopropane is a different chemical. It is listed under California Proposition 65 for male and female reproductive toxicity (OEHHA, n.d.). That listing is not evidence about 2-iodopropane, but it is a reason to avoid unnecessary exposure, especially for workers who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Pregnancy and exposure are covered in our guide to risk assessment for pregnant employees working with chemicals in Ireland.

6. Exposure limits

An occupational exposure limit (OEL) is the airborne concentration to which workers may be exposed over a stated period, usually eight hours. In Ireland, limits are set under the Chemical Agents Regulations and the associated Code of Practice (Health and Safety Authority, 2026). The Fujifilm Wako (n.d.) sheet states that the product contains no materials with established occupational exposure limits, and the Spectrum Chemical (2006) table of limits is empty. No OEL for 2-iodopropane was found in the supplier documents reviewed.

A student should check the current HSA Code of Practice list directly before finalising a review. Where no limit exists, exposure should be kept as low as reasonably practicable through ventilation and containment.

7. Summary for laboratory workers

• 2-Iodopropane is flammable (flash point 42 °C) and should be kept away from ignition sources.
• It is harmful if swallowed (oral LD50 in rats, 1850 mg/kg) and irritates skin, eyes and airways according to most suppliers.
• Data on dermal toxicity, mutagenicity and reproductive effects are missing from the sources reviewed.
• Missing data call for caution, not reassurance.

Our health and safety assignment help page explains how we support students with chemical safety coursework, and the University College Cork assignment questions list shows other recent briefs. Our support is guidance and model answers for study, not work to hand in as your own.

About the expert

Harry Nolan holds a master’s in Chemistry from University College Cork and has 10 years in his field. His profile lists kinetics, biochemistry, and organic, inorganic and theoretical chemistry among his specialisms.

References

• European Commission (2020) ‘Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 of 18 June 2020 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)’, Official Journal of the European Union, L 203, pp. 28-58. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/878/oj/eng (Accessed: 20 October 2026).
• European Parliament and Council (2008) ‘Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP)’, Official Journal of the European Union, L 353, pp. 1-1355.
• Fisher Scientific (n.d.) 2-Iodopropane, 98%, extra pure, SLR (product 10254340). Available at: https://www.fishersci.co.uk/shop/products/2-iodopropane-98-extra-pure-slr/10254340 (Accessed: 20 October 2026).
• Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation (n.d.) Safety data sheet: 2-Iodopropane. Available at: https://labchem-wako.fujifilm.com/sds/W01W0116-0513JGHEEN.pdf (Accessed: 20 October 2026).
• Health and Safety Authority (2026) 2026 Code of Practice for the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations (2001 to 2026) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances) Regulations (2024 and 2026). Dublin: HSA. Available at: https://hsa.ie/your_industry/construction/silica-dust/chemical-agents-code-of-practice-2026/ (Accessed: 20 October 2026).
• Klaassen, C.D. (ed.) (2018) Casarett and Doull’s toxicology: the basic science of poisons. 9th edn. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
• Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) (n.d.) 2-Bromopropane. Available at: https://oehha.ca.gov/chemicals/2-bromopropane (Accessed: 20 October 2026).
• Sigma-Aldrich (n.d.) 2-Iodopropane, contains copper as stabilizer, 99% (product 148938). Available at: https://b2b.sigmaaldrich.com/FI/en/product/aldrich/148938 (Accessed: 20 October 2026).
• Spectrum Chemical (2006) Material safety data sheet: 2-Iodopropane. Available at: https://www.spectrumchemical.com/media/sds/3480I.PDF (Accessed: 20 October 2026).