Dermal irritation assessment of three benzene sulfonate compounds

Three benzene sulfonate compounds, benzene sulfonate, benzene meta-disulfonate, and para-phenol sulfonate, were reported to be present in groundwater sampled from residential wells near a former disposal site. Concentrations ranged from < 0.005 mg/L to 474 mg/L. Acute dermal irritation studies were performed on rabbits for each of the three sulfonate compounds to determine if they had the potential to cause irritation to the skin of persons using this groundwater for bathing, showering, or other uses where skin would be exposed. The studies were performed by Toxikon Corporation (Bedford, MA) in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)'s 1998 Health Effects Test Guidelines. At the highest concentration tested (5000 mg/L), all three sulfonate compounds were considered to be slight irritants, producing very slight to mild erythema (Draize Score 1). In all cases, the reactions were reversible. At 2000 mg/L, benzene meta-disulfonate and para-phenol sulfonate caused no irritation and were considered not to be irritants. At 2000 mg/L, only benzene sulfonate was considered to be a slight irritant, producing a mild erythema that was completely reversible within 24 hours. Benzene sulfonate was not considered an irritant at 1000 mg/L or at 500 mg/L. It is important to note that all three sulfonate compounds produced only a slight irritation at the highest concentration tested. None of the compounds produced a moderate to severe irritation response (i.e., severe erythema, edema). Furthermore, any irritation response observed at the highest concentrations tested was reversible within 72 hours. The only irritation response observed at the second highest dose was also reversible within 24 hours.