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Citral: identifying a threshold for induction of dermal sensitization
1Human Health, Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc., 50 Tice Boulevard, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, USA. jlalko@rifm.org
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : RTP
|March 21, 2008
Summary
Citral, a common lemon-scented fragrance ingredient, has a No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) of 1400 microg/cm(2) for inducing dermal sensitization. This finding aids in preventing contact allergies through quantitative risk assessment and new International Fragrance Association standards.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Fragrance Chemistry
Background:
- Citral (CAS# 5392-40-5) is a widely utilized fragrance ingredient known for its distinct lemon aroma.
- It is incorporated into a vast array of consumer products, highlighting its commercial significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of existing dermal sensitization data for citral.
- To establish a scientifically derived threshold for the induction of dermal sensitization to citral.
Main Methods:
- A thorough literature search was performed in 2007, encompassing online databases like Chemical Abstract Services and the National Library of Medicine.
- The toxicologic database of the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM), including unpublished reports, was also consulted.
- A weight of evidence approach was employed to analyze the collected data.
Main Results:
- The human No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for the induction of dermal sensitization to citral was determined to be 1400 microg/cm(2).
- This established threshold provides a critical benchmark for evaluating potential risks associated with citral exposure.
Conclusions:
- The identified NOEL for citral's dermal sensitization potential enables refined risk assessments.
- This data supports the development of primary prevention strategies for contact allergy to citral.
- It will inform a new Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) paradigm and subsequent International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards for consumer product safety.
