Irritancy and sensitization potential of glyoxylic acid

Glyoxylic acid, a small dicarboxylic acid, has been detected at measurable levels in the atmosphere and is suspected to be present in indoor air environments. It is generated through the ozonolysis of several high volume production compounds that are commonly found indoors. Glyoxylic acid was tested in a combined irritancy and local lymph node assay (LLNA). It tested positive in the LLNA with an EC3 value of 5.05%. Significant increases were observed in the B220+cell population in the draining lymph nodes. No changes were identified in the IgE+B220+ cell population in the draining lymph nodes or total serum IgE levels; this suggests that glyoxylic acid functions as a T-cell-mediated contact sensitizer. Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC), similar to glyoxylic acid, emitted from building materials, cleaning formulations or other consumer products, and /or indoor chemistry have been linked to adverse health effects. These results may provide an explanation for some of adverse health effects associated with indoor air exposure.