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Determination of formaldehyde in formaldehyde-releaser patch test preparations
Detlef Emeis1, Anton C de Groot, Jürgen Brinkmann
1F&E Services, Structure Analytics, Beiersdorf AG, Unnastrasse 48, 20245 Hamburg, Germany.
Contact Dermatitis
|July 16, 2010
Summary
Most aqueous formaldehyde-releaser patch tests contain free formaldehyde, unlike petrolatum-based tests which may release it upon water contact. This highlights the need to measure releasable formaldehyde in allergy testing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Allergology
Background:
- Co-reactions to formaldehyde in patch testing are often attributed to formaldehyde allergy.
- The actual formaldehyde content in patch test materials has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify free formaldehyde in commercial formaldehyde-releaser patch test materials.
- To assess formaldehyde release from prepared aqueous solutions of formaldehyde releasers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ((13)C NMR) Spectroscopy for formaldehyde quantification.
- Analyzed commercial aqueous and petrolatum-based formaldehyde releasers.
- Tested prepared aqueous solutions and water exposed to petrolatum samples.
Main Results:
- Free formaldehyde was detected in all nine commercial aqueous solutions and 9 of 12 prepared solutions (0.019%–0.37%).
- No free formaldehyde was found in the five petrolatum-based test substances.
- Formaldehyde was released from petrolatum samples upon contact with water.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous solutions of formaldehyde releasers commonly contain free formaldehyde.
- Petrolatum-based patch tests lack free formaldehyde but can release it when hydrated.
- Future patch testing research should consider quantifying both free and releasable formaldehyde.
