The phototoxic and allergenic potential of EDS liquids

Liquid fuels derived by direct coal liquefaction may be similar in boiling range and chemical composition to coal tar products. In the past, phototoxicity, an occupational skin disorder, has been associated with coal distillation. Consequently, the phototoxic properties of 5 materials representing the full boiling range of liquids derived from the EDS process were characterized utilizing a guinea pig model. Results with low boiling, coal derived liquids (less than 200 degrees C) were not different from unirradiated controls; however, liquids boiling above 200 degrees C induced phototoxic effects. These results suggest that high boiling EDS liquids may possess phototoxic potential. Differences in the phototoxic activities of liquids of similar boiling range may be related to chemical composition. A study of the allergenic potential of the EDS liquids described above was conducted utilizing the guinea pig maximization test. None of the test materials produced positive responses, suggesting that EDS liquids are low in allergenic potential.