Perfumes (fragrances) and colophony

2003-01-29 CEN/BT/WG 132 N 29 Annex 4d - Perfumes and colophony 1 (76) 

Perfumes (fragrances) and colophony 

Project group 

Participants and project leader 

PG4 – Perfumes and Colophony 

Ann-Therese Karlberg (project leader), Richard Brown, Stephen Carter, Alain Chaintreau, Roland 

Efraimson, An Goossens, Elisabet Jansson, Jean-Pierre Lepoittevin, Carola Lidén, Marie Norell, Suresh 

Rastogi, Maria Sköld and Louisane Vervaet 

allergen 

Amyl cinnamal 2 

Amylcinnamyl alcohol 5 

Benzyl alcohol 8 

Benzyl salicylate 11 

Cinnamyl alcohol 13 

Cinnamal 16 

Citral 19 

Coumarine 22 

Eugenol 25 

Geraniol 28 

Hydroxycitronellal 31 

Hydroxymethyl-pentylcyclo-hexenecarboxaldehyde (Lyral) 34 

Isoeugenol 37 

Anisyl alcohol 40 

Benzyl benzoate 43 

Benzyl cinnamate 46 

Citronellol 49 

Farnesol 52 

Hexyl cinnamaldehyde 55 

2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde (Lilial) 58 

d-Limonene 61 

Linalool 64 

Methyl heptine carbonate 67 

3-Methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one 70 

colophony 73 

page


1. Allergen Amyl cinnamal 

CHO 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI 2-benzylideneheptanal, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde. Cas. No. 122-40-7. 

Type of material or product Fragrance 

Type of exposure/exposed 

groups 

General exposure mainly from cosmetics, hygiene and household products; occupational exposure from 

fragrance materials used to mask malodours in products such as cutting fluids or to give a certain smell to a 

Prevalence of allergy and 

disease (describe type 1 allergy 

and type 4 allergy respectively, 

when relevant) 

Type of allergy symptoms 

Other significant health effects 

product. Exposed groups: general population (1, 2) 

Amyl cinnamal is a well-known allergen as part of the diagnostic test, the fragrance mix. It accounts for 

2-3% of the reactions to the fragrance mix and has been identified as a cause of allergic reactions in 

persons with eczema from cosmetic hygiene and household products (1, 2). 

Dermatitis 

Besides irritancy to the respiratory tract no other significant health effects to the best of our knowledge. 

2. Evaluation Classification of priority or 

need 

Potential for prevention of 1. high 

sensitisation/elicitation by 2. possible 

limitation 

3. low 

Potential for development of 

clinically relevant standard 

1. Almost ready 

2. Testing 

3. Development 

4. Research 

5. Not realistic 

Comment 

A validated method using GC-MS with all analytical parameters clearly 

defined i.e. column, elution conditions, MS, etc for simultaneous 

quantification of the 24 fragrance chemicals in fragrance concentrates 

(mixtures of fragrance chemicals used as raw material) is possible to develop. 

The quantification will be performed in SIM (Selective Ion Monitoring) mode 

of MS using several ions. In case of interfering substances, since the 

fragrance mixtures are very complex, the quantification ion for a fragrance 

should be selected after looking at the full mass spectra of the target 

substance and the interfering substances. Depending upon the concentration 

of target substances and interfering substances a perfume/product perfume


has to be analysed at several dilutions. If technically possible, the method will 

be validated for the limit of detection as required by the EU Directive(s). 

Priority for development of 

standard 

1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 

4. sufficiently covered by 

others 

The methods for sample preparation for various cosmetics and household 

products should be developed when the method for the perfumes and similar 

products has been validated. A period of 3-5 years is necessary for this work. 

We suggest one method for simultaneous quantification of all 24 fragrance 

chemicals listed by SCCNFP (1). 

3. Summary - background Reference (name, number) Brief description Comment 

Regulation/limitation/standard 

EU/national/other 

Existing/planned 

EU Directive 94/93/EG 

SANCO, SCCNFP/0017/98 

final, 18 th December 1999 

(1) 

EU Commission, DG, 


final, 4 th June 2002 (2) 

Protection demanded for nonadults 

(


References 

1.EU Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food Products intended for consumers. Fragrance Allergy in Consumers. A review of the problem. 

Brussels, EU Commission, DG, SANCO, SCCNFP/0017/98 final, 18 th December 1999 

2.EU Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food Products intended for consumers. Position statement concerning fragrance chemicals in 

detergents and other household products. Brussels, EU Commission, DG, SANCO, SCCNFP/588/02 final, 4 th June 2002 

3.Rastogi SC. Survey of chemical compounds in consumer products. Contents of selected fragrance materials in cleaning products and other consumer 

products. Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Copenhagen, Denmark. DEPA Survey no. 8, 2002 

4.Ellendt K, Hempel G, Köbler H. Analysis of sensitizing fragrances by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. SÖFW-Journal 127 2001:12:29-33


1. Allergen Amylcinnamyl alcohol 

CH 2 OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI 2-Pentyl-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ol, α-amyl cinnamic alcohol, Cas. No. 101-85-9. 


Type of exposure/exposed General population 

groups 



Five single cases reported of contact allergy to amyl cinnamyl alcohol and allergic reactions by patch 

testing were found in 7/179-2/20 (4-10%) of patients with contact eczema from cosmetics. 



Amyl cinnamyl alcohol probably cross reacts with amyl cinnamal 

Type of allergy symptoms Dermatitis 

Other significant health effects Besides irritancy to the respiratory tract no other significant health effects to the best of our knowledge. 


need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 










of target substances and interfering substances a perfume/product perfume 

has to be analysed at several dilutions. If technically possible, the method will





1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 

4. sufficienty covered by 

others 













(1) 





(








1. Allergen Benzyl alcohol 

CH 2 OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Benzyl alcohol (INCI). Cas. No. 100-51-6. 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Benzyl alcohol is found in several studies as a cause of allergic reactions in 1.2-15% (2-4 cases in each 

disease (describe type 1 allergy study) of patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 












(1) 




Cosmetic Directive 76/768 

EC Annex VI 

Cosmetic Directive 76/768 

EC Annex III 

Allows the use of benzyl 

alcohol < or =1% as a 

preservative 

Allows the use of benzyl 

alcohol as solvent for 

perfumes and similar products 

– no limits 

Analytical methods 

CEN/ISO/national standards 

Other methods 

Cosmet Lex, Vol 2, 

European Commission, p 

141-145 

Rastogi SC. DEPA Survey 

no.8-2002 (3) 

Ellendt et al. SÖFW-Journal 

127 2001:12:29-33 (4) 

Method for analysis of benzyl 

alcohol in cosmetic products 

GC-MS methods for 

identification of the 24 

fragrance chemicals at the 

same time 

Main methods available from which the 

validated method will be developed.


References 









1. Allergen Benzyl salicylate 

OH 

O 

O 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Benzyl salicylate (INCI), Benzyl-o-hydroxybenzoate. Cas. No. 118-58-1 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Benzyl salicylate is a cause of allergic reactions in 0.2-10% of patients with eczema from cosmetic 

disease (describe type 1 allergy products and in one study accounted for 75% of reactions to commercial perfumes. 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


1. Allergen Cinnamyl alcohol 

CH 2 OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Cinnamyl alcohol [INCI], Cinnamic alcohol. Cas. No. 104-54-1 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Cinnamyl alcohol is a well-known allergen as part of the diagnostic test, the fragrance mix. It accounts for 

disease (describe type 1 allergy 5-14% of the reactions to the fragrance mix. In addition, it has been shown to be a cause of allergic 

and type 4 allergy respectively, reactions by patch test in 1.7%-75% of patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 





need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 




IFRA limit: 0.8% in the 

final product 


(


References 









1. Allergen Cinnamal 

CHO 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Cinnamal [INCI], Cinnamaldehyde, 3-phenyl-2-propenal, Cinnamic aldehyde. Cas. No. 104-55-2 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Cinnamal is a well-proven allergen as part of the diagnostic test, the fragrance mix. It accounts for 5-36% 

disease (describe type 1 allergy of the reactions to the fragrance mix. It gives reactions in 2-3% of consecutively patch tested patients, most 

and type 4 allergy respectively, of which are of relevance. In addition, it has been shown to be a cause of allergic reactions by patch test in 


1-30% of patients with eczema from cosmetic products in several studies. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













Other methods 



(1) 




IFRA requires “quenching 

agents” 


no.8-2002 (3) 

Ellendt et al. SÖFW- 

Journal 127 2001:12:29-33 

(4) 


(


References 









1. Allergen Citral 

CHO 

CHO 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-al, mix of cis and trans isomers. Cas. No. 5392-40-5 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Citral is a cause of allergic reactions in about 1% of consecutively patch-tested patients. It was the most 

disease (describe type 1 allergy frequent cause of reactions to a new diagnostic test for fragrance contact allergy and proved to cause 

and type 4 allergy respectively, contact allergic reactions in 2.6% of patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 





need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 








should be selected after looking at the full mass spectra of the target








1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 











EU Directive 67/548/EEC, 

Annex I (Dangerous 

substances in chemical 

products) 



(1) 




IFRA requires “quenching 

agents” 


(




Other methods 


no.8-2002 (3) 


Journal 127 2001:12:29-33 

(4) 

GC-MS methods for 



same time 

Main methods available from which the 

validated method will be developed. 

References 









1. Allergen Coumarine 

O 

O 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI 

Type of material or product 


groups 







Coumarine (INCI), 1-benzopyran-2-one, cis-o-coumarinic acid lactone. Occurs naturally in tonka beans 

and other plants. Cas. No. 91-64-5 

Fragrance 

General population 

Coumarine is a cause of allergic reactions in about 0.4-0.8% of consecutively patch tested patients. 1/3 of 

these cases is not detected by the fragrance mix. Coumarin has caused contact allergic reactions in 0.8-10% 

of patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 

Dermatitis 



need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Eugenol 

OH 

OCH 3 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Eugenol (INCI). Cas. No. 97-53-0 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Eugenol is a well-known contact allergen. Many investigations have been performed. It is the cause of 

disease (describe type 1 allergy sensitization in 1.2% of consecutive eczema patients and accounts for 4-16% of reactions to the fragrance 

and type 4 allergy respectively, mix. Eugenol has caused contact allergic reactions in 0.7-20% of patients with eczema from cosmetic 


products. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Geraniol 

CH 2 OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Geraniol (INCI). Cas. No. 106-24-1 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Geraniol is a well-known contact allergen as an ingredient in the diagnostic test, the fragrance mix. It is a 

disease (describe type 1 allergy cause of sensitization in 0.4% of consecutive eczema patients and accounts for 3-7% of reactions to the 

and type 4 allergy respectively, fragrance mix. 


Geraniol has caused contact allergic reactions in 1.2-30% of patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Hydroxycitronellal 

CHO 

OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI 7-Hydroxycitronellal, Laurine. Cas. No. 107-75-5 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Hydroxycitronellal is a well-known contact allergen as ingredient in the diagnostic test, the fragrance mix. 

disease (describe type 1 allergy It is a cause of sensitization in 0.75% of consecutive eczema patients and accounts for 6-16% of reactions 

and type 4 allergy respectively, to the fragrance mix. Hydroxycitronellal has caused contact allergic reactions in 10-45% of patients with 


eczema from cosmetic products. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













Other methods 



(1) 





final product 


no.8-2002 (3) 


Journal 127 2001:12:29-33 

(4) 


(


References 









1. Allergen Hydroxymethyl-pentylcyclo-hexenecarboxaldehyde, (Lyral) 

HO 

CHO 

HO 

CHO 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI 4-(4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3-ene-carbaldehyde, Lyral. Cas. No. 31906-04-4 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Lyral was a cause of allergic reactions in about 2.8% of consecutively patch-tested patients. 2/3 of the 

disease (describe type 1 allergy cases were relevant. In addition, three relevant cases of contact allergy to lyral from cosmetic products are 

and type 4 allergy respectively, established. 





need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(








1. Allergen Isoeugenol. 

OH 

OCH 3 

OH 

OCH 3 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Cas. No. 97-54-1 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Isoeugenol is a well-known contact allergen as ingredient in the diagnostic test, the fragrance mix. It is a 

disease (describe type 1 allergy cause of sensitization in 1.9% of consecutive eczema patients and accounts for 6-22% of reactions to the 

and type 4 allergy respectively, fragrance mix. Isoeugenol has caused contact allergic reactions in 2-25% of patients with eczema from 


cosmetic products. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 







fragrance mixtures are very complex, the quantification ion for a fragrance









1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













Other methods 



(1) 





final product 


no.8-2002 (3) 

Ellendt et al. SÖFW-Journal 

127 2001:12:29-33 (4) 


(


References 









1. Allergen Anisyl alcohol, 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol 

CH 3 O 

CH 2 OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Cas. No. 105-13-5 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Two studies reported with contact allergy to anisyl alcohol among patients with cosmetic eczema. 3 and 4 

disease (describe type 1 allergy cases were documented (1.6-20%). 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Benzyl benzoate 

O 

O 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Benzyl benzoate (INCI), Cas. No. 120-51-4 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Benzyl benzoate is positive in several studies, but only a single case is reported in each experiment for 

disease (describe type 1 allergy patients sensitive to Peru balsam. 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Benzyl cinnamate 

O 

O 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Benzyl cinnamate (INCI), Benzyl 3-phenyl-2-propenoate, Cinnamein, Cas. No. 103-41-3 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Benzyl cinnamate is positive in one study of patients with contact allergy to cosmetic products and in a 

disease (describe type 1 allergy high proportion of patients with contact allergy to Peru balsam. 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Citronellol 

CH 2 OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Citronellol (INCI), 3,7-Dimethyl-6-octenol, Cas. No. 106-22-9 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and One case of contact allergy to citronellol of uncertain relevance found by testing consecutive patients. 

disease (describe type 1 allergy Two studies of eczema patients with cosmetic eczema show more than one case each of patch test reactions 

and type 4 allergy respectively, to citronellol. 





need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 









substance and the interfering substances. Depending upon the concentration







1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Farnesol 

CH 2 OH 




groups 







Farnesol (INCI), 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trienol, Cas. No. 4602-84-0. 4 possible isomers 

Fragrance 


One study of eczema patients with cosmetic eczema shows two cases of contact allergy to farnesol. 

Additional cases in Peru balsam positive patients are found. 

Dermatitis 



need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Hexyl cinnamaldehyde 

CHO 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI α-Hexyl cinnamaldehyde, Cas. No. 101-86-0. 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and One case of contact allergy to hexyl cinnamic aldehyde in each of two studies and 7 cases in one study, 

disease (describe type 1 allergy were found among patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde (lilial) 

CHO 




groups 







2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde, 4-(1,1-dimethyl-ethyl)-a-methylbenzenepropanal;p-tert-butyl-amethylhydrocinnamaldehyde, 

lilial, lilestral, Cas. No. 80-54-6 

Fragrance 


Two cases of contact allergy to lilial were found in a study of 176 eczema patients with cosmetic eczema 

and one case with contact allergy to lilial from a deodorant. More cases found, but these may have been 

falsely positive. 

Dermatitis 



need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 













1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 
















(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen d-Limonene 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI R-Limonene, (R)-p-Mentha-1,8-diene. Cas. No. 5989-27-5 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Oxidation products of limonene are strong allergens. The frequency of contact allergy to oxidized limonene 

disease (describe type 1 allergy is about 2% in consecutive eczema patients. Contact allergy upon occupational exposure has been reported 

and type 4 allergy respectively, in several cases. However, the majority (33/63) of patients allergic to oxidized limonene reacted to 


fragrances or markers of fragrance allergy. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 











EU Directive 67/548/EEC, 

Annex I (Dangerous 

substances in chemical 

products) 



(1) 




IFRA requires less than 20 

mmol of peroxide per liter 


(



Other methods 

no.8-2002 (3) 


Journal 127 2001:12:29-33 

(4) 



same time 

validated method will be developed. 

References 









1. Allergen Linalool 

OH 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Linalool (INCI), Cas. No. 78-70-6 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and One case of contact allergy to linalool in one study and 3 cases in another study, were found among 

disease (describe type 1 allergy patients with eczema from cosmetic products. Linalool itself is not an allergen, but oxidized linalool 

and type 4 allergy respectively, contains allergens. The purity of the linalool used in reported patch test studies is not mentioned or 


discussed and the results are therefore not informative. 




need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Methyl heptine carbonate 

O 

O 

CH 3 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Methyl oct-2-ynoate, Cas. No. 111-12-6. 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Single cases were reported. It is a strong sensitizer according to IFRA. 







need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 













(1) 





(








1. Allergen 3-Methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one 

O 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI γ-isomethylionone, Cas. No. 127-51-5. 

The names and the CAS number do not fit together. Some mistake in the SCCNFP report 



groups 

Prevalence of allergy and Two cases of contact allergy to γ-methylionone in one study and one case in each of two studies, were 

disease (describe type 1 allergy found among patients with eczema from cosmetic products. 






need 



limitation 

3. low 




2. Testing 


4. Research 


Comment 
















1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 










EU Directive 94/93/ 



(1) 





(


References 









1. Allergen Colophony 

Synonyms, CAS, INCI Colophonium (INCI), rosin, gum rosin, tall oil rosin, wood rosin 

Type of material or product Natural material that can be used modified or unmodfied using different chemicals. See below. 

Type of exposure/exposed Normal population and occupational exposure. 

groups 

Areas of use: Unmodified colophony: soldering fluxes, paper, depilatory waxes, cosmetics, dancers’ and 

string players rosin, wood and gum from pine trees. Modified colophony (modification types): 

Esterfication with polyalcohols: adhesieve tackifiers, printing inks, bubble gum; Diels-Alder addition of 

maleic acid, maleic anhydride or fumaric acid: paper size, printing inks, shoe glues; Hydrogenation: 

printing inks, soldering fluxes, emulsifiers in the production of synthetic rubber, adhesive tackifiers; 

Polymerization/dimerization: adhesives, printing inks varnishes; disproportionation/dehydrogenation: 

polymerization emulsifiers in the production of synthetic rubber, paper size, adhesive tackifiers, printing 

inks, insulating material in electronics industry; formaldehyde modification: paper size, printing inks; salt 

formation: soap, detergents, paper size, drier formulations, printing inks. 

Note! In principal all modified colophony products contain components from unmodified colophony, since 

modifications are performed just until the desired technical quality is obtained. The residue of unmodified 

colophony is often not declared. Also after two modifications oxidation products of unmodified 

components i.e. abietic acid, can be present in amounts high enough to cause dermatitis in allergic 





individuals. 

Colophony is one of the most common causes of contact allergy in dermatitis patients (3.4% of consecutive 

patients reacted at patch testing 1 ) and in the general population (0.7% 2 ). Numerous case reports of contact 

dermatitis from both occupational as well as non-occupational exposure to colophony can be found in the 

literature. Colophony also causes occupational asthma due to exposure to colophony-based solder flux 

fumes 3 . 

Type of allergy symptoms Dermatitis; the immunologic status of asthma caused by exposure to solder flux fumes is not yet settled 

Other significant health effects Asthma due to colophony-based solder flux fumes 3 


need 



limitation 

3. low 

Comment 

A common cause of allergic contact dermatitis and of occupational asthma. 

See above. 

Potential for development of 1. Almost ready Methodologies exist for the evaluation of the resin acids in the solder flux





2. Testing 


4. Research 


1. high 

2. medium 

3. low 


others 

fume based on GC technique (See below). However, the active/allergenic 

ingredients are not identified and the “total resin acids” is taken to be a 

surrogate. Instead, we recommend development and verification of an HPLC 

method to detect selected representative oxidation products that are the main 

allergens in unmodified colophony. 

In principle a method for resin acids and oxidation products can be used to 

determine any unmodified material in modified materials and different 

products but research is needed to be able to find methods to handle various 

matrixes before the HPLC analysis. 

Colophony is present in a large number of products under various names and 

is difficult to detect without analysis. 





Classified with R43 as a 

skin sensitizer within EU. 

Products containing >1% 

colophony should be labelled 

with warning “Can cause skin 

sensitization” 

Very difficult to define 1% of colophony 

since it has a complex composition and not 

all components are allergenic. Research has 

shown that oxidation products of the major 

resin acid, abietic acid, cause sensistization 4-7 

The UK (HSE, EH40) has a 

“maximum exposure limit” 

(MEL) i.e. a requirement to 

reduce exposure to as low 

as is reasonably practicable 

(for solder flux fume) 

The UK limit is 0.05 mg/m3 

TWA and 0.15mg/m3 STEL 

as a MEL. (for solder flux 

fume) 

Evidence is present in Criteria Document EH 

65/31 from January 1997. (for solder flux 

fume) 



Other methods 

GC analysis of fatty and 

resin acid mixtures 8 . 

MDHS 83 9 

HSE Methods for 

None of the methods detect the true allergens 

in colophony i.e. the oxidation products of 

the abietan type resin acids, mainly abietic 

acid.


ISO 9454-1 Soft soldering 

fluxes. Classification and 

requirements. Part 1: 

Classification, labelling and 

packaging 

Determination of hazardous 

Substances: Resin acids in 

rosin (colophony) solder flux 

fume 

Flux classification on the basis 

of 16 crude tests specified in 

ISO 9455-1 to –16, including 

an “acid value” with no 

specified range corresponding 

to a solder containing resin 

acids 

The abietic acid hydroperoxide which is 

described as the major allergen 10 will be 

decomposed due to heating when using the 

GC method. 

Requires major revision 

HPLC method for 

detection of abietic and 

dehydro-abietic acid in 

products 11 

The HPLC method is not developed for 

detection of abietic and dehydroabietic acid 

but could be further developed to detect also 

the hydroperoxide and one secondary 

oxidation product such as 7- 

oxodehydroabietic acid. 

References 

1. Schnuch A, Geier J, Uter W et al. National rates and regional differences in sensitization to allergens of the standard series. Population-adjusted 

frequencies of sensitization (PAFS) in 40,000 patients from a multicenter study (IVDK). Contact Dermatitis 1997:37:200-209. 

2. Nielsen NH, Menné T. Allergic contact sensitization in an unselected Danish population. The Glostrup Allergy Study, Denmark. Acta Derm 

Venereol (Stockh) 1992:72:456-460. 

3. HSE Asthmagen? Critical assessments of the evidence for agents implocated in occupational asthma. HSE Books (2001). 

4. Karlberg A-T. Contact allergy to colophony. Chemical identification of allergens, sensitization experiments and clinical experiences. Acta Derm 

Venereol (Stockh) 1988:Suppl.139, 1-43. 

5. Hausen BM, Kreruger A, Mohnert J et al. Contact allergy due to colophony (III). Sensitizing potency of resin acids and some related 

products. Contact Dermatitis 1989:20:41-50. 

6. Hausen BM, Börries M, Budianto E, Krohn K. Contact allergy due to colophony (IX). Sensitization studies with further products isolated after 

oxidative degradation of resin acids and colophony. Contact Dermatitis 1993:29:234-240. 

7. Karlberg A-T, Gäfvert E. Isolated colophony allergens as screening substances for contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis 1996:35:201-207.


8. Holmbom B. Improved GC analysis of fatty and resin acid mixtures with special reference to tall oil. J Am Oil Chem Soc 1977:54:289-293. 

9. HSE Methods for the determination of hazardous substances: Resin acids in rosin (colophony) solder flux fume. In HSE Books ISBN 0-7176- 

1363-1 (1997). 

10. Karlberg A-T, Bohlinder K, Boman A, Hacksell U, Hermanson J, Jacobsson S, Nilsson JLG. Identification of 15-hydroperoxyabietic acid as a 

contact allergen in Portuguese colophony. J Pharm Pharmacol 1988:40:42-47. 

11. Ehrin E, Karlberg A-T. Detection of rosin (colophony) components in technical products using an HPLC technique. Contact Dermatitis 

1990:23:359-366.

Perfumes (fragrances) and colophony

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