Contact allergy to oxidized d-limonene among dermatitis patients.
d-Limonene, obtained as a by-product from the citrus juice industry, was introduced on the market as a more environmentally friendly defatting and cleaning agent than the traditionally used organic solvents. Autoxidation of d-limonene readily occurs to give a variety of oxygenated monocyclic terpenes that are strong contact allergens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of contact allergy to air exposed d-limonene among dermatitis patients. A fraction consisting of d-limonene hydroperoxides was also tested. Screening with oxidized d-limonene will detect cases of allergic contact dermatitis. Additional cases were detected when testing with the fraction of limonene hydroperoxides. The proportion of positive patch test reactions to oxidized d-limonene was comparable to that seen for several of the allergens within the standard series. An increased use of d-limonene containing allergenic oxidation products in industry where high concentrations are used, as well as in domestic exposure, might result in contact sensitization and dermatitis. Patients reacting to d-limonene often reacted to fragrance mix, balsam of Peru and colophony in the standard series.
Karlberg
A T
AT
Department of Occupational Health, National Institute for Working Life, Solna, Sweden.
Dooms-Goossens
A
A
D016001:Confidence Intervals; D053138:Cyclohexenes; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D006795:Household Products / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D000077222:Limonene; D010328:Patch Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013729:Terpenes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis
D053138:Cyclohexenes; D013729:Terpenes; D000077222:Limonene