Botanical solvents.
Botanical, or plant-derived, solvents such as turpentine, pine oils, and various essential oils are used as environmentally acceptable alternatives to traditional solvents and degreasing agents. This article focuses on three lesser-known botanical solvents: limonene, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Although data are limited, limonene, linoleic acid, and oleic acid are likely of low toxicity. Mild skin irritation may occur from exposure to these compounds, and oxidation products of limonene may produce dermal sensitization. Limonene, and possibly linoleic and oleic acids, may have irritative and bronchoconstrictive airway effects; however, data are scant and more studies are required.
DeWitt
Christopher
C
Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USA. Christopher.Dewitt@rmpdc.org
Bebarta
Vikhyat
V
D053138:Cyclohexenes; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D000077222:Limonene; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D013729:Terpenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry
D053138:Cyclohexenes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; D013729:Terpenes; D019301:Oleic Acid; D019787:Linoleic Acid; D000077222:Limonene