Benzyl alcohol
MAK Value Documentation, addendum – Translation of the German version from 2017
Andrea Hartwig1 (Chair of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)MAK Commission2
1 Institute of Applied Biosciences, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Adenauerring 20a, Building 50.41, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
2 Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Bonn, Germany
Abstract
The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated benzyl alcohol [100‐51‐6] to derive a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value), considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and study reports are described in detail.
Benzyl alcohol is irritating to the eyes and the airways. In a 4‐week inhalation study in rats, microscopic lesions in the airways, especially in the lung, occurred at 1072 mg/m3. The NAEC is estimated to be 300 mg/m3, a concentration at which benzyl alcohol can occur as vapour, corresponding to 67 ml/m3. A MAK value of 5 ml/m3 has been derived. As local effects are critical, benzyl alcohol is classified in Peak Limitation Category I with an excursion factor of 2.
In developmental toxicity studies with benzyl alcohol in mice, foetotoxic effects occurred at 750 mg/kg body weight and day in the presence of marked maternal toxicity. The NOAEL was 550 mg/kg body weight and day; however, teratogenicity was not examined. Benzoic acid is the main metabolite of benzyl alcohol. Considering the developmental toxicity studies with sodium benzoate, the differences between the NOAEL for rats, mice, rabbits and hamsters scaled to an inhalation concentration at the workplace and the MAK value are considered so large that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed. Therefore, benzyl alcohol is classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C.
Benzyl alcohol is not regarded to be genotoxic or carcinogenic. Sensitization is not expected as benzyl alcohol was not a contact sensitizer in a local lymph node assay and there were no conclusive positive clinical findings of sensitizing effects on the skin. Skin contact is expected to contribute significantly to the systemic toxicity. Therefore, benzyl alcohol is designated with an “H”.
Completed: October 08, 2015
