Triglyceride (Palmkernöl)
MAK-Begründung, Nachtrag
Andrea Hartwig1 (Vorsitz der Ständigen Senatskommission zur Prüfung gesundheitsschädlicher Arbeitsstoffe, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)MAK Commission2
1 Institut für Angewandte Biowissenschaften, Abteilung Lebensmittelchemie und Toxikologie, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Adenauerring 20a, Geb. 50.41, 76131 Karlsruhe, Deutschland
2 Ständige Senatskommission zur Prüfung gesundheitsschädlicher Arbeitsstoffe, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Bonn, Deutschland
Abstract
The German Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area (MAK Commission) evaluated the data for palm kernel oil [8023-79-8] to derive an occupational exposure limit value (maximum concentration at the workplace, MAK value) considering all toxicological end points. Relevant studies were identified from a literature search. Palm kernel oil is an oily extract of plant origin made up of a mixture of fatty acid triglycerides and thus a UVCB substance (substance of Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products or Biological materials). As in the case of white mineral oil, inhalation of the poorly water-soluble palm kernel oil in aerosol form may result in lung overload, inflammatory reactions and microgranulomas. To prevent these effects of overloading, a MAK value of 5 mg/m3 has been derived for the respirable fraction as a worst-case assumption in analogy to the value established for white mineral oil. The amount of palm kernel oil taken up after inhalation exposure at the MAK value of 5 mg/m3 is several orders of magnitude lower than the level of uptake with the diet and remains below the recommended daily dietary intake for fats. Peak Limitation Category II with an excursion factor of 4 has been set. No prenatal developmental studies of palm kernel oil were carried out in compliance with valid test guidelines. The induction of teratogenic effects is unlikely due to the structure of the fatty acids that form from the oil. Secondary effects on the foetus due to maternal hypoxia caused by a lung overload are not expected if the MAK value of 5 mg/m3 is observed. Therefore, palm kernel oil has been assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. There is no indication of a genotoxic or carcinogenic potential of palm kernel oil. No data for sensitization are available. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.
