2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: meets general scientific standarts

Data source

Reference

Reference 1

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Allergy and occupational exposure to hydroquinone and to methionine

Author:

Choudat D, et al.

Year:

1988

Bibliographic source:

British Journal of Industrial Medicine 1988; 45:376-380

Reference 2

Reference Type:

review article or handbook

Title:

Toxicological evaluations 5; Potential Health Hazards of Existing Chemicals

Author:

BG Chemie

Year:

1993

Bibliographic source:

ISBN 3-540-56138-2 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York p. 125-135

Materials and methods

Type of study / information:

Occupational exposure study

Endpoint addressed:

respiratory irritation

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

33 people employed in vitamin synthesis who were exposed to trimethylhydroquinone, hydroquinone and retinol-hydroquinone
were questioned about illnesses ot the respiratory system; in addition, lung function and blood studies were performed.

GLP compliance:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone

EC Number:

211-838-3

EC Name:

2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone

Cas Number:

700-13-0

Molecular formula:

C9H12O2

IUPAC Name:

2,3,5-trimethylbenzene-1,4-diol

Method

Details on study design:

33 people employed in vitamin synthesis who were exposed to trimethylhydroquinone, hydroquinone and retinol-hydroquinone
were questioned about illnesses ot the respiratory system; in addition, lung function and blood studies were performed, and a comparison
made with a corresponding non-exposed control group of 55 employees of the same firm. The duration of employment was
on average 11.7±6.0 years; the average age of the employees was 39.0±8.4 years.

Exposure assessment:

not specified

Results and discussion

Results:

The frequency of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group
(coughing in a smoky atmosphere: 42% compared with 16%, p<0.01; coughing at work: 24% compared with 7%, p<0.001). The
frequency of allergic respiratory illnesses was also higher (hay fever: 36% compared with 18%, p<0.05). In the lung function test - in
each case conducted 2 hours after the start of the shift - the forced expiratory 1-second capacity, the maximum flow speed at 50% and
75% of forced vital capacity as well as the forced expiratory respiratory flow in the mean range for forced vital capacity were significantly reduced relative to the control. Immunoglobulin G (p<0.002) and E were higher in the exposed group.
Serum IgG levels were significantly increased and serum IgE levels were non significantly increased.

Any other information on results incl. tables

The authors concluded that hydroquinone or its derivatives can cause intermittent dyspnea, and as an allergic reaction, reversible respiratory tract obstructions (Choudat et aI., 1988). Since definite proof of an allergic respiratory tract obstruction caused by trimethylhydroquinone can only be obtained by identifying the antigen-specific IgE and by demonstrating obstruction in an inhalation provocation test using native material, the authors' conclusion that the observed respiratory findings are allergic in origin should be regarded with reservation.