Skin sensitization documents

Animal experimental models of nickel-induced skin sensitivity are few and have been conducted only under very specialized conditions (USEPA 1986). Studies examining the mechanism of nickel contact sensitization and its extent in wildlife are needed (USPHS 1993). The importance of the surface properties and crystalline structure of nickel compounds in relation to their reactivity and protein-binding activities is well documented. It is therefore necessary to identify clearly the nickel compounds to which exposure occurs (Sunderman etal. 1984). Acute and chronic dermal and... 

OECD has also published a document on a Harmonised integrated classification system for human health and environmental hazards of chemical substances and mixtures (OECD 2001b). Chapter 2.4 addresses a harmonized system for the classification of chemicals, which cause respiratory or skin sensitization. 

Sporadic cases of dermatitis due to primary irritation by a-chloroacetophenone have been reported. Allergic contact dermatitis to this substance in chemical Mace has been documented by patch test evaluation, and it is said to be a potent skin sensitizer. ... 

Results of RIPT, modified Draize test, and human maximization tests have been accepted as valid by regulatory agencies however, some sponsors routinely use one of the methods described and defend its use as the standard of the industry . FDA reviewed details of sensitization procedures and developed a guidance document (1999) for evaluating skin sensitization to chemicals in natural rubber products. 

Skin Disorders Because of the dermal irritant and sensitizing effects of formaldehyde, a history of skin disorders should be obtained. Such a history might include the existence of skin irritation, previously documented skin sensitivity, and other dermatologic disorders. Previous exposure to formaldehyde and other dermal sensitizers should be recorded. 

Homocystinuria can be treated in some cases by the administration of pyridoxine (vitamin Bs), which is a cofactor for the cystathionine synthase reaction. Some patients respond to the administration of pharmacological doses of pyridoxine (25-100 mg daily) with a reduction of plasma homocysteine and methionine. Pyridoxine responsiveness appears to be hereditary, with sibs tending to show a concordant pattern and a milder clinical syndrome. Pyridoxine sensitivity can be documented by enzyme assay in skin fibroblasts. The precise biochemical mechanism of the pyridoxine effect is not well understood but it may not reflect a mutation resulting in diminished affinity of the enzyme for cofactor, because even high concentrations of pyridoxal phosphate do not restore mutant enzyme activity to a control level. 

Databases are frequently part of the contents of the Technical Documents and some are also being provided electronically on CD. Examples of the databases developed by ECETOC include ones on aquatic toxicity, eye and skin irritation, and skin and respiratory sensitizers. 

Chemical mixtures in cosmetics give rise to enhanced toxicity, low level toxicity, and unexpected target organ attack. Cosmetic products are composed of many lipophilic and hydrophilic chemicals. Numerous instances of strange injuries, including chemical burns and skin and respiratory sensitization from the use of cosmetic products, have been documented in which the injuries sustained could not be accounted for by a consideration of the individual chemicals involved J3°l... 

---