Lubricating oils, used

Endpoint summary

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not sensitising)

Additional information:

Multiple studies were available to assess the skin sensitising potential of other lubricant base oils. 

In a key dermal sensitisation study (API, 1982a) 1.0 mL of test substance solvent dewaxed light paraffinic oil (CAS 64742-56-9, sufficiently refined, IP 346 < 3%) was applied to shaved skin of Hartley Albino guinea pigs under occlusive dressing once per week for three weeks with each exposure lasting 6 hours. The challenge dose (1.0 mL test material) occurred two weeks after the last induction dose. The challenge mean Draize scores were zero for erythema and oedema; therefore, solvent dewaxed light paraffinic oil was not considered to be a dermal sensitizer. 

 

In a study conducted with human volunteers (Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc. (1988d)), 112 human adults were dermally exposed to 0.2 mL of severely hydrotreated heavy naphthenic distillate (IP 346 < 3%) once a day, 4 days a week, for 13 exposures. A challenge phase was conducted where the participants were treated with 0.2 mL once a day, 4 days a week, for one week. The test substance was considered not sensitising due to the small number of slight or mild irritation responses recorded.  

 

Supporting data from studies conducted in guinea pigs (API, 1982b; 1982c; 1982d; 1982e; 1982f; 1982g; 1986b; UBTL, 1984j, 1984k, 1984l; 1984m; 1984n; 1984o; and Trimmer et al. 1989) and human volunteers (Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc., 1988e; 1988f; 1988g) demonstrate that sufficiently refined other lubricant base oils (IP 346 < 3%) are not dermal sensitizers.

Migrated from Short description of key information:

The key studies identified for skin sensitization, indicated that lubricant base oils do not cause allergic contact dermatitis.