INFLUENCE OF AN ANTIOXIDANT ON THE FORMATION OF ALLERGENIC COMPOUNDS DURING AUTOXIDATION OF D-LIMONENE

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a common anti-oxidant, was added to di fferent samples of d-limonene. The decrease in concentration of d-limo nene and the formation of oxidation products were compared between the samples and with samples without anti-oxidant using gas chromatograph y. The aim of the study was to investigate how long d-limonene to whic h BHT was added could be handled when air-exposed at room temperature, without formation of oxidation products which according to previous s tudies increase the risk of skin sensitization. In experiments trying to mimic the handling of limonene products at workplaces the addition of BHT prevented auto-oxidation for periods depending on the purity of the products and on the room temperature. Cold and dark storage of d- limonene in closed vessels prevented auto-oxidation for 1 year without addition of anti-oxidant.