FORMATION OF FORMALDEHYDE AND PEROXIDES BY AIR OXIDATION OF HIGH-PURITY POLYOXYETHYLENE SURFACTANTS

Ethoxylated alcohols are non-ionic surfactants. The majority are used in household cleaners, laundry products, toiletries and in industrial and institutional cleaners. In previous studies, an ethoxylated non-io nic surfactant of technical quality showed allergenic activity in guin ea pig experiments. Chemical analysis revealed a content of formaldehy de, a well-known contact allergen, and peroxides in the surfactant. Mo st cases of occupational contact dermatitis are considered to be of ir ritant origin, caused by contact with water and surfactants, but if al lergenic autoxidation products can be formed, allergic contact dermati tis cannot be excluded. The sensitizing potential of a chemically defi ned high purity ethoxylated alcohol was investigated and oxidation und er various storage and handling conditions was studied for this and a homologous product. The pure surfactant showed no significant allergen ic activity on predictive testing in guinea pigs. When ethoxylated alc ohols were stored in the refrigerator, their deterioration was limited . At room temperature, their content of peroxides and formaldehyde inc reased with time. Levels of formaldehyde above those capable of causin g positive patch test reactions were found. Since such surfactants hav e wide applications, resulting exposure to formaldehyde could be more frequent than is generally realized, contributing to persistence of de rmatitis in individuals allergic to formaldehyde. (C) Munksgaard, 1998 .