MOAH - Technical and toxicological challenges: an industry perspective

摘要

Mineral oils are petroleum derived substances, produced through vacuum distillation at temperatures between ~300℃ -~600℃. In order to be placed on the market these products must be non-carcinogenic. All refinement processes designed to eliminate carcinogenicity of mineral oils are based on the principle of elimination of the species associated with carcinogenic activity, i.e. polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC). Traditionally the resulting product is tested for carcinogenicity using a bioassay. The golden standard has been the mouse skin painting assay. These studies are relevant to study the process of carcinogenesis and their relevance to human health. Dermal studies are significantly more sensitive than those via the oral route. Mouse skin painting studies have also been important in understanding the toxicity of two types of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). The first type are the 3-7 rings PAC associated with potential carcinogenic effects that are found in the 340-535°C boiling range. The second type, are highly alkylated aromatic compounds (single or multi-ring systems) which are not biologically active and thus non-carcinogenic. This type of MOAH follow a consistent pattern closely related to manufacturing conditions. Thus there are oils which can have MOAH and still not be carcinogenic.