Toxicology and Carcinogenesis: Studies of t-Butylhydroquinone (CAS No. 1948-33-0)in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies)

摘要

t-Butylhydroquinone is used as an antioxidant in cosmetic products such aslipsticks, eye shadows, perfumes, blushers, and skin care preparations at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1.0%; the chemical is also used at concentrations up to 0.02% in oils, fats, and meat products to prevent rancidity, and as a polymerization inhibitor for various polyunsaturated polyesters (CIR, 1986). t-Butylhydroquinone was nominated for toxicity and carcinogenicity testing by the Food and Drug Administration. Toxicology and carcinogenicity studies were conducted in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. Mice were exposed to t-butyl-hydroquinone (99% pure) in feed for 13 weeks or 2 years. For rats, exposure to t-butylhydroquinone began in utero and continued through lactation. After weaning, pups were fed diets containing the same levels of t-butylhydroquinone as those given to their respective dams for 13 weeks for up to 30 months. The oral route of administration was selected for these studies because t-butylhydroquinone is used as food additive and human exposure occurs predominantly through this route.