Chemistry Cautions

Question 1

ALDEHYDES

What are the 3 main chemical constituents and what are their potential hazards?

Answer 1

1. Cinnamaldehyde - dermal irritant
2. Citral - pos. dermal irritant
3. Citronellal - pos dermal irritant

Question 2

ESTERS

What is the main chemical constituent and what is it’s potential hazards?

Answer 2

Sabinyl acetate - foetotoxic / abortifacient (avoid in pregnancy)

Question 3

ETHERS

What are the 5 main chemical constituents and what are their potential hazards?

Answer 3

1. Trans-anethole - caution with oestrogen dependent cancers
2. Estragole / Methyl chavicole - potential carcinogen
3. Methyl eugenol - potential carcinogen
4. Myristicin - pos hallucinogenic (avoid in pregnancy)
5. Safrole - carcinogen

Question 4

KETONES

What are the 2 main chemical constituents and what are their potential hazards?

Answer 4

1. Camphor - neurotoxin, avoid with pregnancy and epilepsy

2. Pinocamphone - neurotoxin, avoid with pregnancy and epilepsy

Question 5

LACTONES

What is the main chemical constituent and what is it’s potential hazards?

Answer 5

Bergapten(e) - phototoxic (potential photocarcinogen)

Question 6

PHENOLS

What are the 3 main chemical constituents and what are their potential hazards?

Answer 6

1. Carvacrol - dermal irritant
2. Eugenol - mucous membrane irritant, pos dermal irritant. Caution in use with liver damage.
3. Thymol - skin irritant

Question 7

TERPENES

What is the main chemical constituent and what is it’s potential hazards?

Answer 7

Delta-3-carene - dermal irritant (oxidised oils)