Chloroatranol and
atranol have been identified as the main
allergens in the fragrance material of botanical origin, oak moss absolute. A previous study has shown that nearly all individuals sensitized to
chloroatranol will elicit to 5 microg/ml. in a repeated open application test and that 50% will get a reaction to 0.15 micro g/ml under patch test conditions. Thus,
chloroatranol is known as a potent
allergen. The aim of the current investigation was to quantify exposure to
chloroatranol and the chemically related substance
atranol in some popular perfumes, eaux de parfum and eaux de toilette available on the European market. In total, 31 products were analysed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandemmass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) for their contents of
atranol and
chloroatranol. The 2 substances were found in 87% (n = 27) of the products. The median concentration of
atranol in perfumes was 0.502 micro g/ml and 0.012 micro g/ml in eaux de toilette, and 0.235 micro g/ml and 0.006 micro g/ml for
chloroatranol, respectively, in perfumes and eaux de toilette.
Chloroatranol was found at a maximum concentration of 53 micro g/ml and
atranol at one of 190 micro g/ml. The wide exposure to oak moss
allergens, together with significant amounts of these potent
allergens in at least half of perfumes and some eaux de toilettes explains the high frequencies of oak moss absolute
allergy. It is suggested that regulations should be introduced aimed directly at these substances, and not just at oak moss absolute.