Assessment of the potential risk of 1,2-hexanediol using phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity testing.

Abstract

1,2-Hexanediol is commonly used in the cosmetic industry as a preservative, an emollient, and a moisturizing agent. However, studies on the scientific toxicity of 1,2-hexanediol are limited. In this study, we evaluated the potential toxic effects of 1,2-hexanediol using phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity testing methods. Phytotoxicity tests using Brassica campestris subsp. napus and Latuca sativa L. showed that 1,2-hexanediol significantly inhibited seed germination and root elongation at the lowest concentration (0.1%). Additionally, plants treated with 1,2-hexanediol failed to survive. In cytotoxicity tests, RAW 264.7 and HK-2 cells treated with 1.0% 1,2-Hexanediol showed a significant decline in viability, followed by death. Since most personal care products contain >2% 1,2-hexanediol, it is highly likely that 1,2-hexanediol is toxic to humans. Moreover, if 1,2-hexanediol enters the human body either via oral intake or through an open wound, it could have critical effects. Furthermore, upon release into the environment, 1,2-hexanediol could cause considerable damage to plants and other organisms. Therefore, further investigation of 1,2-hexanediol is required to prevent toxicity to humans and other living organisms.

• Authors: Uhram Song, Jieun Kim
• Journal: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety (Ecotoxicol Environ Saf) Vol. 201 Pg. 110796 (Sep 15 2020) ISSN: 1090-2414 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 32505050 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Environmental Pollutants
• Glycols
• Hexanes
• 1,2-hexanediol

Topics

• Animals
• Brassica napus (drug effects, growth & development)
• Cell Line
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Environmental Pollutants (toxicity)
• Germination (drug effects)
• Glycols (toxicity)
• Hexanes (toxicity)
• Humans
• Lettuce (drug effects, growth & development)
• Mice
• RAW 264.7 Cells
• Risk
• Seeds (drug effects, growth & development)