LimoneneLimonene is what gives citrus fruit their familiar aroma, and is therefore used in perfume and household cleaners for its fragrance. It is also an effective, environmentally friendly, and relatively safe solvent, which makes it an active ingredient of choice in many applications, such as, but not limited to, adhesive and stain removers, cleaners of various sorts, and strippers. CompositionThe composition of orange oil varies, due to several reasons. Region and seasonal changes as well as the methode used for extraction lead to this variations. Several hundred compounds have been identified with gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopy. Most of the substances are part of the terpene group with limonene being the dominat one. Long chain aliphatic hydrocarbon alcohols and aldehydes like Octanal and Octanol are second important group of substances.
SafetyThe limonene which is the main component of the oil is a mild hand irritant, by virtue of dissolving the protective oils in the skin. It is wise to wear solvent-resistant gloves when handling limonene solutions. Limonene and its oxidation products are skin irritants, and limonene-1,2-oxide (formed by aerial oxidation) is a known skin sensitizer. Most reported cases of irritation have involved long-term industrial exposure to the pure compound, e.g. during degreasing or the preparation of paints. However a study of patients presenting dermatitis showed that 3% were sensitized to limonene. Limonene has been observed to cause cancer in male rats, by reacting with α2U-globulin, which is not produced by female rats. There is no evidence for carcinogenicity or genotoxicity in humans. The IARC classifies d-limonene under Class 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. [5] Orange oil can be used in pesticides [6]. Insects and small animals deaths in open drums of orange oil have been observedcitation needed. For more details of the regulatory status and toxicity, see limonene. Limonene is also flammable. [7] External linksReferences
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