Toxicology

 

This module focuses on the principles of perfume and essence toxicity. In particular, the parameters that determine the toxicity of a molecule (LD₅₀, therapeutic index, and others) will be described, followed by the approach to the intoxicated patient as well as the case history of the Florence Poison Control Center. Finally, the toxicity of the main essential oils and perfumes will be analyzed with a special attention to the clinical development of different intoxications.

 

 

This module focuses on the safety of perfumes under conditions of “proper” use, that is the use for which the various products are normally intended.

 

The lecture will start from the regulatory aspects related to safety and the regulatory agencies, highlighting the ways in which the toxicological profile is defined for these substances.

 

Relevant routes of exposure, and types of toxicity will then be considered: primarily dermal (cosmetic products) and inhalation (room fragrances), followed by oral toxicity (food flavorings) and other types of human toxicity. Data on environmental toxicity will also be presented. In each of these chapters, the following topics will be covered: the main pathologies involved (contact, allergic and irritative dermatitis, pigmentation problems, photodermatitis, respiratory pathologies) and their mechanisms, some examples of substances associated to these pathologies, current knowledge on the frequency of adverse reactions in the population, and experimental studies.