The sensitizing potential of various biocides in the guinea pig maximization test.

Biocides are chemicals used as preservatives added to most cosmetics and toiletries and to industrial water-based products such as cutting fluids, paints and glues. There are numerous biocide formulations used in water-based metalworking fluids. All these products, characterized by a low molecular weight, can react with endogenous proteins and may induce allergic contact dermatitis. Thus, numerous reports on occupational allergic contact dermatitis have been published. The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the sensitizing potential of the various classes of biocides used in metalworking fluids by means of the maximization test of Magnusson & Kligman. The results show that, from the 9 samples tested, 7 biocides induced sensitization varying in grade from moderate to strong, while 2 benzisothiazoline-based samples did not induce allergic contact dermatitis.