Toxicity studies of α-pinene administered by inhalation to F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice.

α-Pinene is the main component in turpentine and is used as a fragrance and flavoring ingredient. Due to widespread exposure potential and a lack of available toxicity data, male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to α-pinene (96% pure) by inhalation for 2 weeks or 3 months. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. (Abstract Abridged).