Birch tar oil

Agent Name
Birch tar oil
CAS Number
8001-88-5
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
Betula alba oil; Birch oil; Oil of birch; Betula pendula oil; Birch tar oil, empyreumatic; Birch tar oil, rectified; Birth tar oil (Betula pendula Roth); Essential oil of birch wood; Oil White birch; Oils, birch-tar; Oils, white birch; Oleum rusci; White birch oil; [ChemIDplus] UN1993
Category
Wood Dusts & Extracts
Description
Brown to dark brown liquid; [HSDB] Yellow to dark brown clear viscous liquid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used as a leather and wood preservative, synthetic flavor in foods and beverages, fragrance ingredient, and topical medication for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic skin diseases; [HSDB]
Comments
for "Birch," allergic contact dermatitis has been reported. [ILO Encyclo: Woodworking Processes, Table 1] Irritating to skin; A moderate eye and mucous membrane irritant; “A mild allergen” [SAX] Emergency treatment: "Essential oils"; [HSDB] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
Reference Link #1
Immediate contact allergy to birch leaves and sap
Biomedical References
Search PubMed

Exposure Assessment

Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Combustible liquid, n.o.s."

Adverse Effects

Skin Sensitizer
Yes

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: