Camphor, synthetic

Synonyms

1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1)-2-heptanone; 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor; 2-Bornanone; 2-Camphanone; 2-Kamfanon [Czech]; 2-Keto-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane; Alphanon; Bicyclo(2.2.1)heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-; Bicyclo(2.2.1)heptane-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-; Bornane, 2-oxo-; Camphor; Camphor, synthetic; DL-Camphor; Gum camphor; Huile de camphre [French]; Kampfer [German]; Matricaria camphor; Norcamphor, 1,7,7-trimethyl-; Root bark oil; Spirit of camphor; dl-Camphor; [ChemIDplus] UN2717

Category

Other Organic Compounds

Description

Colorless or white crystals with a penetrating, aromatic odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a plasticizer and chemical intermediate; also used as an additive to explosives, varnishes, lacquers, insecticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and flavorings; [ACGIH]

Comments

Workers exposed to greater than 2 ppm (12.6 mg/m3) report irritation of the eyes and nose and loss of the sense of smell. Camphor causes convulsions in experimental animals and in humans after ingestion of high doses. [ACGIH] Included in list of "established contact allergens in humans"; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] May cause elevated liver enzymes in poisoning cases after ingestion; [HSDB] See "L-Camphor."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

12 mg/m3

19 mg/m3

2 mg/m3

200 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

It has been reported that concentrations during camphor processing and packaging ranged from 33 to 194 mg/m3; workers had no complaints other than slight eye irritation and afternoon drowsiness [Gronka et al. 1969].

0.65 mm Hg

0.0026 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.96 ppm

LCLo (mice) = 400 mg/m3/3H

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.079 ppm); Flash point = 66 deg C; VP from HSDB;

high ambient temp required

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic