Menthol

Synonyms

(1R,2S,5R)-Menthol; 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol, (1alpha,2beta,5alpha)-; Headache crystals; Hexahydrothymol; Menthacamphor; Menthol (VAN); Menthol natural; Menthol natural, brazilian; Menthomenthol; Peppermint camphor; Tra-kill tracheal mite killer; p-Menthan-3-ol; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

White solid with a cooling odor; [Hawley] Colorless solid with a peppermint odor; [HSDB] Colorless solid with a sweet odor; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Found in peppermint oil and other mint oils; [Merck Index] Used as flavoring/fragrance agent in toothpastes, mouthwashes, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, aerosol room fresheners, cosmetics, liqueurs, confectionary, and perfumes; Also used as a topical antipruritic and in cough drops and inhalers; [HSDB] Used in Canada to control mites and in Europe in paints and lacquers, adhesives, metal care products, cleaning products, shoe and leather polishes, disinfectants, solvents, repellents, and animal care products; [eChemPortal: SIDSUNEP] Peppermint oil contains menthol, menthone, and more than 30 other chemicals. It is widely used as a flavoring agent and herbal remedy. [Haddad, p. 1439]

Comments

A mucous membrane irritant; [Hawley] Emergency treatment: "Peppermint oil"; [HSDB] A skin, eye, mucous membrane, and upper respiratory tract irritant; [CAMEO] A mild to moderate skin and eye irritant; [eChemPortal: SIDSUNEP] Peppermint oil causes CNS depression and hypothermia in rat feeding studies; Menthol causes ataxia, seizures, and respiratory depression in lethal dose studies of rats; It causes kidney damage and cystic lesions of the cerebellum in chronic studies; [Haddad, p. 1439] Included in list of "established contact allergens in humans"; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] An irritant; May cause serious eye injury; [MSDSonline] See "l-Menthol" and "d-Menthol."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

0.0637 mm Hg

1 ppm, STEL = 3 ppm (OARS WEEL)

Yes

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides
• Working with Glues and Adhesives