Pyrogallol

Synonyms

1,2,3-Benzenetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxybenzen [Czech]; 1,2,3-Trihydroxybenzene; 215; Benzene, 1,2,3-trihydroxy-; C.I. 76515; C.I. Oxidation Base 32; CI 76515; CI Oxidation Base 32; Fouramine Brown AP; Fourrine 85; Fourrine PG; PYROGALLOL; Pyro; Pyrogallic acid; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Phenols

Description

Odorless, white to gray solid; [CAMEO]

Sources/Uses

Used in photography and leather crafts; used in wool, fur, and hair dyeing; also used as an analytical chemistry reagent, an antioxidant for oils, and as a topical medication; [HSDB] Used in hair dyes and was used in photographic developers; [Kanerva, p. 1832] No longer used in hair dyes because of the frequency of allergic reactions; [Kanerva, p. 1516]

Comments

Reported human toxicity after ingestion includes methemoglobinemia, hemolysis of red blood cells, and damage to the liver and kidneys; [HSDB] An eye, respiratory tract, and mild skin irritant; May cause skin sensitization; [ICSC] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in hairdressers; [Kanerva, p. 1832] Toxic by ingestion with adverse effects including convulsions; [CAMEO]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

0.000479 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

Yes

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

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

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Fur Dressing and Dyeing
• Photographic Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)