Balsam of Peru

Synonyms

Balsam Peru; Balsamum peruvianim; Black balsam; China oil; Honduras balsam; Indian balsam; Peruvian balsam; Surinam balsam; Toluifera pereirae; [Marks, p. 67]

Category

Wood Dusts & Extracts

Sources/Uses

A dark brown liquid mixture derived from a tree that grows in Central America, balsam of Peru has a pleasant cinnamon-vanilla odor and is used in cosmetics, topical medications, flavors, and spices. [Marks, p. 66-7]

Comments

"A positive patch test response to balsam of Peru strongly suggests a fragrance allergy." [Marks, p. 67] Balsam of Peru causes nonimmunologic and possibly immunologic contact urticaria. [Kanerva, p. 219] Balsam of Peru is one of the immediate-type allergens to which bakers are exposed. [Kanerva, p. 1274]

Biomedical References

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Contact urticaria