Chemical Sampling Information
	Resorcinol
Quick Links General Description Exposure Limits Health Factors Monitoring Search    [use word(s)/phrase] Table of Contents By Name A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z By CAS Number General Description Synonyms: 1,3-Benzenediol; m-Benzenediol; 1,3-Dihydroxybenzene; m-Dihydroxybenzene; 3-Hydroxyphenol; m-Hydroxyphenol; Resorcine OSHA IMIS Code Number: 2221 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 108-46-3 NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: VG9625000 Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 2876 153 [27 KB, PDF] NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Resorcinol: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more Exposure Limits American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 10 ppm, 45 mg/m3 TWA; 20 ppm, 90 mg/m3 STEL; Appendix A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 10 ppm, 45 mg/m3 TWA, 20 ppm, 90 mg/m3 STEL Health Factors Potential symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat, upper respiratory system; methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, confusion, convulsions; restlessness, bluish skin, increased heart rate, cough, sore throat, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); dizziness, drowsiness, hypothermia, hematuria (blood in urine), green urine; abdominal pain, nausea; spleen, liver, kidney changes; dermatitis; metabolic acidosis; SKIN ABS. Health Effects: Irritation – Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin---Moderate (HE15); Cumulative systemic toxicity (HE3); Mutagen (HE2). Affected organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, CNS, blood, spleen, liver, kidneys Notes: Resorcinol is an authorized denaturant for specially denatured alcohol (27 CFR 21.151). Resorcinol can be absorbed through the skin. Urinary excretion of resorcinol as a glucuronide or sulfate conjugate in three volunteers given topical resorcinol (12 mg/kg/day for 6 days) ranged from 0.47% to 2.87% of the applied dose per 24 hr. No unconjugated resorcinol was found in the urine (or plasma) of these subjects. Details of symptoms occurring after an oral intoxication are described in the case of a pharmacy error that resulted in the substitution of resorcinol (50 g) for glucose intended for a glucose tolerance test. Medical uses of resorcinol include the topical treatment of skin conditions (e.g., acne, psoriasis, eczema, corns, and warts); component of biological adhesives and chemical peel formulations. It also is used in hair dyes. Date Last Revised: 01/19/2007 Literature Basis: NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Resorcinol. International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Resorcinol. Cassano, N., Alessandrini, G., Mastrolonardo, M. and Vena, G.A.: Peeling agents: toxicological and allergological aspects. J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 13(1): 14-23, 1999. Duran, B., Gursoy, S., Cetin, M., Demirkoprulu, N., Demirel, Y. and Gurelik, B.: The oral toxicity of resorcinol during pregnancy: a case report. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 42(5): 663-666, 2004. Hahn, S., Kielhorn, J., Koppenhöfer, J., Wibbertmann, A. and Mangelsdorf, I.: Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 71 Resorcinol. Levin, C.Y. and Maibach, H.: Exogenous ochronosis. An update on clinical features, causative agents and treatment options. Am. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2(4): 213-217, 2001. No authors listed: Resorcinol. IARC Monogr. Eval. Carcinog. Risks Hum. 71(Pt. 3): 1119-1131, 1999. [381 KB, PDF] No authors: Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of resorcinol (CAS No. 108-46-3) in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice (gavage studies). Natl. Toxicol. Program Tech. Rep. Ser. 403: 1-234, 1992. Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Resorcinol. In, Sittig’s Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 2. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 2000-2002. Yeung, D., Kantor, S., Nacht, S. and Gans, E.H.: Percutaneous absorption, blood levels, and urinary excretion of resorcinol applied topically in humans. Int. J. Dermatol. 22(5): 321-324, 1983. Monitoring Methods used by OSHA Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method: sampling media: OSHA Versatile Sampler (OVS-7) - 13 mm XAD-7 tube (270/140 mg sections, 20/60 mesh) with Glass Fiber Filter enclosed maximum volume: 60 Liters   maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA PV2053) method classification: Partially Validated All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine at 202-693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF materials.