Toxicity Profile for Benzophenone (1995)

Abstract

Benzophenone was an irritant to the skin of laboratory animals. Experimental studies in humans and guinea-pigs indicated a low sensitizing potential, although a number of patch-test and photopatch test responses to benzophenone in dermatitis patients have been recorded. In acute studies, a low oral toxicity in rats and mice and a low dermal toxicity in rabbits was seen. Damage to the liver, kidney and bone marrow, and blood effects have been recorded in rodents on repeated dietary administration of benzophenone. Liver damage also developed in guinea-pigs given repeated intraperitoneal injections. A limited study in mice and an inadequate study in rabbits involving repeated application to the skin for life gave no evidence of carcinogenicity. No mutagenic activity was seen in an Ames bacterial test.