Assessment of the potential risk of 1,2-hexanediol using phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity testing

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2020 Sep 15:201:110796. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110796. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Abstract

1,2-Hexanediol is commonly used in the cosmetic industry as a preservative, an emollient, and a moisturizing agent. However, studies on the scientific toxicity of 1,2-hexanediol are limited. In this study, we evaluated the potential toxic effects of 1,2-hexanediol using phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity testing methods. Phytotoxicity tests using Brassica campestris subsp. napus and Latuca sativa L. showed that 1,2-hexanediol significantly inhibited seed germination and root elongation at the lowest concentration (0.1%). Additionally, plants treated with 1,2-hexanediol failed to survive. In cytotoxicity tests, RAW 264.7 and HK-2 cells treated with 1.0% 1,2-Hexanediol showed a significant decline in viability, followed by death. Since most personal care products contain >2% 1,2-hexanediol, it is highly likely that 1,2-hexanediol is toxic to humans. Moreover, if 1,2-hexanediol enters the human body either via oral intake or through an open wound, it could have critical effects. Furthermore, upon release into the environment, 1,2-hexanediol could cause considerable damage to plants and other organisms. Therefore, further investigation of 1,2-hexanediol is required to prevent toxicity to humans and other living organisms.

Keywords: 1,2-Hexanediol; CH(3)(CH(2))(3)CH(OH)CH(2)OH; Cytotoxicity; HK-2 cells; Phytotoxicity; RAW 264.7 cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brassica napus / drug effects*
  • Brassica napus / growth & development
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Germination / drug effects
  • Glycols / toxicity*
  • Hexanes / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Lactuca / drug effects*
  • Lactuca / growth & development
  • Mice
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • Risk
  • Seeds / drug effects*
  • Seeds / growth & development

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Glycols
  • Hexanes
  • 1,2-hexanediol