chemical information
CAS RN:

83-66-9

Chemical Class:

Musks

Chemical SubClass

Nitro Musks

Found in these people:

not found

Found in these locations:

not found


Summary

Musk ambrette is a nitromusk once in common use, but now widely-regarded as toxic. Nitromusks are a group of synthetic fragrance chemicals typically used in cosmetics, perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, detergents, soap, and many other everyday products with artificial scents. Exposures to nitromusks in the general population are widespread, due to their presence in this broad variety of consumer goods. Though musk ambrette is no longer in common use, a recent European study of mothers and newborns detected this chemical in 15 of 42 samples of maternal blood, and 12 of 27 samples of umbilical cord blood (TNO 2005). Earlier studies report detections in human breast milk and adipose tissue (Liebl 1993; Rimkus 1996, 1997).

Clinical studies and allergy tests show that musk ambrette is a photoallergen, meaning it can produce allergic reactions in human skin when in the presence of sunlight (Cronin 1984; Parker 1986; Menz 1988; Thune 1988; DeLeo 1992; Kanchan 2002). Musk ambrette can also produce hyperpigmentation of the skin, an effect even observed following airborne contact with this fragrance ingredient through incense (Hayakawa 1987; Goncalo 1991).

Musk ambrette penetrates the skin more readily than other nitromusks (Hawkins 2002), which could result in higher levels of exposure to other vital systems. When applied to the skin of rats, musk ambrette was found to be neurotoxic, causing degeneration of myelin and selected distal axons of the central and peripheral nervous system (Spencer 1984; Rimkus 1996, 1997; Ford 1990). This chemical also caused testicular atrophy in male rats (Rimkus 1996, 1997; Ford 1990).

Nitromusks are lipophilic, or "fat-loving," meaning they accumulate in the bodies of humans and wildlife over time (Suter-Eichenberger 1998; Daughton 1999). Studies suggest related nitromusk chemicals may cause disruption of the hormone system (Chou 1999; Eisenhardt 2001; Bitsch 2002); similar studies on musk ambrette are needed.

A laboratory investigation of several nitro- and polycyclic musks revealed that this family of chemicals can inhibit the activity of specific biological structures in cell walls responsible for preventing toxic molecules from entering cells (Luckenbach 2005). This effect, observed to last over 1 to 2 days after exposure, could result in an accumulation of other toxic substances within cells, and greater levels of cell damage caused by these other substances. While this study was conducted on marine mussels, the affected cell wall transporter structures are found in human tissue as well.

The International Fragrance Association has recommended that musk ambrette not be used in products applied to the skin, particularly those products used on skin that is customarily exposed to sunlight, based on allergy concerns (FDA 1992). Musk ambrette has been banned from use in personal care products by the European Union (SSNC 2000). The cosmetics industry is generally thought to have abandoned its use, although recent detections in humans suggest musk ambrette has not been removed from all products. In the United States, all musk chemicals are unregulated, and safe levels of exposure have not yet been set.


Musk ambrette

Synthetic fragrance no longer in use due to skin allergy and neurotoxicity concerns. Bioaccumulates in people.

Musk ambrette has been found in 0 of the 17 people tested in EWG/Commonweal studies.


Other health concerns for Musk ambrette (References)

health concern or target organ weight of evidence
Skinstrong
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)possible
Brain and nervous systemunknown
Reproduction and fertilityunknown


Results for Musk ambrette

in blood serum (wet weight)

Showing results from EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens

EWG/Commonweal results

  • found in 0 of 17 people in the group

found in 0 of 17 people


Detailed toxicity classifications (References)

classification governing entity/references
Strong evidence in humans - skin toxicityCronin E. 1984. Photosensitivity to musk ambrette. Contact dermatitis 11(2): 88-92. Parker RD, Buehler EV, Newmann EA. 1986. Phototoxicity, photoallergy, and contact sensitization of nitro musk perfume raw materials. Contact dermatitis 14(2): 103-109. Menz J, Muller SA, Connolly SM. 1988. Photopatch testing: a six-year experience. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 18(5 Pt 1): 1044-1047. Thune P, Jansen C, Wennersten G, Rystedt I, Brodthagen H, McFadden N. 1988. The Scandinavian multicenter photopatch study 1980-1985: final report. Photo-dermatology 5(6): 261-269. DeLeo VA, Suarez SM, Maso MJ. 1992. Photoallergic contact dermatitis. Results of photopatch testing in New York, 1985 to 1990. Archives of dermatology 128(11): 1513-1518. FDA (Food and Drug Administration). 1992. Cosmetic Handbook. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition: FDA/Industry Activities Staff Booklet: 1992.
Skin sensitizerCronin E. 1984. Photosensitivity to musk ambrette. Contact dermatitis 11(2): 88-92. Parker RD, Buehler EV, Newmann EA. 1986. Phototoxicity, photoallergy, and contact sensitization of nitro musk perfume raw materials. Contact dermatitis 14(2): 103-109. Menz J, Muller SA, Connolly SM. 1988. Photopatch testing: a six-year experience. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 18(5 Pt 1): 1044-1047. Thune P, Jansen C, Wennersten G, Rystedt I, Brodthagen H, McFadden N. 1988. The Scandinavian multicenter photopatch study 1980-1985: final report. Photo-dermatology 5(6): 261-269. DeLeo VA, Suarez SM, Maso MJ. 1992. Photoallergic contact dermatitis. Results of photopatch testing in New York, 1985 to 1990. Archives of dermatology 128(11): 1513-1518. FDA (Food and Drug Administration). 1992. Cosmetic Handbook. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition: FDA/Industry Activities Staff Booklet: 1992.
Nervous system toxicity - weight of evidence unknown/unassessedSpencer PS, Bischoff-Fenton MC, Moreno OM, Opdyke DL, Ford RA. 1984. Neurotoxic properties of musk ambrette. Toxicology and applied pharmacology 75(3): 571-575. Rimkus G, Butte W, Geyer H. 1997. Critical conciderations on the analysis and bioaccumulation of Musk Xylene and other synthetic nitro musks in fish. Chemosphere 35(7): 1497-1507. Ford RA, Api AM, Newberne PM. 1990. 90-day dermal toxicity study and neurotoxicity evaluation of nitromusks in the albino rat. Food Chem Toxicol 28(1): 55-61.
Reproductive effects - weight of evidence unknown/unassessedRimkus GG, Wolf M. 1996. Polycyclic musk fragrances in human adipose tissue and human milk. Chemosphere 33(10): 2033-2043. Rimkus G, Butte W, Geyer H. 1997. Critical conciderations on the analysis and bioaccumulation of Musk Xylene and other synthetic nitro musks in fish. Chemosphere 35(7): 1497-1507. Ford RA, Api AM, Newberne PM. 1990. 90-day dermal toxicity study and neurotoxicity evaluation of nitromusks in the albino rat. Food Chem Toxicol 28(1): 55-61.