Health Study about 1-Octen-3-ol

1-Octen-3-ol, octenol for short (also known as mushroom alcohol), is a chemical that attracts biting insects such as mosquitos. It is contained in human breath and sweat, and it was once believed that insect repellent DEET works by blocking the insects' octenol odorant receptors. Octenol is used, sometimes in combination with carbon dioxide, to attract insects in order to kill them with certain electronic devices.

1-Octen-3-ol(CAS NO: 3391-86-4) is a secondary alcohol derived from 1-octene. It exists in the form of two enantiomers, (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol. Octenol is formed during oxidative breakdown of linoleic acid.

It is produced by several plants and fungi, including edible mushrooms and Lemon balm. Its odor has been described as green and moldy or meaty; it is used in certain perfumes. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a food additive. It is of moderate toxicity with an LD 50 of 340 mg/kg.

Octenol, as a pesticide active ingredient, is used in attracting certain species of mosquitoes and biting flies but the chemical itself does not kill insects. Octenol is registered in two forms: A) the racemic mixture, 1-Octen-3-ol(CAS NO:3391-86-4), which includes all isomers of this chemical, and B) R-(-)-1-Octen-3-ol which is a single isomer from the racemic mix. Both forms are generally referred to as Octenol and both may also be used in conjunction with carbon dioxide together with electronic devices that in turn kill the trapped insects. 

Note that both pest and non-pest insects may be attracted and killed by some devices. The devices themselves are not regulated by the EPA. When released into air, Octenol is not harmful to humans, to other non-target organisms, or to the environment. There is the potential for toxicity if ingested. Therefore, the amount of octenol accessible to children is evaluated for each product before an octenol containing product is registered by the EPA. 

For the registration of this medicine, the Agency waived the requirements for toxicity studies based on the packaging methods; small amount of the 1-Octen-3-ol that evaporates; widespread occurrence in plants, animals, and edible fruits and vegetables; approval by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in food; and status as Generally Recognized as Safe. 

Testing data indicates this medicine falls into: Toxicity Category II for acute oral toxicity with an LD50 of 340 mg/kg; Toxicity Category III for acute dermal toxicity with an LD50 of 3300 mg/kg; and that octenol is not irritating to the skin. Other non-published summary information on octenol indicate that the acute inhalation is Toxicity Category IV (LC50 is 3.72 mg/L) and that dermal and eye contact may cause irritation. No published studies investigating respiratory toxicity or eye irritation were submitted. 

1-Octen-3-ol fits the description provided above with one exception in that the registrant submitted data from a guideline study for the acute oral toxicity which places Roctenol in Toxicity Category III (LD50 of 550 mg/kg.). 1-Octen-3-ol is a component of some perfumes up to levels of 1% and there is no evidence of eye or respiratory effects caused by the evaporation of the perfume. 

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