Considerations

• Lung irritation/damage When used in air freshener products, benzisothiazolinone has been found to be cytotoxic to lung cells, creating free radical damage to these cells. It is also creates an inflammatory response in lungs, and can be an asthmatic trigger. • Skin Irritation Exposure to benzisothiazolinone can lead to allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization and must be limited to very low concentrations. • Skin Sensitizer The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU) has advised that it not be used in personal care items due to lack of data as well as its potential for skin sensitization. • Possible Reproductive Toxin Animal studies have observed reproductive effects when administered orally at high doses. (Concentrations in household/personal care products are thought not to be high enough to have an effect on human reproduction, however.) Benzisothiazolinone has not been studied for xenoestrogenic activity, however, its structure has the potential to be an endocrine disruptor, due to its benzene rings. Related chemicals methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone have been found to interfere with thyroid function in animal studies. • Allergen Benzisothiazolinone has emerged as a common allergen, with cases increasing in recent years. Individuals who are allergic to methylisothiazolinone may also be sensitive to benzisothiazolinone. • Toxic Metabolites Benzisothiazolinone will break down in UV light into 14 different chemicals, many of which are more toxic than the chemical itself.