RISK ASSESSMENT OF CITRONELLA OIL-BASED INSECT REPELLENT LABELS ACCORDING TO WHO

Abstract

This research aims : 1) to analyze GHS-based hazard of chemical components in a citronella oil-based insect repellent product; and 2) to assess the risk of the product according to the guidelines of WHO. The study selected an aerosol spray insect repellent product with citronella oil after  classifying their hazard levels based on GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). The research findings were  that: 1) hazard data reviewed that citronella and LPG were significant hazardous chemicals. Hazard analysis involved determining NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for all substances in the product to characterize their hazard; and 2) the assessment of chemical exposure utilized a scenario of a single spray application in all four corners of a room, totaling 216 milligrams, in a room measuring 17 square meters with 2.5 meters high, typical of residential living spaces. Analysis of data from infant aged 1 year and female adult aged 13-49 years, identified as the highest-risk group, found that LPG had the highest dermal exposure within 24 hours among the target groups. The non-carcinogenic risk characterization involved calculating the HQ (hazard quotient), revealing that citronella oil posed significantly higher risk than 1 through  inhalation, with HQ of 13.67 and 4.6 for infant and female adult, respectively. Citronella oil was classified as a type 2 carcinogen, causing cancer in experimental animals. On the other hand, LPG contains 1,3-butadiene as a minor component at approximately 0.0001%, which does not pose a carcinogenic risk to humans.