Guinea pig maximization tests with formaldehyde releasers

Abstract

The guinea pig maximization test was used to evaluate the sensitizing potential of formaldehyde and 6 formaldehyde releasers (Forcide 78, Germall 115, Grotan BK, Grotan OX, KM 200 and Preventol D2). The tests were carried out in 2 laboratories (Copenhagen [Denmark] and Stockholm [Sweden]) and descrepancies were observed, possibly due to the use of different animal strains, test concentrations and vehicles. The sensitizing potential was found to be stronger in Stockholm compared to Copenhagen: formaldehyde sensitized 50% of the guinea pigs in Copenhagen and 95% in Stockholm. For Grotan BK, the corresponding rates were 20 and 74%. Forcide 78, KM 200 and Preventol D2 sensitized 20 to 25% of the animals in Copenhagen while Germall 115 and Grotan OX sensitized 60 to 70 of the animals in Stockholm.