Overview

Dipentene is a terpene liquid, a class of hyrdocarbons produced by plants, that is colorless with a lemon-like odor. It is most commonly used as a solvent in a variety of products. It is a high production volume chemical with US annual production over 1,000,000 pounds. It is only known as limonene.

Uses

Dipentene is found in the following products:

• Pesticides
• Paints
• Enamels
• Perfumes
• Home cleaning products
• Hair color
• Air Freshener
• Diapers
• Food flavoring

Toxicity

Human Health Effects

• Dipentene is not a carcinogen, nor does it have negative effects on reporduction.
• Dipentene is a known skin and eye irritant.
• Dipentene can cause a sensitization leading to an allergy to it. Low level exposures can cause rash in people allergic to it.
• People allergic to turpentine have been found to also have a contact allergy to dipentene.
• Ingestion of dipentene can irritate the gastro-intestinal tract.
• Rashes have been seen in people who have come in direct contact with products containing dipentene such as wax polish.

Environmental Effects

• Dipentene is a naturally occurring chemical found in a variety of softwood trees, plants, and fruits.
• Half lives are: 1 hour in a river; 5 days in a lake.
• High potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms.

References

Hazardous Products Database- Dipentene

Hazardous Substance Data Bank- Limonene

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Service Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet