Urushiol Compounds Detected in Toxicodendron-Labeled Consumer Products Using Mass Spectrometry. Issue 2 (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Amy J.; Aschenbeck, Kelly A.; Law, Brandon F.; B'Hymer, Clayton; Siegel, Paul D.; Hylwa, Sara A.
• Is Part Of: Dermatitis. Volume 31:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Skin -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Dermatitis, Contact -- Periodicals; Dermatitis, Atopic -- Periodicals; Dermatitis, Occupational -- Periodicals; Drug Eruptions -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1710-3568

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Urushiol, the culprit allergen in Toxicodendron plants such as poison ivy, is an oily mixture of 15 and 17 carbon side chain alk-(en)-yl catechols. Recently, consumer products have been identified that contain Toxicodendron as an ingredient on their label; however, no studies have assessed whether urushiol is indeed present within these products. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether urushiol compounds are present in consumer products labeled as containing Toxicodendron species. Methods: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were performed on 9 consumer products labeled as containing Toxicodendron species, including topical homeopathic remedies. Single ion monitoring gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was programmed in selective ion mode to detect 3-methylcatechol characteristic fragment ions of alk-(en)-yl catechols after silanization. Similarly, single ion monitoring liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was programmed to detect 4 urushiol pentadecylcatechols and 5 urushiol heptadecylcatechols using previously reported mass-to-charge ratios. Results: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detected alk-(en)-yl catechols in 67% (6/9) of the products tested. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detected multiple urushiol pentadecylcatechols and heptadecylcatechols in 44% (4/9) of the products tested. Conclusions: Alk-(en)-yl catechols and multiple urushiols were detected in consumer products listing Toxicodendron species as an ingredient. Clinicians should be aware of these known allergenic ingredients in consumer products.