OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY

AND POLLUTION PREVENTION

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

 

MEMORANDUM

DATE: December 3, 2012

SUBJECT: Toxicology Scoping Document for the Registration Review of 1-Octen-3-ol 

(Octenol) and (R)-(-)-1-Octen-3-ol (R-Octenol). 

Registration Review Case Number: 6033

Chemical Class: Biochemical

PC Codes: 069037 and 069038

CAS Number: 3391-86-4 and 3687-48-7

FROM: Leonard Cole, M.S., Senior Regulatory Associate /s/

Biochemical Pesticides Branch

Biopesticides & Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)

TO: Linda A. Hollis, Chief 

Biochemical Pesticides Branch

Biopesticides & Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)

ACTION REQUESTED

The following scoping document contains the human health assessment for the biopesticide (R)-

(-)-1-Octen-3-ol (Octenol) in support of the development of the Registration Review Preliminary

Work Plan. 
Octenol ` PC Code: 069038

Type of Review: Toxicology (Registration Review) 

 

Executive Summary

Based on the available data and information, the Agency does not foresee the need for new data 

or a new human health risk assessment for this active ingredient. Hazard and exposure 

information, as well as Agency risk assessments on octenol were evaluated against current safety 

standards established by statute, regulations, and the Agency’s scientific policies, and it was 

determined that there is no need to conduct additional risk assessments. There is the potential for 

toxicity if ingested; therefore, the amount of octenol accessible to children is evaluated for each 

product before an octenol containing product is registered by EPA. All human health assessment 

data requirements under 40 CFR § 158.2050 have been fulfilled. 

 

I. Background

Octenol is registered in two forms: A) the racemic mixture, 1-Octen-3-ol, which includes all 

isomers of this chemical and B) R-(-)-1-Octen-3-ol which is a single isomer from the racemic 

mix. Both forms are generally referred to as Octenol. Octenol is an alcohol contained in human 

sweat and breath. Octenol attracts certain mosquitos and biting flies, but the chemical does not 

kill the insects. R-(-)-1Octen-3-ol is less toxic on an acute basis than racemic 1-Octen-3-ol 

(LD50 = 340 mg/kg) (Octenol RED Fact Sheet, 2003). Octenol is used in combination with 

carbon dioxide to attract insects in order to kill them with certain electronic devices. These 

electronic devices are not registered by the EPA. When Octenol is released into the air, it is not 

harmful to humans, to other non-target organisms, or to the environment (Octenol RED Fact 

Sheet, 2003).

The ingredient was first registered by the Agency in 1997 for use as a mosquito attractant 

(Octenol RED Fact Sheet, 2003). There are currently ten registered products containing the 

active ingredient. One of these products is a manufacturing-use product (MP); the remaining nine

are end-use products (EPs). Octenol is the sole active ingredient in these products. 

II. Tolerances

There are no approved food uses associated with octenol when used in pesticide formulations; 

consequently, there are no tolerances or tolerance exemptions for this active ingredient.

III. Incidents

During the timeframe from December 1995 to November 2012, there were no incidents 

reported from the use of octenol to The National Pesticides Information Center (NPIC)

database and The Office of Pesticide Programs' Incident Data System (IDS). This included 

octenol as both an active ingredient and an inert ingredient. No adverse effects to humans,

domestic animals, or the environment were reported as a result of the use of the octenol as an 

insect attractant. 
Octenol ` PC Code: 069038

Type of Review: Toxicology (Registration Review) 

 

IV. Toxicity Profile

Sufficient data have been provided to fulfill the biochemical pesticide data requirements under 

40 CFR 158.2050 for the current use patterns for this active ingredient. The data available to the 

Agency are summarized in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Human Health Assessment Data Requirements for Octenol (40 CFR § 158.2050)

VI. References

cc: L.S. Cole, Jr., M.S., to L. Hollis, Chief BPPD, BPPD Science Review File, IHAD/ARS

 L.S. Cole, Jr., M.S., FT, PY-S: 

Data Requirement LD50 Toxicity Category MRIDs

Acute Oral Toxicity

OPPTS 870.1100

550 mg/kg III 468354-04

474757-03

Acute Dermal Toxicity

OPPTS 870.1200

3300 mg/kg III 455039-02

474757-03

Acute Inhalation Toxicity

OPPTS 870.1300

Low exposure 

based on 

anticipated low rate 

of product release

IV 455039-02

474757-03

Primary Eye Irritation

OPPTS 870.2400

Based on low

likelihood of 

exposure, except 

via handling

III 455039-02

474757-03

Primary Dermal Irritation

OPPTS 870.2500

Not an irritant IV 455039-02

474757-03

Dermal Sensitization

OPPTS 870.2600

Not a sensitizer - 455039-02

474757-03

Genotoxicity

870.5100

Not a mutagen - 455039-02

474757-03

90-day Oral Toxicity

870.3100

Waiver 474757-03

Developmental Toxicity

870.3700

Waiver - 474757-03

Immunotoxicity

870.3550

Waiver - 455039-02

474757-03