No information is available on the reproductive or developmental effects of pyrocatechol in humans or animals. No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of pyrocatechol in humans. EPA has not classified pyrocatechol with respect to potential carcinogenicity. The major routes of human exposure are consumption of contaminated drinking water and ingestion of contaminated food. No information was located regarding the measurement of personal exposure to pyrocatechol.
Skin contact causes eczematous dermatitis in humans.
In humans, absorption through the skin results in an illness resembling that induced by phenol, except convulsions are more pronounced. Large doses of pyrocatechol can cause depression of the CNS and a prolonged rise of blood pressure in animals. The rise of blood pressure appears to be due to peripheral vasoconstriction. Due to the lack of information regarding the duration of exposure in the above studies, it is not clear whether these health effects were observed following acute or chronic exposure. EPA has not established an RfD for pyrocatechol.