Safety and Toxicology of Pyrrolidones and Pyrrolidone‐Based Polymers

Abstract This chapter aims to summarize and communicate the best available information to enable assessments of human health hazard, exposure, and risks that are associated with pyrrolidone chemistries in their intended applications. The pyrrolidone family of chemicals are high‐production derivatives of oxo‐pyrrolidines. The pyrrolidone family of chemicals include 2‐pyrrolidone, N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), N‐vinyl pyrrolidone, lauryl pyrrolidone, N‐octyl pyrrolidone, and hydroxy ethyl pyrrolidone. The toxicity of pyrrolidone chemistries has been reviewed and assessed by numerous human health and environmental agencies worldwide. Pyrrolidone‐based polymers are versatile ingredients used in the cosmetics and beauty industry as a binder, film former, emulsion stabilizer, suspending/viscosity increasing agent, and hair fixative. A number of chronic studies have been conducted to determine the carcinogenic potential of polyvinylpyrrolidone. Consumer exposure to NMP can occur via the use of paint strippers. NMP is readily biodegradable and should be degraded within the wastewater treatment process.