Camphor |

Last updated: 25/08/2025
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(Also known as: (±)-bornan-2-one; DL-camphor; 2-camphanone; 2-bornanone) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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An essential oil that occurs naturally in the bark of the camphor tree used as a moth repellant |
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Clothing/textile moths; Food moths |
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Domestic situations e.g. closets; Food preparation areas |
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- |
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- |
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- |
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Not approved |
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Not applicable |
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No UK approval for use as a plant protection agent |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not approved |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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No |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Exists as two enantiomers: (+)- or (R)-camphor which is the predominant natural isomer, and (–)-or (S)-camphor |
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C₁₀H₁₆O |
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CC1(C2CCC1(C(=O)C2)C)C |
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- |
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DSSYKIVIOFKYAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
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InChI=1S/C10H16O/c1-9(2)7-4-5-10(9,3)8(11)6-7/h7H,4-6H2,1-3H3 |
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Yes |
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Insecticide; Repellent; Other substance |
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Biocide |
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Cyclic terpenoid ketone substance |
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- |
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- |
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Natural |
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Multiple modes of action (1) repellent action due to strong odour; (2) vapour interferes with the moth nervous system; (3) camphor disrupts the life cycle of moths by affecting their reproductive processes, reducing their population over time. |
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Camphor can be found naturally in the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) and other similar trees |
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Textile protection; Food area hygiene |
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Clothing/textile moths; Food moths |
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Domestic situations e.g. closets; Food preparation areas |
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- |
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76-22-2 |
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200-945-0 |
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- |
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- |
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2537 |
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152.23 |
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rac-(1R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one |
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(1RS,4RS)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one |
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1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one |
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- |
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FEMA=2230; FLAVIS=02.009 |
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- |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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- |
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White waxy solid with pungent odour |
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Current |
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Camphor is commercially produced through two main methods: natural extraction and chemical synthesis. Traditionally, camphor was obtained by steam distillation of the wood, bark, and twigs of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). This process involves distilling the plant material to extract camphor oil, which is then purified and crystallised into solid camphor. However, most modern camphor is synthesised from turpentine oil, a byproduct of pine trees. The synthetic route typically starts with alpha-pinene, which undergoes a multi-step process including isomerisation, esterification, saponification, and dehydrogenation to yield camphor crystals. |
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1537 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source at 25°C |
High |
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- |
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175 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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204 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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- |
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64.4 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source (closed cup) |
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2.57 X 1002 |
Calculated |
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2.41 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source |
Low |
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Readily biodegradable |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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> 5000 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Rat |
Low |
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> 33.25 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Danio rerio |
Moderate |
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4.23 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Daphnia magna |
Moderate |
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1.71 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Raphidocelis subcapitata |
Moderate |
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0.032 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Raphidocelis subcapitata |
Moderate |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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> 5000 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Rat |
Low |
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2.5 |
E3 E = Manufacturers safety data sheets 3 = Unverified data of known source Rat 4 hr (dust/mist) |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
No data found |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
No data found |
No data found |
No data found |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
✓Yes, known to cause a problem |
✓Yes, known to cause a problem |
✓Yes, known to cause a problem |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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No data found |
No data found |
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May damage respiratory system May cause mucosal irritations, cough, breathing difficulties |
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IMDG Transport hazard class 4.1 Flammable; May emit flammable vapours on heating Forms explosive mixtures with air on intense heating Not oxidising Not compatible with strong oxidising agents or ozone |
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Handling: H228 Health: H315, H318, H332, H371 Environment: H411 |
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UN2717 |
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Packaging group III (minor danger) |
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camphor |
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camphre |
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Record last updated: |
25/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |