Which statement about DMDM Hydantoin's human health effects is accurate?

• A. It has no known adverse health effects.
• B. It can irritate eyes and scalp and may cause hair loss as an allergen.
• C. It is a nutrient for hair growth.
• D. It only causes temporary skin discoloration.

Answer: (B)

DMDM hydantoin is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde. In people who are sensitive, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can irritate the eyes and scalp and trigger an allergic contact dermatitis. That inflammatory skin response on the scalp can, in some cases, contribute to hair shedding or loss. So the statement that it can irritate eyes and scalp and may cause hair loss as an allergen matches what is known about this chemical’s potential human health effects. The other ideas aren’t correct because this compound does have adverse effects, it isn’t a nutrient, and it isn’t limited to only temporary skin discoloration.