ABSTRACT
1-Octanol is released to the environment as a natural constituent of plants and microbes. It may also be released to the environment through effluents at sites where it is produced or used in perfumery, cosmetics, organic synthesis, solvent manufacture of high boiling esters, antifoaming agents and in food flavoring. Photolysis or hydrolysis of 1-octanol is not expected to be environmentally important. Based on the vapor pressure, 1-octanol is expected to exist entirely in the vapor phase in ambient air. Vapor-phase reactions with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere may be important. Based upon the water solubility and log Kow, the bioconcentration factor (log BCF) for 1-octanol has been calculated to be 1.25 and 2.03, respectively, from recommended regression-derived equations. The most probable route of human exposure to 1-octanol is by inhalation, dermal contact or ingestion.
