Experimental delayed contact sensitization to diazolidinyl urea (Germall II) in guinea pigs.

Diazolidinyl urea (Germall II) is a new preservative recommended for use in certain consumer products. Although 2 reports document the human sensitization rates of this preservative, no publications quantify its sensitization potential in controlled animal experiments. Diazolidinyl urea induced mild sensitization (grade 2) under maximization test conditions. Further, there was evidence of cross-reactions with both imidazolidinyl urea (Germall 115) and formaldehyde in diazolidinyl-urea-sensitized animals. Rechallenge of diazolidinyl-urea-sensitized animals with diazolidinyl urea 4 weeks following the primary challenge only elicited a weak response (0.5) from 1 animal out of 8.