Moah

Acronym for "Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons", in the German translation for: Aromatic Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons

The MOAH fraction, which accounts for about 20 % in mineral oil, contains compounds with mono- or polyaromatic rings, which may also be highly alkylated. By definition, hydrocarbons with 1 or more aromatic rings are included in the MOAH fraction, even if the total molecule is predominantly saturated. The analytical detection and quantitative determination of the MOAH fraction is carried out as a sum parameter.

Toxicity: For MOSH and MOAH mixtures there are no studies on toxicity after oral intake available. A concrete risk assessment for humans is therefore not yet possible. However, it cannot be excluded that the MOAH fraction also contains carcinogenic compounds.

Biological effect: The biological effect of the compounds depends on which components are absorbed by the body. It must be assumed that these hydrocarbon compounds can accumulate in the human organism, as they are eliminated comparatively slowly.

Resorption: About 90% of the short-chain hydrocarbons (fractions with 14 to 18 C-atoms) can be systemically resorbed without further treatment. MOSH fractions can accumulate in fatty and lymphatic tissue (lymph nodes, spleen) and in the liver. The concentration of hydrocarbons in fatty tissue is on average 60 ppm, which is as high as in breast milk.

Occurrence in food and consumer products: MOSH and MOAH have been repeatedly detected in food. The source of contamination is often considered to be the packaging materials used from recycled cartons or the mineral oil-based printing inks used on the packaging, which migrate into the food through migration processes. Machine oils from the manufacturing process can also be responsible for contamination. Other sources in food products such as rice are adhesives on the carton, but also processing and treatment methods such as the use of anti-caking and dust-binding agents or spray polishing agents.

Cosmetics: Many cosmetics contain mineral oil products (e.g. paraffins) as a greasing component. These usually contain significant amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). This also applies to lip care products containing aromatic hydrocarbons as MOSH and MOAH can be absorbed by the constant licking.

Transfer routes: In the case of hydrocarbons (HC) with up to 25 C-atoms, the contamination of food occurs through outgassing from the packaging materials. Products with large surfaces (e.g. rice) on which the hydrocarbons are deposited are particularly at risk. Inner packaging made of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) slows down this transfer. Only so-called "functional barriers" containing aluminium layers or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are considered impermeable (migration-proof). However, the production of aluminium foil in particular is energy-intensive, has a negative impact on the recycling process and is harmful to the environment.

Legal assessment: According to the EC regulation, the principle applies that it must be excluded that "substances are transferred to foodstuffs in quantities sufficient to endanger human health". According to the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, "mineral oils are allowed in cosmetic products only if the refining process is fully known and the raw material is free from carcinogenic substances or the distillate has been tested by certain methods". Thus, the BfR advises that nevertheless "the MOAH contents in cosmetic products should be reduced to the trace contents unavoidable according to the current state of the art".