Inhalation risk assessment of naphthalene emitted from deodorant balls in public toilets

The inhalation of naphthalene used as deodorant balls in public toilets could be an important cancer risk factor. The atmospheric concentration of naphthalene in public toilets (C(in)) was estimated both by a polyurethane foam passive air sampler (PUF-PAS) deployed in nine public toilets in Seoul, Korea and by a steady-state indoor air quality model, including emission estimation using Monte-Carlo simulation. Based on the estimated C(in), cancer risk was also assessed for cleaning workers and the general population. The steady-state C(in) estimated using the estimated emission rate, which assumed that air exchange was the only process by which naphthalene was removed, was much greater than the C(in) value measured using PUF-PAS in nine public toilets, implying the importance of other removal processes, such as sorption to walls and the garments of visitors, as well as decreased emission rate owing to wetting of the naphthalene ball surface. The 95 percentile values of cancer risk for workers based on the estimation by PUF-PAS was 1.6×10⁻⁶, whereas those for the general public were lower than 1×10⁻⁶. The results suggested that naphthalene deodorant balls in public toilets may be an important cancer risk factor especially for the cleaning workers.

Inhalation risk assessment of naphthalene emitted from deodorant balls in public toilets

The inhalation of naphthalene used as deodorant balls in public toilets could be an important cancer risk factor. The atmospheric concentration of naphthalene in public toilets (C(in)) was estimated both by a polyurethane foam passive air sampler (PUF-PAS) deployed in nine public toilets in Seoul, Korea and by a steady-state indoor air quality model, including emission estimation using Monte-Carlo simulation. Based on the estimated C(in), cancer risk was also assessed for cleaning workers and the general population. The steady-state C(in) estimated using the estimated emission rate, which assumed that air exchange was the only process by which naphthalene was removed, was much greater than the C(in) value measured using PUF-PAS in nine public toilets, implying the importance of other removal processes, such as sorption to walls and the garments of visitors, as well as decreased emission rate owing to wetting of the naphthalene ball surface. The 95 percentile values of cancer risk for workers based on the estimation by PUF-PAS was 1.6×10⁻⁶, whereas those for the general public were lower than 1×10⁻⁶. The results suggested that naphthalene deodorant balls in public toilets may be an important cancer risk factor especially for the cleaning workers.

Controlling wound odor with metronidazole: a systematic review / Control del olor de heridas con metronidazol: revisión sistemática / Controle do odor de feridas com metronidazol: revisão sistemática

AbstractOBJECTIVEVerifying the evidence of therapeutic efficacy in the topical application of metronidazole for controlling wound odor.METHODSA systematic literature review, according to the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations.RESULTS329 articles were identified in the Cochrane, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL and PubMed databases, with 14 of them being included in the final sample. Two of the studies were double-blind randomized clinical trial studies.CONCLUSIONThe actual effectiveness of metronidazole in controlling wound odor cannot yet be evidenced due to the absence of strong evidence from studies on the subject, despite clinical practice recommending its benefits.

ResumenOBJETIVOVerificar las evidencias de la aplicación tópica de metronidazol en la efectividad terapéutica para el control del olor de heridas.MÉTODORevisión sistemática de literatura, según las recomendaciones de la Cochrane Collaboration.RESULTADOSSe identificaron 329 artículos en las bases de datos Cochrane, LILACS, ScIELO, Cinahl y PubMed, incluyéndose 14 de ellos en la muestra final. De esos, dos estudios son del tipo ensayo clínico, randomizado y doble ciego.CONCLUSIÓNEn virtud de la ausencia de estudios de fuerte evidencia acerca de la efectividad del metronidazol en el control del olor en heridas, aún no se puede evidenciar su real efectividad para dicho fin, pese a que la práctica clínica recomiende sus beneficios.

ResumoOBJETIVOVerificar as evidências da aplicação tópica de metronidazol na eficácia terapêutica para controle de odor de feridas. Método: Revisão sistemática de literatura, segundo as recomendações da Cochrane Collaboration .RESULTADOSIdentificaram-se 329 artigos nas bases de dados Cochrane, LILACS, ScIELO, Cinahl e PubMed, incluindo-se 14 deles na amostra final. Desses, dois estudos são do tipo ensaio clínico, randomizado e duplo-cego.CONCLUSÃODevido à ausência de estudos de forte evidência sobre a eficácia do metronidazol no controle de odor em feridas, ainda não se pode evidenciar a sua real eficácia para tal objetivo, apesar da prática clínica recomendar seus benefícios.

Controle do odor de feridas neoplásicas malignas com metronidazol: revisão sistemática / Metronidazole for odor control in malignant wounds: systematic review

Introdução: Feridas neoplásicas malignas (FNM) são resultantes da invasão direta do câncer na pele que, ao se exteriorizarem, adquirem características de ferida. Com incidência variando de 0,6 a 9,0%, são mais comuns nos cânceres de mama e cabeça e pescoço. Dentre os sinais e sintomas, destaca-se o odor que tem sido descrito como intolerável e nauseante, acarretando impacto negativo sobre o paciente, familiares e equipe de saúde. O odor em FNM ocorre em consequência da interação das microbiotas aeróbica e anaeróbica que colonizam e infectam as feridas. Objetivando reduzir a carga microbiana local e, assim, controlar o odor, tem-se descrito o uso de antissépticos e antibióticos tópicos, dentre os quais destaca-se o metronidazol. Objetivo: Identificar as evidências científicas sobre a utilização do metronidazol para controle do odor em FNM, por meio de revisão sistemática (RS) de ensaios clínicos controlados e não controlados. Método: A partir da questão norteadora do estudo: Qual a eficácia da terapia tópica de metronidazol para o controle do odor em feridas neoplásicas malignas?, realizou-se a busca dos artigos nas bases de dados BIREME, LILACS, COCHRANE, CINAHL e EMBASE, com auxílio da estratégia PICO, utilizando-se descritores indexados e não indexados. Os estudos foram selecionados por duas pesquisadoras de forma independente e os estudos incluídos na RS foram analisados segundo o enunciado CONSORT, grau de recomendação e nível de evidência. Para o estudo randomizado utilizou-se também a Escala de Jadad. Resultados: Recuperaram-se 384 artigos, sendo selecionados 14 para leitura na íntegra, sendo incluídos, ao final, apenas três estudos na RS.Destes, um estudo é randomizado (grau de evidência e recomendação = 2b, Jadad = 2) e dois não são controlados (grau de evidência 4 para ambos). Quanto ao método de avaliação e/ou classificação do odor, não se identificou um instrumento formal, sendo empregada apenas escala analógica de 0 a 10 ou presença/ausência de odor. O tempo necessário para o emprego da terapia tópica foi de 1 a 14 dias, com troca do curativo 1 ou 2 vezes ao dia; e a aplicação do metronidazol foi em gel de 0,75% a 0,8%. Os estudos não mencionaram ou descreveram reações adversas. Os estudos apresentam limitações e fragilidades metodológicas importantes, destacando-se as amostras reduzidas e a falta de descrição de aspectos como o cegamento e randomização no único estudo randomizado, além dos procedimentos empregados nos curativos, dentre outros. Conclusão: Apesar dos três estudos concluírem que o metronidazol tópico é eficaz no controle do odor em FNM, não há forte evidência científica para corroborar essa eficácia.

Introduction: Malignant wounds (MW) are the result of direct invasion of cancer in the skin that, when exteriorized, acquire characteristics of the wound. With an incidence ranging from 0.6 to 9.0%, are more common in breast and head and neck . Among the signs and symptoms, there is the odor that has been described as intolerable and sickening, causing negative impact on the patient, family and healthcare team. The MW odor occurs as a result of the interaction of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that colonize and infect wounds. In order to reduce local microbial load and thus control the odor, there has been described the use of topical antiseptics and antibiotics, among which stands out metronidazole. Objective: To identify the scientific evidence on the use of metronidazole for odor control in MW, through systematic review (SR) of randomized controlled trials and uncontrolled. Method: From the main question of the study: \"What is the efficacy of topical metronidazole therapy for odor control in malignant neoplastic wounds,\" there was the search for articles in the databases MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL database and EMBASE, using the PICO strategy, using descriptors indexed and unindexed. Studies were selected by two researchers independently and studies included in the RS were analyzed according to the CONSORT statement, strength of recommendation and level of evidence. For the randomized study also used the Jadad Scale. Results: 384 articles were recovered, 14 were selected for full reading, being included in the end, only three studies in SR. Of these, a study is randomized (level of evidence and recommendation= 2b, Jadad= 2) and two are not controlled (evidence grade 4 for both). As to the method of assessment and / or classification of odor, did not identify a formal instrument, being used only analog scale of 0 to 10, or the presence / absence of odor.The time required for the use of topical therapy was 1 to 14 days, with change of the dressing 1 or 2 times a day, and the application of metronidazole was 0.75% gel 0.8%. Studies have not mentioned or described adverse reactions. The studies have important methodological limitations and weaknesses, highlighting the small sample size and lack of description of aspects such as blinding and randomization in the only randomized, besides the procedures used in dressings, among others. Conclusion: Although the three studies conclude that topical metronidazole is effective in controlling odor in MW, there is no strong scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.

A Case of Intoxication of Ingested Formalin

Formalin is a water-soluble, colorless, pungent, irritating and highly reactive gas. A 40% solution of formaldehyde in water, also known as formalin, is used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorant, tissue fixative and embalming fluid. Ingestion can lead to immediate deleterious effects on almost all systems of the body including gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, cardiovsacular system and hepato-renal system, causing gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cardiovsacular collapse, unconsciousness or convulsions, severe metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We treated a 39-year-old woman who ingested 300 ml formalin in a suicidal attempt. Despite hemodialysis, death occurred after 23 h.

influence of various silicones on the rheological parameters of AZG containing silicone-based gels

Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine [AZG] is a popular antiperspirant/deodorant agent, formulated in various forms including the clear gels. Silicones are used for the preparation of these gels, giving them desirable characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of various silicones, when used in combination, on the rheological properties of the resulting AZG gels prepared. Based on preliminary studies, various AZG containing silicone-based gel formulations were prepared. Silicones used [as ternary mixtures] included ABIL[R] EM 97, ABIL[R] 8839 and ABIL[R] 8852. Formulations prepared were then examined rheologically and their plastic viscosity and yield values determined. Results showed that the amount of ABIL[R] EM 97 [used as an emulsifier] present within the gel formulation is critical. An increase in the amount of this silicone, corresponding to a small decrease in the amount of the hydrophobic structure building [gelling agent] ABIL[R] B8839, increased the plastic viscosity and yield values of the gel. On the other hand, an excess amount of ABIL[R] B8852, as a hydrophilic co-surfactant, reduced the viscosity and yield values of the resulting gel. Eventually, among the formulations prepared, formulation F5 with suitable aesthetic and skin feel properties, spreadability and rheological behaviors, was selected for further studies. By constructing the up-curve and down-curve of this formulation, presence of a plastic thixotropic behavior was confirmed. Inclusion of various amounts of the hydrophobic silicone-based agent, dimethicone, within formulation F5 showed that by increasing the amount of dimethicone present, the plastic viscosity and yield values of the gel would be reduced. This reduction was significant at dimethicone concentrations above 0.5%. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of dimethicone present, the calculated "percentage of reduction in plastic viscosity" also increased. This means that the extent of thixotropicity of the gel formulation increases by the addition of dimethicone. This finding was also backed up by the resulting rheograms constructed. Overall, addition of 0.75% dimethicone produced the most acceptable product in terms of an appropriate viscosity, yield value and extent of thixotropicity. In conclusion, this study shows that in-depth rheological assessment of AZG gels prepared from silicones could be used as an important tool during their formulation and characterization in order to obtain an effective formulation with desirable properties

A Case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Due to Benzethonium Chloride / 대한피부과학회지

Benzethonium chloride is quaternary ammonium compounds, which may cross-react with benzalkonium chloride. It has been used in the treatment of burns, ulcers, wounds, and infected dermatoses and also present in many cosmetics, deodorants, mouthwashes, dentifrices, lozenges, and ophthalmic preparations. Cetostearyl alcohol is used as emulsifiers and can be considered as preservatives. A 19-year-old female presented with well-demarcated adult-fist sized dark-reddish patch on the left shin. She had applied Senepul(R) (disinfectant solution) 3 months ago due to scratching wound and applied Travogen(R). Patch test with Korean standard series and the ingredients of used topical agents showed positive reactions to benzethonium chloride and cetostearyl alcohol.

Evaluación de la toxicidad del desodorante RLV en ojos / Evaluation of RLV deodorant toxicity in eyes

Se realizó la evaluación del posible efecto irritante de un formulado (RLV) que se empleará como desodorante y que contiene como principio activo la hexamina, la cual es empleada como antiséptico urinario. Este formulado se aplicó por vía oftálmica en 6 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelandia, durante 7 días. Las valoraciones se basan en las observaciones macroscópicas de los posibles efectos adversos que se presentan en las estructuras oculares. Para esta evaluación nos basamos en el método propuesto por Draize, así como las guías de la OECD, de acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos la forma farmacéutica elaborada a una concentración del 3 (por ciento) para el desodorante, no ocasiona irritación en las estructuras oculares

Toxicidad del aluminio sobre el sistema eritropoyético: mecanismos involucrados / Aluminum toxicity in erythropoiesis: related mechanisms

En la presente revisión se expone una discusión de resultados publicados que involucran al aluminio como uno de los factores que pueden afectar al sistema eritropoyético. En células K562 se determinó que el receptor específico para transferrina presente en la membrana de células eritroides posee afinidad similar para esa proteína cuando transporta hierro o aluminio y que la captación celular de hierro disminuye por la presencia de aluminio. Este metal provoca, en células eritroides, una disminución de la síntesis de hemoglobina. En base a los resultados obtenidos en estudios experimentales in vitro e in vivo se postulan dos hipótesis que involucran: la interferencia del aluminio con la captación y/o utilización celular de hierro y la interacción del aluminio con componentes de la membrana celular. Este último hecho afectaría no sólo la estructura de la membrana sino también sus características fisicoquímicas y/o sus funciones, como la unión de ligandos a sus receptores específicos de la superficie de la membrana celular. Los mecanismos que se discuten permiten adjudicar a la presencia de aluminio en el organismo tanto la inhibición del crecimiento y/o la diferenciación de células progenitoras eritroides como las diferentes alteraciones morfológicas de eritrocitos maduros

El desodorante antitranspirante y su efecto arritmogénico por acci¢n del aluminio. Experiencia clínica y electrocardiográfica en 1.500 pacientes / The deodorant antitranspirantion and its effect arrhytmogenic by action of the aluminium: experience clinic and electrocardiography in 1.500 patients

Un efecto patogeno del aluminio presente en todos los desodorantes antitranspirantes en cualquiera de sus presentaciones, desconocido hasta el presente, es el de producir arritmias cardíacas, el cual demostramos clínica y electrocardiográficamente en este trabajo. Este producto de uso generalizado produce extrasístoles ventriculares esenciales (latidos prematuros) debido a la posible accion de las sales de aluminio (clorhidrato, sulfato y otras), de accion constrictora sobre el musculo liso, incluyendo los contenidos en los vasos arteriales y en el folículo piloso, entre otros. En estudio de 1,500 casos de extrasistolia ventricular esencial, se demuestra que la omision de los desodorantes que contienen aluminio, que son todos los procesados industrialmente en todas sus presentaciones, constituye una de sus principales causas. La omision de dichos productos como unica medida, produjo la desaparicion de la arritmia en el 76 por ciento de los casos, y agregando uno o dos antiarrítmicos a baja dosis en el 24 por ciento restante. Los resultados favorables encontrados sucedieron un mes después del inicio del tratamiento, y se mantuvieron hasta los seis meses en el 100 por ciento de ellos, unicamente evitando el desodorante industrializado. El mecanismo de accion de este efecto benéfico no se conoce, por lo cual se ameritan nuevas investigaciones experimentales para determinarlo y para determinar si también estos productos tan difundidos tienen inherencia en la génesis de la hipertension arterial

A Case of Cicatricial Contracted Stomach Due to the Ingestion of Formalin / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Formaldehyde is a colorless irritating gas of pungent odor, which is used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorant, tissue fixative and embalming fluid, It is used in the formation of resins, alcohols and acids, and in permanent press processes in the textile industry. If formaldehyde is swallowed, severe abdominal pain and vomiting is immediately noted. Corrosive gastritis can follow with diffuse ulceration, fibrosis and contracture of the stomach, resembling linitis plastica, which may be severe enough to require gastrectomy. We report a case of cicatricial contracted stomach due to the ingestion of formalin.