Determination and risk assessment of phthalates in face masks. An Italian study.

Serious human health concerns have been recently raised from daily use of face masks, due to the possible presence of hazardous compounds as the phthalic acid esters (PAEs). In this study, the content of 11 PAEs in 35 commercial masks was assessed by applying a specific and accurate method, using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Surgical, FFP2 and non-surgical models, for both adults and children were collected from the Italian market. Analyses showed that four of the target analytes were detected in all tested samples with median total concentrations ranging between 23.6 mg/kg and 54.3 mg/kg. Results obtained from the experimental analysis were used in the risk assessment studies carried out for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Doses of exposure (Dexp) of PAEs ranged from 6.43 × 10-5 mg/kg bw/day to 1.43 × 10-2 mg/kg bw/day. Cumulative risk assessment was performed for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects. No potential risk was found for non-carcinogenic effects, yet the 20% of the mask samples showed potential carcinogenic effects for humans. A refined exposure assessment was performed showing no risk for carcinogenic effects. This paper presents a risk assessment approach for the identification of potential risks associated to the use of face masks.

The release of metals from metal-on-metal surface arthroplasty of the hip.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum and urine levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni) in patients who had undergone metal-on-metal hybrid surface arthroplasties on the supposition that a release of metals would occur due to the large head size of this type of implant. Metal levels were determined by using an analytical method based on sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed a significant difference between patients and control subjects in mean levels of Co and Cr in serum (p<0.0001 and p=0.02, respectively) and in urine (p<0.0001 for both). No significant differences were observed in mean serum and urinary levels of Mn, Mo and Ni. Although the clinical consequences of these changes, if any, are unknown, further studies could be performed in a larger number of subjects implanted with a total surface arthroplasty at follow-up times over different periods.