Consumer exposure to biocides - identification of relevant sources and evaluation of possible health effects

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Products containing biocides are used for a variety of purposes in the home environment. To assess potential health risks, data on products containing biocides were gathered by means of a market survey, exposures were estimated using a worst case scenario approach (screening), the hazard of the active components were evaluated, and a preliminary risk assessment was conducted.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Information on biocide-containing products was collected by on-site research, by an internet inquiry as well as research into databases and lists of active substances. Twenty active substances were selected for detailed investigation. The products containing these substances were subsequently classified by range of application; typical concentrations were derived. Potential exposures were then estimated using a worst case scenario approach according to the European Commission's Technical Guidance Document on Risk Assessment. Relevant combinations of scenarios and active substances were identified. The toxicological data for these substances were compiled in substance dossiers. For estimating risks, the margins of exposure (MOEs) were determined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Numerous consumer products were found to contain biocides. However, it appeared that only a limited number of biocidal active substances or groups of biocidal active substances were being used. The lowest MOEs for dermal exposure or exposure by inhalation were obtained for the following scenarios and biocides: indoor pest control using sprays, stickers or evaporators (chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos) and spraying of disinfectants as well as cleaning of surfaces with concentrates (hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, glutardialdehyde). The risk from aggregate exposure to individual biocides via different exposure scenarios was higher than the highest single exposure on average by a factor of three. From the 20 biocides assessed 10 had skin-sensitizing properties. The biocides isothiazolinone (mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazolin-3-one, CMI/MI), glutardialdehyde, formaldehyde and chloroacetamide may be present in household products in concentrations which have induced sensitization in experimental studies.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Exposure to biocides from household products may contribute to induction of sensitization in the population. The use of biocides in consumer products should be carefully evaluated. Detailed risk assessments will become available within the framework of the EU Biocides Directive.</p

THE INFLUENCE OF CHOLINE ASCORBATE ON THE BLOOD-LEVELS OF ASCORBIC-ACID IN HUMANS

Our study has clearly shown that the oral administration of choline ascorbate, which contains approximately 500 mg of ascorbic acid to the volunteers causes an increase in the blood levels of ascorbic acid. This increase is statistically significant (p < 0.01) compared with the basal level each time. In the control group, vitamin C tablet also causes an increase in the blood level of ascorbic acid. However, this increase is less than that of the test group. Our results indicate that ascorbic acid, as a part of choline ascorbate molecule, reaches the blood circulation without losing its activity

Analyza Y-specifickych sekvenci u pacientek s Turnerovym syndromem.

Turner syndrome (TS) is caused by gonosomal aberrations. There is an incidence of TS 1 in 2000 - 2500 of live born girls in general population. Typical TS karyotype is identified as 45,X in 50%. The remaining cases are different mosaics or structural abnormalities of the chromosome X or Y. The frequency of Y sequences in TS patients is relatively high. Y-positive cell lines can promote development of gonadoblastoma in undifferentiated gonads of TS patients. The risk of tumour genesis is about 30%. The region responsible for the tumour is localised near to the centromere. Testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) gene is considered to be responsible for tumorogenesis due to confirmed TSPY expression in gonadoblastoma. The aim of this work is the molecular and molecular-cytogenetic analysis of Y-specific sequences in 130 samples from TS patients, from paraffin embedded pathological gonadal tissues and from fresh gonadal tissues. PCR, QF PCR, sequencing and cDNA analysis are components of the molecular investigation, FISH method was used for the molecular-cytogenetic testing. The results serve for a more exact diagnostic technique constructing. Preventive gonadectomy is the clinical consequence of the work.Available from STL Prague, CZ / NTK - National Technical LibrarySIGLECZCzech Republi