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AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionsTobacco brand sharing or brand stretching involves the placement of tobacco brand names, logos, or other distinctive elements of tobacco brands, on nontobacco products, e.g., merchandize, such as clothing, sunglasses, or sporting goods. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) imposed major restrictions on tobacco company marketing practices in 1999, including banning the sale and distribution of merchandize with combustible cigarette or smokeless tobacco brand names or logos. However, the MSA does not include restrictions on e-cigarette marketing, as these products were not yet on the market at the time of the settlement. Exposure to or use of e-cigarette branded merchandize advertised on social media could contribute to normalization of e-cigarette use by youth.We estimated the prevalence of merchandize (e.g., t-shirts, caps, and key chains) with e-cigarette brand names or logos in 2000 TikTok videos (2021–2022) that featured U.S. and international micro-influencers (content creators with about 10,000–100,000 followers) who promoted e-cigarettes on behalf of e-cigarette brands.Of 2,000 videos, 152 (8%) had merchandise merchandise with e-cigarette brand names or logos; 125 (6%) featured micro-influencers wearing branded clothing items, i.e., t-shirts, caps, beanies, hoodies, and sweatshirts; and 27 (2%) featured influencers wearing or showing branded accessories, i.e., face masks, stickers, pins, mugs, car air fresheners, lanyards, and key chains.Tobacco control authorities should consider adopting provisions banning the sale, distribution, and direct (e.g., by e-cigarette brands) or indirect (e.g., by influencers) advertising of merchandize bearing e-cigarette brand names or logos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air freshener contain hazardous chemical such as formaldehyde. Absorbent carbon is used as an adsorbent to reduce air pollution. The goal of this research is to know the use of absorbent carbon to cornea histology on Rattus novergicus that was induced with air freshener. This research was an experimental study with a post-test only control group. The subjects were 28 one-month old male Rattus novergicus Wistar strains divide into 4 groups: Control (K), air freshener (P1), absorbent carbon (P2) and air freshener plus absorbent carbon (P3).The treatment was performed 8 hours/day for 35 days. Data of anterior epithelial thickness were analyzed by One Way Anova test. Data of the overall thickness of the corneal layer and keratocyte number were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test. The overall thickness of the corneal layer and anterior epithelial thickness showed that there were not significant difference between subject groups (p>0,05). Anterior epithelial thickness showed that there were not significant difference between subject groups (p>0,05). Keratocyte number showed significant difference between subject groups (p<0,05), Mann Whitney test for Keratocyte number showed results P1>P3>K>P2 Absorbent carbon gives postitive effect to reduce cornea damage on Rattus novergicus that induced by air freshener. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a comment on a study titled "Investigation of Vitamin D Levels in Men with Suspected Infertility." The comment acknowledges the efforts of the author in exploring the impact of Vitamin D deficiency on sperm parameters and male fertility. However, it suggests that the study could be strengthened by considering additional factors such as UV exposure, dietary habits, and environmental factors like exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The comment emphasizes the importance of addressing these factors to enhance the validity and authenticity of the research. The document concludes with the author contributions and a declaration of no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to screen the inhalation toxicity of chemicals found in consumer products such as air fresheners, fragrances, and anti-fogging agents submitted to K-REACH using machine learning models. We manually curated inhalation toxicity data based on OECD test guideline 403 (Acute inhalation), 412 (Sub-acute inhalation), and 413 (Sub-chronic inhalation) for 1709 chemicals from the OECD eChemPortal database. Machine learning models were trained using ten algorithms, along with four molecular fingerprints (MACCS, Morgan, Topo, RDKit) and molecular descriptors, achieving F1 scores ranging from 51 % to 91 % in test dataset. Leveraging the high-performing models, we conducted a virtual screening of chemicals, initially applying them to data-rich chemicals generally used in occupational settings to determine the prediction uncertainty. Results showed high sensitivity (75 %) but low specificity (23 %), suggesting that our models can contribute to conservative screening of chemicals. Subsequently, we applied the models to consumer product chemicals, identifying 79 as of high concern. Most of the prioritized chemicals lacked GHS classifications related to inhalation toxicity, even though they were predicted to be used in many consumer products. This study highlights a potential regulatory blind spot concerning the inhalation risk of consumer product chemicals while also indicating the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) models to aid in prioritizing chemicals at the screening level. [Display omitted] • Machine learning models were employed to screen the inhalation toxicity of consumer product chemicals. • Inhalation toxicity data based on OECD test guidelines were used to develop the models. • The models demonstrated high F1 scores ranging from 51 % to 91 % in test dataset. • In a case study involving data-rich chemicals, the prediction results exhibited high sensitivity but low specificity. • Several chemicals lacked GHS classifications even though they were predicted to be high concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on miscommunication occurs every day between people with great relationships as well as no relationship. Topics include Caleb rolls down his window and smells the warm, autumn wind mixed with his vanilla air freshener; and cornfield located outside the passenger window after hearing a car horn sound from main street.

We performed a cross‐sectional survey of 2143 female students in a university in Tianjin, China regarding perceived air quality (PAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in the student dormitory. The prevalence of general, mucosal, and skin symptoms was 22.1%, 21.9%, and 26.3%, respectively. The three most prevalent PAQ complaints were "dry air" (48.9% often), "stuffy odor" (18.2%), and "other unpleasant odors" (5.1%), and they were significant risk factors for 11–12 out of 12 SBS symptoms (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 1.6–5.8). Survey data of 1471 undergraduates, whose dorms were of uniform layout and furnishing, were used to further investigate the influences of occupancy level and occupant behaviors on PAQ and SBS symptoms. Frequent use of air freshener/perfume was a significant risk factor for "dry air," less frequent room cleaning and higher occupancy density were significant risk factors for "stuffy odor," and less natural ventilation was a significant risk factor for both "stuffy odor" and "pungent odor." These factors were also significantly associated with some SBS symptoms. In particular, the use of air freshener/perfume exhibited a significant dose–response pattern with "fatigue" (sometimes: AOR 1.3; often: AOR 2.0) and with "irritated, stuffy, or runny nose" (sometimes: AOR 1.6; often: AOR 2.2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The areca fibers are significantly playing a vital role in the production of activated carbon, ethanol, and enzyme, as a fuel in bio-gas and commonly used as air fresheners. Due to hydrophilic in nature of areca fibers exist nonpolar characteristics and compounding difficulties along with the matrix result an ununiform distribution of resins which increase complexity issues while laminating into the desired shape. Moreover, an uneven resin flow caused fibers to de-bond from the laminated surface that consequences low mechanical and metallurgical properties. Therefore, an attempt has been made to utilize ramie fiber as an effective compatibilizer for the areca fiber. The necessary tests, such as mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of areca/ramie fibers were analyzed by varying its stacking sequences. Moreover, B4C nanoparticles were dispersed on the fibril surfaces to understand the effects of nanoparticles on the areca/ramie fibers. The obtained results revealed that ramie fibers could be used as a better compatibilizer to retain the required shape and also to produce an adequate bonding between the fiber/matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air pollution (IAP) has been associated with various adverse health effects. However, the evidence regarding such an association with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in cord blood samples is still scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to indicators of IAP and LTL in umbilical cord blood samples. This cross-sectional study was based on 188 mother-newborn pairs who participated in our study between 2020 and 2022 in Isfahan, Iran. Umbilical LTL was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the relationship between IAP indicators and umbilical LTL, adjusted for relevant covariates. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of umbilical LTL was 0.92 (0.47). In fully adjusted models, frequency of using degreasing spray during pregnancy (times per month) (β = −0.047, 95% CI:0.09, −0.05, P-value = 0.02), using air freshener spray during pregnancy (β = −0.26, 95% CI: −0.5, −0.02, P-value = 0.03) and frequency of using insecticides during pregnancy (times per month) (β = −0.025, 95% CI: −0.047, −0.003, P-value = 0.02) were significantly associated with shorter umbilical LTL. There was a positive significant relationship between the frequency of using cleaning spray during pregnancy (times per month) with umbilical LTL (β = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.033, P-value = 0.01). Furthermore, the direct connection of the parking with home and the frequency of using barbecue (times per week) were marginally associated with shorter umbilical LTL. For other indicators of IAP, we did not observe any statistically significant associations. Overall, this study suggested a negative association between prenatal exposure to IAP during pregnancy and umbilical LTL. • Exposure to potential IAP indices and umbilical LTL was assessed. • Use of degreasing spray was associated with shorter umbilical LTL. • More use of air freshener spray and insecticides were associated with shorter umbilical LTL. • Using barbecue was marginally associated with shorter umbilical LTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the associations between mold growth, type of stoves, and fragrance materials and early childhood wheezing and asthma, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Mold growth at home, usage of kerosene/gas stove, wood stove/fireplace, and air freshener/deodorizer were surveyed using a questionnaire at 1.5‐year‐old, and childhood wheezing and doctor‐diagnosed asthma during the previous year were obtained using a 3‐year‐old questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between exposure to childhood wheezing and asthma. A total of 60 529 children were included in the analysis. In multivariate analyses, mold growth and wood stove/fireplace had significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) for wheezing (mold growth: 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06−1.22; wood stove/fireplace: 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03−1.46). All four exposures had no significant ORs for childhood doctor‐diagnosed asthma; however, in the supplemental analysis of northern regions, wood stove/fireplace had a significantly higher OR for asthma. Mold growth and wood stove/fireplace had significant associations with childhood wheezing in the northern regions. Mold elimination in the dwellings and use of clean heating (no air pollution emissions) should be taken into consideration to prevent and improve childhood wheezing and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncombustible air fresheners are indoor air emission sources of concern. The associated health risks should be better understood. Based on 15 products (4 sprays, 6 passive diffusers, and 5 active diffusers), the health risk assessment (HRA) approach was applied to a national use survey in France and to concentrations measured in an experimental house. The targeted substances included volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyls, and fine particles (PM2.5). Mean‐use and reasonable worst‐case generic scenarios were designed. No situation of concern occurred regarding chronic exposure associated with the mean use. Under the reasonable worst‐case scenarios, the chronic risk could exceed selected health reference standards, mainly for acrolein (average inhaled concentration (AIC) up to 3.5 µg/m3), benzene (AIC up to 4 µg/m3), and limonene (AIC up to 8 mg/m3). The acute exposure, defined as a 1‐h exposure, could exceed selected health standards, primarily for acrolein (up to 23 µg/m3) and formaldehyde (up to approximately 370 µg/m3). Furthermore, the 1‐h average PM2.5 concentration, including ultrafine particles, could exceed 100 µg/m3, typically for sprays. These results suggest that the highest exposures should be reduced and, as such, that the emissions of the highest‐emissivity products should be lowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isothiazolinones, a family of biocides, are used as preservatives for their fungicidal, bactericidal, and algacidal properties. These compounds can be found in a wide range of consumer and building products, such as paints, varnishes, shampoos, and liquid detergents. A robust analytical UPLC-MS/MS method to identify and quantify seven isothiazolinones (MIT, CMI, BIT, MBIT, BBIT, OIT, and DCOIT) in consumer products and their emissions was developed and validated according to ISO/IEC 17025. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.14 μg L−1 (BIT) to 0.54 μg L−1 (CMI). The method was applied for the quantification of the seven isothiazolinones in four types of consumer products (i.e., cosmetics, air fresheners, cleaning products, and building products) and the indoor emissions from a paint. Matrix effects were observed for the shampoo (63–74%), the shower gel (67–84%), and the ceramic glass cleaner (53–57%). All isothiazolinones indicated by the manufacturer (i.e., MIT, CMI, BIT, OIT, and DCOIT) were detected in the products and successfully quantified by the UPLC-MS/MS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high health risks associated with indoor air pollutants and long‐term exposure, indoor air quality has received increasing attention. In this study, we put emphasis on the molecular composition, source emissions, and chemical aging of air pollutants in a residence with designed activities mimicking ordinary Hong Kong homes. More than 150 air pollutants were detected at molecular level, 87 of which were quantified at a time resolution of not less than 1 hour. The indoor‐to‐outdoor ratios were higher than 1 for most of the primary air pollutants, due to emissions of indoor activities and indoor backgrounds (especially for aldehydes). In contrast, many secondary air pollutants exhibited higher concentrations in outdoor air. Painting ranked first in aldehyde emissions, which also caused great enhancement of aromatics. Incense burning had the highest emissions of particle‐phase organics, with vanillic acid and syringic acid as markers. The other noteworthy fingerprints enabled by online measurements included linoleic acid, cholesterol, and oleic acid for cooking, 2,5‐dimethylfuran, stigmasterol, iso‐/anteiso‐alkanes, and fructose isomers for smoking, C28‐C34 even n‐alkanes for candle burning, and monoterpenes for the use of air freshener, cleaning agents, and camphor oil. We showed clear evidence of chemical aging of cooking emissions, giving a hint of indoor heterogeneous chemistry. This study highlights the value of organic molecules measured at high time resolutions in enhancing our knowledge on indoor air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isothiazolinone preservatives are known to cause contact dermatitis. Although they are used in household deodorizers and air fresheners, the actual extent of their use remains unclear. In this study, we developed a method to simultaneously analyze five isothiazolinones (2-methyl-4-isothiazilin-3-one: MI, 5-choro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one: CMI, benzisothiazolin-3-one: BIT, 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one: OIT, 4,5-dichloro-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one: 2Cl-OIT) in spray-type household deodorizers and air fresheners. The samples were analyzed through solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Three solid-phase extraction cartridges were examined, and good results were obtained for the OASIS HLB Plus LP cartridge. The recoveries and standard deviations for isothiazolinone preservatives extracted using this cartridge were 72–99 and 1.6–6.0%, respectively. In addition, the limit of detection and limit of quantification were as follow: 0.012 and 0.037 μg/mL for MI, 0.029 and 0.089 μg/mL for CMI, 0.032 and 0.098 μg/mL for BIT, 0.013 and 0.040 μg/mL for OIT, and 0.015 and 0.047 μg/mL for 2Cl-OIT. Among the 51 analyzed products, only 10 were detected with isothiazolinone compounds. MI and CMI were detected in five products at concentration levels of 0.31–22 and 0.77–95 μg/mL, respectively, while BIT was detected in the other five products at 2.7–101 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the active component of Cymbopogon winterianus (Java citronella) oil, as a green mosquito repellent, obtained through a steam distillation method. Java citronella oil, which contains citronellol, citronellal, and geraniol, was isolated by batch vacuum fractional distillation, and their effect was tested against the dengue fever (DF) vector, known as Aedes aegypti. Furthermore, air freshener gels were formulated with Java citronella oil, carrageenan, gum, sodium benzoate, ethylene glycol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and distilled water, at varying concentrations. The results show that formula I has the best controlled release evaporation for citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, as well as the best storage time of 16.82 days and 12.77 days for geraniol and citronellol, respectively. The most significant specific gravity (0.0136) was recorded in formula V, while gel formula I exhibited the highest level of instability at 35°C, with a syneresis value of 77.11% in t = 72 h and pH 5.33. In addition, formula IV at 5°C demonstrated the highest syneresis (75.34%) in t = 72 h , with pH 7.04, while a peak viscosity of 100,958 cP was recorded in formula IV. The repellent activity of each active component was measured based on the period of protection conferred against the bites of Aedes aegypti within one hour, and the results showed geraniol and citronellol, with respective activity of 78.00 % ± 4.83 and 77.34 % ± 3.57 , as the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bath salts, fumigations, cleaners and air fresheners, behind these terms substances are hidden, which count as "Legal Highs". These fancy names are used to pretend Legal Highs as harmless compounds, to circumvent legal regulations for marketing as well as to increase the sales. Besides classic illicit drugs of synthetic origin such as amphetamines, cocaine and MDMA, the trade of these compounds, also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), is not uncommon today. In many countries, NPS are still not subject to drug control. Among them, there are stimulants such as new amphetamine derivatives or cathinones, which possess a chiral centre. Little is known about the fact that the two possible enantiomers may differ in their pharmacological effect. The aim of this study was to test a novel HPLC column for the enantioseparation of a set of 112 NPS coming from different chemical groups and collected by internet purchases during the years 2010–2018. The CSP, namely Lux® 5 μm i‐Amylose‐1, LC Column 250 x 4.6 mm, was run in normal phase mode under isocratic conditions, UV detection was performed at 245 nm and 230 nm, injection volume was 10 μl and flow rate was 1 ml/min. With a mobile phase consisting of n‐hexane/isopropanol/diethylamine (90:10:0.1), herein, 79 NPS were resolved into their enantiomers successfully, for 37 of them baseline resolution was achieved. After increase of lipophily of the mobile phase to 99:1:0.1, another 27 compounds were baseline separated. It was found that all separated NPS are traded as racemic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the role of cytochrome C and pro-inflammatory cytokines in memory deficit produced by a commercial solid air freshener (SAF) in male Swiss mice. The animals were culled into 6 groups (n = 7): group 2-6 were exposed to SAF (10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days through whole body exposure. Mice in group 1(control) were exposed to fresh air. Memory function was evaluated on day 28 using standard models. Mice brains were then processed for estimation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, cytochrome C expression and histomorphologic changes. The chemical constituents of SAF were also determined using GC-MS.SAF (100 and 200 mg/kg) produced memory decline and increased brain contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p <0.05) but not interleukin-6 (p > 0.05) relative to control. Increased cytochrome C immunopositive cells, reduced neuronal cells and cytoarchitectural changeswere observed in the hippocampus of mice exposed to SAF (200 g). MS GC-profiling showed the presence of 7 major volatile organic constituents in SAF. Increased release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cytochrome C expression might play a role in SAF-induced memory deficit in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air fresheners contain various chemicals that may or may not be harmful to human health and the environment. These products are widely used in different settings such as homes, schools, offices, and hospitals with ignorance of their real ingredients and their relative health effects. Thus, this preliminary study was carried out to identify the presence of different compounds in spray air fresheners that were not disclosed on the product's label. Four different brands of spray air fresheners were selected randomly from a local store, in which two were of mid-to-high cost and the remaining two of low cost. The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry headspace, in which single components of the samples were identified by the mass spectrometry detector. The results were shown as a chromatogram of several peaks, each representing different compounds. The chemicals found in the samples include; lilial, galaxolide, benzenemethanol, musk ketone, butylated hydroxytoluene, and linalool. These chemicals may cause irritation and other health problems. However, none of them were revealed on the product's label. The study concludes that air fresheners need to be free of any toxic or harmful chemicals and include natural ingredients instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Air fresheners are products with fragrances used to mask unpleasant odor in the environment. However, air fresheners contain diverse chemical substances that pose health challenges to the users; hence are of public health significance. Although previous studies have shown that air fresheners affect the lungs, liver and reproductive organs, the neurobehavioral effects of these agents are yet to be evaluated in details. This study evaluated the neurobehavioral effects and biochemical changes in mice exposed to a solid commercially available air freshener (SAF). Methods: Male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 7). Mice in groups 2-6 were exposed to powdered SAF (10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 g) via inhalation in their cages for 28 days. Mice in group 1 (control) were not exposed to SAF. The neurobehavioral changes: spontaneous motor activity (SMA), memory, anxiety and depression were evaluated on day 28. The mice brains were then proccessed for determination of malondialdehyde, nitrite, glutathione contents, and the activities of catalase and acetyl-cholinesterase. Results: SAF (25-200g) significantly (p<0.05) impaired SMA compared with control. Mice exposed to SAF exhibited increased anxiety and depression-like symptoms relative to control (p<0.05). It also impaired memory and increased acetylcholinesterase activity (p<0.05). Moreover, SAF increased the levels of nitrite and malondialdehyde accompanied by decreased antioxidant molecules (glutathione and catalase) in mouse brain. Conclusion: These findings suggest that SAF produced neurobehavioral deficits, increased oxidative stress and altered cholinergic system, posing potential health hazards to the regular consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed two-membrane air fresheners for continuous non-energized air freshener perfume delivery with significantly superior delivery consistency over a conventional membrane air freshener. In this study, a model perfume is used to investigate the conventional air freshener as functions of temperature and air velocity. The release rate of the conventional air freshener varies greatly from its initial use to its end-of-life under a fixed ambient condition. In order to regulate the evaporation rates of the volatile compounds, the new air freshener consisting of an inner membrane and an outer membrane. The outer membrane is used as the regulation membrane to create a vapor reservoir between the inner wet membrane and the outer membrane so that the vapor generated from the inner membrane can be regulated. Comparing the conventional air freshener to the new air freshener, the outer membrane impregnated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) shows significantly better consistency of perfume delivery rates under different air velocities and temperatures. In addition, a model has been employed to predict the perfume release from the conventional air freshener. The perfume release from the newly developed air fresheners is regulated by vapor transport through the outer membrane which may be predicted through the Knudsen flow or solution diffusion model. Image 1 • Novel two-membrane air fresheners have been developed. • Perfume evaporates from the inner membrane. • The outer membrane regulates the perfume release. • A significantly improved perfume delivery consistency has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to cleaning products has been associated with harm to the respiratory system, neurotoxicity, harm to the reproductive system, and elevated risk of cancer, with greatest adverse impacts for workers exposed in an occupational setting. Social and consumer interest in cleaning products that are safer for health created a market category of "green" products defined here as products advertised as healthier, non-toxic, or free from harmful chemicals as well as products with a third-party certification for safety or environmental features. In the present study we examined the air quality impacts of cleaning products and air fresheners, measuring the number, concentrations, and emission factors of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an air chamber following product application. Across seven common product categories, 30 products were tested overall including 14 conventional, 9 identified as "green" with fragrance, and 7 identified as "green" and fragrance-free. A total of 530 unique VOCs were quantified with 205 additional VOCs detected below the limits of quantification. Of the quantifiable VOCs, 193 were considered hazardous according to either the California's Department of Toxic Substances Control Candidate Chemicals List or the European Chemical Agency's Classification and Labeling Inventory. The total concentration of VOCs and total emission factors across all products with detections ranged from below limits of detection to 18,708 μg/m3, 38,035 μg/g product and 3803 μg/application. Greater total concentration, total emission factors, and numbers of VOCs were generally observed in conventional cleaning products compared to products identified as "green", particularly compared to fragrance-free products. A hazard index approach was utilized to assess relative risk from measured VOC emissions. The five products with the highest hazard indices were conventional products with emissions of 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol, toluene and chloroform. Overall, this analysis suggests that the use of "green" cleaning products, especially fragrance-free products, may reduce exposure to VOC emissions. [Display omitted] • Air chamber testing of 28 cleaning products and 2 air fresheners detected 530 VOCs. • The number and concentrations of VOCs were lower in "green" products. • Fragrance-free products had significantly lower numbers and concentrations of VOCs. • Exposure limits were used to calculate relative risk for each product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a public health problem that affects around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Confluence of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle variables is responsible for deterioration of human fecundity. Increasing contamination of the environment by toxic compounds such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is one of the major causes of reproductive defects in both sexes. Endocrine disrupting chemicals interact with each other to disrupt the different endocrine axes, resulting in severe gonadal dysfunctions. Estrogen/ androgen pathways are of utmost importance in gonadal development, determination of secondary sex characteristics and gametogenesis. Transgenerational epigenetic effects have also been induced in germ cells, mostly through DNA methylation and epimutations. Similarly, after acute or chronic exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals combinations, increased oxidative stress (OS), elevated antioxidant enzymatic activity, disrupted reproductive cycle, and reduced steroidogenesis are often reported consequences. EDCs occur in everyday life, e.g., they are components of adhesives, brake fluids, and flame retardants; they are used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic food boxes, pacifiers, medicines, cosmetics (bisphenol A, phthalates), hydraulic fluids, printing inks (polychlorinated biphenyls – PCBs), receipts (bisphenol A, BSA) and raincoats (phthalates); they are also a component of polyvinyl products (e.g. toys) (phthalates), air fresheners and cleaning agents (phthalates); moreover, they can be found in the smoke from burning wood (dioxins), and in soil or plants (pesticides). EDCs are part of our diet and can be found in vegetables, fruits, green tea, chocolate and red wine (phytoestrogens). In addition to infertility, they can lead to premature puberty and even cause uterine and ovarian cancer. However, in men, they reduce testosterone levels, reduce the quality of sperm, and cause benign testicular tumors. In conclusion, EDCs negatively affect our health, disrupting the functioning of the endocrine system, and particularly affecting the functioning of the gonads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ingredient chemicals like fragrances may cause adverse health effects. Frequent health risk assessments and stringent management of consumer products are of paramount importance to reduce these serious occurrences. In this study, the respiratory and dermal health effects were assessed in relation to air fresheners. Twenty six fragrance ingredients, thirty four biocidal ingredients, and sixteen hazardous ingredients were analyzed and assessed according to their risk to human health on five groups by application type in eighty two air fresheners. For hazard characterization of ingredients, toxicological information on the intrinsic properties of the ingredients was collected, and reference values were determined as chronic NOAEL. Exposure assessment was performed in two steps. The 95th exposure factor values were used to estimate exposure to assume the worst-case scenario and the maximum concentration determined by the product purpose and application type was used type in tiered 1 assessment. The values input into the exposure algorithms were developed via the exposure route. In the tiered 2 assessment, the 75th exposure factor values were used to estimate the assumed reasonable exposure to ingredients. Six ingredients for the inhalation and twelve ingredients for the dermal route were conducted for tiered 2 assessment. This study showed that the assessed ingredients have no health risks at their maximum concentrations in air fresheners. The approach should be used to establish improved guidelines for specific ingredients that may pose inhalation and dermal hazard. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Twenty six fragrances, thirty four biocides and sixteen hazardous ingredients were identified in eighty two air fresheners. • Health risk assessments for inhalation and dermal exposure were conducted in two steps, tiered 1and 2. • Tiered 2 risk assessments were conducted for six ingredients for the inhalation route, and twelve ingredients for the dermal route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of the ToxCast™ database for mechanism-based prioritization of chemicals. To explore the applicability of ToxCast data in the context of regulatory inventory chemicals, we screened 510 priority existing chemicals (PECs) regulated under the Act on the Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (K-REACH) using ToxCast bioassays. In our analysis, a hit-call data matrix containing 298984 chemical-gene interactions was computed for 949 bioassays with the intended target genes, which enabled the identification of the putative toxicity mechanisms. Based on the reactivity to the chemicals, we analyzed 412 bioassays whose intended target gene families were cytochrome P450, oxidoreductase, transporter, nuclear receptor, steroid hormone, and DNA-binding. We also identified 141 chemicals based on their reactivity in the bioassays. These chemicals are mainly in consumer products including colorants, preservatives, air fresheners, and detergents. Our analysis revealed that in vitro bioactivities were involved in the relevant mechanisms inducing in vivo toxicity; however, this was not sufficient to predict more hazardous chemicals. Overall, the current results point to a potential and limitation in using ToxCast data for chemical prioritization in regulatory context in the absence of suitable in vivo data. • A mechanism-based prioritization approach for identifying potential toxicants was proposed. • Significant ToxCast bioassays and priority existing chemicals were prioritized based the reactiveness. • Genes targeted by selected in vitro bioassays were involved in relevant mechanism inducing apical in vivo toxicity. • A potential and limitation of the application of ToxCast data to regulatory inventory chemicals were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane-based liquid air fresheners are attracting significant market interest because of their small size and ability to allow continuous delivery of perfume compounds without the need of external energy sources. However, the air freshener membranes that enable the nonenergized delivery are rarely reported in the literature except in patents. For the first time, we investigated a commercial air freshener membrane systematically to provide thorough characterizations of the membrane materials, morphology, and pore information. The interaction between a model perfume containing four compounds and the membrane was also studied through liquid wetting and contact angle measurements. Long-term tests to track the air freshener revealed that the perfume release rate was dependent on the perfume reservoir composition in a controlled external environment. Lastly, perfume transport through the membrane was investigated for the correlation of membrane properties and liquid flux through the membrane. This pioneering study may provide essential information for future improvement over the existing air freshener membranes to enable continuous perfume delivery without an energy provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the requirements for fragranced consumer products in Australia. Topics discussed include regulatory framework for ingredients disclosure for fragranced products is insufficient to protect the interests of consumers; fragranced consumer products and adverse effects for consumers; and definition of consumer product in Australia.

There exist public concerns regarding the two most widely used isothiazolinones (5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (CMI) and 2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (MI)) in various consumer products because they cause allergic responses in dermatitis and are potentially harmful when inhaled. Hydrolysis and photolysis tests for CMI and MI at pH 4, 7, and 9 were performed to evaluate their stability. While MI did not degrade under the test conditions, CMI slightly degraded at pH 9 via hydrolysis and at pH 4 via photolysis. To better understand human exposure to MI and CMI during the use of consumer products, the vaporization rates of MI and CMI from two commercial air fresheners were quantified in a custom-made chamber. The evaporation of MI was almost negligible over 7 d, whereas a significant amount of CMI evaporated over the same period. Because the volume of air freshener decreases over time due to evaporation of water, the MI concentration in the product increased by a factor of 1.8–2.2. The air concentration of CMI was predicted using a ConsExpo model using a fixed weight fraction (model 1) and a new model that reflects changes in the concentrations of active ingredients and the product volume over time (model 2). The concentration determined using model 1 reached a steady-state value of 0.032 µg L −1 , whereas that predicted using model 2 increased consistently. Inhalation exposure was also assessed using two exposure scenarios: a room and a car. Both calculated values of margin of exposure were much higher than 300, indicating a negligible inhalation risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]