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For solution-phase samples, the world of mass spectrometry defaults to electrospray ionization (ESI). ESI is used for the analysis of a broad variety of compounds, ranging from polar to moderately nonpolar. However, ESI possesses limitations that prevent the ionization of certain analytes-particularly nonpolar compounds. This study aims to compare the ionization efficiency of complementary ionization techniques, and demonstrate that multiple methods can improve the analytical results with respect to limits of detection and matrix tolerance. Atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) is an ionization method that complements ESI, excelling in the analysis of nonpolar and moderately polar analytes. For this study, we optimized methods using APPI and ESI for the detection and quantitation of pharmaceuticals frequently detected in the environment, including antibiotics, beta-blockers, and selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and tested their matrix tolerance relative to artificial wastewater. While most of these compounds ionized preferentially by ESI, some performed significantly better using APPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the ruling of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that will disallow firms to sell hand and body soaps with triclosan and triclocarban in the U.S. Topics include the alleged absence of proof of safety of the chemicals for daily use, the possible hormonal effects and antibiotic resistance of the chemicals, and the involvement of the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council.

The article reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule requiring proof of efficacy and safety of antibacterial soaps as part of a larger review of antibacterial ingredients as data suggest that long-term triclosan and triclocarban exposure could pose health risks.