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This study was planned to determine the use of cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products containing chemicals during pregnancy and the affecting factors. The study is quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample size was calculated using the G*Power program. 287 puerperant women were reached. Data were obtained with the Introductory Information Form and Cosmetic and Chemical Product Usage Form. In the study, number and percentage values were given and chi-square and regression analysis were performed. In cosmetics and personal care products, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant/perfume are among the top three most commonly used products, while dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent and bleach are among the cleaning products. The products that are most restricted in use are hair dye and descaling. It has been determined that education level, occupation, income and number of pregnancies are effective in the use of some products. Taking measures to protect pregnant women is important for improving maternal and newborn health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disinfectants are essential products for reducing health risks, but they also have significant environmental impacts. This study assessed the Eco‐efficiency of disinfectants based on the NBR ISO 14045:2014. Primary data were collected from Brazilian producers, while secondary data were obtained from patents and the Ecoinvent database. The system boundaries encompassed cradle‐to‐consumer use. The selling price was adopted as the product system value indicator (economic analysis). Raw materials production had the greatest impact on the environmental performance of disinfectants A (Antibacterial, surfactant and preservative) and C (Antibacterial, surfactant and opacifier). Disinfectant B, in addition to raw materials production (Antibacterial, opacifier and surfactant), also experienced significant impacts from consumer transport. These critical processes represent more than 60% of the overall impacts in both categories. The Eco‐efficiency matrix (profile) related environmental and economic indicators. All disinfectants occupied quadrants three or four, indicating high impact on the environmental categories. Disinfectant C had the highest Eco‐efficiency while disinfectant B had the lowest, mainly due to its product system value. Sensitivity analysis indicated environmentally viable changes in the products' composition, such as replacing the antibacterial, surfactant, preservative, and opacifier. Energy and water consumption did not significantly impact the assessed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of in vitro new approach methodologies (NAMs) to assess respiratory irritation depends on several factors, including the specifics of exposure methods and cell/tissue-based test systems. This topic was examined in the context of human health risk assessment for cleaning products at a 1-day public workshop held on 2 March 2023, organized by the American Cleaning Institute® (ACI). The goals of this workshop were to (1) review in vitro NAMs for evaluation of respiratory irritation, (2) examine different perspectives on current challenges and suggested solutions, and (3) publish a manuscript of the proceedings. Targeted sessions focused on exposure methods, in vitro cell/tissue test systems, and application to human health risk assessment. The importance of characterization of assays and development of reporting standards was noted throughout the workshop. The exposure methods session emphasized that the appropriate exposure system design depends on the purpose of the assessment. This is particularly important given the many dosimetry and technical considerations affecting relevance and translation of results to human exposure scenarios. Discussion in the in vitro cell/tissue test systems session focused on the wide variety of cell systems with varying suitability for evaluating key mechanistic steps, such as molecular initiating events (MIEs) and key events (KEs) likely present in any putative respiratory irritation adverse outcome pathway (AOP). This suggests the opportunity to further develop guidance around in vitro cell/tissue test system endpoint selection, assay design, characterization and validation, and analytics that provide information about a given assay's utility. The session on applications for human health protection emphasized using mechanistic understanding to inform the choice of test systems and integration of NAMsderived data with other data sources (e.g., physicochemical properties, exposure information, and existing in vivo data) as the basis for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation. In addition, this group noted a need to develop procedures to align NAMs-based points of departure (PODs) and uncertainty factor selection with current human health risk assessment methods, together with consideration of elements unique to in vitro data. Current approaches are described and priorities for future characterization of in vitro NAMs to assess respiratory irritation are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society’s interest in environmental issues and sustainability has made green marketing a priority for organisations globally. Consumer behaviour has a significant influence on climate change, and alterations in consumer behaviour have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of consumption by up to 25%. A substantial portion of this can directly be attributed to consumers selecting products with a lower carbon footprint. Traditionally, household cleaning products have had a detrimental effect on the environment but they have more recently made extensive use of green marketing strategies. This study aimed to investigate the influence that the green marketing of cleaning products has on the buying behaviour of consumers. Consumer insights were gathered using an interpretivist, qualitative, exploratory approach with a focus group methodology to determine how their perception of green marketing and its influence on their buying behaviour might be affected. Findings revealed that although participants have a positive attitude towards green marketing and green cleaning products, their buying behaviour is influenced by factors such as price, quality, convenience, and health. Factors such as eco-labelling, social media, and product attributes are important factors that influence their decision-making process. Also noted was the lack of awareness of green cleaning products and their limited availability. This study aids in understanding the effectiveness of green marketing and highlights the need for greater awareness in the promotion of the benefits and availability of green cleaning products. This study provides a deeper understanding of green marketing’s influence on consumer behaviour and can be used to guide in the development of future practices for the promotion of ecofriendly products. Consequently, it is recommended that more research studies be conducted on the effectiveness of green marketing, so that we can better understand whether these campaigns are successful, and whether they actually influence consumer purchasing decisions. Furthermore, there is a need to understand the consumer decision making process with different products, as factors that influence buying behaviour might differ within different products.

The use of household bleach cleaning products results in emissions of highly oxidative gaseous species, such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chlorine (Cl2). These species readily react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as limonene, one of the most abundant compounds found in indoor enviroments. In this study, reactions of HOCl/Cl2 with limonene in the gas phase and on indoor relevant surfaces were investigated. Using an environmental Teflon chamber, we show that silica (SiO2), a proxy for window glass, and rutile (TiO2), a component of paint and self-cleaning surfaces, act as a reservoir for adsorption of gas-phase products formed between HOCl/Cl2 and limonene. Furthermore, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) shows that the gas-phase reaction products of HOCl/Cl2 and limonene readily adsorb on both SiO2 and TiO2. Surface-mediated reactions can also occur, leading to the formation of new chlorine- and oxygen-containing products. Transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of adsorption and desorption of bleach and terpene oxidation products indicates that these chlorine- and oxygen-containing products strongly adsorb on both SiO2 and TiO2 surfaces for days, providing potential sources of human exposure and sinks for additional heterogeneous reactions.

BACKGROUND: Household cleaning products are the second most common cause of unintentional poisoning in children

The use of in vitro new approach methodologies (NAMs) to assess respiratory irritation depends on several factors, including the specifics of exposure methods and cell/tissue-based test systems. This topic was examined in the context of human health risk assessment for cleaning products at a 1-day public workshop held on 2 March 2023, organized by the American Cleaning Institute® (ACI). The goals of this workshop were to (1) review in vitro NAMs for evaluation of respiratory irritation, (2) examine different perspectives on current challenges and suggested solutions, and (3) publish a manuscript of the proceedings. Targeted sessions focused on exposure methods, in vitro cell/tissue test systems, and application to human health risk assessment. The importance of characterization of assays and development of reporting standards was noted throughout the workshop. The exposure methods session emphasized that the appropriate exposure system design depends on the purpose of the assessment. This is particularly important given the many dosimetry and technical considerations affecting relevance and translation of results to human exposure scenarios. Discussion in the in vitro cell/tissue test systems session focused on the wide variety of cell systems with varying suitability for evaluating key mechanistic steps, such as molecular initiating events (MIEs) and key events (KEs) likely present in any putative respiratory irritation adverse outcome pathway (AOP). This suggests the opportunity to further develop guidance around in vitro cell/tissue test system endpoint selection, assay design, characterization and validation, and analytics that provide information about a given assay’s utility. The session on applications for human health protection emphasized using mechanistic understanding to inform the choice of test systems and integration of NAMs-derived data with other data sources (e.g., physicochemical properties, exposure information, and existing in vivo data) as the basis for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation. In addition, this group noted a need to develop procedures to align NAMs-based points of departure (PODs) and uncertainty factor selection with current human health risk assessment methods, together with consideration of elements unique to in vitro data. Current approaches are described and priorities for future characterization of in vitro NAMs to assess respiratory irritation are noted.

The use of cleaning and disinfecting products both at work and at home increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those products often include surfactants, acids/bases, carcinogens such as chloroform, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as cyclosiloxanes, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which may cause harmful health effects among professional cleaners as well as among people exposed at home or in their workplaces. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of the commonly used chemical, surface cleaning and disinfecting products on indoor air quality, focusing on chemical and particulate matter pollutants, exposure, and human health in residential and public buildings. We also provide a summary of recommendations to avoid harmful exposure and suggest future research directions. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search the literature. Analysis of the literature revealed that the use of cleaning products and disinfectants increase occupants’ exposure to a variety of harmful chemical air contaminants and to particulate matter. Occupational exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis. Residential exposure to cleaning products has been shown to have an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset, and on the occurrence of asthma(-like) symptoms among children and adults. Efforts to reduce occupants’ exposure to cleaning chemicals will require lowering the content of hazardous substances in cleaning products and improving ventilation during and after cleaning. Experimentally examined, best cleaning practices as well as careful selection of cleaning products can minimize the burden of harmful air pollutant exposure indoors. In addition, indirect ways to reduce exposure include increasing people’s awareness of the harmfulness of cleaning chemicals and of safe cleaning practices, as well as clear labelling of cleaning and disinfecting products.

Cleaning products changed the relation between humans and the environment. Its production and market demand are increasing annually in the world which increases these products' assessment relevance. Its inappropriate use impacts, negatively, in the environment and human health problems. The Eco-efficiency assessment is a tool to identify the life cycle hotspots and to propose technically feasible improvements. This study was done based in the NBR ISO 14045:2014 for three detergents produced in Teresina-Piauí-Brazil, namely products A, B and C. Primary and secondary data regarding inputs, outputs and selling prices were collected from three different manufacturers, the Ecoinvent database and patents. The selling price was the product system value indicator. The results were related in an Eco-efficiency matrix. The assessed products had high environmental impacts in the categories of acidification, eutrophication, scarcity of fossil and mineral resources and water use. The use stage had the greatest impacts within the referred categories due to water consumption and wastewater treatment. For the product system value, detergents A and C had a lower selling prices than product B. All detergents had high environmental impacts, then the product system value was decisive for them to occupy the matrix quadrants' three or four. Detergent C was the best choice among the three products due to its lower environmental impacts in the selected categories and selling price. Through the sensitivity analysis, it was proposed environmentally viable changes in the product's critical points, as changes in the product formula, for manufacturers, and water consumption reduction equipment, for users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 31 household spray-type cleaning products from 10 categories were examined to identify the substances contained in these products and evaluate their resulting toxicities. After substance detection via LC-QTOF-MS, suspect and non-target screenings were performed using UNIFI software. A total of 48 substances were identified during suspect screening. Among them, surfactant (freq. 22/31(71.0%)), plasticizer (freq. 23/31(74.2%)), antioxidant (freq. 20/31(64.5%)) were detected with high frequencies. Among the 48 compounds, tributyl citrate acetate was the most frequently detected (frequency 13/31, 41.9%). In addition, 51 substances were identified via non-target analysis. Among them, oleamide, a type of surfactant, showed a high frequency of detection (22/31(71.0%)). The toxicities of the 98 substances (suspect: 47 (except for confidence level 5) and non-target: 51) identified were evaluated using the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) database and Toxtree. Among them, 20 substances were classified as a substance of caution. The risk assessment for 3 substances identified with references standards was also performed. The suspect and non-target screening technique proved to be a useful method that can be applied when there are many non-specific chemicals and their components in the consumer products are not well known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Health care workers are at risk for work-related asthma, which may be affected by changes in cleaning practices. We examined associations of cleaning tasks and products with work-related asthma in health care workers in 2016, comparing them with prior results from 2003. Methods: We estimated asthma prevalence by professional group and explored associations of self-reported asthma with job-exposure matrix-based cleaning tasks/products in a representative Texas sample of 9914 physicians, nurses, respiratory/occupational therapists, and nurse aides. Results: Response rate was 34.8% (n = 2421). The weighted prevalence rates of physician-diagnosed (15.3%), work-exacerbated (4.1%), and new-onset asthma (6.7%) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness symptoms (31.1 %) were similar to 2003. New-onset asthma was associated with building surface cleaning (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.33), use of ortho-phthalaldehyde (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.15-2.72), bleach/quaternary compounds (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.10-3.33), and sprays (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.12-3.47). Conclusion: Prevalence of asthma/bronchial hyperresponsiveness seems unchanged, whereas associations of new-onset asthma with exposures to surface cleaning remained, and decreased for instrument cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Household cleaning products are the second most common cause of unintentional poisoning in children

Introduction and purpose: Detergents are compounds that constitute the main component of cleaning products. Due to their varied chemical structure, they have different functions and a wide range of applications. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the problem of toxic effects of detergents on the basis of analysis of cases of detergent poisoning by patients of the Toxicology and Cardiology Ward of the Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Hospital in Lublin. Material and methods: The study was retrospective in nature. It used an analysis of the medical records of 11707 intoxications in patients between 01.01.2013 and 31.12.2022, from which a group of individuals with a diagnosis of T55 according to the ICD 10 classification "Toxic effects of soaps and detergents" consisting of 36 cases was selected. Results: The study population consisted of 18 (50%) women and 18 (50%) men. The majority- 19 patients (52.78%) were exposed to the toxic effects of detergents accidentally. 10 patients (27.78%) were suicide attempts. Accompanying medical conditions were mostly psychiatric disorders, with alcohol dependence syndrome predominating - 9 cases (25%). The majority - 33 patients (91.67%) intoxified themselves with detergents in the form of liquids and solids by the oral route . Conclusions: Despite their usefulness in households and industry, detergents contribute to adverse health effects in situations of accidental exposure or intentional intake. In order to reduce the number of complications, preventive measures should be implemented - such as storing detergents in less accessible areas, in original boxes with retained labels, and increasing funding for psychological-psychiatric care in a crisis situation.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the use of leather shave waste activated carbon (ACLW) as an alternative for the treatment of wastewater containing linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). Batch adsorption tests were carried out (pH effect, isotherms, kinetics). The activated carbon was tested for its life cycle by desorption with solvent and it was further evaluated as real wastewater treatment for bath graywater. Under the optimum pH of 2.5, kinetic studies showed a better correlation with the pseudo-second order model, with an activation energy of 27.5 kJ mol−1. Equilibrium isotherms correlated better with the double layer model, indicating hemi-micelle formation and performing a high-affinity isotherm. Adsorption was shown to be endothermic (∆H0 = + 73.89 kJ mol−1), entropy driven (∆S0 = + 0.46 kJ mol−1 K−1), and occurring spontaneously. The use of ethanol solution was effective for the regeneration of the adsorbent. Adsorption was applied in real wastewater, removing contaminants from bath graywater, especially anionic surfactants with up to 95% removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous intoxication is a set of harmful effects to the human body, produced by the interaction of one or more toxic agents with the biological system, causing an organic imbalance. Most cases of exogenous intoxication (especially those related to accidental or intentional ingestion) are caused by chemical substances home used. Products used for cleaning, disinfection or disinfestation of public or domestic areas are called cleaning products. The cleaning products are the third cause of exogenous intoxication, and must meet the needs of the population in relation to the cleaning of environments, utensils, furniture and other items. Exposures to harmful products are common mainly in children and adolescents, but they are also frequent in adult women. The reason for this fact is the aspect of the cleaning products: with colorful packaging and organoleptic characteristics such as attractive color and odor, which arouse children's curiosity. Another factor that influences the occurrence of cases of poisoning is the inadequate storage and incorrect handling of the product, which may be related to the reading of labels and the non-use or inadequate use or insufficient use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is important to emphasize that the handling of cleaning products is growing in light of the recent pandemic scenario. Therefore, the increase in the number of accidents and poisonings and the variation in toxicological expression have assumed a prominent position in the poisoning scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between antibiotic use and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) has been well established in adults and older children but remains unclear and is yet to be fully examined in infant populations. This study aimed to determine the separate and cumulative impact from antibiotics and household cleaning products on C. difficile colonization in infants. This study included 1429 infants at 3–4 months of age and 1728 infants at 12 months of age from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort. The levels of infant antimicrobial exposure were obtained from hospital birth charts and standardized questionnaires. Infant gut microbiota was characterized by Illumina 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing. Analysis of C. difficile was performed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overall, C. difficile colonized 31% and 46% of infants at 3–4 months and 12 months, respectively. At 3–4 months, C. difficile colonization was significantly higher in infants exposed to both antibiotics and higher (above average) usage of household cleaning products (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.03–2.17; p = 0.032) than in infants who had the least antimicrobial exposure. This higher colonization persisted up to 12 months of age. Our study suggests that cumulative exposure to systemic antibiotics and higher usage of household cleaning products facilitates C. difficile colonization in infants. Further research is needed to understand the future health impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of performing a complex of works on refueling of civil aviation aircraft, one of the key issues is to ensure flight safety by controlling the quality of aviation fuel directly during refueling operations. Currently, to ensure the purity of the refueled jet fuel, water separators with filter elements of a normalized degree of purification are installed on the aircraft refueling facilities, the operation of which in the working area provides normalized indicators of cleaning jet fuel from water and mechanical impurities. As practice shows, in the process of refueling aircraft, for various objective and subjective reasons, sometimes there are stochastic situations in which quality indicators go beyond the limits established by regulatory documentation and are not deterministic, and the subsequent state of such a system is described by values that characterize an extremely low level of jet fuel purification with negative consequences for flight safety. This paper presents a mathematical description of the functioning of water separator filters in the working area, where standardized indicators of the quality of aviation fuel are provided during the refueling of aircraft. The article deals with the issue of blocking the refueling of aircraft in the event of the appearance of non-normalized technical documentation indicators of the quality of aviation fuel, which arise due to a number of different factors that lead to negative cause-and-effect relationships for flight safety. Based on the mathematical description, an approach to creating a system for protecting and blocking the refueling process under the working name "Barrier" is proposed. Of the greatest interest for the study are typical water separator filters installed on refueling vehicles as terminal technical devices for fuel purification during refueling of aircraft.

[Display omitted] The use of cleaning and disinfecting products both at work and at home increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those products often include surfactants, acids/bases, carcinogens such as chloroform, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as cyclosiloxanes, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which may cause harmful health effects among professional cleaners as well as among people exposed at home or in their workplaces. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of the commonly used chemical, surface cleaning and disinfecting products on indoor air quality, focusing on chemical and particulate matter pollutants, exposure, and human health in residential and public buildings. We also provide a summary of recommendations to avoid harmful exposure and suggest future research directions. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search the literature. Analysis of the literature revealed that the use of cleaning products and disinfectants increase occupants' exposure to a variety of harmful chemical air contaminants and to particulate matter. Occupational exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis. Residential exposure to cleaning products has been shown to have an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset, and on the occurrence of asthma(-like) symptoms among children and adults. Efforts to reduce occupants' exposure to cleaning chemicals will require lowering the content of hazardous substances in cleaning products and improving ventilation during and after cleaning. Experimentally examined, best cleaning practices as well as careful selection of cleaning products can minimize the burden of harmful air pollutant exposure indoors. In addition, indirect ways to reduce exposure include increasing people's awareness of the harmfulness of cleaning chemicals and of safe cleaning practices, as well as clear labelling of cleaning and disinfecting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaning products are mixtures of many chemical ingredients that are known to contain sensitizers, disinfectants, and fragrances, as well as strong airway irritants which associated with lower respiratory tract and asthma symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and possible risk factors of occupational asthma and its effect on quality of life among workers in detergent and cleaning products industries in El Asher men Ramadan city. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 780 workers. All participants were personally interviewed at their workplaces and were subjected to a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic, work characteristics and asthma symptoms, clinical examination, chest X-ray, spirometer, and bronchodilator test. The prevalence of occupational asthma among the studied workers was 35.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender [odds ratio 1.397; 95% CI 1.09–1.96], manually working participants [odds ratio 3.067; 95% CI 1.72–5.46], and history of atopy [odds ratio 1.596; 95% CI 1.09–2.33] were risk factors for development of occupational asthma. The total mean score of asthma-specific quality of life was significantly lower in asthmatic (5.10 ± 0.49) than non-asthmatic workers (5.89 ± 0.46) (P < 0.01) indicating impairment of quality of life among asthmatic group. Workers in detergent and cleaning products industry are at higher risk for developing occupational asthma that adversely affects their general health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although chemical exposures from cleaning and disinfectant products often go unnoticed or unrecognized, such exposures have been associated with asthma-related symptoms and exacerbations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) website provides consumer information on a wide range of issues and products related to human health and the environment, including the use of cleaning and disinfectant products, 2,500 of which it has rated in terms of their effects on respiratory function and asthma. In discussing how the use of cleaning and disinfectant products and the frequency of their use may affect asthma control, the authors use the EWG ratings as well as data collected for a study they conducted on older adults with asthma. The authors describe how the use of cleaning and disinfectant products may affect asthma and asthma-related symptoms and report the findings of a recent study they conducted that identified how these products could reduce asthma control in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic cleaners have an increased risk of asthma-like and other respiratory symptoms and conditions. Uncertainty exists about which products are most hazardous. We aimed to investigate, among professional domestic cleaners, the associations of ocular/respiratory outcomes with using specific types of products at work and with the ability to choose their own products.Among domestic cleaners employed by “service vouchers” companies in Belgium, we administered an online questionnaire on ocular/respiratory symptoms (frequency and time relation to workdays), frequency of use of 40 types of products, and ability to choose one’s own products. Work-relatedness was defined as symptoms improving/disappearing on days off-work. We studied associations between frequency of product-use with work-related outcomes (eye irritation, rhinitis symptoms, sore throat, laryngeal symptoms, asthma symptoms, cough) and with chronic bronchitis, using multivariable logistic and elastic net regression. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95%-confidence intervals were obtained per time a product was used per week.Among 1,586 domestic cleaners (99% women), the number of times sprays were used (median 13/week) was significantly associated with all outcomes (ORs between 1.012 and 1.024 per time sprays were used per week). Bleach/disinfectant-containing liquid products were associated with all outcomes, except for laryngeal symptoms (ORs 1.086 to 1.150); ammonia with work-related upper airway symptoms and chronic bronchitis. Cleaners able to choose their own products had fewer work-related eye symptoms (OR 0.728;0.556–0.954), rhinitis (OR 0.735;0.571–0.946) and cough (OR 0.671;0.520–0.865). Using elastic net regression, work-related rhinitis was most strongly associated with mould removal spray (OR 1.108;1.006–1.248), carpet/seat/curtain spray (OR 1.099;1.001–1.304) and ammonia (OR 1.081;1.002–1.372); work-related asthma with carpet/seat/curtain spray (OR 1.103;1.017–1.322), mould removal spray (OR 1.029;0.995–1.199) and drain cleaner (OR 1.023;0.979–1.302).In a large group of domestic cleaners, we documented that cleaning products have a range of adverse respiratory effects. Empowering cleaners to choose their products may reduce the burden of symptoms.

Background and Objective: Regular use of household cleaning products and cosmetics can result in adverse consequences for human health. Therefore, the knowledge of consumption pattern of these products can help to evaluate the effects and finally control the consequences of their inappropriate application. As there is not an appropriate tool for evaluating public use-pattern for these products in Iran, we studied the reliability and validity of a questionnaire designed for the use-patterns of these products. Materials and Methods: In the present study, a questionnaire, which was previously applied in similar studies for this purpose, was first translated to Persian. Then, some changes were made in the questionnaire according to the studied population. In the next step, the assessment of both content validity and face validity of the instrument was performed. Finally, the questionnaire reliability was studied in two test-retest steps at a 14-day interval with 40 subjects older than 14 years old being resident in Tehran city. Results: Total Content Validity Index (CVI) of this questionnaire ranged 0.66-1 for all question items. Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient was 0.814. The correlation assessment of each question item based on the total correlation score showed that all questionnaire items had a direct and strong correlation with the total instrument score. Conclusion: Given the acceptable validity and reliability obtained for the questionnaire in Persian in this study, it can be used in those investigations that evaluate use patterns or asses the exposure risks to chemical pollutants from cosmetic products or detergents.

Résumé: La qualité de l'air intérieur représente un enjeu de santé publique majeur. Les actions des pouvoirs publics portent notamment sur la réduction des sources de polluants volatils spécifiques aux environnements intérieurs, dont certains usages domestiques de produits de consommation. Pour contribuer à identifier les produits associés aux risques sanitaires les plus préoccupants, la démarche d'évaluation des risques sanitaires (ERS) a été appliquée à trois types de produits de consommation courante, présélectionnés en fonction de leurs risques individuels attendus : désodorisants combustibles (encens, bougies parfumées), produits ménagers et désodorisants non combustibles (sprays, diffuseurs). Le champ des ERS réalisées incluait les expositions par inhalation, chroniques et aiguës (expositions d'une heure), et les usages de type domestique. Ces ERS se sont basées sur des concentrations mesurées en conditions réelles et sur des scénarios d'exposition déterministes (« moyen » et « pire cas raisonnable ») élaborés à partir de sondages nationaux sur les usages des produits étudiés. Dans le cas particulier des produits ménagers, l'élaboration de séances de ménage complètes, « multiproduits » et « multipièces », s'est appuyée sur une consultation de parties prenantes. Les résultats obtenus suggèrent que, dans le cadre des produits testés et des hypothèses retenues dans ces ERS, (i) les usages les plus courants correspondent à des risques individuels chroniques non préoccupants, quel que soit le type de produit étudié, considéré individuellement ; (ii) les expositions les plus élevées ont besoin d'être réduites pour assurer l'absence de risque préoccupant, notamment en réduisant les émissions des produits les plus émissifs, quel que soit le type de produit étudié ; (iii) les encens et, dans une moindre mesure, les sprays désodorisants sont les produits présentant les risques individuels les plus élevés, parmi les produits étudiés. Les substances d'intérêt prioritaire identifiées sont l'acroléine, le benzène, le formaldéhyde et les particules fines (PM2,5). Les effets sanitaires potentiels incluent divers troubles du système respiratoire et un excès de risque de leucémie. Indoor air quality is a major public health issue. Potential government actions include reducing indoor sources of volatile pollutants, especially household uses of some consumer products of concern. To help identify the products with the greatest health risks, a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) approach was applied to three types of consumer products, selected in advance for their expected individual risks: combustible air fresheners (incense, scented candles), cleaning products, and non-combustible air fresheners (sprays, diffusers). The scope of the HRA covered inhalation exposures (chronic and acute) and household uses. These HRAs were based on concentrations measured in real conditions and on exposure scenarios ("mean" and "reasonable worst-case") developed with national utilization surveys in France. A meeting with stakeholders for cleaning products led to the development of full "multi-product" and "multi-room" cleaning sessions. The results suggest that, based on the products tested and on the assumptions selected in these HRA, (i) the most common uses for each type of product studied correspond to individual chronic risks that may not be of concern, (ii) the highest exposures for each type of product should be reduced to ensure safe use and, as such, emissions should be reduced for the products with the highest emission levels, (iii) incense products and, to a lesser extent, fragrance sprays are the consumer products with the highest individual risks among the products studied. The priority substances identified were acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Potential health effects include various respiratory system disorders and an excess risk of leukemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between antibiotic use and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) has been well established in adults and older children but remains unclear and is yet to be fully examined in infant populations. This study aimed to determine the separate and cumulative impact from antibiotics and household cleaning products on C. difficile colonization in infants. This study included 1429 infants at 3–4 months of age and 1728 infants at 12 months of age from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort. The levels of infant antimicrobial exposure were obtained from hospital birth charts and standardized questionnaires. Infant gut microbiota was characterized by Illumina 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing. Analysis of C. difficile was performed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overall, C. difficile colonized 31% and 46% of infants at 3–4 months and 12 months, respectively. At 3–4 months, C. difficile colonization was significantly higher in infants exposed to both antibiotics and higher (above average) usage of household cleaning products (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.03–2.17; p = 0.032) than in infants who had the least antimicrobial exposure. This higher colonization persisted up to 12 months of age. Our study suggests that cumulative exposure to systemic antibiotics and higher usage of household cleaning products facilitates C. difficile colonization in infants. Further research is needed to understand the future health impacts.

The new particle formation due to the use of cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments is well documented in the scientific literature. Indeed, the physical‐chemical process occurring in particle nucleation due to VOC‐ozone reactions was deepened as well as the effect of the main influencing parameters (ie, temperature, ozone). Nonetheless, proper quantification of the emission under actual meteo‐climatic conditions and ozone concentrations is not available. To this end, in the present paper the emission factors of newly generated ultrafine particles due to the use of different floor cleaning products under actual temperature and relative humidity conditions and ozone concentrations typical of the summer periods were evaluated. Tests in a chamber and in an actual indoor environment were performed measuring continuously particle number concentrations and size distributions during cleaning activities. The tests revealed that a significant particle emission in the nucleation mode was present for half of the products under investigation with emission factors up to 1.1 × 1011 part./m2 (8.8 × 1010 part./mLproduct), then leading to an overall particle emission comparable to other well‐known indoor sources when cleaning wide surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent outbreak in severe acute respiratory syndrome – coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has demonstrated the complete inability of nations across the world to cope with the pressures of a global pandemic, especially one in which the only current feasible treatments are those which deal with the symptoms alone and not the viral cause. As the death toll rises, scientists begin to fall toward new avenues of research, with novelty showing itself to be an incredible and so far, underrated resource. In this case, the use of biosurfactants in dealing with this pandemic justifies extensive study with their potential applications being in the prevention of viral spread; dealing with the symptoms that develop after the incubation period; directly targeting viral infected cells and preventing the spread of the virus throughout the host, all in addition to also acting as potential drug delivery systems and cleaning agents. This extensive avenue of biosurfactants owes to the simplicity in their amphiphilic structure which permits them to interact directly with the lipid membrane of the coronavirus, in a way which wouldn't be of significant threat to the host. Although it could possibly interact and affect the virus, it could also affect human internal organs/cells by interacting with lipid membrane, if (biosurfactant is) ingested, and it still needs further studies in human models. The structure of the coronavirus, in this case SARS-CoV-2, is detrimentally dependent on the integrity of its lipid membrane which encloses its vital proteins and RNA. Biosurfactants possess the innate ability to threaten this membrane, a result of their own hydrophobic domains across their amphiphilic structure. With biosurfactants additionally being both natural and sustainable, while also possessing a remarkably low cytotoxicity, it is of no doubt that they are going to be of increasing significance in dealing with the current pandemic.

Introduction: In December 2019, the Hubei province in Wuhan, China, became the epicenter of an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown causes. On January 7, Chinese authorities announced that they had identified a new type of coronavirus (New Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV). Subsequently, in March 2020, the Director General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced that the new 2019 Coronavirus disease can be characterized as a pandemic. From that moment until today, the antitoxic centers of the world began to report an increase in poisonings from cleaning products, especially at the expense of disinfectants. Objective: Describe the health effects of the use of disinfectants during COVID-19. Methodological Design: a bibliographic review was carried out on the health effects of the frequent use of disinfectants during COVID-19, starting with the increase in consultations for acute poisoning with cleaning products in the country. Conclusions: There was an increase in visits to poison control centers for acute poisonings related to household products. This increase is a consequence of the frequent use of disinfectants by the population due to COVID-19. The harmful effects on health were mainly related to conditions of the respiratory, digestive and skin systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent outbreak in severe acute respiratory syndrome – coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has demonstrated the complete inability of nations across the world to cope with the pressures of a global pandemic, especially one in which the only current feasible treatments are those which deal with the symptoms alone and not the viral cause. As the death toll rises, scientists begin to fall toward new avenues of research, with novelty showing itself to be an incredible and so far, underrated resource. In this case, the use of biosurfactants in dealing with this pandemic justifies extensive study with their potential applications being in the prevention of viral spread; dealing with the symptoms that develop after the incubation period; directly targeting viral infected cells and preventing the spread of the virus throughout the host, all in addition to also acting as potential drug delivery systems and cleaning agents. This extensive avenue of biosurfactants owes to the simplicity in their amphiphilic structure which permits them to interact directly with the lipid membrane of the coronavirus, in a way which wouldn't be of significant threat to the host. Although it could possibly interact and affect the virus, it could also affect human internal organs/cells by interacting with lipid membrane, if (biosurfactant is) ingested, and it still needs further studies in human models. The structure of the coronavirus, in this case SARS-CoV-2, is detrimentally dependent on the integrity of its lipid membrane which encloses its vital proteins and RNA. Biosurfactants possess the innate ability to threaten this membrane, a result of their own hydrophobic domains across their amphiphilic structure. With biosurfactants additionally being both natural and sustainable, while also possessing a remarkably low cytotoxicity, it is of no doubt that they are going to be of increasing significance in dealing with the current pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood at crime scenes is one of the most significant traces of evidence in investigation proceedings. Cleaning up these traces with household cleaning products, often containing bleaching agents, inhibits or complicates the detection of DNA. In this study, human blood was applied onto different floor coverings (carpet, laminate, parquet, PVC, tile) and subsequently cleaned with water and bleaching agents (hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, DanKlorix®, Vanish Oxi Action®) at different times. Samples have been collected afterwards from the floors. The samples underwent a quantitative and qualitative DNA analysis. Cleaning smooth surfaces with water is usually sufficed to prohibit retrieving a DNA profile in most of the cases. Cleaning carpets was more difficult due to their absorbent surface whereas the use of bleaching agents caused an additional reduction of verifiable DNA concentrations. Retrieving partial or complete profiles after the use of bleaching agents was only possible when cleaning with low concentrations of 3% hydrogen peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils are frequently used as natural fragrances in housecleaning products and air fresheners marketed as green and healthy. However, these substances are volatile and reactive chemical species. This review focuses on the impact of essential oil-based household products on indoor air quality. First, housecleaning products containing essential oils are explored in terms of composition and existing regulations. Specific insight is provided regarding terpenes in fragranced housecleaning products, air fresheners, and pure essential oils. Second, experimental methodologies for terpene monitoring, from sampling to experimental chambers and analytical methods, are addressed, emphasizing the experimental issues in monitoring terpenes in indoor air. Third, the temporal dynamics of terpene emissions reported in the literature are discussed. Despite experimental discrepancies, essential oil-based products are significant sources of terpenes in indoor air, inducing a high exposure of occupants to terpenes. Finally, the fate of terpenes is explored from sorptive and reactive points of view. In addition to terpene deposition on surfaces, indoor oxidants may induce homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, resulting in secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde and secondary organic aerosols. Overall, essential oil-based products can negatively impact indoor air quality; therefore, standard protocols and real-scale approaches are needed to explore the indoor physics and chemistry of terpenes, from emissions to reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the frequency of work-related asthma (WRA) and characteristics of individuals with exposure to cleaning products 1998 to 2012, compared with 1993 to 1997. Methods: Cases of WRA from products used for cleaning or disinfecting surfaces were identified from California, Massachusetts, Michigan (1998 to 2012), New Jersey (1998 to 2011), and New York (2009 to 2012). Results: There were 1199 (12.4%) cleaning product cases among all 9667 WRA cases; 77.8% women, 62.1 % white non-Hispanic, and average age of 43 years. The highest percentages worked in healthcare (41.1 %), and were building cleaners (20.3%), or registered nurses (14.1%). Conclusions: The percentage of WRA cases from exposure to cleaning products from 1998 to 2012 was unchanged from 1993 to 1997 indicating that continued and additional prevention efforts are needed to reduce unnecessary use, identify safer products, and implement safer work processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) contact dermatitis is a severe problem. The high concentrations of these substances and other isothiazolinones such as benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) contained in cleaning products may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized patients. Objectives: To evaluate the exposure to isothiazolinones contained in cleaning products on the market and from sensitized patients, and to verify the accuracy of labeling. Methods: A total of 34 cleaning products were collected (17 supplied by sensitized patients and 17 bought randomly). Analysis was made of the concentrations of MI, MCI, BIT, and OIT using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Results: MI and BIT were the components most frequently detected. Of all the products analyzed, 76.5% contained at least one isothiazolinone. Twelve products had an MI concentration above the permitted level for rinse‐off cosmetics. Most of them were coming into direct contact with the skin in daily use. Mislabeling occurred in eight products. Conclusions: Some cleaning products with high concentrations of isothiazolinones may cause cutaneous symptoms in sensitized patients, especially in spray form. The labeling should be correct, also regarding the use of each article. Highlights: Some cleaning products with high concentrations of isothiazolinones may cause cutaneous symptoms in sensitized patients, especially in spray form.Of all the products analyzed, 76.5% contained at least one isothiazolinone. MI and BIT were the components most commonly detected.Suitable quality controls of the final product should be made and the labels should specify the correct way to use the products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Regular use of household cleaning products and cosmetics can result in adverse consequences for human health. Therefore, the knowledge of consumption pattern of these products can help to evaluate the effects and finally control the consequences of their inappropriate application. As there is not an appropriate tool for evaluating public use-pattern for these products in Iran, we studied the reliability and validity of a questionnaire designed for the use-patterns of these products. Materials and Methods: In the present study, a questionnaire, which was to previously applied in similar studies for this purpose, was first translated Persian. Then, some changes were made in the questionnaire according to the studied population. In the next step, the assessment of both content validity and face validity of the instrument was performed. Finally, the questionnaire reliability was studied in two test-retest steps at a 14-day interval with 40 subjects .older than 14 years old being resident in Tehran city Results: Total Content Validity Index (CVI) of this questionnaire ranged 0.66-1 for all question items. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.814. The correlation assessment of each question item based on the total correlation score showed that all questionnaire items had a direct and strong correlation with the total instrument score. Conclusion: Given the acceptable validity and reliability obtained for the questionnaire in Persian in this study, it can be used in those investigations that evaluate use patterns or asses the exposure risks to chemical pollutants from cosmetic products or detergents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to disinfectants among healthcare workers has been associated with respiratory health effects, in particular, asthma. However, most studies are cross‐sectional and the role of disinfectant exposures in asthma development requires longitudinal studies. We investigated the association between occupational exposure to disinfectants and incident asthma in a large cohort of U.S. female nurses. Methods: The Nurses' Health Study II is a prospective cohort of 116 429 female nurses enrolled in 1989. Analyses included 61 539 participants who were still in a nursing job and with no history of asthma in 2009 (baseline; mean age: 55 years). During 277 744 person‐years of follow‐up (2009‐2015), 370 nurses reported incident physician‐diagnosed asthma. Occupational exposure was evaluated by questionnaire and a Job‐Task‐Exposure Matrix (JTEM). We examined the association between disinfectant exposure and subsequent asthma development, adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, smoking status, and body mass index. Results: Weekly use of disinfectants to clean surfaces only (23% exposed) or to clean medical instruments (19% exposed) was not associated with incident asthma (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for surfaces, 1.12 [0.87‐1.43]; for instruments, 1.13 [0.87‐1.48]). No association was observed between high‐level exposure to specific disinfectants/cleaning products evaluated by the JTEM (formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol quats, or enzymatic cleaners) and asthma incidence. Conclusions: In a population of late career nurses, we observed no significant association between exposure to disinfectants and asthma incidence. A potential role of disinfectant exposures in asthma development warrants further study among healthcare workers at earlier career stage to limit the healthy worker effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed secondary organic aerosol (SOA) data from a series of small-chamber experiments in which terpene-rich vapors from household products were combined with ozone under conditions analogous to product use indoors. Reagents were introduced into a continuously ventilated 198 L chamber at steady rates. Consistently, at the time of ozone introduction, nucleation occurred exhibiting behavior similar to atmospheric events. The initial nucleation burst and growth was followed by a period in which approximately stable particle levels were established reflecting a balance between new particle formation, condensational growth, and removal by ventilation. Airborne particles were measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS, 10 to 400 nm) in every experiment and with an optical particle counter (OPC, 0.1 to 2.0 ?m) in a subset. Parameters for a three-mode lognormal fit to the size distribution at steady state were determined for each experiment. Increasing the supply ozone level increased the steady-state mass concentration and yield of SOA from each product tested. Decreasing the air-exchange rate increased the yield. The steady-state fine-particle mass concentration (PM1.1) ranged from 10 to > 300 mu g m-3 and yields ranged from 5percent to 37percent. Steady-state nucleation rates and SOA mass formation rates were on the order of 10 cm-3 s-1 and 10 mu g m-3 min-1, respectively.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increased reported use of chemical cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products (CSDPs), which created public concerns about negative health consequences for both children and adults in public schools. A subset of newer teachers shared experiences regarding safety and health (S&H) while working in school-based settings through a series of online surveys. Surveys were provided to teachers who completed work-based learning supervisory trainings provided by the New Jersey Safe Schools Program between October 2021 and June 2023. The participants answered questions focusing on CSDPs purchased for school use, their attitudes towards CSDPs, their use of personal protective equipment, and symptoms employees may have had due to CSDPs. A total of 205 teacher participants successfully completed the surveys. Over 25% of the teachers did not know where their CSDPs originated from, as they were provided by the school. Most participants "sometimes", "not often", or "never" read labels for CSDP ingredients or looked them up on healthy product apps. The participants (60%) tended to wear gloves while cleaning/disinfecting but did not wear masks. A third of the participants experienced respiratory health problems after working at school. Overall, the data suggest that more education on S&H regarding CSDPs needs to be provided to New Jersey teachers.

Emissions from everyday consumer products have been associated with adverse effects on air quality and health. This study investigates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 134 common consumer products, both fragranced and fragrance-free, including those with claims of green. Product types include personal care products, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, laundry products, and sunscreens. Using GC/MS headspace analysis, this study found 1538 VOC occurrences (individual ingredients), representing 338 VOC identities (different compounds), emitted from the 134 consumer products. Among the 1538 VOCs, 517 VOCs are classified as potentially hazardous. The most common VOC emitted from the 104 fragranced products was limonene, which was absent in fragrance-free versions. Comparing the green and regular fragranced products, no significant difference was found between the most prevalent potentially hazardous VOCs. Among all volatile ingredients emitted, fewer than 4% were listed on product labels. This study provides extensive findings on volatile emissions from consumer products, which can improve awareness of potential exposures and effects on air quality and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Local effects on the eye following cleaning product exposures are frequently reported. According to EU chemicals legislation many cleaning products are labelled with Hazard Phrase 318 indicating risk of irreversible eye damage. The objectives of this study were to identify cleaning products with potential for irreversible eye damage by collecting human exposure data from poisons centres (PC), and to clarify to what degree exact product identification is possible during a PC telephone call. Methods: MAGAM II was a multicentre binational prospective observational PC study. All human eye exposures to detergents or maintenance products reported to nine PCs taking calls from the public and medical professionals during an 18-month period were included. The severity of eye effects was rated according to the WHO Poisoning Severity Score. Results: Five hundred and eighty-six cases were included. Product identification by name leading to formula information was successful in 533 cases (91%). Follow-up was successful in 528 exposures. Irrigation was performed in 94% of cases. Duration of symptoms was ≥24 hours in 73 patients (25%). 33 (6%) patients developed moderate eye injury. Healing was reported in all cases. The percentage of moderate cases was highest in the group of drain cleaners (25%), toilet cleaners (18%) and oven cleaners (15%). Products intended for professional use caused relatively more moderate eye injuries than products also intended for consumer use. Conclusion: MAGAM II has shown that PCs are able to identify formulas in sufficiently high quality as needed for product-directed toxicovigilance. The results underline the potential of PC exposure case data for product safety monitoring. The results indicate that irreversible eye damage is very rare after cleaning product exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaning and disinfecting tasks and product use are associated with elevated prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms among healthcare workers; however, the levels of exposure that pose a health risk remain unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the peak, average, and determinants of real-time total volatile organic compound (TVOC) exposure associated with cleaning tasks and product-use. TVOC exposures were measured using monitors equipped with a photoionization detector (PID). A simple correction factor was applied to the real-time measurements, calculated as a ratio of the full-shift average TVOC concentrations from a time-integrated canister and the PID sample, for each sample pair. During sampling, auxiliary information, e.g. tasks, products used, engineering controls, was recorded on standardized data collection forms at 5-min intervals. Five-minute averaged air measurements (n = 10 276) from 129 time-series comprising 92 workers and four hospitals were used to model the determinants of exposures. The statistical model simultaneously accounted for censored data and non-stationary autocorrelation and was fit using Markov-Chain Monte Carlo within a Bayesian context. Log-transformed corrected concentrations (cTVOC) were modeled, with the fixed-effects of tasks and covariates, that were systematically gathered during sampling, and random effect of person-day. The model-predicted geometric mean (GM) cTVOC concentrations ranged from 387 parts per billion (ppb) for the task of using a product containing formaldehyde in laboratories to 2091 ppb for the task of using skin wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds, with a GM of 925 ppb when no products were used. Peak exposures quantified as the 95th percentile of 15-min averages for these tasks ranged from 3172 to 17 360 ppb. Peak and GM task exposures varied by occupation and hospital unit. In the multiple regression model, use of sprays was associated with increasing exposures, while presence of local exhaust ventilation, large room volume, and automatic sterilizer use were associated with decreasing exposures. A detailed understanding of factors affecting TVOC exposure can inform targeted interventions to reduce exposures and can be used in epidemiologic studies as metrics of short-duration peak exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify, characterize, and assess data needs for ecological risk of household cleaning product polymers currently being used in the United States (US). Because of their range in properties and functions, polymers are used in a wide variety of household cleaning products, including fabric, dish, and hard surface cleaners. Understanding their potential environmental impact is essential for good ingredient and product stewardship. The household cleaning product polymers were first identified using several databases. Of the 185 polymers initially identified, 120 were eliminated from the list because they did not fit the definition of a polymer, were not well defined (e.g., no Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] or trade name only), or were not in current use. Forty‐seven of the remaining polymers had either adequate environmental fate and hazard data and/or sufficient data for conducting a comprehensive ecological risk assessment and were determined to be of low concern by either the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and/or the Human and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Project. The remaining 18 polymers were determined to need further review because of a lack of publicly available information for conducting ecological risk assessments. Additional data for these 18 polymers could be obtained by accessing privately held data, conducting laboratory tests on their fate and effects in aquatic environments, or by conducting read‐across of similar structured polymers. These steps can be utilized by industry to determine where best to dedicate future environmental stewardship efforts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:621–632. © 2019 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC) Key Points: This project aimed to identify, characterize, and obtain environmental information on United States (US) household cleaning product polymers in current use to identify polymers that need additional data for conducting ecological risk assessments.An initial list of 185 polymers was narrowed by excluding polymers that were adequately characterized for ecological risk and those that did not fall under the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) definition of a polymer.A comprehensive literature search and compilation of publicly available data allowed for conducting a data gap analysis of the remaining 18 polymers, although little data were available.Further study to inform risk assessments for these polymers could include QSAR modeling, read‐across, accessing privately held data, or further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Consumers based risk perception on scenario and involved cleaning product. • Consumers underestimated risk of eco-friendly cleaning products. • The pictograms' role in consumers' risk perception is unclear. • The most important predictor of behavior was risk perception of cleaning product. Abstract In Europe, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) provides a system for hazard communication for consumer products that includes a signal word, hazard pictograms, and hazard and precautionary statements. However, it is yet unclear whether consumers consider the pictograms as part of their interpretation of the potential hazard or whether other, potentially misleading, attributes are also considered. Previous studies suggest that consumers underestimate the risk of eco-friendly cleaning products, irrespective of the presence of objective risk information. In this study, a 7 × 4 × 2 × 2 mixed-design scenario experiment was conducted with a large sample of Swiss consumers. In seven scenarios (within-factor), the following three aspects were systematically manipulated (between-factors): (1) type of cleaning product, (2) eco-friendly or regular product and (3) GHS pictogram visible or not. Participants were asked to indicate their risk perception and self-reported behaviour regarding each scenario. The results suggest that consumers have a rather accurate estimation of the risk based on scenario and involved cleaning product and correctly identified the most problematic scenarios (e.g., unsafe storage of drain cleaner). However, consumers also exhibited a "green" halo effect for eco-friendly cleaning products by rating the perceived risk for these products lower than for the corresponding regular cleaning products. This offers important implications for further research and policy, as risk perception was also the most important predictor of self-reported behaviour within this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Cleaner use disposable gloves for protection against dermal chemicals, some with extreme pH. • Gloves come in different material types with varied suitability for protection against chemicals. • Breakthrough times of various gloves are determined against cleaning chemicals with extreme pH. • The different materials showed poor performance for both acidic and basic products. Abstract Background Cleaning workers use disposable gloves when handling chemicals including those with extreme pH-values (pH < 2; pH > 11.5). Objectives To assess the suitability of disposable gloves as protective measure when using cleaning products with extreme pH values. Method Gloves of Latex, PVC, Neoprene and Nitrile were tested. The gloves surface area was estimated from density and weight data. Acid/alkali-reserve of the cleaning products were determined by titrating the products accordingly with 0.1 M NaOH and 0.1 M HCl. Breakthrough times of materials were determined using a simple approach, where inverted gloves cuttings filled with 10 ml of cleaning products were immersed in pH-adjusted water with added pH-indicator at 23 °C, and at 35 °C. Permeation through the gloves was indicated by the colour change of pH-indicator in the water. The time for the colour change was noted as the material breakthrough time. Results Gloves surface areas: Neoprene 517 cm2, Latex 573 cm2, Nitrile 681 cm2 and PVC 704 cm2. Acid-reserve was estimated at ∼8 g and ∼10 g NaOH for Acid1 and Acid2 respectively. Alkali1 and Alkali2 had alkali-reserve of 15 g and 64 g NaOH respectively. Latex had generally the shortest breakthrough times in minutes (shortest >1; longest >11), while Nitrile had the longest times (shortest >27; longest >57). Conclusion Latex and PVC, though used by cleaners are the least suitable for handling chemicals with extreme pH-values. Nitrile, is comparatively a better choice, but also with limited suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of household bleach cleaning products results in emissions of highly oxidative gaseous species, such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chlorine (Cl 2 ). These species readily react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as limonene, one of the most abundant compounds found in indoor enviroments. In this study, reactions of HOCl/Cl 2 with limonene in the gas phase and on indoor relevant surfaces were investigated. Using an environmental Teflon chamber, we show that silica (SiO 2 ), a proxy for window glass, and rutile (TiO 2 ), a component of paint and self-cleaning surfaces, act as a reservoir for adsorption of gas-phase products formed between HOCl/Cl 2 and limonene. Furthermore, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) shows that the gas-phase reaction products of HOCl/Cl 2 and limonene readily adsorb on both SiO 2 and TiO 2 . Surface-mediated reactions can also occur, leading to the formation of new chlorine- and oxygen-containing products. Transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of adsorption and desorption of bleach and terpene oxidation products indicates that these chlorine- and oxygen-containing products strongly adsorb on both SiO 2 and TiO 2 surfaces for days, providing potential sources of human exposure and sinks for additional heterogeneous reactions.