Toxicity of extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups on L-929 cells

Objective: To evaluate the toxicity of extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups on L-929 cells. Methods: We followed national standards to prepare the extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups used for the cell culture media, and the morphology of L-929 cells was observed with an optical microscope. The loss rate for adherent cells was evaluated with the trypan blue exclusion method, and cell proliferation was determined using the WST-1 assay. Results: Compared with the control group, the cells cultured in media containing the extracts showed signs of apoptosis and necrosis after culturing for 4 or 7 days, and the loss rate for adherent cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05). An obvious decrease in cell viability was also observed (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The extracts from disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups can affect the growth and proliferation of L-929 cells and are potentially toxic to humans. Key words: disposable daily necessities, cytotoxicity, WST-1 assay. Objectifs : Evaluer la toxicite d'extraits de baguettes, de cure-dents et de verres de carton jetables sur les cellules L-929. Methode : Les extraits de baguettes, de cure-dents et de verres de carton jetables ont ete utilises pour preparer le milieu de culture cellulaire selon les standards nationaux, et la morphologie des cellules L-929 a ete observee en microscopie optique. Le taux de perte de cellules adherentes a ete evalue par coloration d'exclusion au bleu de trypan et la proliferation cellulaire a ete determinee par un dosage WST-1. Resultats : Comparativement au groupe controle, les cellules cultivees dans le milieu contenant les extraits presentaient des signes d'apoptose et de necrose apres une culture de 4 ou 7 jours, et le taux de perte de cellules adherentes etait significativement accru (P < 0,05). Une diminution evidente de la viabilite cellulaire etait aussi observee (P < 0,05). Conclusion : Les extraits de baguettes, de cure-dents et de verres de carton jetables peuvent affecter la croissance et la proliferation des cellules L-929 et sont potentiellement nefastes pour la sante humaine. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : produit de necessite quotidienne jetable, cytotoxicite, dosage WST-1.
Introduction Disposable chopsticks, toothpicks, and paper cups are daily necessities; however, there is a deficiency with respect to the safety data for these items. For example, during production, residues from [...]