Abstract
ABSTRACTInhalation exposures in the ambient environment may trigger allergic or other adverse responses in susceptible individuals, and this study aims to elucidate the contribution, if any, of airborne particles resulting from commonly-used medicinal and food powders to this response. In a laboratory room, six powders (two types of paracetamol-containing sachet, dried skimmed milk, instant coffee powder containing milk, a non-dairy coffee whitener containing milk protein, and a powdered peanut butter) were individually utilised under representative “real life” conditions, with ten replicates in each case. Particle concentrations were measured at the emission location and at a distance of 1 m. For each powder, a large variation in evolved particle concentrations is seen between individual events. Of the powders tested, only flavoured paracetamol demonstrated any potential for dispersion to a distance of 1 m from the source. Short term exposures were estimated and from these, it was concluded that the particle concentrations evolving from powdered peanut butter and paracetamol powders were of little concern, although further investigation of specific scenarios is merited. The range of short-term exposures calculated for milk powder products was 0.019–0.087 µg, which was comparable to estimated levels that have elicited adverse health responses in other studies.
Highlights
In recent years, it has been recognised that inhalation exposures in the ambient environment may trigger allergic or other adverse responses in suspectible individuals
Short term exposures were estimated and from these, it was concluded that the particle concentrations evolving from powdered peanut butter and paracetamol powders were of little concern, further investigation of specific scenarios is merited
Nazarenko et al (2012) highlight the potential for inhalation exposure associated with the personal use of nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders, and Lin et al (2010) indicate that the use of culinary spices and topical application of powders for cultural reasons may result in lead inhalation
Summary
It has been recognised that inhalation exposures in the ambient environment may trigger allergic or other adverse responses in suspectible individuals. Allergy to cow’s milk is predominantly associated with infants, with 80–90% outgrowing the condition in early childhood. Larramendi et al (2013) describe the case of a 6 year old milk-allergic child who developed asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis due to exposure to dust-free chalk, which contained the milk protein casein, while at school. Maleki et al (2006) describe a case in which a nurse developed occupational rhinitis and asthma due to the inhalation of casein protein that was present in a medicinal dermatological powder. Nazarenko et al (2012) highlight the potential for inhalation exposure associated with the personal use of nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders, and Lin et al (2010) indicate that the use of culinary spices and topical application of powders for cultural reasons may result in lead inhalation. Vargiu et al (1994) describe the respiratory distress encountered by a Sardinian sheep farmer, due to milk vapour inhalation during sheep-milking
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