Household Disinfectants Research Articles

A simple and green method for direct determination of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite in household disinfectants based on personal glucose meter

A convenient and green method was developed using a personal glucose meter (PGM) for direct determination of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite in household disinfectants based on the acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCI)-mediated reaction. In this method, acetylcholinesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATCI to generate thiocholine iodide, which can trigger the reduction of K3[Fe(CN)6] to K4[Fe(CN)6] and generate a PGM detectable signal. When the hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorite is pre-incubated with the ATCI, the yield of thiocholine will be decreased because the iodine molecules can initiate the oxidation of thiocholine to disulphides, leading to a lower PGM readout. Thus, the hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorite can be directly quantified by PGM as simple as detecting glucose in blood. After being systematically investigated, the optimum conditions of the PGM method are as follows: 5.0 min of enzymatic reaction time, 6.0 mM final concentration of ATCI solution, and 10.0 min of reaction time between ATCI/H2O2 and thiocholine. Moreover, the recoveries of hydrogen peroxide in real sample spiked with three different concentrations (final concentrations of 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mM) are in the range of 96.3–108.4%. The recoveries of hypochlorite in real sample spiked with three different concentrations (final concentrations of 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mM) are in the range of 99.4–117.0%. These results indicate that the developed method can be employed for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite in household disinfectants.

Characterization of Structure Isomers of Ethylbenzalkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride and Quantification in Commercial Household Disinfectant Products

Characterization of Structure Isomers of Ethylbenzalkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride and Quantification in Commercial Household Disinfectant Products

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household disinfectant consumption behaviors and related environmental concerns: A questionnaire-based survey in China

Considering the potential hazardous effects of disinfectant residues on environment, organisms and biodiversity, the sharp rise in use of disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic has been considered highly likely to cause worldwide secondary disasters in ecosystems and human health. This questionnaire-based survey investigated the impact ofCOVID-19outbreak on household disinfectant product consumption levels and behavior of 3667 Chinese residents. In particular, in the context that no strategy is currently available to minimize the disinfectant pollution, based on the similarities between disinfectants and pharmaceuticals, we proposed a perspective of ecopharmacovigilance (EPV), which is an effective measure to minimize the environmental risks posed by pharmaceuticals using drug administration protocols, for disinfectant environmental risk management. The public’s environmental perceptions, attitudes and the related practices regarding household disinfectant consumption from an EPV perspective were also included in the study. The results showed that the COVID-19 outbreak caused a tremendous rise in the public’s household disinfectant consumption and usage levels in China. After the COVID-19outbreak, the chlorine-based and alcohol-based disinfectants were considered as the most preferred products for household disinfection and hand sanitization, respectively. Importantly, the Chinese public’s environmental perceptions and practice on disinfectants were poor. Less than half respondents had positive attitudes toward the source control of disinfectant pollution. The population groups including females, the middle aged adults, those having healthcare professional background, as well as the higher-educated could be focused on to develop targeted efforts for the future control of disinfectant pollution in environment.

A Bacterial Inflammation Sensor Regulates c-di-GMP Signaling, Adhesion, and Biofilm Formation.

ABSTRACTBacteria that colonize animals must overcome, or coexist, with the reactive oxygen species products of inflammation, a front-line defense of innate immunity. Among these is the neutrophilic oxidant bleach, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a potent antimicrobial that plays a primary role in killing bacteria through nonspecific oxidation of proteins, lipids, and DNA. Here, we report that in response to increasing HOCl levels, Escherichia coli regulates biofilm production via activation of the diguanylate cyclase DgcZ. We identify the mechanism of DgcZ sensing of HOCl to be direct oxidation of its regulatory chemoreceptor zinc-binding (CZB) domain. Dissection of CZB signal transduction reveals that oxidation of the conserved zinc-binding cysteine controls CZB Zn2+ occupancy, which in turn regulates the catalysis of c-di-GMP by the associated GGDEF domain. We find DgcZ-dependent biofilm formation and HOCl sensing to be regulated in vivo by the conserved zinc-coordinating cysteine. Additionally, point mutants that mimic oxidized CZB states increase total biofilm. A survey of bacterial genomes reveals that many pathogenic bacteria that manipulate host inflammation as part of their colonization strategy possess CZB-regulated diguanylate cyclases and chemoreceptors. Our findings suggest that CZB domains are zinc-sensitive regulators that allow host-associated bacteria to perceive host inflammation through reactivity with HOCl.

Human exposure and health risk assessment of an increasingly used antibacterial alternative in personal care products: Chloroxylenol

The ban of some antibacterial ingredients, such as triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC), in personal care products (PCPs) in some countries (but not in China) has resulted in the increasing use of antibacterial alternatives, such as chloroxylenol (PCMX). However, the underlying human health risks and environmental impacts of PCMX exposure are largely unknown. Thus, the distribution characteristics of PCMX in PCPs and susceptible populations and the major routes and health risks of human exposure to PCMX were investigated. The PCMX, TCS, and TCC concentrations in PCPs, urine, drinking water, and surface water were determined using high-performance liquid chromatograph system equipped with diode array detector or triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Results showed that PCMX is widely used in antibacterial hand sanitizers and household disinfectants in China. The addition of PCMX as an antibacterial ingredient in PCPs showed an increasing trend. The geomean concentrations of urinary PCMX in children and pregnant women were 21.6 and 31.9 μg·L−1, respectively, which were much higher than TCS and TCC. A considerable concentration of PCMX ranging from 1.62 to 9.57 μg·L−1 was observed in the aquatic environment, suggesting a potential massive-use of PCMX by humans. Human PCMX exposure via drinking was negligible because the PCMX concentrations in drinking water were less than 2.00 ng·L−1. During human simulation experiment, we found that dermal contact was the dominant route of human PCMX exposure, accounting for 92.1% of the urinary PCMX concentration. The estimated daily intake of PCMX in 9.68% of children and 5.66% of pregnant women was higher than the reference dose. However, the urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine concentrations remained stable despite the elevated PCMX concentrations, thereby suggesting that daily PCMX exposure may not cause oxidative DNA damage in humans. Nevertheless, the potential ecotoxicity and health risks induced by chronic PCMX exposure cannot be ignored because of its increasing use.

Safely Returning America to Work Part II: Industry-Specific Guidance.

Safely Returning America to Work Part II: Industry-Specific Guidance.

Comparison of a Barcode-Based Smartphone Application to a Questionnaire to Assess the Use of Cleaning Products at Home and Their Association with Asthma Symptoms.

Household disinfectant and cleaning products (HDCPs) assessment is challenging in epidemiological research. We hypothesized that a newly-developed smartphone application was more objective than questionnaires in assessing HDCPs. Therefore, we aimed to compare both methods, in terms of exposure assessments and respiratory health effects estimates. The women of the SEPAGES birth cohort completed repeated validated questionnaires on HDCPs and respiratory health and used an application to report HDCPs and scan products barcodes, subsequently linked with an ingredients database. Agreements between the two methods were assessed by Kappa coefficients. Logistic regression models estimated associations of HDCP with asthma symptom score. The 101 participants (18 with asthma symptom score ≥1) scanned 617 different products (580 with available ingredients list). Slight to fair agreements for sprays, bleach and scented HDCP were observed (Kappa: 0.35, 0.25, 0.11, respectively). Strength of the associations between HDCP and asthma symptom score varied between both methods but all odds ratios (OR) were greater than one. The number of scanned products used weekly was significantly associated with the asthma symptom score (adjusted-OR [CI 95%]: 1.15 [1.00–1.32]). This study shows the importance of using novel tools in epidemiological research to objectively assess HDCP and therefore reduce exposure measurement errors.

Household disinfectant exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study of the data from an Italian poison control center.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been recommended that chemical disinfectants are used to protect surfaces. This study aimed to determine whether the number of exposure calls related to household disinfectants (HD) received between January 30, 2020 to May 18, 2020 varied from the same time period in the previous year. A retrospective review of the poison control center database from the Fondazione Universitario Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, was conducted. Calls from Italian citizens, hospitals, and general practitioners received during the same time period in 2019 and 2020 were compared. The center received 1972 exposure calls during the study period. A 5% increase in calls regarding exposure to HDs was noted from 2019 to 2020 (9.8% to 15.2%, p<0.001). The majority of enquiries regarded bleach-containing products, hand sanitizers, ethanol, and hydrogen peroxide. Most calls were received from patients in their homes (n, 259; prevalence, 86%; increase, 107%) and concerned accidental exposure (n, 280; prevalence, 93%; increase, 76%), while cases of intentional exposure decreased (n, 14; prevalence, 5%; decrease, 33%). The main route of exposure was ingestion (n, 170; prevalence, 57%; increase, 45%), but the highest increase was observed in inhalation cases (n, 82; prevalence, 27%; increase, 122%). As the incidence of enquiries regarding products that can represent an important health hazard, when improperly used, increased in 2020 suggests that the COVID-19 public health messaging on the proper use of HDs should be improved.

Knowledge and practices regarding safe household cleaning and disinfection for COVID-19 prevention — United States, May 2020

With the significant increase in the use of household cleaners, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers among the general population in an effort to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and the notable knowledge gaps about their safe preparation, use, and storage, this report underscores the importance of educating transplant candidates and recipients on the proper use of such cleaning and disinfecting products.

Should sanitation tents be used for prevention of COVID-19 transmission?

KEY FINDINGS&#x0D; There is currently no evidence to support the use of sanitation tents in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission.&#x0D; • Sanitation tents or disinfection tents have been installed in various areas of the Philippines as a measure to decontaminate individuals and prevent COVID-19 transmission.• The commonly used disinfectant in these tents is diluted household bleach. Others propose to use alcohol or diluted povidone iodine to decontaminate individuals in the tent.• Bleach is an irritant to mucous membranes and loses its antimicrobial effect over time or when exposed to heat and sunlight.• Alcohol is flammable and also causes irritation to mucous membranes.• Povidone iodine may cause skin irritation, chemical pneumonitis when inhaled, and acute kidney injury when systemically absorbed.• There are no completed or ongoing studies on the use of sanitation tents for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission.• To date, there are no guidelines that recommend the use of sanitation tents for prevention of COVID-19 transmission.• The World Health Organization explicitly recommends against spraying alcohol or chlorine all over a person's body due to adverse health effects and the lack of inhibitory activity against viruses that have already entered the body.• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that most environmental protection agency-registered household disinfectants are effective against COVID-19. However, these products are approved for use only on surfaces and not on humans.• The Department of Health guidelines recommend the avoidance of spraying or misting for COVID-19 due to lack of evidence of its efficacy.

What can a dentist and dental sleep apnea researcher do under COVID-19 lockdown?

Citation:Tanaka Y, Almeida FR. What can a dentist and dental sleep apnea researcher do under COVID-19 lockdown? J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(9):1641–1643.

Perspective: Cell therapy, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and James Lind.

Perspective: Cell therapy, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and James Lind.

Toxicity of Ortho-Phenylphenol (OPP) and Sodyum Ortho-Phenylphenate (SOPP)

Ortho-phenylphenol (OPP) and its sodium (SOPP) salt have been used world-wide for decades as fungicides and disinfectants. OPP is generally used as a hospital and household disinfectant, whereas SOPP is used as a fungicide, which post-harvest treatment of citrus fruits and vegatables for the prevention of mold. Due to widespread use, including many consumer applications, the fate of OPP in the mammalian organism has been the subject of numerous investigations over many years. The aim of this review is to give information about OPP and SOPP including metabolism, general toxicity, carcinogenicity and genotoxicity.

Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts among Hospitalized Children under-5years in Northeastern Nigeria

Cryptosporidium parvum is among the major pathogens causing diarrheal diseases in children. It is of major public health significance due to its low infectious dose and its oocysts are highly resistant to chlorination, common household disinfectants and survive long periods in the environment. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in stool of hospitalized children under-5 years. One hundred and fifty (150) stool samples were collected from one hundred and fifty children (Male:Female = 1:1.08, Mean Age±S.D=22.08 months ± 21.02) and were processed using the modified Ziehl-Nelson method for identification of protozoan oocysts. Out of the one hundred and fifty (150) stool samples analyzed, 16 tested positive to oocysts of C. parvum, which gives a parasite prevalence rate of 10.7%. This was observed to be higher among male patients (52.0%) and children between the age 32-41 months (31.3%). Parasite prevalence in relation to age of patients was statistically not significant (X2=0.105, DF=1, P-value = 0.74591, p&lt;0.05). Other intestinal protozoan parasites identified include Entamoeba histolytica (1.33%) and Giardia lamblia (2.60%).

Household Disinfectant Exposure During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study of the Data from an Italian Poison Control Center

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been recommended that chemical disinfectants are used to protect surfaces. This study aimed to determine whether the number of exposure calls related to household disinfectants (HD) received between January 30, 2020 to May 18, 2020 varied from the same time period in the previous year.Method: A retrospective review of the poison control centers database from the Fondazione Universitario Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS was conducted. Calls from Italian citizens, hospitals, and general practitioners received during the same time period in 2019 and 2020 were compared.Findings: The center received 1972 exposure calls during the study period. A 5% increase in calls regarding exposure to HDs was noted from 2019 to 2020 (9·8% to 15·2%, pInterpretation: As the incidence of enquiries regarding products that can represent an important health hazard, when improperly used, increased in 2020 suggests that the COVID-19 public health messaging on the proper use of HDs should be improved.Funding Statement: This work has been supported by Fondi di Ateneo, Linea D1 – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Grant n. R4124500772 (Recipient: Antonio Oliva). Declaration of Interests: There are no conflicts of interest to declare.Ethics Approval Statement: The authors state that no approval from ethics committee was required.

IADVL Position Statement and Recommendations on Post Lockdown Dermatology Practice Amidst the Covid -19 Pandemic (IADVL Academy and IADVL Executive Committee).

IADVL Position Statement and Recommendations on Post Lockdown Dermatology Practice Amidst the Covid -19 Pandemic (IADVL Academy and IADVL Executive Committee).

Decontamination of Ceratocystis Pathogens Responsible for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death

Rapid ʻōhiʻa death (ROD) is caused by two recently described species of Ceratocystis, C. lukuohia and C. huliohia. These fungi are decimating ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), the keystone native tree species of Hawaiʻi. Viable Ceratocystis propagules can persist in ambrosia beetle frass (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), and movement of the frass may play a key role in the spread of the disease. In order to prevent the spread of ROD, we developed effective and practical surface (e.g., tools and shoes) decontamination methods to be used by researchers, managers, and the public alike. We first tested different household and laboratory disinfectants on the Ceratocystis fungi in culture, and then we applied the effective culture disinfectants to contaminated ambrosia beetle frass. Laboratory-grade ethanol (70, 80, and 95%), Clorox bleach (10%, 0.825% active ingredient [a.i.]), and isopropanol (70 and 91%), were all equally effective at decontaminating cultured C. lukuohia and C. huliohia. Although all concentrations of isopropanol (50, 70, and 90%) and ethanol (50, 70, and 90%) were effective disinfectants of Ceratocystis-contaminated frass, treatments of frass with up to 20% Clorox bleach (1.2% a.i.) were not completely adequate at killing the fungus. These data reveal that bleach is not a sufficient ROD disinfectant when frass is present, and isopropanol or ethanol are the more reliable options.

Dermatosurgery Practice and Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations by IADVL SIG Dermatosurgery (IADVL Academy).

Dermatosurgery Practice and Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations by IADVL SIG Dermatosurgery (IADVL Academy).

Family-based case-control study of exposure to household humidifier disinfectants and risk of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

BackgroundIn Korea, several household humidifier disinfectants (HDs) were clinically confirmed to cause HD-associated lung injury (HDLI). Polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) phosphate is the main ingredient of the HDs found to be associated with lung disease. However, the association of HDs with other interstitial lung disease including idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is not clear. We examined the relationship between HD exposure and IIP in a family-based study.MethodsThis case-control study included 244 IIP cases and 244 family controls who lived with the IIP patients. The IIP cases were divided into two groups, HDLI and other IIP, and were matched to family controls based on age and gender. Information on exposure to HDs was obtained from a structured questionnaire and field investigations. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), investigating the association of HD-related exposure characteristics with IIP risk.ResultsThe risks of IIP increased two-fold or more in the highest compared with the lowest quartile of several HD use characteristics, including average total use hours per day, cumulative sleep hours, use of HD during sleep, and cumulative exposure level. In analyses separated by HDLI and other IIP, the risks of HDLI were associated with airborne HD concentrations (adjusted OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.34–6.76; Q4 versus Q1) and cumulative exposure level (adjusted OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.59–8.01; Q4 versus Q1), but this relationship was not significant in the patients with other IIP. In comparison between HDLI and other IIP, the odds ratios of average total use hours, cumulative use hours, and cumulative sleeps hours was higher for other IIP.ConclusionThe use of household HDs is associated not only with HDLI but also with other IIP.

Tracheal Ulceration in Dettol Poisoning

Dettol a mixture of 4.8% chloroxylenol, 9% pine oil, and 12% isopropyl alcohol, is a popular household disinfectant. Serious complications of Dettol poisoning include aspiration, pneumonia, adult respiratory distress syndrome, shock, acute coronary syndrome, and cardiopulmonary arrest. We report a patient with Dettol poisoning who developed tracheal ulceration complicated by diffuse subcutaneous emphysema bilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. To the best of our knowledge, tracheal ulceration following Dettol poisoning was not reported previously.