Respiratory Irritation Research Articles

New approach methodologies (NAMs) for the in vitro assessment of cleaning products for respiratory irritation: workshop report.

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.

Larger Airway Functions in Poultry and Dairy Confinement Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The peak expiratory flow (PEF) test is a crucial tool for assessing larger airway functions, particularly in individuals exposed to occupational hazards. This study aims to compare PEF values between animal workers (poultry and dairy farm workers) who are regularly exposed to animal allergens and other respiratory irritants and normal workers who do not have such exposures. A cohort of animal workers from poultry and dairy farms were evaluated alongside a control group of normal workers without known respiratory hazards. PEF measurements were taken using a computerized spirometer, and results were analyzed to determine differences in respiratory function between the two groups. There was a significant difference in PEF values, with animal workers exhibiting lower PEF compared to their control group. Further, poultry farm workers had a significant decrease in PEF when compared to dairy farm workers. This study represents a pioneering effort in the comparative analysis of respiratory health among workers in poultry and dairy farms. The findings indicate that occupational exposure to allergens and irritants associated with animal environments may have deleterious effects on respiratory health. Further analysis, controlling for confounding variables such as smoking status, age, and baseline health conditions, reinforces the initial observation of compromised respiratory function in animal workers. This study underscores the importance of regular respiratory health monitoring and implementation of protective measures for individuals in occupations with high exposure to respiratory irritants. Enhanced awareness and preventive strategies could mitigate the long-term health impacts on animal workers, ensuring safer working environments and improved overall health outcomes.

How environmentally friendly is the disposal of clear aligners? A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study

Used clear aligner trays are often indiscriminately disposed of with general plastic waste and incinerated. This study aimed to analyze the smoke composition from incinerating 2 common aligner materials: glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) and polyurethane. Each of the 2 materials in triplets was thermoformed. The thermoformed trays were shredded and subjected individually to open-fire combustion, ignited using a methane torch, in a specially designed combustion chamber. The resultant smoke was collected and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to study its in-depth composition. A total of 20 peaks, corresponding to 20 compounds, were identified from each of the 2 material samples. O-xylene (21.06%) showed the maximum concentration in the PET-G sample, whereas 1,4-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene in polyurethane (18.88%). The first peak in the PET-G sample corresponded to benzene with a relative concentration of 5.18%. Four compounds were common to both samples: 1,4-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene; 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-; 1-hydroxymethly-4-methylenecyclohexane; and cyclohexanemethanol, 4-methylene-. Benzene, a group 1 carcinogen, was identified in the PET-G smoke sample, whereas tetrahydrofuran, a suspected carcinogen, was found in the polyurethane sample. Some compounds were hazardous, whereas most were skin, eye, and respiratory irritants. Possible mitigation strategies include proper case selection, efficient manufacturing, direct 3-dimensional printing, and developing biodegradable materials. Clinicians can set up 'used aligner collection points' to ensure responsible disposal. Proper disposal guidelines and stringent regulations are the need of the hour.

Analysis of Nutritional Profiles, Mineral Content, and Contaminants in Palm Oil from Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria: Assessing Quality and Safety Standards

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional profiles, chemical compositions, and potential contamination of palm oil samples from different locations in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, to assess their quality and safety. Study Design: An analytical investigation was conducted, using proximate analysis, mineral content determination, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the palm oil samples' composition and contamination levels. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, from January to October 2023. Methods: Palm oil samples were collected from three distinct locations within Yenagoa Metropolis. Proximate analysis quantified moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Mineral content was assessed for potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. GC-MS was employed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds and potential contaminants in the samples. Results: Moisture content ranged from 0.00% in sample C to 3.00% in sample A. Ash content was highest in samples B and C, at 20.06%, while sample C had the highest fat content at 47.0%. Potassium (10.9%) and phosphorus (0.53%) were also highest in sample C. GC-MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, such as n-hexadecanoic acid and squalene, but also detected harmful contaminants especially in samples A and B. Presence of Isobutylene glycol and various oxiranes can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, with prolonged exposure leading to severe health issues. Benzene, toluene, Trimethylamine compound with Borane, Pentane 3-ethyl-2-methyl and Heptane 2-methyl are associated with respiratory problems, neurological damage, and potential long-term organ effects. Contaminants in the oil samples were attributed to inadequate refining, contaminated raw materials, improper handling, and environmental pollution. This study emphasizes the nutritional value of palm oil while highlighting the need for improved quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of palm oil products.

Asthma control in severe asthma and occupational exposures to inhalable asthmagens

IntroductionWork-related asthma accounts for ≥25% of asthma in working-age populations, though the relationship between work exposures and symptoms is frequently missed, leading to poor health and employment outcomes. We hypothesised...

The Current Molecular and Cellular Landscape of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Review of Therapies and Efforts towards Personalized Treatment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks as the third leading cause of global illness and mortality. It is commonly triggered by exposure to respiratory irritants like cigarette smoke or biofuel pollutants. This multifaceted condition manifests through an array of symptoms and lung irregularities, characterized by chronic inflammation and reduced lung function. Present therapies primarily rely on maintenance medications to alleviate symptoms, but fall short in impeding disease advancement. COPD's diverse nature, influenced by various phenotypes, complicates diagnosis, necessitating precise molecular characterization. Omics-driven methodologies, including biomarker identification and therapeutic target exploration, offer a promising avenue for addressing COPD's complexity. This analysis underscores the critical necessity of improving molecular profiling to deepen our comprehension of COPD and identify potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, it advocates for tailoring treatment strategies to individual phenotypes. Through comprehensive exploration-based molecular characterization and the adoption of personalized methodologies, innovative treatments may emerge that are capable of altering the trajectory of COPD, instilling optimism for efficacious disease-modifying interventions.

Safety Assessment on the Safety and Efficacy of a Feed Additive Consisting of Sodium Bisulphate for All Animal Species Except Aquatic Animals (RP1612)

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency in July 2022 from Grillo-Werke AG and Jones-Hamilton Co. (‘the applicant’) for a renewal authorisation of the additive containing sodium bisulphate, under the category ‘technological additive’, functional group ‘preservative’ for all terrestrial animal species, and ‘technological additive’, functional group ‘acidity regulator’ for all terrestrial animal species other than cats, mink, pets and other non-food-producing animals. In addition, the applicant requested an authorisation of new use of the additive under the category ‘technological additive’, functional group ‘acidity regulator’ and ‘sensory additive’, functional group ‘flavouring compound’ for all pets and other non-food-producing animals except aquatic animals. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) concluded that sodium bisulphate remains safe for all terrestrial animal species, consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment, under the conditions of authorisation. The additive is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and should be considered as a respiratory and skin sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that using the additive as an acidity regulator and sensory additive for pets and other non-food-producing animals, excluding aquatic species, would not introduce any new risks and has the potential to be efficacious. FSA/FSS has reviewed the applicant’s renewal and extension of use application, supporting documentation, and other regulators risk assessments, most notably the EFSA risk assessment opinion and consider sufficient evidence has been demonstrated to conclude without further questions or risk assessment. This document represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

Ag nanoparticle functionalized vertical WS2 nanoflakes as SERS substrate for chemical sensing

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) present a unique opportunity as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrates due to their superior optical properties. Here, vertically oriented tungsten disulfide (WS₂) flakes were synthesized on a silicon (Si) substrate using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The WS₂ flakes were employed as SERS substrates for detecting low concentrations of environmental pollutants, like Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methyl Orange (MO) dyes, achieving promising enhancement factors of approximately 10⁷ with a 532 nm excitation laser. To further enhance the plasmonic activity of the vertical WS₂ flakes, silver nanoparticles (NPs) were decorated on their surface via thermal evaporation. The Ag NP-functionalized WS₂ flakes exhibited superior detection capabilities compared to pristine WS₂ flakes, achieving remarkable sensitivity at ultralow concentrations of 10⁻¹⁶ M for RhB and 10–17 M for MO dye, with enhancement factors of the order of 10⁸. The SERS performance of the WS₂-Ag substrate was also evaluated using a 633 nm laser, successfully detecting Methylene Blue (MB) dye at an ultralow concentration of 10⁻¹³ M. Prolonged exposure to RhB, MO, and MB dyes can cause cancer, neurotoxicity, and respiratory irritation. Thus, sensitive detection of these dyes at ultralow concentrations is highly crucial. A charge transfer mechanism between WS₂ and RhB dye molecules is proposed, along with the contribution of Ag NPs, to explain the enhanced detection capabilities of the nanocomposite SERS substrate.

Inconsistent health hazard information across safety data sheets for substances in cleaning products used in healthcare centres

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are used to inform downstream users of any hazardous substances in chemical products and advise on how to manage the risks from using these products. It is therefore important that information on the SDS is accurate and consistent. This study investigates the accuracy and consistency of hazard information included in the SDSs of cleaning products used in the healthcare sector in England and Wales.Data on cleaning products used in the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales and their chemical composition and any hazard information (as H-statements) were collected from the products’ SDSs obtained from the NHS supply online catalogue. By each hazard, mainly respiratory hazards, the number of hazardous substances specified as hazardous in all SDSs was identified. Moreover, we investigated hazard characteristics of substances identified by only SDS (at least one SDS) or only through Harmonised Classifications and Labeling (CLH) or by SDS and through CLH simultaneously.In total, 229 unique chemical substances were found in 473 cleaning products’ SDSs. All 4 respiratory sensitisiers were identified in all SDSs and through CLH. However, only 14 of the 25 respiratory irritants (56.0 %) were consistently labelled across all SDSs. Although respiratory irritation characteristics of 3 substances were classified through CLH, it was not identified by any of the relevant SDSs.Substantially incorrect and inconsistent health hazard information for the same substances was identified across SDSs. Therefore, healthcare workers and their managers may not receive accurate information on the presence of and potential for exposure to hazardous substances in the cleaning products they are using.

Housing and respiratory health among Indigenous peoples in Canada

Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) peoples bear a disproportionate burden of infectious and noninfectious respiratory disease in rural and urban communities in Canada. Biologic and behavioral determinants exist and have relevance, but the primary determinants are socioeconomic, environmental and political. Although Canada has recently declared a national housing crisis, crowded and poor-quality housing, or no housing at all, has been experienced by generations of Indigenous peoples. Crowding in homes or shelters increases risk of exposure and dose to infectious agents. Indoor air pollutants are due to housing defects, sources of heat and smoke, and include mold, endotoxin, mite allergens, gases and particulate matter, which in turn are associated with respiratory irritation and disease. Environmental radon is a noted risk factor for lung cancer in communities located in high risk regions. Studies have demonstrated that interventions in Indigenous communities on both the social and biomedical fronts, to improve housing and health care, result in improved well-being, of which respiratory health is only one component.

Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco Product Cessation: A Survey of Healthcare Providers' Opinions on Safety and Recommendation.

Background: This study aimed to: (1) assess healthcare providers' opinions on e-cigarette safety and compare them across professions; (2) evaluate providers' recommendations for e-cigarettes as a tobacco product cessation tool and identify any associations with their safety perceptions. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 760 healthcare professionals (January-March 2020). The survey included eight opinions on e-cigarette safety with five Likert-scale answers and a question on recommending them for tobacco product cessation. Results: Among 760 healthcare providers (173 physicians/dentists, 69 pharmacists, and 518 nurses), only 20% reported prior experience with tobacco product cessation counseling. Providers expressed uncertainty regarding e-cigarette safety (mean ± SD: 2.5 ± 0.7 on a 5-point Likert scale), with no significant differences between professions (p = 0.836). Similarly, e-cigarette recommendations for tobacco product cessation remained low across professions (13%, 85/637), with no significant differences found (p = 0.072). The recommendation of e-cigarettes for tobacco cessation is associated with perceived safety, lower respiratory irritation, lower coughing, a lower risk of cancer, and a lower risk for secondhand smokers when compared to traditional cigarettes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Most healthcare providers were unsure about the safety of e-cigarettes; about 13% of providers suggested using them for tobacco product cessation, with safety perceptions influencing recommendations.

Safety of a feed additive consisting of sepiolite for all animal species (Sepiol S.A. and Tolsa S.A.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of sepiolite as a technological feed additive for all animal species. In 2022, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an Opinion on the safety and efficacy of the same additive. The Panel concluded that sepiolite used as a feed additive is safe for the consumers and the environment, and efficacious as a thickener-suspending agent, binder and anticaking agent in feed for all animal species under the proposed conditions of use. The additive was not considered an eye or skin irritant. However, it was considered a respiratory irritant, a respiratory and dermal sensitiser; owing to the dusting potential and its silica content, the additive was considered a risk by inhalation. Regarding the target species, in the previous Opinion, the Panel concluded on the safety of the additive for dairy ruminants. However, no conclusion could be drawn for all other species/categories. Based on the tolerance studies in chickens for fattening, weaned piglets and trout evaluated in the current assessment, and the one in dairy cows previously assessed, the Panel concluded that the inclusion of sepiolite at the maximum recommended level of 20,000 mg/kg complete feed is safe for all animal species.

GC/HRMS Analysis of E-Liquids Complements In Vivo Modeling Methods and can Help to Predict Toxicity.

Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for disease development, with the user inhaling various chemicals known to be toxic. However, many of these chemicals are absent before tobacco is "burned". Similar, detailed data have only more recently being reported for the e-cigarette with regards to chemicals present before and after the e-liquid is "vaped." Here, zebrafish were dosed with vaped e-liquids, while C57-BL/6J mice were vaped using nose-cone only administration. Preliminary assessments were made using e-liquids and GC/HRMS to identify chemical signatures that differ between unvaped/vaped and flavored/unflavored samples. Oxidative stress and inflammatory immune cell response assays were then performed using our in vivo models. Chemical signatures differed, e.g., between unvaped/vaped samples and also between unflavored/flavored e-liquids, with known chemical irritants upregulated in vaped and unvaped flavored e-liquids compared with unflavored e-liquids. However, when possible respiratory irritants were evaluated, these agents were predominantly present in only the vaped e-liquid. Both oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were induced by a menthol-flavored but not a tobacco-flavored e-liquid. Thus, chemical signatures differ between unvaped versus vaped e-liquid samples and also between unflavored versus flavored e-liquids. These flavors also likely play a significant role in the variability of e-liquid characteristics, e.g., pro-inflammatory and/or cytotoxic responses.

Facile Fabrication of Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2)-Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO4) Nano-Coupled Oxides for Anti-cancer Activity.

Background MXene is a newly discovered substance consisting of 2D transition metal carbides or nitrides, produced through the disintegration and etching of aluminum layers. It possesses numerous properties, including a high surface area, conductivity, strength, stiffness, negative zeta potential, and excellent volumetric capacitance. MXene is utilized in detecting anti-cancer medicine, while bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is synthesized to form an optimized material for anti-cancer activity applications. BiVO4 exhibits visible light absorption, strong chemical stability, and non-toxic properties. However, when loaded onto target stem cells, it can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the facile fabrication of titanium carbide (Ti3C2)-BiVO4 nanomaterials coupled with oxides for anti-cancer activity. Moreover, it aimed to create Ti3C2-BiVO4 nanomaterials in combination with oxides using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess their potential as efficient and targeted anti-cancer agents. Methods and materials To prepare the 2D Ti3C2 MXene, 2.5 g of titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) powder was dissolved in 60 mL of a 40% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution in a polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) container. The etching process was made more efficient and completed in 24 hoursby using a magnetic stirring system to keep the mixture stirred and heated continuously. Thecentrifugation was performed at 4000 rpm for five minutes. Subsequently, deionized water was used to wash the solution many times until its pH reached around 7. The appropriate Ti3C2 powder was made by vacuum drying the acquired sediment at 80°C for 24 hours. Monoclinic BiVO4 samples were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Typically, 10 mmol of Bi(NO3)3.5H2O was dissolved in 100 mL of a 2 mol/L HNO3 solution and stirred uniformly. Subsequently, 10 mmol of ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) was added to the mixed solution. After being stirred for one hour, the mixture was transferred into a 100 mL sealed Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave at 180°C for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the sediment was washed three times with deionized water, ethanol, and acetone, respectively. Finally, the suspension was dried at 80°C, followed by calcination at 450°C for three hours to obtain BiVO4. Ti3C2-BiVO4 heterostructures were prepared by surface modificationTi3C2using BiVO4 suspensions by a simple, cost-effective approach. Results Ti3C2nanosheets were observed with BiVO4particles, and the high crystalline nature of the compound was confirmed after XRD analysis and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The compound was found to be pure without any impurities and exhibited anti-cancer activity. Conclusion The XRD, field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), and EDS investigations provide an in-depth analysis of the structural, morphological, and compositional characteristics of Ti3C2-BiVO4 sheets. The XRD analysis proves the successful combination of different materials and the presence of crystalline phases. The FESEM imaging technique exposes the shape and arrangement of particles in sheets, while the EDS analysis verifies the elemental composition and uniform distribution. These investigations show that Ti3C2-BiVO4 composites have been successfully synthesized, indicating their potential for use in anti-cancer applications.

Selective fluorescence quenching for volatile benzaldehyde on Zn-based coordination polymers

Benzaldehyde (BZH) is a hazardous substance that can cause respiratory irritation and acute poisoning if it leaks excessively into the environment. Fluorescence detection of BZH is common in liquid phase, but still rare in gas phase. In this study, we synthesized a new complex, [Zn(bpe)(SO4)(H2O)]·2H2O (Zn-bpe), with two-dimensional layered structure. Interestingly, it exhibited good fluorescence quenching behavior not only for BZH dissolved in ethanol, but also for volatile BZH which is detected on thin films prepared by combining complexes with polyvinyl alcohol (Zn-bpe@PVA). Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD = 19.6 mg·L-1) of the latter is firstly calculated through the linear fitting of emission intensities. The quenching mechanism was attributed to the energy transfer from the complex to BZH molecules, which was confirmed by in situ IR spectra and DFT calculations.

Sustainable Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Biochar for the Sorptive Removal of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) from Water

The unregulated discharge of synthetic dyes from various anthropogenic and industrial activities has resulted in the contamination of different environmental compartments. These dyes can contaminate water bodies, soil, and even the air, resulting in many environmental and health issues. True colors may persist for long periods, thereby affecting the aesthetics and ecology of dye-contaminated areas. Furthermore, they pose potential risks to aquatic life and human health through the ingestion or absorption of dye-contaminated water or food. Acid orange 7 (AO7) is a synthetic azo dye used in the textile, tanning, food, pharmaceutical, paint, electronics, cosmetics, and paper and pulp industries. AO7 can have various human health implications, such as dermatitis, nausea, severe headache, respiratory tract irritation, and bone marrow depletion, due to its high toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. Efforts to regulate and mitigate dye pollution (AO7) are crucial for environmental sustainability and public health. Therefore, this study aimed to remove AO7 from water using sustainable biochar. This objective was accomplished by pyrolyzing dried Napier grass at 700 °C to develop affordable and sustainable Napier grass biochar (NGBC700). The developed biochar was characterized for its surface morphology, surface functional groups, surface area, and elemental composition. The yield, moisture content, and ash content of the NGBC700 were approximately 31%, 6%, and 21%, respectively. The NGBC700’s BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area was 108 . Batch sorption studies were carried out at different pH levels (2–10), biochar dosages (1, 2, 3, and 4 ), and AO7 concentrations (10, 20, and 30 . The kinetic data were better fitted to the pseudo-second-order (PSO) equation (R2 = 0.964–0.997) than the pseudo-first-order (PFO) equation (R2 = 0.789–0.988). The Freundlich isotherm equation (R2 = 0.965–0.994) fitted the sorption equilibrium data better than the Langmuir equation (R2 = 0.788–0.987), suggesting AO7 sorption on heterogenous NGBC700. The maximum monolayer AO7 adsorption capacities of the NGBC700 were 14.3, 12.7, and 8.4 at 10, 25, and 40 °C, respectively. The column AO7 sorption capacity was 4.4. Fixed-bed AO7 sorption data were fitted to the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson column models. The NGBC700 efficiently removed AO7 from locally available dye-laden wastewater. NGBC700 was regenerated using different NaOH concentrations. Possible interactions contributing to AO7 sorption on NGBC700 include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and π–π electron donor–acceptor attractions. The estimated total preparation cost of NGBC700 was US$ 6.02 kg−1. The developed sustainable NGBC700 is potentially cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and it utilizes waste (Napier grass) to eliminate fatal AO7 dye from aqueous media.

Improved selectivity of electrochemical aniline sensing using one-dimensional silver nanorods with high aspect ratio synthesized by ascorbic acid assisted method

BackgroundAniline serves as a pivotal precursor in many industries such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, its ingestion can lead to severe health consequences, including the potential to induce cancer, respiratory tract irritation, and adverse effects on the nervous and digestive systems in the human body. The widespread use of aniline in industrial processes, coupled with inadequate wastewater management that allows for the direct release of aniline into the environment, leads to surface and groundwater contamination. Therefore, it becomes crucial to devise a reliable electrochemical sensor capable of detecting even trace amounts of aniline. ResultsThis study presents a modified polyol synthesis method for producing silver nanorods (AgNRs, length: 861–1345 nm, diameter: 66–107 nm) with preferential growth along the (111) crystal plane. Immobilizing AgNRs on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode with Nafion as a binder decreases its charge transfer resistance from 3040 to 129 kΩ and increases its electroactive area from 0.034 to 0.101 cm2. AgNRs/GC electrode exhibited an aniline detection limit of 0.032 μM and sensitivity of 1.4841 μA.M−1cm−2 within a linear range of 0–10 μM using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The reaction rate constant of aniline sensing was determined to be 0.08697 s−1. Chlorobenzene, acephate, and chlorpyrifos could not interfere aniline detection, and 26 % decrease in peak response was observed after the 10th cycle of aniline sensing. The sensor demonstrated ∼100 % recovery for aniline, comparable to the performance of high-performance liquid chromatography when applied to real-world samples like tap and river water. SignificanceThe electrochemical sensing of aniline is notably efficient in tap and river water within the acceptable limit, by utilizing one dimensional AgNRs functionalized GC electrode. Importantly, the presence of interferents does not compromise the sensitivity of the sensor. Therefore, one dimensional AgNRs synthesized via a modified polyol route emerge as a promising electrocatalyst for the in-situ detection and determination of aniline.

Respiratory and Other Hazard Characteristics of Substances in Cleaning Products Used in Healthcare Centres in England and Wales

Occupational use of cleaning products can cause asthma in healthcare workers but the cleaning agents responsible are not yet known. This study aimed to identify respiratory and other hazards in cleaning products on the National Health Service (NHS) supply chain online catalogue and used in the NHS. Information on cleaning products, their composition, and H-statements that identified hazard characteristics of chemical substances in them was obtained from chemical safety data sheets (SDSs). Furthermore, a quantitative structure-activity relationship model and a published asthmagen list were used to identify potential additional respiratory hazards. 473 cleaning products and 229 substances were identified. SDSs reported only 4 respiratory sensitizers but an additional 51 were suggested by the other 2 methods. In contrast, 25 respiratory irritants were identified using SDSs and only one from the asthmagen list. This comprehensive overview of cleaning agents' hazards has potential use in future risk assessment and epidemiological studies.

Nurturing Natural Beauty: Empowering MAN 1 Model Bengkulu's Female Students with Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Cosmetics Crafting Workshop

Introduction: The use of lipstick, blush-on, and various colored cosmetic products is highly popular among teenage girls. However, the adverse effects of hazardous colorants in cosmetics include respiratory irritations, skin irritations, eye injuries, gastrointestinal toxicity, and carcinogenic properties. Red Dragon Fruit contains a significant amount of red anthocyanin antioxidants, making it a viable natural colorant for food, cosmetics, and textiles. This community engagement project aimed to enhance the understanding of teenage girls, especially students of MAN 1 Model City of Bengkulu, regarding illegal cosmetics containing harmful and prohibited ingredients. It also aimed to improve the girls' skills in crafting natural Lip Tint and Blush-On preparations from Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Polyrhizus), promoting a return to nature in cosmetic choices. This initiative was expected to inspire creative ideas among teenagers for designing alternative economic activities centered on producing natural and halal cosmetics made from herbal ingredients. Methods: The project involved educational and awareness-raising activities about the dangers of forbidden cosmetic ingredients, followed by workshops on making Lip Tint and Blush-On formulations. These workshops were led by faculty members from the School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy, with assistance from students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu. Results: Evaluation results showed that workshop participants experienced a 63.2% increased in knowledge and gained the ability to independently create Lip Tint and Blush-On products from red dragon fruit. Conclusion: The workshop successfully produced natural Lip Tint and Blush On and the project also heightened the students' interest in the Pharmacy Program.

Zastosowanie chromatografii gazowej do oznaczania 1,4-dioksanu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy

1,4-Dioxane is a volatile liquid with a weak odor that dissolves well in water and most organic solvents. As a flammable liquid it poses a fire hazard. 1,4-Dioxane is unstable at increased temperature and pressure and can form explosive mixtures. It is mainly used as a solvent in the production of other chemicals, as a solvent for printing inks, coatings and adhesives, and as a laboratory reagent. According to the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council (WE 1272/2008), 1,4-dioxane is classified as a carcinogen, flammable, eye and respiratory irritant. This article presents a method for the determination of 1,4-dioxane in workplace air, revised due to a proposed change in the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) value for this substance. The method involves adsorption of 1,4-dioxane on activated carbon, desorption with a mixture of propan-2-ol and carbon disulfide, and chromatographic analysis (GC-FID) of the resulting solution. The method allows for the determination of 1,4-dioxane in the concentration range of 2.2 to 44 mg/m3 (MAC 22 mg/m3 ) or 0.73 to 14.6 mg/m3 (MAC 7.3 mg/m3 ), i.e. 1/10 to 2 of the proposed value of the maximum allowable concentration. The method has been validated in accordance with PN-EN 482. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.