Showing posts with label Toxicology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toxicology. Show all posts

Tuesday, 13 September 2016


Are dish detergents safe for our health? What about favorite Fairy liquid?


 
The PH of the skin of adults is on the acidic side as a means to protect against bacterial infections since bacteria find it hard to grow in an acidic environment. It has a PH of 5 - 6, neutral is 7.

Most dish detergents are on the neutral side of PH (7).

Fairy liquid from Procter & Gamble (JAR in Czech republic) is a well known brand of washing up liquid in Europe. The Fairy liquid PH is 9. Prolonged exposure of the skin to it can cause irritation due to the PH difference.

 


 Is Fairy liquid toxic?

Let´s have a look what the dishwasher detergent “Fairy Original” contains (http://www.info-pg.com + MSDS - material safety data sheet):

·        Pentasodium Triphosphate (Synonym - Sodium triphosphate, Sodium tripolyphosphate) 

Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 3100 mg/kg [Mouse]
 
Chronic Effects on Humans: The substance is toxic to lungs
 
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer, permeator)
 
·         Sodium Carbonate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 4090 mg/kg [Rat]
Chronic Effects on Humans: May cause damage to the following organs: upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant)
Ingestion: Sodium carbonate ingestion may cause irritation of the digestive tract resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, abdominal pain depending on concentration and amount ingested. May also affect the cardiovascular system
·        Sodium Carbonate Peroxide (Synonym – Sodium percarbonate, Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate) 
Toxicity to Animals: Acute toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 2400 mg/kg
Ingestion: Swallowing can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal irritation
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury
Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation
Inhalation: Material is irritant to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (airways)
·         Acrylic/Sulphonic Copolymer
If swallowed: This product has low oral toxicity, but if swallowed, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract
·         Sodium Sulfate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 5989 mg/kg [Mouse]
Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation
·         Trideceth-n
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): > 500 - < 2,000 mg/kg  [Rat]
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury
·        PEG/PPG-10/2 Propylheptyl Ether
Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Contamination of eyes can result in permanent injury
·         Dipropylene Glycol

·        TAED (= Tetraacetylethylenediamine)

Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2000 mg/kg [Rat]
·         Aqua (= Water)

·         PARFUM

·         Tetrasodium Etidronate
Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation
·         Polyethylene Glycol
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 26800 mg/kg [Rabbit]. Acute dermal toxicity (LD50): >20000 mg/kg [Rabbit]. Acute toxicity of the vapor (LC50): >13 8 hours [Rat]
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of ingestion, of inhalation
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: It may cause mild skin irritation. It may be absorbed through the skin, but absorption of harmful amounts is unlikely. Eyes: It may cause mild eye irritation. Inhalation: At room temperature, exposure to vapor is minimal due to low volatility. A single exposure is not likely to be hazardous. Ingestion: Low toxicity. Harmful effects not anticipated from swallowing small amounts. Ingestion of larger amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension. It may also affect the urinary system. Prolonged or repeated ingestion may affect metabolism (weight loss)
·         Silica Dimethicone Silylate
Eye contact: eye irritant
Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation
·         Cellulose Gum

·         Glycerin

·         Hydrozincite

·         Titanium Dioxide
Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation

·         Protease
·         Microcrystalline Cellulose

·         Limonene

·         Polyvinyl Alcohol

·         Benzotriazole
Toxicity to Animals: WARNING: THE LC50 VALUES HEREUNDER ARE ESTIMATED ON THE BASIS OF A 4-HOUR EXPOSURE. Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 500 mg/kg [Guinea pig]. Acute dermal toxicity (LD50): >1000 mg/kg [Rat]
Chronic Effects on Humans: MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. May cause damage to the following organs: the nervous system, central nervous system (CNS)
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Extremely hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive), of inhalation (lung corrosive). Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion
Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans: May affect genetic material. May cause cancer based on animal data. Inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: May cause skin irritation. Eyes: Causes eye irritation. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. It may affect respiration(Dyspnea). Ingestion: May cause digestive tract irritation. May be harmful if swallowed. May affect behavior/central nervous (central nervous system effects), and autonomic nervous system. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Ingestion: Prolonged or repeated ingestion may affect blood (Leukopenia, normocytic anemia), and endocrine system
·         Calcium Carbonate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 6450 mg/kg [Rat]

Chronic Effects on Humans: May cause damage to the following organs: kidneys

Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation.

Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans: Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes skin irritation. Inhalation: Excessive inhalation causes respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritation. Low hazard for usual industrial handling. Ingestion: Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestional tract disturbances with nausea and possibly constipation. Expected to be a low hazard for usual industrial handling. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Chronic ingestion may affect kidneys, and may cause hypercalcemia with alkalosis 

·         Sorbitol
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 15900 mg/kg [Rat]
 
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of inhalation
·         Dextrin
 
·         Potassium neodecanoate
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2790 mg/kg [Rat]
·         Citronellol
Eye contact: eye irritant
Skin contact: skin irritant
·         Talc

·         C12-13 Pareth-n

·         Linalool

·         Amylase

Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 27mg/kg [Rat]
·         Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

·         Zinc oxide
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 7950 mg/kg [Mouse]
Chronic Effects on Humans: MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion
·         (Acetato)Pentaammine salt

·         Colorant

·         Urea

 

Safety Data Sheet of “Fairy Original” according to Regulation (EC) No. 453/2010.
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed 
 
Symptoms/injuries after:

·         Inhalation - May cause irritation or asthma-like symptoms

·         Skin contact - Contact during a long period may cause light irritation

·         Eye contact - May cause slight irritation

·         Ingestion - Gastrointestinal complaints
 

Toxicological information 

·         Estimated acute oral toxicity: LD50 (rats) > 2g/kg

(The value of LD50 for a substance is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested population after a specified test duration. LD50 figures are frequently used as a general indicator of a substance's acute toxicity. A lower LD50 is indicative of increased toxicity.) 
 
Adverse human health effects and symptoms 

·        Acute toxicity, carcinogenicity , corrosivity, irritation, mutagenicity , repeated dose toxicity, sensitization , toxicity for reproduction -based upon available data of the substances, classification criteria are not met
 
Ecological information
 
No known adverse effects on the functioning of water treatment plants under normal use conditions as recommended. Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
If you will decide for Fairy liquid when washing dishes, you should be wearing rubber gloves. Wearing rubber gloves will protect your hands from germs. Also, it will prevent your skin from drying out due to the constant scrubbing and exposure to water.

As you finish with scrubbing each dish, you should rinse it off under the tap, or in the second sink with clean water.  

If you care about your family health and nature, choose simply something else.
Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.
 
 

Thursday, 16 June 2016


What's in Elmex children toothpaste?

 

Toothpaste may be one of the more taken-for-granted products that we put in our mouths. If you brush your teeth two or three times a day, that’s 730 to 1,095 times a year. Toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed, but with that many brush-and-rinses annually, it’s safe to assume that at least a smidge of toothpaste will go down the hatch. Probably not enough to worry about, but it's interesting to know what's going especially in our children's mouths.
 
Elmex Child Toothpaste  is specially formulated to preserve and protect your child's milk teeth from the very first one and up to the age of 6 years-old. With a adapted rate of fluorine for children and milk teeth.   
 
Aqua = Water
 
Sorbitol (E420) - is a sugar alcohol used in food products and is used in toothpaste for sweetening, but it is also used as a humectant and texturizing agent. Most sorbitol is made from corn syrup, it is also found in apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. Sorbitol is not suitable for small children or in large amounts. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, bloating or flatulence.
 
Hydroxyethyl cellulose - Hydroxyethylcellulose is a modified cellulose polymer. It is used as a gelling and thickening agent. Low overall hazard.
 
CI 77891= Titanium Dioxide  (E171)  is an inorganic compound used in a range of body care products such as sunscreens and makeup. . It gives non-gel toothpastes their bright whiteness. It appears to have low skin penetration but inhalation is a concern.
Titanium dioxide has been described as a possible human carcinogen by the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety.
 
Cocamidopropyl Betaine -  is a foaming ingredient derived from coconut oil. It helps to emulsify and maintain consistency in flavors while the product is in the tube. When brushing, the foaming action helps distribute the paste in the mouth and then helps to remove debris from the mouth for better rinsing. It has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
 
Olaflur – is a fluoride-containing substance that is an ingredient of toothpastes and solutions for the prevention of dental caries.  Olafluor amino-fluorine quickly fixes on the enamel to form a protective layer. It makes teeth more resistant to mineral losses related to decays and stimulates the remineralisation of enamel. Overdosage leads to irritation of the oral mucosa. In especially sensitive persons, even standard doses of olaflur can cause irritation.
 
Aroma - a sweet or pleasant smell. Artificial flavors may be synthetic mixtures of various harmful substances irritating the oral cavity and causing health problems.
 
Saccharin – flavoring agent. Low overall hazard.
 
University of Florida Health researchers have recently found that the artificial sweetener can inhibit cancer cell growth. 'It could help make conventional chemotherapy more effective,' McKenna said.
 
Limonene - is a scent ingredient and solvent naturally ocurring in the rind of citrus fruit. Upon storage and exposure to sunlight and air, limonene degrades to various oxidation products which act as skin and respiratory irritants and sensitizers.

Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.

 

Sunday, 10 April 2016

True Cinnamon from Sri Lanka is the right choice



Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum. 4 types or varieties of Cinnamon are used for commercial purposes. These are True Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka, Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) from China, Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Loureiroi) from Vietnam and Korintje Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Burmanni) from Indonesia.
The warming spice cinnamon has been valued for its culinary, medicinal, and natural preservative powers since ancient times. First described by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine, circa 2800 BC, ancient Egyptians used cinnamon as part of the mummification process.
Cinnamon contains:
Cinnamaldehyde- gives cinnamon its flavor and odor. Anti-inflammatory. The essential oil of cinnamon bark is about 98% cinnamaldehyde.
Cinnamyl alcohol - has a distinctive odour and is used in perfumery and as a deodorant.

Cinnamic acid - is used in flavors, synthetic indigo, and certain pharmaceuticals.

Eugenol – is used in perfumes, flavorings, and essential oils. It is also a local antiseptic and anaesthetic. Eugenol is hepatotoxic, meaning it may cause damage to the liver.
Safrole - The European Commission on Health and consumer protection assumes safrole to be genotoxic and carcinogenic.
Coumarin – Coumarin is a phytochemical which has demonstrated hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties in animal-based studies. Based on this the European Food Safety Authority established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin of 0.1 mg/kg body weight.
Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) only contains low levels of coumarin which in the opinion of the BfR are safe in terms of their health effects. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) contains higher levels of coumarin. For this reason, it is not advisable to consume large quantities of it over prolonged periods of time. Coumarin might causes liver damage although the effects are apparently reversible.
% Coumarin by Species:
Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon) - 0.017 g/kg
Cinnamomum cassia - 0.31 g/kg (18 x C. verum)
Cinnamomum burmannii - 2.15 g/kg (126 x C. verum)
Cinnamomum loureiroi - 6.97 g/kg (410 x C. verum)


 
Unfortunatelly most of spice with Cinnamon at shops is coming from Cassia Cinnamon or the origin is even not written on the label.

 
Health benefits:
Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties - Cinnamon kill E. coli and many other bacteria. Prevent  urinary tract infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. Cinnamon is natural antibiotic.
Calm Inflammation -Anti-inflammatory compounds help relieve pain and stiffness of muscles and joints due to arthritis. Chronic inflammation plays a major role in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and meningitis.
Boost Brain Function – Cinnamon improves virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed. Cinnamaldehyde and Epicatechin have an inhibitory effect on the aggregation of a particular protein called tau. Tau plays a large role in the structure and function of neurons, it can begin to accumulate, forming "neurofibrillary tangles" that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Both compounds were found to protect tau from oxidative damage that can lead to dysfunction.
Diabetes support, helps with blood sugar control - Cinnamon reduces blood glucose concentration and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Support Weight Loss - Cinnamon is effective in moderating postprandial glucose response, the amount of sugar in your blood after a meal and have a favorable impact on hunger and weight gain.
Soothea Sore Throat or Cough – Cinnamon is antibacterial, in traditional Chinese medicine used for chesty wet cough.
Anti-Cancer - The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon appears to suppress colon cancer cells and may also be effective against human liver cancer cells.
Source of fiber, manganese and calcium
Relieve Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)- Cinnamon aromatherapy along with rehabilitation can significantly reduced symptoms.
Blood thinner - Cinnamon thins blood. This blood thinning properties are particularly high in Cassia Cinnamon, while Ceylon Cinnamon does not seem to thin your blood. This blood thinning property of Cassia Cinnamon helps it in acting as an anti clotting agent especially for those suffering from heart disease. However care must be taken to NOT to take it with other blood thinning medication (f.e.warfarin).

Warning: Health information and the names of the drugs mentioned in the article are only for orientation in the field of self-medication and does not replace communication with your doctor. Before taking any medication, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor. The author is not responsible for misinterpretation of the information contained on the website and is not responsible for any damages incurred subsequent procedures or conduct that are made based on the content of these pages. By entering this blog you confirm that you have read the aim and the restrictions of the site.