Human Skin Permeation of Ethoxy- and Propoxypropanol Commonly Found in Water-Based Products.

Some propylene glycol ethers (PGEs) have been associated with reproductive toxicity. Ethoxypropanol (PGEE) and propoxypropanol (PGPE) are two common PGEs found in many commercial products. Although skin exposure is frequent when handling such products, no studies have investigated their skin absorption.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of propylene glycol ethers metabolism in humans.

Propylene glycol ethers (PGEs) consist of a major α-isomer (secondary alcohol group) and a minor β-isomer (primary alcohol group). Animal studies have reported toxic effects of the β-isomer metabolites, but human metabolism of PGEs remains poorly understood. We aimed to characterize the metabolism of two common PGEs in humans.

Estimates of skin and blood concentrations of UV-filters: Insights from in vitro skin experiments.

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters mitigate radiation transmission through the skin; however, uncertainties persist regarding their ability to cross the skin barrier and induce toxicity. Our aim was to use published in vitro skin permeation studies to predict UV-filter concentrations in blood and skin. In our review, we identified 35 papers reporting in vitro skin permeation of the 12 most used organic UV-filters.

Guidance on minimum information requirements (MIR) from designing to reporting human biomonitoring (HBM).

Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides an integrated chemical exposures assessment considering all routes and sources of exposure. The accurate interpretation and comparability of biomarkers of exposure and effect depend on harmonized, quality-assured sampling, processing, and analysis. Currently, the lack of broadly accepted guidance on minimum information required for collecting and reporting HBM data, hinders comparability between studies.

Impact of physical activity on ethoxy- and propoxypropanol human toxicokinetics in vivo.

Organic solvents such as propylene glycol ethers (PGEs) represents more than 20 different substances and are incorporated in thousands of commercial and professional products. Two PGEs commonly used in Europe and found mainly in cleaning and water-based paint products are propylene glycol ethyl ether (PGEE) and propylene glycol propyl ether (PGPE). Given their volatile properties, inhalation is the most common route of exposure.

Zebrafish as a model to assess the neurotoxic potential of propylene glycol ethers.

Propylene glycol ethers are increasingly used as organic solvents of choice in domestic products and industrial manufacturing. However, little is known about their potential neurotoxic effects. In the present study, we therefore evaluated the acute toxic and behavioral effects of propylene glycol ethers using zebrafish larvae as a vertebrate model.

Plasticizer sources and concentrations in indoor environments in Europe: A systematic review of existing data.

We conducted a literature review to gain insight into the European state-of-the-art of plasticizer research in indoor environments. This review focused on indoor plasticizer concentrations in the gas and sorbed phases and source material emissions. We found that indoor plasticizer exposure studies started in the year 2000.

Development of image analysis tool to evaluate Langerhans cell migration after exposure to isothiazolinones.

Incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is rising worldwide as a consequence of raising chemical exposure, especially from biocides present in common water-based products such as cosmetics and household products. Understanding the biological processes involved in skin sensitization is crucial to mitigating ACD. Migration of Langerhans cells to the basal lamina of the skin is a key step in sensitization.

Introducing the OECD guidance document on occupational biomonitoring: A harmonized methodology for deriving occupational biomonitoring levels (OBL).

Derivation of occupational biomonitoring levels (OBLs) is needed to effectively utilize biomonitoring for assessing exposures to chemical substances, and consequently, implement risk reduction measures to reduce health risks among workers. OBLs are the appropriate option for chemical substances that can be absorbed through the skin. This methodology for derivation of OBLs has been developed in collaboration with scientific and regulatory experts from more than 40 institutes in 15 countries within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) framework.

In Vitro Hepatic Metabolism Input Parameters Support Toxicokinetic Simulations for the Formation of Methoxy Propionic Acid From β-Isomer Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether.

Propylene glycol ethers (PGEs) are organic solvents commonly found as technical grade on the commercial market, as mixtures of secondary (α-isomer) and primary (β-isomer, generally < 5%) alcohols. After handling products containing PGEs, they readily enter the human body where they are metabolized. The minor β-isomer is oxidized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) followed by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to a potentially harmful metabolite.

A harmonized occupational biomonitoring approach.

Biomonitoring has been widely used in assessing exposures in both occupational and public health complementing chemical risk assessments because it measures the concentrations of chemical substances in human body fluids (e.g., urine and blood).

Air Pollution and Primary DNA Damage among Zagreb (Croatia) Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

More than eight million premature deaths annually can be attributed to air pollution, with 99% of the world's population residing in areas below recommended air quality standards. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the association between primary DNA damage and air pollution data among 123 participants enrolled between 2011 and 2015 in Zagreb, Croatia. While most measured air pollutants adhered to regulatory limits, benzo[a]pyrene concentrations bound to PM exceeded them.

Metal and oxidative potential exposure through particle inhalation and oxidative stress biomarkers: a 2-week pilot prospective study among Parisian subway workers.

Objective: In this pilot study on subway workers, we explored the relationships between particle exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and urine to identify the most relevant biomarkers for a large-scale study in this field.

Methods: We constructed a comprehensive occupational exposure assessment among subway workers in three distinct jobs over 10 working days, measuring daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM), their metal content and oxidative potential (OP). Individual pre- and post-shift EBC and urine samples were collected daily.

Electronic Nicotine-Delivery Systems for Smoking Cessation.

Background: Electronic nicotine-delivery systems - also called e-cigarettes - are used by some tobacco smokers to assist with quitting. Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of these systems is needed.

Methods: In this open-label, controlled trial, we randomly assigned adults who were smoking at least five tobacco cigarettes per day and who wanted to set a quit date to an intervention group, which received free e-cigarettes and e-liquids, standard-of-care smoking-cessation counseling, and optional (not free) nicotine-replacement therapy, or to a control group, which received standard counseling and a voucher, which they could use for any purpose, including nicotine-replacement therapy.

Novel Strategy to Assess the Neurotoxicity of Organic Solvents Such as Glycol Ethers: Protocol for Combining In Vitro and In Silico Methods With Human-Controlled Exposure Experiments.

Background: Chemicals are not required to be tested systematically for their neurotoxic potency, although they may contribute to the development of several neurological diseases. The absence of systematic testing may be partially explained by the current Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines, which rely on animal experiments that are expensive, laborious, and ethically debatable. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks to exposed workers and the general population exposed to domestic products.

Repeated Human Exposure to Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Inhalation: Novel Protocol for a Nonrandomized Study.

Background: Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) comprise several different chemical families used mainly as additives in many everyday products. SVOCs can be released into the air as aerosols and deposit on particulate matter during use by dispersion, evaporation, or abrasion. Phthalates are SVOCs of growing concern due to their endocrine-disrupting effects.

Quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitising pesticides: Clinical and toxicological considerations.

Like many other consumer and occupational products, pesticide formulations may contain active ingredients or co-formulants which have the potential to cause skin sensitisation. Currently, there is little evidence they do, but that could just reflect lack of clinical investigation. Consequently, it is necessary to carry out a safety evaluation process, quantifying risks so that they can be properly managed.

Occupational exposure to nanomaterials and biomarkers in exhaled air and urine: Insights from the NanoExplore international cohort.

The current evidence on nanomaterial toxicity is mostly derived from experimental studies making it challenging to translate it into human health risks. We established an international cohort (N = 141 workers) within the EU-LIFE project "NanoExplore" to address possible health effects from occupational exposures to nanomaterials. We used a handheld direct-reading optical particle counter to measure airborne nanoparticle number concentrations (PNC) and lung-deposited surface areas (LDSAs).

Determinants of Pesticide Exposure in Occupational Studies: A Meta-Analysis.

Few epidemiological studies use exposure determinants specifically tailored to assess pesticide or plant protection product (PPP) exposures when assessing presumed association between occupational exposure and health outcomes among agricultural workers. This lack of exposure specificity could lead to results that fail to detect an association. It could be related to the lack of consensus on exposure assessment methods and the choice of exposure determinants.

FAIR environmental and health registry (FAIREHR)- supporting the science to policy interface and life science research, development and innovation.

The environmental impact on health is an inevitable by-product of human activity. Environmental health sciences is a multidisciplinary field addressing complex issues on how people are exposed to hazardous chemicals that can potentially affect adversely the health of present and future generations. Exposure sciences and environmental epidemiology are becoming increasingly data-driven and their efficiency and effectiveness can significantly improve by implementing the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles for scientific data management and stewardship.