How Risky Is Your Manicure?

Acetone

source: https://i2.wp.com/www.passionfunda.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Hazards-Of-Acetone-Based-Nail-Remover.jpg?fit=620%2C350

Other than its common name, Acetone is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, dimethylformaldehyde. ¹

Properties:

It is a clear, highly flammable liquid with a characteristic pungent odour and sweet taste.¹ Its toxicity is that if it gets absorbed (via gut, lungs or skin), acetone is metabolized via hepatic and extrahepatic gluconeogenic pathways to glucose.² Primarily, the acetone is metabolized to acetol which is then metabolized to methylglyxol.²

Toxicity and Health Risks:

Normally acetone is irritating to the mucosal membranes of eyes, nose and throat which can lead to a burning sensation along with erythema.¹ When inhaled or ingested in large amounts, acetone can cause nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, headache, excitement, restlessness, chest tightness and incoherent.¹ In more severe cases, coma, convulsions, respiratory failure and even rhabdomyolysis are typical to occur. The LD50 of acetone when taken orally in acute forms is 5800mg/kg.³

Production Methods:

In the earlier times, acetone was made via the thermal decomposition of calcium acetate or even through carbohydrate fermentation of corn starch/molasses.⁴ Then there was a cumen peroxidation (isopropyl alcohol) in which acetone is produced along with phenol.⁴ This then became the better option because of the low costs associated with it and also this method yields 90% of acetone (approximately 0.62 tonnes of acetone is produced for each tonne of phenol).⁴

Alternatives :

There are some alternatives to using acetone such as crop based removers.⁵ This means they are made from soy or fermented sugar beets and corn which makes them biodegradable. Another one is water-based removers which has a very low amount of volatile organic compounds which can cause long and short term negative effects. The other two are scented removers and homemade removers.⁵ The scented removers have essential oils in their formula such as lavender and tea tree.⁵ The homemade ones are less costly, or one can soak their nails in hot water for 15 minutes, or use vinegar, citrus fruits, rubbing alcohol or toothpaste and using a cotton swab or pad to scrub the nail clean.⁵

¹ https://www-sciencedirect. com.libproxy.mtroyal.ca/science/article/pii/S13573039150032 78?_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_origi=gateway&_docanchor=&md5=b8429449ccfc9c30159a5f9aeaa92ffb&ccp=y

² http://www.cheminst.ca/magazine/columns/humble-acetone-helped-win-second-world-war

³ https://oureverydaylife.com/organic-alternatives-to-acetone-12549359.html

⁴ http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927062

⁵ https://www.icis.com/resources/news/2007/11/01/9074860/acetone-production-and-manufacturing-process/

Experiencing chest irritation after cleaning your bathroom? Ammonia might be your culprit.

Experiencing chest irritation after cleaning your bathroom? Ammonia might be your culprit. 

Figure 1. Coughing monkey. 

It’s a typical Saturday night and you’re cleaning your bathroom when suddenly, your nose starts to itch, you feel a burning sensation on your hands and start feeling short of breath.

Have you ever considered learning more about what lives under your sink?

Ammonia (NH₃) is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor that is found in many household cleaning products such as Windex⁴. When exposed to water, it forms ammonium hydroxide, a weak base with corrosive properties⁵.

What is ammonia used for and how is it produced?

Ammonia is one of the most highly produced inorganic chemicals in North America and is used as a fertilizer, household cleaning agent, food preserving agent and refrigerant¹.

It’s industrially produced using the Haber process, in which nitrogen from the air is combined with hydrogen obtained from natural gases, producing liquid ammonia².  The human body also produces ammonia. When protein is metabolized into amino acids, excess metabolites are transported to the liver⁶. The liver oxidizes the amino acids by removing an amine group via deamination processes, forming ammonia molecules⁶.

How might ammonia affect me?

Ammonia causes various health effects depending on the route of exposure. Ocular exposure can cause irritated eyes and may lead to temporary or permanent blindness⁷. Dermal exposure to highly concentrated solutions (25%) may cause serious burns. Cleaning products such as Windex contain 5% of ammonia and may cause skin irritation⁹. Inhaling high concentrations of ammonia cause immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract, whereas constant exposure to a low concentration may cause coughing and nose and throat irritation⁵. Lastly, ingesting ammonia results in nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the lips, mouth and larynx⁷. Drinking a highly concentrated may cause oral and esophageal burns, gastric perforations and may lead to death⁷.

Is it safe to mix different chemicals in my toilet bowl?

            You may be inclined to use different chemicals to get rid of all of the nasty fecal particles in your toilet bowl. However, it’s important to know to never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach! When ammonia reacts with chlorine, it forms toxic derivatives called chloramines⁸.  Exposure to chloramine fumes may cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing⁸. When overexposed it cause an individual to lose consciousness³. When exposed, one must get away from the site, and call 911 for help if required³. Lastly, it’s important to ventilate the area before returning³.

References: 

¹Ammonia. https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/ammonia/ (accessed Feb. 22, 2018).

²Clark, J. The Haber Process. https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/equilibria/haber.html (accessed Feb. 22, 2018).

³Helmenstine, A. M. Why You Shouldn't Mix Bleach and Ammonia. https://www.thoughtco.com/bleach-and-ammonia-chemical-reaction-609280 (accessed Feb. 22, 2018).

⁴National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compoound Database;CID=222, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/222 (accessed Feb. 22, 2018).

⁵New York State Department of Health. The facts about ammonia. https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_tech.htm (accessed Feb. 20, 2018).

⁶Royal Society of Chemistry. Excretion and the liver. http://www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/cfb/excretion.htm (accessed Feb. 20, 2018).

⁷The University of Kansas Health System. Poison Facts: High Chemicals: Ammonia. http://www.kansashealthsystem.com/~/media/Imported/kumed/documents/kdheammonia.ashx?la=en (accessed Feb. 21, 2018).

⁸Utah Department of Health. Common cleaning products can be dangerous when mixed. http://health.utah.gov/enviroepi/activities/NTSIP/Common%20Cleaning%20Products%20Can%20Be%20Dangerous%20When%20Mixed.pdf (accessed Feb. 20, 2018).

                                             

⁹Windex. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windex (accessed Feb. 21, 2018).

Image: Figure 1

Source: Anderson, A. B. Coughing. https://www.flickr.com/photos/audunbakkeandersen/219489630/in/photolist-koWBY-8Wdfn5-dk9qA9-EhYHPM-bUx8Q7-5ZNmqT-cN5xXQ-aYJWnn-9eVdYn-owbt32-93NJhb-59SrEd-95NVJT-bucVzt-aqLXm7-ksxAz-6jxRDi-dHPbBQ-61z3TF-yb4Gq-5Qff5-71YFEB-HiZK6L-9eYmbC-8XFHb7-Y7n91i-oeWDty-6WHK1M-x7dg-22Eo6rt-5VmG3g-qzwA3v-HEQDkA-589HWR-7x9DqZ-bBiNSx-bq9vRD-6d5JDD-4L9Fhj-dUaC38-e7T6Hz-aAHhPN-99VEeT-a2mZND-47mh19-4X66Go-4djfbF-5PFoAN-YQcUXm-dWJPWe (accessed Feb. 20, 2018). 

Dry Winter Skin Giving You Stress? Well, Worry No More!

Figure 1: An abstract bottle of Vaseline. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/prateekbahl/8398856396

(accessed Feb 22, 2018).

Dry skin seems to be an increasing concern especially in the city of Calgary. Calgary's fluctuating weather has a direct impact on the amount of moisture that is present in an individual's skin. In the summer, dry skin can be easily managed with creams such as Lubriderm and Aveeno. However, during the winter, it becomes extremely difficult to treat cracked hands and chapped lips. Therefore, numerous doctors recommend using Vaseline in the winter in order to attain soft and rich skin. But what makes Vaseline the ideal moisturizer? Vaseline actually contains an ingredient known as petrolatum which helps to lock in moisture in the skins tissues (1).

What is it?

Petrolatum or most commonly known as petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil industry and is a mixture of hydrocarbons (1). Initially, petroleum jelly was used to treat cuts and burns, however in today’s time, this chemical is used to soften skin (2). Petrolatum is the primary ingredient used in several cosmetics, creams, lotions, and baby-care products (2). This jelly like substance helps to enclose the skin from air and water which allows the skin to both heal and moisturize (6).

How does it work?

Creams and lotions such as Vaseline act as a occlusive which simply means that a thin layer/film is created over the skin, which helps to establish a physical barrier in preventing water loss (3). Therefore, applying Vaseline helps to lock in the skin’s natural moisture as a majority of water is lost during the process of evaporation through the cells of the epidermis(outer layer of tissue) (5).

Opposing Views

Despite the fact that petroleum jelly acts as a great occlusive, there are a few potential downfalls. For instance, a study that was conducted and published in the year 2000, stated that underweight infants that were being treated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) had a greater chance of developing systemic candidiasis (different forms of yeast infections) (3). It was believed that the petroleum jelly created a soft and moist place for fungi to develop. Furthermore, as petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil, it is not a renewable resource. As a result, allowing for a larger environmental footprint (3). Lastly,  the biggest and probably more serious concern is the connection of petrolatum to cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group, Vaseline has a rating of 1 on the toxicity scale which is fairly low (3)(4). However, the problem is that oftentimes petrolatum is mixed with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) which significantly increases the toxicity level to a shocking 9 on the toxicity scale (4).

Does It Really Work?

Many individuals believe, myself included, that substances containing petrolatum such as Vaseline provide a temporary fix. Petroleum jelly doesn’t get absorbed into the skin but rather stops moisture from evaporating (6). Ultimately, each individual's experience varies using substances that contain petrolatum.

Alternatives to petrolatum

Products such as shea, cocoa butter, coconut oil are gentle on the skin and help restore moisture back into the skin just as efficiently as petrolatum based products such as Vaseline (6). Additionally, the upside to using these alternatives is that most of them are plant based and as a result, are environmentally friendly and safer to use.

Would You Use Petrolatum Based Products? Is It Worth it ? YOU DECIDE?

References:

(1)Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (2018). Petroleum jelly. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_jelly#Uses

(2) Helmenstine, A. (2017). What Is Petroleum Jelly? Chemical Composition. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://www.thoughtco.com/petroleum-jelly-chemical-composition-604000

(3) Reader's Digest Magazine Canada Limited. (2018). The Truth About Petrolatum. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/the-truth-about-petrolatum/

(4) Thompson, L. (2017). 4 Vaseline Alternative Products to Break Your Toxic Petroleum Jelly Addiction. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from

http://www.organicauthority.com/4-vaseline-alternative-products-to-break-your-toxic-petroleum-jelly-addiction/

(5) Miller, S. (2013). Occlusive, ingredients found in dry skin moisturizers. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from http://thenakedchemist.com/occlusive-ingredients-found-in-dry-skin-moisturizers/

(6) Vinskofski, S. (2014). 7 Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly for Taking Care of Your Skin. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://learningandyearning.com/7-alternatives-to-petroleum-jelly-for-taking-care-of-your-skin

Ever Wonder How Medical Equitpment Is Sanatized After Use?

Have you ever wonder sitting in dentist’s chair how the equipment going from your mouth to the next mouth maybe sanitized or even if it is sanitized?   

Figure 1: An assortment of dentistry tools. Source:  https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1126242 (accessed Feb 22th, 2018). 

Well look not further, the sterilization of medical equipment including surgical devices, dental equipment, and edible items such as spices is done through a colorless, odorless, flammable gas at room temperature known as Ethylene Oxide C2H4O (3).

 

What is it?

 

Ethylene Oxide is a type of flammable and explosive gas that is used for the sterilization of medical equipment and devices. Also known as EO and ETO it should never be eaten or smelled even though it has a sweet pleasing scent. As it causes a sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, headaches, and vomiting (4). Ethylene oxide comes from the industry producing and using it. Smaller amounts are released naturally from volcanoes and from living organisms (2). Typically, individuals working with Ethylene oxide are more commonly exposed to it, these include health care workers such as nurse’s physicians in hospitals, and clinics.

 

How does it work?  

The way in which Ethylene Oxide works is it kills off microbes through a reaction known as alkylation, in this process a hydrogen atom is replaced with an alkyl group. Ethylene oxide gas is pumped into an airtight chamber to sterilize whatever is inside, following the treatment the material being sterilized is aerated out to get rid of any excess gas (5).  From bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects, other organisms all life forms are killed quickly in the gas chamber. Ethylene oxide alters proteins in their cells which are essential for life which permanently mutates their DNA therefore, are unable to survive (4).  

The benefits of using Ethylene Oxide 

First off Ethylene Oxide it is a sterilant meaning it is something that kills every living microbe, including very difficult to kill bacterial spores (3).  Secondly, it can be used to sterilize equipment that is heat-sensitive as it uses lower temperatures so it is able to safely sterilize heat-sensitive equipment, and moisture-sensitive equipment (1).

 

The dangers of eating food sanitized with Ethylene Oxide

Even though when used on items at room temperature and above there is still a non-volatile residue which gets left behind that is not good for you. Given the dangers of this residue from EO gas, foods that have been treated by it must be allowed to aerate for a period following fumigation, which typically is up to 24 hours. Even after the period, some residue may still be left behind, so it is very important to try to avoid edibles that have been sanitized with EO as they ate harmful to health (4).

 

References

(1) National Institutes of Health. (2015). Ethylene Oxide. Retrieved February 22, 2018, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/ethylene-oxide

(2) Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory. (n.d.). Ethylene oxide. Retrieved February 22, 2018, http://apps.sepa.org.uk/spripa/pages/substanceinformation.aspx?pid=56

(3) Royal Society of Chemistry. (2015). Ethylene oxide. Received February 22, 2018, from http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.6114.html

(4) Superfoodly. (2017). Ethylene Oxide Sterilization: Are ETO Treated Spices Safe? Retrieved February 22, 2018, from https://www.superfoodly.com/ethylene-oxide-sterilization-non-eto-spices/

(5) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. (2018). Ethylene Oxide. Retrieved February 22, 2018, from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/ethylene_oxide.html