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In this work, a multi-class analytical method for determination of 22 frequently used pharmaceuticals was developed and validated. Analytes were from different classes for example macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, anthelmintics, anesthetics, and others. Method was intended for analysis of aqueous samples so the sample preparation was done using solid-phase extraction (SPE). Different sorbents (C8, C18, polymeric, and ion exchange sorbents) combining different eluents (methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, ethyl acetate) were investigated during development of sample preparation step. Samples were analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS, and therefore, chromatographic and mass spectrometer conditions were investigated. Optimal extraction efficiencies for most of the investigated analytes were obtained with Oasis HLB polymeric sorbents with acetonitrile as eluent. A study of matrix effect was carried out for wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent. The method was validated for linearity, detection limits and quantification limits, repeatability, and reproducibility. Method detection limits were in the range of 2.0–204.0 ng L −1 for WWTP influent except for sulfaguanidine and dexamethasone. Also, method detection limits for WWTP effluent were from 1.0 to 115.4 ng L −1 . Method was successfully applied for analysis of real wastewater samples from municipal wastewater treatment plant. In the influent, pharmaceuticals from all investigated groups were present and the concentrations were from 50.0 to 4914.3 ng L −1 for influent and 26.9 to 1699.2 ng L −1 for effluent. It was also reported that some pharmaceuticals showed higher concentrations in the wastewater effluent than in the influent.

Objectives To review recent epidemiological studies investigating carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects among hairdressers who seem to be at greater risk for systemic adverse effects of chemicals released from hair care products than consumers. Methods A systematic review according to the PRISMA‐P guidelines was performed and included studies published from 2000 to August 2021, in which cancer or adverse reproductive effects were diagnosed in 1995 and onward. Data were synthetized qualitatively due to the small number of studies, heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes, and methods. Results Four studies investigating cancer frequencies and six studies investigating effects on reproduction among hairdressers were identified. All were of good quality and with low risk of bias. Only one of the four studies found an increased risk of cancer reporting nine times higher odds for bladder cancer in hairdressers than the population‐based controls. Three other studies investigating bladder and lung cancer, and non‐Hodgins lymphoma did not find an increased risk in hairdressers. Regarding reprotoxic effects, numerous outcomes were investigated including menstrual disorders, congenital malformations, fetal loss, small‐for‐gestational age newborns, preterm delivery, and infertility. Increased risk was found for ventricular septal defect in newborns of fathers working as hairdressers. Furthermore, several indices of poor neonatal or maternal health were significantly associated with mothers working as hairdresser. Conclusions Despite the scarce evidence that hairdressers are at increased risk of carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects related to their trade, such health risks cannot be ruled out. Therefore, preventive efforts to diminish occupational exposures to hairdressing chemicals should be targeted.

Healthy as they may be, fruits and vegetables may significantly contribute to dietary pesticide intake in modern households. However, certain simple procedures, such as washing and peeling food, can help reduce this intake. Our study looks deeper into the habits of cleaning fruits and vegetables before consumption or cooking in the households of the Croatian capital Zagreb and its surroundings, based on data collected in the first, 2022–2023 wave of a larger cohort study “Exposure to pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides in children – risk assessment for adverse effects on neuropsychological development and hormonal status”. Data were collected with a questionnaire completed by volunteering parents or legal guardians. Although almost all households reported washing fruits and vegetables before consumption or cooking, over 60 % did not peel fruits and vegetables that can be consumed with the peel, such as apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, and tomatoes (raw and cooked). In addition, we provide general recommendations for reducing dietary exposure to pesticide residues through simple household procedures. Croatian consumers should be better informed about which food products may contribute to higher pesticide exposure and how to reduce it.

Introduction: Exposure to hazardous chemicals released during hairdressing activities from hair care products puts hairdressers at risk of adverse health effects. Safety assessments of hair products are mainly focused on consumers, but exposure for professional hairdressers might be substantially higher. Objective: To identify and assess available research data on inhalation exposures of professional hairdressers. Methods: A systematic search of studies between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2021 was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and in Cochrane registry, toxicological dossiers of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission as well as the German MAK Commission. Studies reporting quantitative data on airborne concentrations of chemicals in the hairdresser’s workplace were considered. The outcome was an airborne concentration of chemicals in the working environment, which was compared, when possible, with current occupational exposure limits (OEL) or guidance levels. Results: In total, 23 studies performed in 14 countries were included. The average number of hairdressing salons per study was 22 (range 1–62). Chemicals most frequently measured were formaldehyde (n = 8), ammonia (n = 5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) (n = 5), and toluene (n = 4). More than fifty other chemicals were measured in one to three studies, including various aromatic and aliphatic organic solvents, hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, and particulate matter. Most studies reported environmental air concentrations, while personal exposure was measured only in seven studies. The measured air concentrations of formaldehyde, ammonia, and TVOC exceeded OEL or guidance values in some studies. There was large variability in measuring conditions and reported air concentrations differed strongly within and between studies. Conclusion: Hairdressers are exposed to a wide spectrum of hazardous chemicals, often simultaneously. Airborne concentrations of pollutants depend on salon characteristics such as ventilation and the number of customers but also on used products that are often country- or client-specific. For exposure to formaldehyde, ammonia, and TVOC exceeding OELs or guidance values for indoor air was observed. Therefore, occupational exposure should be taken into account by safety regulations for hair care products.

An analytical method for multi-class pharmaceuticals determination in wastewater has been developed and validated. Target compounds were: sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfaguanidine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin), diaminopyrimidine (trimethoprim), anaesthetic (procaine), anthelmintic (praziquantel and febantel), and macrolide (roxithromycin). The method involves pre-concentration and clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using Strata-X extraction cartridges at pH 4.0. Target analytes were identified and quantitatively determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Recoveries were higher than 50% with relative standard deviation (RSD) below 18.3% for three concentrations. Only for sulfaguanidine was low recovery obtained. Matrix effect was evaluated using matrix-matched standards. The method detection limit (MDL) was between 0.5 and 5 ng L −1 in spiked water samples. The precision of the method, calculated as relative standard deviation, ranged from 0.5 to 2.0% and from 1.4 to 8.3 for intra-day and inter-day analysis, respectively. The described analytical method was used for determination of pharmaceuticals in effluent wastewaters from the pharmaceutical industry.

Summary Qualitative identification of Cu, Sn, Pb, Ni, and Fe in Cu-alloys is presented. The method involves anodic sampling of alloys, separation and identification by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The powerful desktop-computer tool makes it easy to optimize ternary solvent mixtures. Optimization was performed graphically by means of R si ≥1 as a selected separation criterion. Mobile phase composition for optimal separation was determined as MeOH−HCl−H 2 O (60:35:5, v/v ). The method was applied to Persian helmet as real sample.

ObjectiveTo review the literature on respiratory effects of persulfate salts (PS) or hair bleaches in hairdressers and animal models exploring mechanisms behind PS-induced asthma.MethodsA systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Studies published from 2000 to July 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved. Data were not quantitatively synthesized due to the heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes and methods.ResultsForty-two articles were included. PS are indicated as the main cause of occupational rhinitis and asthma in hairdressers, and one of the leading causes of occupational asthma in some European countries. Bleaching products are indicated as the most important factor for development of respiratory symptoms, lung function decline, and leaving the hairdressing profession. Risk estimates from a good quality prospective study showed up to 3.9 times higher risk for wheezing and breathlessness in hairdressers aged ≥ 40 years than in matched controls, and 20 times higher risk in hairdressers to develop respiratory symptoms from exposure to bleaching powder than controls. Pathophysiological mechanisms of the respiratory response to PS are not yet fully elucidated, but may include non-specific and specific immune responses.ConclusionsHairdressing is associated with a wide spectrum of respiratory adverse effects, of which bleaching products were indicated as the most hazardous. Preventive measures for reducing inhalatory exposure to PS in hair salons should be re-evaluated, including adopting occupational exposure limits at EU level, and encouraging use of safer bleach formulations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021238118.

IntroductionHairdressers are at increased risk of adverse health effects due to exposure to hazardous chemicals released from hair care products during hairdressing activities. Safety assessments of hair products consider only consumer exposure, however exposure for professional hairdressers might be substantially higher. In this study we aimed to review research data on inhalation exposures of professional hairdressers.Materials & MethodsA systematic search of studies between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2021 was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and in Cochrane registry, toxicological dossiers of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission as well as the German MAK Commission. We included the studies which reported quantitative data on airborne concentrations of chemicals in the hairdresser’s workplace.Results & ConclusionsIn total, 23 studies, performed in 14 countries reported air concentrations of chemicals measured in the hair salons by using environmental or personal sampling. The most frequently measured chemicals were formaldehyde (n = 8), ammonia (n = 5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) (n = 5), and toluene (n = 4). More than fifty other chemicals including various aromatic and aliphatic organic solvents, hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, and particulate matter were measured in one to three studies. The air concentrations of chemicals were dependent on salon characteristics such as ventilation and the number of customers but also on used products that are often country- or client-specific. Several studies reported the air concentrations of formaldehyde, ammonia, and TVOC which exceeded OEL or guidance values.This review study revealed that hairdressers are exposed to a wide spectrum of hazardous chemicals, often simultaneously. Therefore, occupational exposure should be taken into account by safety regulations for hair care products.

IntroductionHairdressers are at increased risk for hand eczema (HE) due to frequent skin contact with irritants and allergens in the workplace. Individuals with (a history of) atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to develop occupational HE. This study aims to review the current prevalence and incidence of HE in hairdressers, as well as the pattern of disease onset and severity. Furthermore, to assess the contribution of atopic dermatitis on HE in hairdressers.Material and MethodsA systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published from 2000 to April 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved.ResultsNine studies (n = 10 952 participants) reported on the life-time prevalence, yielding an estimate of 38.2% (95% CI 32.6–43.8). A pooled 1-year prevalence of HE amounted to 20.3% (95% CI 18.0–22.6), and a pooled point prevalence to 7.7% (95% CI 5.8–9.6). A pooled lifetime prevalence of 37.5% and 37.0% was obtained for hairdressing apprentices and fully trained hairdressers, respectively. The pooled incidence rate of HE was 51.8 cases/1000 person-years (95% CI 42.6–61.0). The prevalence of AD in hairdressers was comparable with estimates in the general population.ConclusionsThis systematic review reveals that hand eczema is common in hairdressers and starts early in the carrier, often during apprenticeship. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in hairdressers is comparable with estimates in the general population, pointing to the occupational exposures as the main risk factor for HE in hairdressers. This emphasizes the need for targeted and collective prevention strategies in hairdressing sector, starting already during apprenticeship.