Abstract  The principal aim of the study was to estimate the level of exposure to organic solvents of graffiti removers, and to identify the chemicals used in different cleaning agents. A secondary objective was to inform about the toxicity of various products and to optimise working procedures.

Exposure to organic solvents was determined by active air sampling and biological monitoring among 38 graffiti removers during an 8-h work shift in the Stockholm underground system. The air samples and biological samples were analysed by gas chromatography. Exposure to organic solvents was also assessed by a questionnaire and interviews.

Solvents identified were N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPGME), propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE), toluene, xylene, pseudocumene, hemimellitine, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, limonene, nonane, decane, undecane, hexandecane and gamma-butyrolactone. The 8-h average exposures [time-weighted average (TWA)] were below 20% of the Swedish permissible exposure limit value (PEL) for all solvents identified. In poorly ventilated spaces, e.g. in elevators etc., the short-term exposures exceeded occasionally the Swedish short-term exposure limit values (STEL). The blood and urine concentrations of NMP and its metabolites were low. Glycol ethers and their metabolites (2-methoxypropionic acid (MPA), ethoxy acetic acid (EAA), butoxy acetic acid (BAA), and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) acetic acid (MEAA)) were found in low concentrations in urine. There were significant correlation between the concentrations of NMP in air and levels of NMP and its metabolites in blood and urine. The use of personal protective equipment, i.e. gloves and respirators, was generally high.

Many different cleaning agents were used. The average exposure to solvents was low, but some working tasks included relatively high short-term exposure. To prevent adverse health effects, it is important to inform workers about the health risks and to restrict the use of the most toxic chemicals. Furthermore, it is important to develop good working procedures and to encourage the use of personal protection equipment.

Abstract  Anthramycin (ANT) was the first pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) molecule to be isolated, and is a potent cytotoxic agent. Although the PBD family has been investigated for use in systemic chemotherapy, their application in the management of actinic keratoses (AK) or skin cancer has not been investigated to date. In the present work, anthramycin (ANT) was selected as a model PBD compound, and the skin penetration of the molecule was investigated using conventional Franz diffusion cells. Finite dose permeation studies of ANT were performed using propylene glycol (PG), 1,3-butanediol (BD), dipropylene glycol (DiPG), Transcutol P® (TC), propylene glycol monocaprylate (PGMC), propylene glycol monolaurate (PGML) and isopropyl myristate (IPM). The skin penetration of BD, DiPG, PG and TC was also measured. Penetration of ANT through human skin was evident for TC, PG and PGML with the active appearing to "track" the permeation of the vehicle in the case of TC and PG. Deposition of ANT in skin could be correlated with skin retention of the vehicle in the case of IPM, PGMC and PGML. These preliminary findings confirm the ability of ANT to penetrate human skin and, given the potency of the molecule, suggest that further investigation is justified. Additionally, the findings emphasise the critical importance of understanding the fate of the excipient for the rational design of topical formulations.

Abstract  Dipropylene glycol (DG) has been considered safe to use as a solvent in perfumes and other cosmetics (1). Our recent case of allergic contact dermatitis from DG in a hand lotion (2) prompted this further study. Materials and Methods: We used standard (S) DG (synthesis grade purity >97%) from E. Merck (Darmstadt, Germany) and cosmetic grade (CG) DG (purity 96%) from our case (2). In a pilot study, 34 eczema patients were patch tested with either S or CG DG at 10%, 5%, 2% and 1% aq. When no reactions were seen, the standard series at Gentofte was supplemented with DG 10% aq., S and CG, for 7 months (25.1.94- 25.8.94). 503 consecutive eczema patients, 212 men and 291 women, were tested, patches being applied for 2 days, using Scanpor tape and Finn Chambers, and reactions being read at D2, D3 and 05-7. The original patient (2) was repatch tested with both S and CG DG at I% and 0.5% aq. Results: 6. 7% (34/503) of the patients reacted to at least 1 of S and CG DG (Table 1). There was l positive patch test reaction to S DG, the remaining reactions being either ?+, 5.1% (26/503), or IR, 1.4% (7/503) (no sex difference). 10 of those with ?+ reactions to DG were also tested with their own cosmetics and 2 reacted, l to mascara, skin tonic and eye shadow, and I to camomile liniment (DG contents not determined). The original patient (2) had + + and + + + reactions to CG DG, as well as to S DG, 0.5% and 1% aq. Discussion: DG is a mixture of 3 isomers (1), their distribution in the 2 grades used in this study differing as determined by GC/MS (2). The original patient (2) reacted to both grades and no difference was found between the frequency of reactions to the 2 grades in 503 consecutive eczema patients. Only 1 patient out of 503 (0.2%), however, had a definitely positive patch test reaction to DG, its clinical relevance not being established. Patch testing with other grades of DG used in cosmetics (I) might give different results, but at present, we consider contact allergy to dipropylene glycol to be rare in our study population.

Abstract  Toxline abstract: Rept. for 19 Jun-12 Sep 90. See also PB92-196179. Sponsored by National Toxicology Program, Research Triangle Park, NC. The laboratory supplement accompanying a report on the developmental toxicity of dipropylene glycol provides test methods used in the study, as well as information on breeding and caring for the test rats. Detailed chemical analysis methods are also provided.

Abstract  The following evaluation can be made to supplement the statements on the toxicological aspect of dipropylene glycol made in BUA Report 162 (December 1993): negative results were obtained in the vitro genotoxicity test as well as in the in vivo micronucleus test with dipropylene glycol. Based on these results and considering the structural analogy with other glycols (BUA, 1991; NTP, 1993), a carcinogenic potential for dipropylene glycol is unlikely.

Abstract  Propylene glycol is an aliphatic alcohol that functions as a skin conditioning agent, viscosity decreasing agent, solvent, and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. Tripropylene glycol functions as a humectant, antioxidant, and emulsion stabilizer. Polypropylene glycols (PPGs), including PPG-3, PPG-7, PPG-9, PPG-12, PPG-13, PPG-15, PPG-16, PPG-17, PPG-20, PPG-26, PPG-30, PPG-33, PPG-34, PPG-51, PPG-52, and PPG-69, function primarily as skin conditioning agents, with some solvent use. The majority of the safety and toxicity information presented is for propylene glycol (PG). Propylene glycol is generally nontoxic and is noncarcinogenic. Clinical studies demonstrated an absence of dermal sensitization at use concentrations, although concerns about irritation remained. The CIR Expert Panel determined that the available information support the safety of tripropylene glycol as well as all the PPGs. The Expert Panel concluded that PG, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs ≥3 are safe as used in cosmetic formulations when formulated to be nonirritating.

Abstract  Toxline abstract: Topics: animal experiments; 1,4-diethylbenzene; 1,4-dibromobenzene; dibutyl phosphate; m-toluidine; n-butyl chloride; 3-aminobenzenesulfonic acid; C.I. Pigment Green 7; tripropylene glycol; 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol; cresyl diphenyl phosphate; tris(p-cumenyl)phosphate; methoxymethanol; 2,3-dibromosuccinic acid; D and C Red No.7; diethyl fumarate; 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate; triisobutylene; tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate; 1-naphthylacetic acid; 4-(1-methylpropyl)phenol; Japan; toxic effects; toxic substances; toxicity evaluation; toxicology.