Textile chemical finish dermatitis

Clothing-Mediated Exposures to Chemicals and Particles

A growing body of evidence identifies clothing as an important mediator of human exposure to chemicals and particles, which may have public health significance. This paper reviews and critically assesses the state of knowledge regarding how clothing, during wear, influences exposure to molecular chemicals, abiotic particles, and biotic particles, including microbes and allergens. The underlying processes that govern the acquisition, retention, and transmission of clothing-associated contaminants and the consequences of these for subsequent exposures are explored. Chemicals of concern have been identified in clothing, including byproducts of their manufacture and chemicals that adhere to clothing during use and care. Analogously, clothing acts as a reservoir for biotic and abiotic particles acquired from occupational and environmental sources. Evidence suggests that while clothing can be protective by acting as a physical or chemical barrier, clothing-mediated exposures can be substantial in certain circumstances and may have adverse health consequences. This complex process is influenced by the type and history of the clothing; the nature of the contaminant; and by wear, care, and storage practices. Future research efforts are warranted to better quantify, predict, and control clothing-related exposures.

Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyoxymethylene Urea

Polyoxymethylene Urea is a variable molecular weight polymer formed in stages from the condensation reaction of urea with formaldehyde. It is used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations as a bulking agent and to form the outer shell of microcapsules. Because of the nature of the polymerization process, residual formaldehyde is present at levels typically between 17 and 30 ppm. Polyoxymethylene Urea shows low toxicity. The oral LD50 in rats was 10 g/kg for the bulk material and 20 g/kg when the microcapsule form was used. Polyoxymethylene Urea was a mild skin irritant and caused mild, transient ocular irritation in rabbits. Ames tests were negative for mutagenesis. Clinical data showed no irritation or sensitization. On the basis of the data, it is concluded that Polyoxymethylene Urea is safe for use as a cosmetic ingredient. A previous determination, however, that the concentration of free formaldehyde in cosmetic formulations should not exceed 0.2% was considered appropriate for this ingredient as well. Likewise, the previous finding that the safety of formaldehyde was not ensured in cosmetic products intended to be aerosolized is extended to this ingredient.

Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Melamine/Formaldehyde Resin

Melamine/Formaldehyde Resin is intended for use as a film former in cosmetic formulations, but there are no current uses reported. Respiratory distress, bleeding in the lungs, significant weight loss, and macrophage influx into the alveoli were observed during inhalation studies in rats. A 2-year chronic feeding study in rats at concentrations ≥ 10% produced little toxicity. Similar results were found in dogs at concentrations of 2.5, 3, and 5%. Reproductive toxicity was evaluated in rats through two generations with no evidence of reproductive effects. Case reports in the clinical literature have reported sensitization to Melamine/Formaldehyde Resin, not all of which were attributed to the presence of formaldehyde. Available data on melamine were reviewed. No irritation or sensitization was produced by 1% (aqueous) melamine in guinea pigs. In an oral carcinogenesis assay in male rats, melamine caused transitional-cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder, but produced no tumors in female rats. Adverse effects of formaldehyde were summarized from an earlier review of that ingredient by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. The adverse effects included respiratory damage, skin irritation and sensitization, and carcinogenesis. The available data were insufficient to support the safety of Melamine/Formaldehyde Resin. Additional data were considered necessary in order to evaluate the safety of this ingredient, including chemical and physical data (such as p H), amount of free formaldehyde as a function of p H, and the aqueous or alcohol vehicle used; impurities (or purity); physical form of the ingredient as it would be used; UV absorption data (if the ingredient absorbs in the UVB or UVA regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, photosensitization studies would be needed); 28-day dermal toxicity tests; and human irritation and sensitization. It cannot be concluded that this ingredient is safe for use in cosmetic products until the listed safety data have been obtained and evaluated.

Textile allergic contact dermatitis: current status

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a thorough review of Pubmed search results for "textile percutaneous penetration" and "textile absorption". We also determined relevant articles that discussed percutaneous penetration of textiles into the skin and their associated disease states.

LIMITATIONS

Due to limitations in current and past publications, we are uncertain of the extent of the clinical problem; however, for patients allergic to textile dye, it is of practical importance, both clinically and in their everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS

There are many challenges to correctly identifying the offending textile products in a patient with suspected textile dye dermatitis. Different populations may exhibit varying degrees of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but more studies must be done to draw further conclusions. This is further complicated when counseling the patient on how to avoid the textile products most likely to cause a recurrence of ACD skin lesions.

Percutaneous absorption and exposure assessment of pesticides

Dermal exposure to a diverse range of chemicals may result from various uses. In order to assess exposure and estimate potential risks, accurate quantitative data on absorption are required. Various factors will influence the final results and interpretations of studies designed to assess the ability of compounds to penetrate the skin. This overview will discuss skin penetration by pesticides, emphasizing key parameters to be considered from the perspective of exposure assessment.

Textiles and Human Skin, Microclimate, Cutaneous Reactions: An Overview

This article overviews research in the interdisciplinary area of textile/skin interaction and related cutaneous intolerance. Microclimate in the skin/clothing system and especially the skin responses relates to the moisture and heat transfer within this system and plays a critical role in skin irritation from textiles. A discussion is then given on skin irritation reactions to textiles, including intolerance caused by chemicals (dyes and finishes) and physical contact/friction. Finally, two skin injuries, blisters and pressure ulcers, which are caused by physical contact, pressure, and friction, are documented. Despite the prevalent problems caused by ill textile/skin interactions, minimal efforts have been devoted to this field. In addition, the in vivo experimental studies infrequently lead to a solid conclusion. The cause may lie in the dramatic variation of skin conditions among individuals as well as among different anatomic sites of the same person. Another reason might be the lack of communications between researchers in the areas of textiles and dermatology.

Predicted chemical warfare agent VX toxicity to uniformed soldier using parathion in vitro human skin exposure and absorption

Chemical warfare agents (CWA) are easily and inexpensively produced and are a significant threat to military forces and the public. Most well-known CWAs are organophosphorus compounds, a number or which are used as pesticides, including parathion. This study determined the in vitro percutaneous absorption of parathion as a CWA simulant through naked human skin and uniformed skin (dry and sweated). Parathion percentage dose absorbed through naked skin (1.78 +/- 0. 41) was greater than dry uniformed skin (0.29 +/- 0.17; p = 0.000) and sweated uniformed skin (0.65 +/- 0.16; p = 0.000). Sweated and dry uniformed skin absorption were also different (p = 0.007). These relative dry and sweated uniformed skin absorptions were then applied to VX skin permeability for naked skin (head, neck, arms, and hands) and the remaining uniformed skin over the various regions of the human body. Risk assessment shows VX 50% lethality within the first hour for a soldier wearing a sweated uniform. By 8 h postexposure to naked skin plus trunk area predicted lethality for both dry and sweated uniform, and, at 96 h postexposure, all body regions individually exposed would produce lethality. Military uniform and public clothing provide some immediate protection but absorption through cloth and skin does occur. Immediate safety response to skin and clothing is required.

In vitro percutaneous absorption of model compounds glyphosate and malathion from cotton fabric into and through human skin

Chemicals are introduced to fabric at many steps during manufacture and use. Fabrics containing chemicals can cause medical problems such as dermatitis and death. Insecticides impregnated into uniforms worn by "Desert Storm" personnel are implicated in "Gulf War Syndrome'. These chemicals must get from fabric into and through skin to cause toxic effects. The objective of the present study was to determine in vitro percutaneous absorption of model chemicals glyphosate (water soluble) and malathion (relative water insoluble) from cotton fabric into and through human skin. The percutaneous absorption of glyphosate from water solution was 1.42 +/- 0.25% dose. This decreased to 0.74 +/- 0.26% for glyphosate added to cotton sheets and immediately put onto skin. If the cotton sheets were dried for 1 or 2 days, then applied to skin, absorption was 0.08 +/- 0.02% and 0.08 +/- 0.01% respectively. However, wetting the 2-day dried cotton sheet with water to simulate sweating or wet conditions increased absorption to 0.36 +/- 0.07%. Similar results were found for malathion. Absorption of malathion from aqueous ethanol solution was 8.77 +/- 1.43%. This decreased to 3.92 +/- 0.49%, 0.62 +/- 0.11% and 0.60 +/- 0.14% for 0, 1- and 2-day-treated cotton sheets. However, malathion absorption from 2-day treated/dried cotton sheets increased to 7.34 +/- 0.61% when wetted with aqueous ethanol. These results show that chemicals in fabric (clothing, rug, upholstery, etc.) can transfer from fabric into and through human skin to cause toxic effects.

Textile dermatitis: an update. (I). Resins, additives and fibers

Cases of textile-related dermatitis reported in the medical literature after the mid-1980s are reviewed. Part I focuses on cases in which textile resins, fiber additives, or fibers were the causal agent. Studies which provide insight into understanding fabric-induced prickle and itch are included.

Effects of softened and unsoftened fabrics on infant skin

BACKGROUND

The effects of softened and unsoftened fabrics on the skin of infants of 1-12 months of age were evaluated under real life conditions of skin contact with fabrics.

METHODS

During 4 weeks, 24 infants wore cotton fabrics washed with a granular detergent on one side of their lower back, and on the other side, cotton fabrics washed with the same detergent and softened with a liquid fabric softener. Skin effects were evaluated by visual grading for redness, dryness, and smoothness, by skin stripping and measuring of Chroma C* (squamometry), by measurements of elasticity and bioelastic ratio, and by instrumental measurements of skin parameters (pH, capacitance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and erythema by colorimetry).

RESULTS

No deleterious effects were observed in any infant. A decrease in squamometry (Chroma C*) and an increase in capacitance were detected in skin exposed to softened fabrics relative to unsoftened ones. Values of pH tended to be higher in the sites treated with softened versus unsoftened fabrics (pH 6.06 and 5.87, respectively, at end of study). All other parameters showed no significant differences in the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither softened nor unsoftened fabrics produced any adverse effects on the skin of infants after continuous wearing during 29 days. A slight beneficial effect on the infants' skin was observed with softened relative to unsoftened fabrics. Methods measuring the structure and function of the stratum corneum were more sensitive discriminators of the effects of fabrics on the skin than traditional methods of visual clinical evaluation.

Allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde resins in permanent press clothing: an underdiagnosed cause of generalized dermatitis

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

Formaldehyde resins have been used to impart wrinkle resistance to clothing fabrics since 1926. After several patients with positive patch tests to formaldehyde resins had been examined, a study was undertaken of the records of all patch tests performed at the University of Louisville Patch Test Clinic and the Allergy Section of the Skin and Cancer Clinic of New York University Medical Center from January 1988 through April 1990 to determine the prevalence of positive patch-test reactions to formaldehyde-based textile resins and the clinical and demographic patterns associated with textile resin allergy.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were identified at the two centers. Twelve were allergic to formaldehyde as well as to formaldehyde textile resins. Several clinical patterns were found, including accentuation of dermatitis in areas of tight clothing, primary occurrence in clothing-covered areas, and a chronic recalcitrant course. Ethylene urea melamine formaldehyde resin was the best screening agent with 14 definite positive reactions and one equivocal reaction.

CONCLUSION

Formaldehyde textile resin allergy is more common than has been previously recognized. Patch testing with one or more formaldehyde textile resins is indicated in patients with a particular pattern of dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis from 1,6-diisocyanatohexane in an anti-pill finish

We report an outbreak of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (old name hexamethylene diisocyanate or HDI), in the anti-pill finish Evafanol AS-1, in 2 clothing factories. The 19 operatives from 2 dressmaking mills all complained of work-related dermatitis. 5 of the subjects had positive patch tests to the fabric with which they were working, and when all 19 were patch tested to Evafanol AS-1 (1% aq.), 11 were positive. 6 of these 11 were patch tested to HDI (1% pet.) and all 6 were positive. It appears that HDI in our group of clothing workers acted as a potent sensitizer affecting around 10% of the workforce.