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Analytica Chimica Acta Nov 2022Contamination of foods with mineral oil hydrocarbons, particularly mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), can potentially pose a health hazard to consumers. However,... (Review)
Review
Contamination of foods with mineral oil hydrocarbons, particularly mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), can potentially pose a health hazard to consumers. However, identifying toxic substances among the many thousands of compounds comprising mineral oils in food samples is a difficult analytical challenge. According to the European Food Safety Authority, there is a lack of concentration and structural data about mineral oil hydrocarbons in foods, and therefore it is not clear to what extent consumers in Europe might be exposed to toxic levels of MOAH. The current gold standard method for determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons is online high-performance liquid chromatography (LC)-gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection, which quantifies total saturated/aromatic content, but gives no qualitative information. The objective of this review is to explore the future prospects in mineral oil hydrocarbon determination and MOAH characterization in foods. To that end, peer reviewed literature was explored, particularly from the viewpoint of a methodology for detailed characterization of the MOAH fraction that can aid toxicological assessment. The literature clearly shows that there is much to be gained from the orthogonality power of multidimensional chromatographic separations and mass spectrometric (MS) detection. Comprehensive two-dimensional GC coupled to MS, preceded by pre-fractionations of MOAH by LC is suggested to be the most promising approach for further research. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of a number of other, alternative approaches, both for qualitative and quantitative analysis, are discussed.
Topics: Mineral Oil; Food Contamination; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Hydrocarbons
PubMed: 36328715
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340098 -
Clinical Rheumatology Jun 2018Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvant (ASIA) includes the following conditions: siliconosis, Gulf War syndrome, macrophagic myofasciitis syndrome, and... (Review)
Review
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvant (ASIA) includes the following conditions: siliconosis, Gulf War syndrome, macrophagic myofasciitis syndrome, and post-vaccination phenomena. Afterward, other syndromes have been recognized, such as in ASIA by mineral oil (ASIA-MO). These conditions are triggered by adjuvants and they are the result of the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. ASIA-MO is defined as the infiltration of oily type modeling substances for cosmetic purposes. It has been reported in many countries and used surreptitiously. Pathogenesis of ASIA-MO is not clear, but is characterized by chronic granulomatous inflammation, like the pristane model in mice, with increase of proinflammatory cytokines: type I interferons (IFNα and IFNß), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and erosive arthritis. In humans, an increase of interleukin 1 (IL-1) has been found. Clinical spectrum of ASIA-MO is heterogeneous, varying from mild to severe and being local and systemic. The systemic manifestations can be non-specific and specific, meeting criteria for any autoimmune disease (AID), i.e., SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic sclerosis, among others. The areas of the body where the mineral oil is mostly applied include the following: buttocks (38-72%), breasts (12-16%), lower extremities (18-22%), and face (6-10%). The penis augmentation is also common. Treatment is focused on local and systemic manifestations and requires medical and surgical management representing a challenge for the physician.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Cosmetic Techniques; Humans; Mineral Oil
PubMed: 29619588
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-018-4078-2 -
Dermatologie (Heidelberg, Germany) Jan 2023Topical compounds are an important treatment option in dermatology. Many ingredients and packaging do not yet sufficiently fulfill sustainable criteria. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Topical compounds are an important treatment option in dermatology. Many ingredients and packaging do not yet sufficiently fulfill sustainable criteria.
OBJECTIVES
This article aims to provide a compact overview of sustainability criteria of topical compounds and packaging.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Based on a selective literature search and personal experience, common ingredients and packaging of topical preparations are summarized.
RESULTS
Topical preparations often contain mineral oils, acrylates, silicones and polyethylene glycols (PEG), which show poor biodegradability and may accumulate in the environment. As an alternative to these non-renewable substances, plant-based fats, oils, and waxes can be used. Biopolymers such as plant-based gum, agar-agar, pectin, and biologically produced hyaluronic acid are an alternative to plastic polymers. The environmental footprint of glass as packaging material is overestimated. Currently, plastics and aluminum may be preferable when recycled correctly.
CONCLUSION
The production of topical formulations without using mineral oils, silicones, acrylates, and PEGs is technically challenging. A sustainable packaging material that fulfills all relevant functionalities is not yet available. Packaging should meet high requirements regarding ecological, economic, and social factors. Better performance with respect to new opportunities in recycling and waste management should be incorporated. Overall, the legislative authorities should provide relevant incentives for more sustainable topical compounds and packaging.
Topics: Agar; Plastics; Polyethylene Glycols; Mineral Oil; Oils; Minerals
PubMed: 36592193
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05086-2 -
Waste Management & Research : the... Jan 2023Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were broadly applied worldwide as electrical insulators in transformers and power capacitors, due to their high dielectric constant and...
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were broadly applied worldwide as electrical insulators in transformers and power capacitors, due to their high dielectric constant and non-flammability. They were often added to mineral oils (MOs) and used as dielectric fluids, which are nowadays classified as hazardous waste. Indeed, the Stockholm Convention aims to eliminate the use of equipment with PCB content greater than 0.005 wt-% (=50 ppm) by 2025. Accurate identification and quantification of small traces of PCBs contained in MO thus represent a great analytical challenge. To achieve this goal, a simple, cost-effective and fast chromatographic process was developed to separate PCBs from MO, allowing to obtain reliable data to determine the concentration of PCBs, reduced to 2-3 ppm. Experimental and analytical methods, such as thin layer chromatography, column chromatography as well as gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy, were applied to acquire a high level of qualitative and quantitative determination of PCBs in transformer MOs.
Topics: Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Mineral Oil; Electric Power Supplies
PubMed: 35876087
DOI: 10.1177/0734242X221105436 -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Apr 2018Technologies to edit the zygote genome have revolutionized biomedical research not only for the creation of animal models for the study of human disease but also for the... (Review)
Review
Technologies to edit the zygote genome have revolutionized biomedical research not only for the creation of animal models for the study of human disease but also for the generation of functional human cells and tissues through interspecies blastocyst complementation technology. The pig is the ideal species for these purposes due to its great similarity in anatomy and physiology to humans. Emerging biotechnologies require the use of oocytes and/or embryos of good quality, which might be obtained using in vitro production (IVP) techniques. However, the current porcine embryo IVP systems are still suboptimal and result in low monospermic fertilization and blastocyst formation rates and poor embryo quality. During recent years, intensive investigations have been performed to evaluate the influence of specific compounds on gametes and embryos and to avoid the use of undefined supplements (serum and serum derivate) in the incubation media. However, little consideration has been given to the use of the mineral oil (MO) to overlay incubation droplets, which, albeit being a routine component of the IVP systems, is a totally undefined and thus problematic product for the safety of gametes and embryos. In this review, we provide an overview on the advantages and disadvantages of using MO to cover the incubation media. We also review one important concern in IVP laboratories: the use of oils containing undetected contamination. Finally, we discuss the effects of different types of oils on the in vitro embryo production outcomes and the transfer of compounds from oil into the culture media.
Topics: Animals; Embryo Culture Techniques; Embryo, Mammalian; Fertilization in Vitro; Mineral Oil; Oocytes; Swine
PubMed: 29164713
DOI: 10.1111/rda.13114 -
International Journal of Cosmetic... Apr 2016Lipsticks and lip care products may contain saturated hydrocarbons which either stem from mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) or are synthetic, that is polyolefin...
OBJECTIVE
Lipsticks and lip care products may contain saturated hydrocarbons which either stem from mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) or are synthetic, that is polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH). Some of these hydrocarbons are strongly accumulated and form granulomas in human tissues, which prompted Cosmetics Europe (former Colipa) to issue a recommendation for their use in lip care and oral products. From 2012 to 2014, MOSH+POSH were determined in 175 cosmetic lip products taken from the Swiss market in order to estimate their contribution to human exposure.
METHODS
Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons and POSH were extracted and analysed by GC with FID. Areas were integrated as a total as well as by mass ranges with cuts at n-C25 and n-C34 to characterize the molecular mass distribution.
RESULTS
About 68% of the products contained at least 5% MOSH+POSH (total concentration). For regular users, these products would be major contributors to their MOSH+POSH exposure. About 31% of the products contained more than 32% MOSH+POSH. Their regular usage would amount in an estimated MOSH+POSH exposure exceeding the highest estimated dietary exposure. The majority of the products contained hydrocarbons with a molecular mass range which was not in line with the recommendations of Cosmetics Europe.
CONCLUSIONS
Taking into account that material applied to the lips largely ends up being ingested, MOSH and POSH levels should be reduced in the majority of cosmetic lip products. As the extensive evaluation of the data available on MOSH (EFSA J., 10, 2012, 2704) did not enable the specification of limits considered as safe, the present level of dietary exposure and its evaluation as 'of potential concern' provide the relevant bench mark, which means that lip products should contain clearly less than 5% MOSH+POSH.
Topics: Chromatography, Gas; Cosmetics; Humans; Hydrocarbons; Mineral Oil
PubMed: 26352930
DOI: 10.1111/ics.12276 -
Food Additives & Contaminants. Part A,... Sep 2021Recently, mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in various foods have raised significant concern, especially for infants and young children due to their potential adverse...
Recently, mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in various foods have raised significant concern, especially for infants and young children due to their potential adverse health effects. Two fractions can be distinguished by certain analytical techniques, mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). The toxicological profile of MOSH and MOAH differs greatly. The toxicity of MOSH is linked with long-term accumulation of some hydrocarbons. MOAH with three to seven, non- or simple-alkylated, aromatic rings may be mutagenic and carcinogenic. However, data on the occurrence of mineral oils in commercial complementary foods for infants and young children are lacking in China. In the present study, 100 commercial food samples were collected, including 26 pureed or paste canned foods, 21 high-protein ground cereal foods (rice flour), 25 raw cereal foods (noodles), and 28 cereal-based molar sticks and biscuits. The content of MOSH and MOAH in those samples was determined by optimised sample preparation methods combined with on-line high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with gas chromatography and flame ionisation detector (HPLC-GC-FID), with a limit of quantification of 0.5 mg/kg. The results indicated that there were no MOAH detected in any of the foods, but MOSH and polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH) existed in most of the food samples, at <0.5-23.68 mg/kg. Moreover, the data and chromatograms of the MOSH and POSH also indicated that these contaminants were closely correlated to their ingredients and manufacturers. The current study provides basic data to understand MOH exposure and consequent health impact.
Topics: Asian People; Chromatography, Gas; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Food Analysis; Food Contamination; Humans; Hydrocarbons; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mineral Oil
PubMed: 34077340
DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2021.1926548 -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Jan 2022Oral exposure to mineral oil may result in a narrow fraction of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) being retained in tissues. Excess of MOSH hepatic retention may...
Oral exposure to mineral oil may result in a narrow fraction of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) being retained in tissues. Excess of MOSH hepatic retention may lead to the formation of lipogranuloma caused by predominantly multiring cycloalkanes (naphthenics) in a critical range of C-C. Although hepatic lipogranuloma is of low pathological concern, MOSH tissue deposition could be minimized by using an oil of similar quality but devoid of naphthenic structures to decrease hepatic retention. Synthetic Gas to liquid (GTL) oils offer an alternative to petroleum derived mineral oils, because they do not contain naphthenic structures. To demonstrate this point, SD rats were fed either GTL oil (99% iso-alkanes) or naphthenic mineral oil (84% cycloalkanes) at 200 mg/kg bw/day for 90 or 134 days with a recovery group. Liver, fat and mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed for alkane sub-type levels using Online-HPLC-GC-FID and GCxGC-TOF-MS. Results indicate that at equal external dose, GTL hydrocarbons result in lower tissue levels and more rapid excretion than MOSH. GTL retained hepatic fractions were also qualitatively different than MOSH constituents. Because chemical composition differences, GTL oil show low absorption and tissue retention potential and thus an advantageous alternative to conventional mineral oil.
Topics: Animals; Cycloparaffins; Female; Liver; Lymph Nodes; Mineral Oil; Oils; Paraffin; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 34838897
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112701 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Nov 2019Mineral oils and waxes are mixtures of predominantly saturated hydrocarbons consisting of straight-chain, branched and ring structures with carbon chain lengths greater... (Review)
Review
Mineral oils and waxes are mixtures of predominantly saturated hydrocarbons consisting of straight-chain, branched and ring structures with carbon chain lengths greater than C14. They have been used for many decades in skin and lip care cosmetic products due to their excellent skin tolerance as well as their high protecting and cleansing performance and broad viscosity options. In contrast to vegetable oils, mineral oils are non-allergenic since they are highly stable and not susceptible to oxidation or rancidity. They have a long history of safe use which is confirmed by clinical and epidemiological data. In Europe, mineral oils are only permitted in cosmetics if compliant with purity specifications on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and safety requirements laid down in the European pharmacopoeia and the EU cosmetics regulation EC/1223/2009. The high quality of these mineral oils is assured by robust quality assurance and a refining/purification process designed to exclude substances with carcinogenic potential and to minimize the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons. Given their highly lipophilic properties, mineral oils do not penetrate human skin and, thus, are not systemically bioavailable in the body. Moreover, no significant changes in the skin and no effects on any internal organ system have been reported and attributed to the topical application of refined mineral oils. Regarding potential oral exposure from cosmetic lip care products, Cosmetics Europe, the European trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry, has advised cosmetic manufacturers to only use mineral oil fractions for which recognized food acceptable daily intake (ADI) values apply. The estimated dose of mineral oils ingested via lip care products contributes to <10% of the ADI value and should therefore be considered of no toxicological concern.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Oral; Animals; Autoimmunity; Carcinogenesis; Cosmetics; European Union; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Mineral Oil; Mutagenesis; Reproduction; Skin Absorption; Waxes
PubMed: 31588613
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15946 -
Plant Disease Mar 2022In-field management of (PVY) faces challenges caused by the changing availability and environmental acceptability of chemical agents to control aphid vectors of the...
In-field management of (PVY) faces challenges caused by the changing availability and environmental acceptability of chemical agents to control aphid vectors of the virus and by proliferation of PVY strains with different symptoms and rates of spread. From 2018 to 2020, foliar spray treatments were compared in field experiments in New Brunswick, Canada, to measure effectiveness at reducing spread of PVY, PVY, and PVY strains. Mineral oil, insecticide, combined oil and insecticide spray, and a biopesticide (i.e., LifeGard WG) were compared. Insecticide-only and mineral oil-only treatments were not effective, but several combined oil and insecticide treatments and biopesticide treatments significantly reduced PVY spread. The biopesticide was proportionately more effective with recombinant PVY and PVY strains, possibly by exciting the plant's hypersensitive resistance response, caused naturally only in cultivar 'Goldrush' by PVY. Pesticide residue analysis showed that mineral oil increased the retention of pyrethroid insecticide in the potato foliage longer than with insecticide applied alone, which may explain the beneficial synergistic effect of combined sprays for reducing PVY spread. Tuber yields were generally unchanged in chemical insecticide treatments but were slightly lower in biopesticide treatment. The cost per PVY treatment was competitive across all effective treatments, including biopesticide; however, there was some revenue loss from lower yield with the biopesticide. This biopesticide is certified organic, however, and thus a small premium on the price for organic production could offset this yield deficit.
Topics: Biological Control Agents; Insecticides; Mineral Oil; Plant Diseases; Potyvirus; Solanum tuberosum
PubMed: 34705492
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-06-21-1213-RE