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Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Road accidents are not infrequent everywhere in the world, but when they involve poisonous and dangerous chemical compounds, they represent a hazard and an issue for...
Road accidents are not infrequent everywhere in the world, but when they involve poisonous and dangerous chemical compounds, they represent a hazard and an issue for public health. In this commentary, we briefly review a recent East Palestine event and one of the chemicals primarily involved with a predisposition to initiate a carcinogenetic process. The author reviewed, as a consultant, numerous chemical compounds for the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a trusted agency of the World Health Organization. Something is looming over the territories of East Palestine, Ohio, United States, draining water from the soil. We speculate that there is a dark and opprobrious fate for this area of the United States due to the potential increase in cases of pediatric hepatic angiosarcoma, which will also be revised in this commentary.
PubMed: 37189513
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081412 -
Polymers Sep 2021Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is an important synthetic plastic that is produced in large quantities (millions of tons) annually. Additives to PVC are necessary to allow...
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is an important synthetic plastic that is produced in large quantities (millions of tons) annually. Additives to PVC are necessary to allow its use in many applications, particularly in harsh conditions. In regard to this, investigation of the synthesis of trimethoprim-tin complexes and their use as PVC additives is reported. Trimethoprim-tin complexes were obtained from the reaction of trimethoprim and tin chlorides using simple procedures. Trimethoprim-tin complexes (0.5% by weight) were added to PVC to produce homogenous mixtures and thin films were made. The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on the surface and properties of the PVC films was investigated. The level of both photodecomposition and photo-oxidation of PVC films containing trimethoprim-tin complexes was observed to be lower than for the blank film. The effectiveness of tin complexes as PVC photostabilizers reflects the aromaticity of the additives. The complex containing three phenyl groups attached to the tin cation showed the most stabilizing effect on PVC. The complex containing two phenyl groups was next, with the one containing butyl substituents resulting in the least stabilization of PVC. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the role of the synthesized complexes in PVC photostabilization.
PubMed: 34641080
DOI: 10.3390/polym13193264 -
Polymers Mar 2021This study examined, the effect of chemically extracted raspberry pomace on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, flammability, chemical structure and processing...
This study examined, the effect of chemically extracted raspberry pomace on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, flammability, chemical structure and processing of poly(vinyl chloride). It was observed that the pomace in this study was used to extract naphtha, thereby permitting the removal of bio-oil as a factor preventing the obtaining of homogeneous composites. Furthermore, adding 20% raspberry pomace filler after extraction extended the thermal stability time for the composites by about 30%. It was observed that composite density, impact strength, and tensile strength values decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their modulus of elasticity and Shore hardness increased. All tested composites were characterized by a good burning resistance with a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test. Adding 20 to 40% of a natural filler to the PVC matrix made it possible to obtain composites for the production of flame resistant elements that emitted less hydrogen chloride under fire conditions while ensuring good rigidity.
PubMed: 33805463
DOI: 10.3390/polym13071079 -
BMC Public Health Jan 2008The production of vinyl chloride (VC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) involves the use of various chemicals, some known to be toxic and potentially or definitely...
BACKGROUND
The production of vinyl chloride (VC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) involves the use of various chemicals, some known to be toxic and potentially or definitely carcinogenic. The related potential risk often has not been properly investigated. Updated cancer mortality among different subgroups of workers employed in a VC-PVC production plant located in Porto Marghera (Italy) was re-analyzed using an internal reference group of workers with low (or null) exposure to VC.
METHODS
Mortality of 1658 male workers was analyzed by Poisson regression. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for blue collar workers and their specific subgroups of PVC baggers, PVC compound, autoclave and other blue collar workers were calculated using technicians and clerks as an internal reference group. The follow-up covered the period 1972-1999.
RESULTS
Significantly increased mortality rates were observed for all causes of death among the whole blue collar workforce (RR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.03-2.35; 229 deaths), PVC baggers (1.72; 95% CI = 1.04-2.83; 49 deaths) and PVC compound workers (1.71; 95% CI = 1.09-2.67; 72 deaths). Liver cancer, including angiosarcoma, was increased among autoclave workers (9.57; 95% CI = 3.71-24.68; 7 deaths) and cardiovascular diseases among PVC baggers (2.25; 95% CI = 1.08-4.70; 12 deaths). Hemolymphopoietic system tumors, leukemias and lymphomas prevalently, were found only among exposed workers, with 4, 4 and 6 deaths observed among PVC baggers, PVC compound and other blue collar workers, respectively. An excess of lung cancer was found among PVC baggers.
CONCLUSION
This cohort analysis, based on internal comparison, confirmed previously reported specific risk excesses for liver tumors and liver cirrhosis among autoclave workers and for lung cancer among PVC baggers, and revealed PVC compound workers as a possible new at risk group for all causes, all tumors and for liver and lung tumors. In conclusion, RRs for all causes of death and all tumors were increased among all blue collar workers.
Topics: Adult; Cause of Death; Chemical Industry; Cohort Studies; Humans; Italy; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Poisson Distribution; Polyvinyl Chloride; Regression Analysis; Vinyl Chloride
PubMed: 18211695
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-21 -
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Mar 2018This study focused on the preparation and investigation of physicochemical features of new poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites (NCs) including different amounts of...
This study focused on the preparation and investigation of physicochemical features of new poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites (NCs) including different amounts of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) functionalized with riboflavin (RIB). Firstly, to increase the hydrophilicity of MWCNTs, the surface of them was functionalized by incorporating and formation of ester groups with RIB as a low cost and environmentally friendly biomolecule through ultrasound and microwave irradiations. Afterwards, PVC/RIB-MWCNTs NCs were fabricated via the solution casting and ultrasonic dispersion methods. Prepared NCs were examined by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron micrograph, and Raman spectroscopy. The PVC/RIB-MWCNTs NCs (12wt%) showed the higher mechanical and thermal behavior as compared to other concentration of MWCNTs.
PubMed: 29137752
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2017.09.018 -
Toxics Dec 2023Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is widely used to produce various consumer goods, including food packaging, toys for children, building materials, and cosmetic products....
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is widely used to produce various consumer goods, including food packaging, toys for children, building materials, and cosmetic products. However, despite their widespread use, phthalate plasticizers have been identified as endocrine disruptors, which cause adverse health effects, thus leading to increasing concerns regarding their migration from PVC products to the environment. This study proposed a method for rapidly measuring the migration of phthalates, particularly di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), from PVC products to commonly encountered liquids. The release of DEHP under various conditions, including exposure to aqueous and organic solvents, different temperatures, and household microwaves, was investigated. The amount of DEHP released from both laboratory-produced PVC films and commercially available PVC products was measured to elucidate the potential risks associated with its real-world applications. Furthermore, tests were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity using estrogen-dependent and -independent cancer cell lines. The results revealed a dose-dependent impact on estrogen-dependent cells, thus emphasizing the potential health implications of phthalate release. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the migration patterns of DEHP from PVC products and forms a basis for further research on the safety of PVC and plasticizers.
PubMed: 38276720
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010007 -
PloS One 2022In this study, thirty-four soil samples from a typical chlor-alkali slag residue storage site near the city of Qiqihar in northeastern China were collected and their...
In this study, thirty-four soil samples from a typical chlor-alkali slag residue storage site near the city of Qiqihar in northeastern China were collected and their arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc concentrations were determined. Sources of these heavy metals were analyzed with a positive matrix factorization model, and the health risks associated with different pollution sources were calculated. The results showed that mercury was the main heavy metal pollutant at the site (maximum concentration of 112.19 mg.kg-1) and the soil was also contaminated with arsenic, copper and lead. The sources of eight heavy metals were: mixed oil refinery wastewater and parent material (arsenic, chromium, copper and lead), vinyl chloride waste source (mercury), parent material (cadmium, nickel and zinc). The average potential ecological risk of the soil was 22344.39, with vinyl chloride waste source contributing 99.85% of this risk. The average carcinogenic risk of a mixture of oil refinery wastewater and parent material for children and adults was 9.06×10-6 and 6.36×10-6, respectively, accounting for 99.9% (children) and 99.48% (adults) of the total average carcinogenic risk. The average hazard index of vinyl chloride waste source for children and adults was 0.6 and 0.38, respectively, which accounted for 64.13% (children) and 52.34% (adults) of the total hazard index. These results provide a reference for soil pollution risk assessments at this type of site.
Topics: Adult; Alkalies; Arsenic; Cadmium; Child; China; Chromium; Copper; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Mercury; Metals, Heavy; Nickel; Risk Assessment; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Vinyl Chloride; Wastewater; Zinc
PubMed: 36083894
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273434 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2023Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) is commonly used to manufacture biomedical devices and hospital components, but it does not present antimicrobial activity enough to prevent...
Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) is commonly used to manufacture biomedical devices and hospital components, but it does not present antimicrobial activity enough to prevent biofouling. With the emergence of new microorganisms and viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was responsible for the global pandemic caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is evident the importance of the development of self-disinfectant PVC for hospital environments and medical clinics where infected people remain for a long time. In this contribution, PVC nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared in the molten state. AgNPs are well-known as antimicrobial agents suitable for designing antimicrobial polymer nanocomposites. Adding 0.1 to 0.5 wt% AgNPs significantly reduced Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength of PVC due to the emergence of microstructural defects in the PVC/AgNP nanocomposites, but the impact strength did not change significantly. Furthermore, nanocomposites have a higher yellowness index (YI) and lower optical bandgap values than PVC. The PVC/AgNP nanocomposites present virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.28 strain) within 48 h when the AgNP content is at least 0.3 wt%, suitable for manufacturing furniture and hospital equipment with self-disinfectant capacity to avoid secondary routes of COVID-19 contagion.
PubMed: 36993814
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1083399 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Apr 2014We updated through 2007 the mortality experience of 1,874 workers employed at a New York State chemical manufacturing plant between 1946 and 2006.
Coronary artery disease and cancer mortality in a cohort of workers exposed to vinyl chloride, carbon disulfide, rotating shift work, and o-toluidine at a chemical manufacturing plant.
BACKGROUND
We updated through 2007 the mortality experience of 1,874 workers employed at a New York State chemical manufacturing plant between 1946 and 2006.
METHODS
Reassessed exposures to vinyl chloride, carbon disulfide, and shift work and categories of o-toluidine exposure were based on year, department and job title. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) compared mortality to that of the US population. Internal comparisons used directly standardized rate ratios.
RESULTS
Hepatobiliary cancer mortality was elevated among workers ever exposed to vinyl chloride (SMR = 3.80, 95% confidence interval 1.89-6.80); directly standardized rates increased with increasing vinyl chloride exposure duration. No increase in non-Hodgkin lymphoma mortality was observed with vinyl chloride and shift work exposures. Internal comparisons showed increased coronary artery disease mortality among long-term workers exposed to carbon disulfide and shift work for 4 years or more.
CONCLUSIONS
Excess coronary artery disease mortality confirms earlier results; further investigation is needed to understand risk factors.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biliary Tract Neoplasms; Carbon Disulfide; Chemical Industry; Cohort Studies; Coronary Artery Disease; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; New York; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Risk Factors; Toluidines; Vinyl Chloride; Work Schedule Tolerance; Young Adult
PubMed: 24464642
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22299 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2019Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a polymer widely used in common household and industrial materials, undergoes photodegradation upon ultraviolet irradiation, leading to...
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a polymer widely used in common household and industrial materials, undergoes photodegradation upon ultraviolet irradiation, leading to undesirable physicochemical properties and a reduced lifetime. In this study, four telmisartan organotin(IV) compounds were tested as photostabilizers against photodegradation. PVC films (40-µm thickness) containing these compounds (0.5 wt%) were irradiated with ultraviolet light at room temperature for up to 300 h. Changes in various polymeric parameters, including the growth of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and alkene functional groups, weight loss, reduction in molecular weight, and appearance of surface irregularities, were investigated to test the efficiency of the photostabilizers. The changes were more noticeable in the blank PVC film than in the films containing the telmisartan organotin(IV) compounds. These results reflect that these compounds effectively inhibit the photodegradation of PVC, possibly by acting as hydrogen chloride and radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, and primary photostabilizers. The synthesized organotin(IV) complexes could be used as PVC additives to enhance photostability.
Topics: Hydrochloric Acid; Molecular Structure; Molecular Weight; Organotin Compounds; Photolysis; Polyvinyl Chloride; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Telmisartan
PubMed: 31581427
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193557