Olivier Aerts1, Hans Meert2, An Goossens3, Sighile Janssens2, Julien Lambert1, Sandra Apers2. 1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Antwerp, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium. 2. Research Group Natural Products and Food - Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium. 3. Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Methylisothiazolinone (MI) contact allergy is severely affecting consumers with allergic contact dermatitis, owing to its presence in cosmetics, household detergents, and water-based paints, in particular. Data on the true isothiazolinone concentrations in these products are scarce, and labelling may be incorrect. OBJECTIVES: To report on the MI concentrations in such products marketed in Belgium, in order to verify the accuracy of labelling (when applicable) and compliance with EU regulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cosmetics (18 leave-on and 12 rinse-off), eight detergents and four paints were analysed for MI by the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. RESULTS: The analysed leave-on, and to a lesser extent the rinse-off, cosmetics, contained MI at concentrations far exceeding the permitted 100 ppm use concentration. Household detergents contained high concentrations of MI, and mislabelling occurred for both cosmetics and detergents. The (limited) data on paints are in line with the existing literature. CONCLUSION: Cosmetics and detergents may facilitate contact sensitization because of a (too) high MI concentration, and mislabelling may make its avoidance extremely difficult. Safer use concentrations and correct labelling should be ensured by adequate quality control.
BACKGROUND:Methylisothiazolinone (MI) contact allergy is severely affecting consumers with allergic contact dermatitis, owing to its presence in cosmetics, household detergents, and water-based paints, in particular. Data on the true isothiazolinone concentrations in these products are scarce, and labelling may be incorrect. OBJECTIVES: To report on the MI concentrations in such products marketed in Belgium, in order to verify the accuracy of labelling (when applicable) and compliance with EU regulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cosmetics (18 leave-on and 12 rinse-off), eight detergents and four paints were analysed for MI by the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. RESULTS: The analysed leave-on, and to a lesser extent the rinse-off, cosmetics, contained MI at concentrations far exceeding the permitted 100 ppm use concentration. Household detergents contained high concentrations of MI, and mislabelling occurred for both cosmetics and detergents. The (limited) data on paints are in line with the existing literature. CONCLUSION: Cosmetics and detergents may facilitate contact sensitization because of a (too) high MI concentration, and mislabelling may make its avoidance extremely difficult. Safer use concentrations and correct labelling should be ensured by adequate quality control.
Authors: Rebecca S Kimyon; Lun-Yi Zang; Paul D Siegel; Lindsey M Voller; Jamie P Schlarbaum; Erin M Warshaw Journal: Dermatitis Date: 2021 Jul-Aug 01 Impact factor: 4.867
Authors: Iuliana Paun; Florinela Pirvu; Vasile Ion Iancu; Florentina Laura Chiriac Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-24 Impact factor: 4.614