GEN-MKT-18-7897-A
Dec 11, 2015 | Blogs, Environmental / Industrial | 0 comments
Bring out the boxes of decorations this holiday season and while you are at it, keep in mind you could be facing dangerous exposure to chemicals too. From trees to garland, candles and toys, here are some tips to keep in mind for safe handling.
Trees
Fake trees are awfully convenient especially when they come with pre-strung lights. However what you may not be aware of is how they are a byproduct of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is derived from oil, a non-renewable resource. PVC contains hormone-disrupting softeners called phthalates. Plus, trees have been known to test positive for lead and arsenic. The more you handle the tree, the greater number of particles ends up in the air. When you are through with the tree, they make their way to landfills where dangerous chemicals continue to leach into the ground and air. [i]
On the flip side, real trees are treated with pesticides to promote growth over an eight-year growth cycle. Some say this contributes to pollution of watersheds. [ii] Most trees are tossed to the curb, backyard, or burned but could be used for mulch.
Spray-on Snow
Sometimes contains acetone and methylene chloride so be careful when applying to arts, crafts, and tree. Short-term use can cause headaches and nausea. Long-term exposure has been shown to cause cancer and animals and possibly humans. [iii]
Vintage Ornaments
May contain lead paint that is a highly toxic metal, especially in children. When lead particles are absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to vital organs including the brain, kidney, nerves, and blood. If you have keepsake ornaments, it is best to handle them with gloves.
Lights
Decorative lights may also contain led which is used as a protective wire coating. Handle with care, however, short-term use is not likely to lead to exposure. [iv]
Candles
There is nothing like ambience from fresh scented candles. However, many brands are made with paraffin wax and may discharge benzene and ketones, both known cancer-causing agents that are comparable to car fumes. Gel candles and incense can also be problematic as they emit particulates into the air. Artificial oils can cause allergenic reactions. Clean alternatives include soy, all cotton wick (led free), and beeswax. According to the EPA when candles are burned they emit trace amounts of chemicals, including acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acrolein, and naphthalene. However, you would have to burn many candles to cause harm. One study noted 30 candles burned in an enclosed room for three hours caused excessive formaldehyde levels however not enough studies have performed to prove they are harmful. [v]
[i] http://www.christmastreesny.org/Artificial.php
[ii] http://environment.about.com/od/greenchristmas/a/christmas_trees.htm
[iii] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Documents/methylenechloride.pdf
[iv] http://www.medicaldaily.com/theres-lead-your-christmas-tree-lights-it-enough-be-serious-holiday-health-concern-265735
[v] http://nepis.epa.gov/Adobe/PDF/P1009BZL.pdf
It is no secret that (bio)pharmaceutical research and development is complex, both scientific and regulatory processes. Here is an overview of just some of the ways SCIEX is working to support these challenges.
In a recent webinar, available on demand, scientists Luiza Chrojan and Ryan Hylands from Pharmaron, provided insights into the deployment of capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) within cell and gene therapy. Luiza and Ryan shared purity data on plasmids used for adeno-associated virus (AAV) manufacturing and data on AAV genome integrity, viral protein (VP) purity and VP ratios using the BioPhase 8800 system.
Last year, Technology Networks hosted two webinars that featured groundbreaking research utilizing SWATH DIA (data-independent acquisition) for exposomics and metabolomics. Researchers Dr. Vinicius Verri Hernandes from the University of Vienna and Dr. Cristina Balcells from Imperial College London (ICL) demonstrated how a DIA approach can be successfully implemented in small molecule analysis using the ZenoTOF 7600 system. Their innovative approaches highlight the potential of SWATH DIA to enhance the detection and analysis of chemical exposures and metabolites, paving the way for new insights into environmental health and disease mechanisms.
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