What's Getting Under Your Skin?

Brittany Kitt

 Have you ever been prescribed an over the counter pain relief cream by your doctor? If you are an athlete who has sustained injuries, chances are that you probably have! Dimethyl sulfoxide, more commonly known as DMSO, is a clear, odourless, liquid byproduct of the paper manufacturing industry that may one day be found in many over the counter topical pain relief creams (6)(2).

(4)

One main property of DMSO that makes it so useful for targeting pain, is the fact that it can actually penetrate through our skin, carrying with it drugs that can then act on specific areas of pain in our bodies (5). While this property is what makes DMSO so beneficial, it is also the cause of a lot of controversy surrounding this chemical. Some people believe that we don’t know enough about DMSO and therefore we shouldn’t be absorbing or ingesting it into our bodies, while other people are worried about DMSO increasing the absorption of unwanted chemicals and toxins through the skin. After all, skin is our body’s first and main line of defense when it comes to keeping harmful things from entering inside.

 While DMSO use for pain relief hasn’t been approved in Canada, DMSO has been approved in the use of treating painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) and scleroderma, a painful disease that causes hardening of the skin (3). DMSO is also being researched as an alternative form of medical treatment for particular illnesses including bladder cancer and brain/spinal injuries (1).

Overall, while DMSO possesses some qualities that make people uneasy, it’s penetrating abilities that have the potential to make it a very useful pharmaceutical agent and it is definitely a chemical that should be researched more.

References

1.  American cancer society. (2008). DMSO. Retrieved on November 14, 2014 from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/pharmacologicalandbiologicaltreatment/dmso

2.  Dimethyl sulfoxide. In M.J. O’Neil (Ed.). (2006). The Merck index: an encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs and biologicals (14th ed. pp. 3256). Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories

3. Health Canada. (2014). Chemical substance – dimethyl sulfoxide. Retrieved on November 14, 2014 from http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq.do?id=11703&lang=eng

4. Hexal elements. (2014). Dimethyl sulfoxide. Retrieved on December 3, 2014 from http://www.hexal-elements.de/sandoz_ca/2/index-en.php?cat=t 

5. Muir, M. (2014). DMSO: many uses, much controversy. Retrieved on November 14, 2014 from http://www.dmso.org/articles/information/muir.htm

6 . Fischer science. (2007). Dimethyl sulfoxide. Retrieved on November 14, 2014 from http://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/07770.htm

Our World of Parabens

 PARABENS

          Parabens are used as preservatives in many of our everyday cosmetic products^[4]. They can be found in deoderant, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, makeup etc. Some of the most commonly used parabens are called methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.

[5][6][7][8][9][10]

  Parabens can be fully absorbed through the skin and from the digestive system^[2]. They will not cause any irritation to normal skin but may cause swelling of the skin to people who may be allergic^[2]. The on-set of an allergic reaction may also occur if ingested^[2]. Parabens have not been confirmed to cause cancer, mutations in DNA or cause harm to a developing embryo^[2].

      Places where parabens have been found are, in treated and untreated urban area waste water, as well as in our rivers and drinking water supplies^[3]. They can also be found in agricultural soil most likely from fertilization and water treatment of the plants/crops^[3]. Surprisingly, parabens can even be found in everyday house dust^[3]. Parabens can be produced by various fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, carrots, olives and strawberries^[3].  Through many chemical processes, they can be artificially manufactured in a lab as well^[3]. 

            Parabens are used frequently because of their many advantages^[1]. They are relatively safe to use, do not cost a lot to produce, and most importantly, do not change the texture or color of a product^[1]. For these reasons, it is difficult to find a preservative that will be a good replacement for parabens^[1].

            Parabens have caused major controversy over the years due to its speculations in being involved in the development of breast cancer in females and cause non-functional sperm in males^[3]. Although, further research studies are required to confirm if parabens actually play a role in these health risks or not^[3].

References

[1] Błędzka, D., Gromadzińska, J., & Wąsowicz, W. (2014). Parabens. From environmental studies to human health. Environment International, 67, 27-42. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from ScienceDirect.

[2] Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2007). MethylParaben. Retrieved on November 25, 2014 from Hazardous Substances Data Bank

[3] Kirchhof, M., & De Gannes, G. (2013, January 1). The Health Controversies of Parabens. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/780590_8

 [4] Parabens. (2006). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ucm128042.htm

Images

[5] Frugal Coupon Living. (2012). Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner [Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/2012/07/13/garnier-fructis-shampoo-or-conditioner-99-at-target-with-coupon-stack/

[6] Grocery Coupons. (2014). Cheap Secret deodorant at target [Image]. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://whatsyourdeal.com/grocery-coupons/cheap-secret-outlast-at-target-hurry-and-print/

[7] Healthy Child, Healthy World. (2009 ). Chemical [Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2014, fromhttp://healthychild.org/lead-found-in-lipstick-parabens-in-perfume-what-is-your-teen-wearing/

 [8] Maybelline New York. (2014). MASCARA [Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara.aspx

[9] Mistrys. (n.d.) Vaseline Essential Moisture Cocoa Radiant Rich Feeling Lotion 200ml [Image]. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://www.mistrys.co.uk/vaseline-cocoa-butter-deep-conditioning-body-lotion-200ml.html

  

[10] Omni Info. (2012). The Best Foundation [Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from           http://www.omninfo.com/celebrity/make-up/the-best-foundation/

Sodium HypoChlorite-Aka Bleach

*Chemical formula-NaCIO(1)
*CAS Number-7681-52-9(1)
*Properties-
        *colour- clear, yellowish(1)
        *state/form- liquid(1)
        *melting point-  -6 degrees Celsius(1)
        * Boiling point- decomposes above 40 degrees Celsius(1)
        *soluble in water(1)
        *Odor is chlorine
        Sodium Hypochlorite, is the chemical name for bleach. It has been around since 1785.(2) Sodium hypochlorite is easy to produce, it is prepared by reacting dilute caustic soda solution, with either liquid or gaseous of chlorine, accompanied by cooling. Bleach is most commonly used as a household bleach, a dis-infective, a bleaching agent, and as a disinfection for drinking water. As a dis-infective it is used for swimming pools, to help maintain the bacteria levels. Bleach is most commonly used as a household cleaning product for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry.(3)
Bleach is corrosive material, it is not only toxic for humans, but also for aquatic organisms and also to the environment. Bleach s toxic if ingested, inhaled, and if comes in eye contact.(3) Symptoms vary from, burns in the throats, mouth, stomach, also may cause vomiting , and nausea, drooling abdominal pains, and diarrhoea. Contact with the skin may cause burns, inflammation, and blisters. Eye exposure may cause pain irritation and burning sensations, depending on the amount may also cause corneal damage.  A very important fact about sodium hypochlorite, do no mix with any other household products.(3) If mixed with other household products that contain ammonia, or acid, will produce a very toxic gas, which is known as chlorine gas. When this gas is formed ,If inhaled, may cause a burning sensation in the throat and lungs, trouble breathing, irritation of eyes and nose, and tightness in the chest.(3)So I recommend never mix bleach with other household products.
A few safety tips:(4)
-mix the bleach with water, this may lower the odor, and the concentration, lowering the risk of unwanted exposure.
-try wearing a safety mask, and rubber glovers while working with bleach.
-try keeping a window open, while using bleach, and try not to be in a closed off space while using bleach.
- most importantly never mix bleach with any other household cleaners.

Figure #1- - Bleach Clorox(5)

References:

(1)-Sodium Hypochlorite.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/chemical/pim495.htm#PartTitle:1.%20NAME  (Accessed November, 25, 2014)

(2)-Disinfectants Sodium hypochlorite.
http://www.lenntech.com/processes/disinfection/chemical/disinfectants-sodium-hypochlorite.htm  (Accessed November 30, 2104)

(3)- Bull, S. HPA Compendium of Chemical Hazards- Sodium Hypochlorite; (n/a):2011. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/318241/HPA_Compendium_of_Chemical_Hazards_SODIUM_HYPOCHLORITE_v3-1.pdf
(Accessed November 30, 2014)

(4)-DeNicola, M. Why We All Need To Stop Cleaning With Bleach.  http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/11/19/why-we-all-need-to-stop-cleaning-with-bleach/ (Accessed on November 30, 2014)

(5)- Commandant. E. Bleach Clorox. http://www.thejayfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/hero_product.png(Accessed, (December, 5, 2014). Copyright 2012, by E. Commandant.

What is in your everyday eye drops and nasal sprays?

 

 

Tetrahydrozoline (teh-trah-high-DRAHZ-ah-leen) Hydrochloride

• Molecular formula: C₁₃H₁₆N₂, HCl _[9]
• Molecular weight: 236.7 g/mol _[9]
• CAS #: 522-48-5 _[9]
•  Some properties:
•  White, solid, odorless _[9]
• Soluble in water and alcohol _[9]
• Very slightly soluble in chloroform _[9]
• Insoluble in ether _[9]
• Melting point: 256-257⁰C _[1]
• pH of 5.0-6.5 _[1] 

            Found in only two products, nasal spray and some eye drops. _[9] The chemical is prescribed for treatment of nasal congestion, the nasal congestion α-adrenergic redistribute local blood flow to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa thus improving ventilation, drainage, and nasal stuffiness. _[5] Also used as an ophthalmic vasoconstrictor to treat Conjuctivitis and minor red and irritated eyes by constricting swollen blood vessels in the eye, which reduces redness since irritants cause blood vessels to swell. _[10] However, the overuse can lead to a rebound effect of congestion and redness because the effects of the vasoconstrictor becomes lessen. This can lead to red and dry eyes more frequently. _[1]

                This Chemical has another notorious reputation, it’s used as a poison and as a drug-facilitated sexual assault drug; this idea came about when the Wedding Crasher Movie came out. _{[8 & 12]} Examples, Samantha Elizabeth Unger was arrested in 2014 after poisoning both kids with Visine eye drops. _[3]Then, Shayne Carpenter was charged 2013 with domestic violence and poisoning his girlfriend with eye drops. _[2] Vickie Jo Mills arrested 2012 for poisoning boyfriend since June 2009 using Visine eye drops. _[4] Lastly, two females were reported being sexual assault after being poison by Visine eye drops and Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride was found in their urine not blood during testing. _[7]

                Toxicity of the chemical is ½ tsp can lead to poisoning in a 1 year old child and the minimal lethal dosage for a 2 year old child is 5mg/kg. _[6] It is so toxic that 2 -5mL may lead to coma in children. _[12] Some symptoms of poisoning are: Vomiting and nausea, accelerated heartbeat, seizures, headaches, difficulty Breathing, blurry vision, loss of consciousness and memory. _{[7 & 12]}

 References

1. Heckelman, P., Obenchain, J., O'Neil, M. & Smith, A. (2001). The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, & Biologicals. (13ed. p 9295). Whitehouse Station. New Jersey: Merck & co., Inc.
2. iScience Time Staff. Visine Poisoning: Shayne Carpenter Arrested: What are Visine Poisoning Symptoms?. (2013, March 11). International Science Times. Retireved Octover 28, 2014 from http://www.isciencetimes.com/articles.4671/20130311/visine-poisoning-shyane-carpenter-arrested-symptoms.htm
3. Jackson, C. (2014, July 2). Mom Arrested After Poisoning Both Kids with Visine Eye Drops. Liberty Voice Boldly Inclusive. Retrieved October 28, 2014 from htttp://guardianlv.com/2014/07/mom-arrested-after-poisoning-both-kids-with-visine-eye-drops/
4. Kindelan, K. (2012, August 14). Woman Admits to Poisoning Boyfriend With Visine Deops. abc News. Retrieved Octover 28, 2014 from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/08/woman-admits-to-poisoning-boyfriend-with-visine-drops
5. Naphazoline. (2005). In S.C. Sweetman. (Eds.). Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. (34 ed., p 1124-1125). London, England: Pharmaceutical Press    
6. Rossoff, I. S. (2002). Encyclopedia of Clinical Toxicology: A Comprehensive Guide & Reference. New York, USA: The Parthenon Publishing Group
7. Spiller, H., & Siewert, D. (2011). Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Using Tetrahydrozoline. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 57(3), 835-838.
8. Starr, K. (2013, July 23). Nothing Funny about so-called ‘Visine Prank’ says pharmacist. Waterloo Region Record. Retrieved on October 27, 2014 from http://www.therecord.com/news-story/3906013-nothing-funny-about-so-called-visine-prank-says-pharmacist/
9. Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride. (2005). In S.C. Sweetman. (Eds.). Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. (34 ed., p1137). London, England: Pharmaceutical Press
10. Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride. (2012). In Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professions. Retrieved on October 26, 2014 from http://library.mtroyal.ca:2330/content/entry/ehsmosbymed/tetrahydrozoline_hydrochloride/0?searchId=57bd7cea-6227-11e4-81f8-0aea1e24c1ac&result=
11. Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride. (n.d.). PubChem: Open Chemistry Database. Retrieved October 26, 2014 from http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//compound/10648?from=summary#section=Top
12. Medline Plus. (2013, March 15).Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic: Medline Plus Drug Information. Retrieved October 28, 2014 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682563.htm

 

 

 

 

Small Drupe, Big Chemical: Lauric Acid

By Brittney Cripps

“Coconut Splash” by Darren Johnson 

is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Neither a fruit, nut, nor seed; the coconut is classified as a one-seeded drupe ^[1]. This wondrous thing is the primary source of lauric acid. There are two main ways that lauric acid can be obtained from coconuts; extraction from mixed coconut and isolation from coconut oil ^[2]. Both of these methods are important, as lauric acid is a chemical abundantly found in our everyday life ^[2].

Not only is it found in many soaps and shampoos, this non-toxic fatty acid is also used to treat viral infections such as the flu and HIV/AIDS ^[3]. Lauric acid has a structure that allows it to interact with water and fats, a property deeming it useful in soaps and shampoos to remove grease from the hair and body ^[4]. In regards to treatment of viral infections, lauric acid has the ability to form monolaurin, which essentially aids in the destruction of viruses ^[5].

While lauric acid has several benefits, briefly discussed above, it is not without cons. Generally, lauric acid is regarded as a skin and eye irritant ^[6]. This provides an explanation for the irritation that occurs when you get soap in your eyes. More rare health effects include irritation to the nose and throat if inhaled in vapor form ^[6]. While these are the negative health effects of lauric acid itself, there are controversies surrounding the health effects of its main source. This being coconut oil.

I’m sure that you have all heard about cholesterol. If not, cholesterol is simply fat located in your blood that helps the body grow and carry out day-to-day functions ^[7]. In moderation, cholesterol is necessary. But since coconut oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid, there is the possibility to raise cholesterol levels in individuals ^[8]. The controversy stems from lack of research, as science has yet to identify if the benefits of coconut oil, with the “active ingredient” being lauric acid, outweigh the risks of raising cholesterol levels ^[8].

References

[1] The Library of Congress. (2010). Is a coconut a fruit, nut or seed?. Everyday Mysteries.

[2] Nyveen, L. (n.d.). How to Make Lauric Acid. eHow.

[3] Therapeutic Research Facility. (2009). Lauric Acid. WebMD.

[4] Harrison, K. (2007). Lauric Acid. 3DChem.

[5] Ettinger, M. (2010). Antiviral and Antibacterial Actions of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid. Advanced Healing: A Holistic Clinic.

[6] (1999). Lauric Acid. CAMEO Chemicals.

[7] Nemours. (2013). What’s Cholesterol? KidsHealth.

[8] Warner, M. (n.d.). The Coconut Oil Controversy. Alternative Medicine: Healthy, Happy, Holistic.