Effects of Biocides on Skin and Respiration: Safety Tests

Health Effects of Biocidal Products

Biocides are chemical or biological substances used to control microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.). They are often used as disinfectants, antiseptics, insecticides and in agricultural, industrial or personal care products for protection. However, the effects of biocides on the skin and respiratory system should be carefully studied.

Effects on Skin

Biocides are often in contact with the skin and their effects on the skin are diverse. When applied to the skin, biocides may cause various reactions:

Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Skin irritation can be discomfort such as redness, swelling, itching and burning caused by direct contact of biocidal products on the skin. Allergic reactions are when some biocides can cause allergic contact dermatitis on the skin. Such reactions usually occur as a result of prolonged or excessive exposure.

• Tests

• Skin Irritation Test (OECD Test Guideline 404): This test is performed to determine how much irritation biocides can cause to the skin. In tests on subjects, the biocidal is brought into contact with the skin and reactions are observed.
• Allergenicity Test: It is performed to detect delayed allergic reactions. It is usually done by methods such as patch test or epikutantest.

Chemical Burns and Skin Damage: Some biocides, especially strong acidic or alkaline compounds, can cause chemical burns. This can lead to destruction of skin cells and can take a long time to heal.

• Tests
• Dermal Corrosivity Test in Small Animals (OECD Test Guide 404): To assess the permanent damage that a biocidal product may cause to the skin. The animals are treated with the biocidal agent and observations are recorded.

Effects on Respiration

Inhalation exposure to biocides, especially in aerosol or vapor form, can cause various health problems:

Respiratory Irritation: Biocides inhaled in aerosol or vapor form can cause irritation of the nose, throat and lungs. This can be manifested by symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and runny nose.

• Tests
• Respiratory Irritation Test (OECD Test Guideline 403): This test is carried out to determine the respiratory irritation caused by biocidal products. The substance under test is inhaled into the air inhaled by the subjects and the reactions in the respiratory tract are observed.

Allergic Respiratory Reactions: Some biocides can cause respiratory allergies such as allergic asthma and rhinitis. This is more pronounced in people who are sensitive to biocidal products and can develop with repeated exposure.

• Tests
• Respiratory Allergenicity Test (OECD Test Guideline 406): A test to test whether biocidal products cause allergic respiratory reactions. This test determines susceptibility to allergic respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and rhinitis.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity: This is the immediate damage caused by direct exposure of biocides to the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases.

Tests:

• Acute Respiratory Toxicity Test (OECD Test Guideline 403): This test is performed to determine the short-term toxic effects of biocidal products when inhaled in high doses.
• Chronic Respiratory Toxicity Test: This test examines whether biocidal products cause permanent damage to the lungs in case of long-term exposure.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Biocidal Product Analysis. You can also consult us on Efficacy Tests.

Contact us for more information.

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