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AbstractThe influx of insufficiently purified or untreated domestic wastewater into aquatic ecosystems raises the question of the production of environmentally friendly detergents. The purpose of this work was to investigate the toxicity of phosphonate-containing and phosphate-free dishwashing detergents for dishwashers according to the phytotest with a garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). Dishwashing detergents for dishwashers (“All in 1”), widely available in the retail network of Ukraine, were used in concentrations the aqueous solutions from 0.005% to 10.0% for their effect on test indicators of garden cress: energy of seed germination, seed germination and biometric and morphometric indicators of seedlings, which were processed statistically. Some phytotoxic indices were determined for the tested aqueous solutions. It was established that the studied solutions of both phosphonate-containing and phosphate-free detergents are extremely and high toxic according to the calculated indices. The obtained data indicate the danger of the investigated detergents for the hydrosphere, the need to replace with a less toxic agents, in particular, based on biosurfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of a simple DNA extraction method and a novel PCR-RFLP protocol for genotyping the MALE STERILITY 4 (MS4) gene in Cryptomeria japonica as a proof of concept. Traditional CTAB-based DNA extraction methods, while effective, involve hazardous chemicals and require high-speed centrifugation, which are impractical in many field settings. Our approach utilizes a household dish detergent-based buffer, sodium chloride, and polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 to extract DNA from C. japonica needle leaf tissues—without the need for liquid nitrogen. The simplicity of this method makes it more accessible and environmentally friendly. The extracted DNA was successfully used in PCR-RFLP analysis, targeting a single nucleotide polymorphism in the MS4 gene, demonstrating its efficacy for genotyping. The PCR-RFLP markers reliably discriminated between individual genotypes, confirming the practical application of our simple extraction method, even for conifers containing inhibitory substances. This technique is particularly advantageous for use in arboretums and field stations, where the use of hazardous chemicals, specialized equipment, and a draft chamber is limited. Our study contributes to genetic resource management by providing an easy, reliable, and safer method for DNA extraction and genetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was planned to determine the use of cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products containing chemicals during pregnancy and the affecting factors. The study is quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample size was calculated using the G*Power program. 287 puerperant women were reached. Data were obtained with the Introductory Information Form and Cosmetic and Chemical Product Usage Form. In the study, number and percentage values were given and chi-square and regression analysis were performed. In cosmetics and personal care products, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant/perfume are among the top three most commonly used products, while dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent and bleach are among the cleaning products. The products that are most restricted in use are hair dye and descaling. It has been determined that education level, occupation, income and number of pregnancies are effective in the use of some products. Taking measures to protect pregnant women is important for improving maternal and newborn health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic dishwashers have become an integral part of modern households, offering convenience and effective cleaning. However, efforts to reduce energy and water consumption have resulted in longer wash programmes, which, despite their high cleaning performance, are not well accepted by consumers due to their long durations. While these eco‐programmes are presumed to be well‐optimized in terms of their structural components, the role of detergents has been somewhat overlooked, despite their significant contribution to both the cleaning and hygiene performance of domestic dishwashers. Beyond machine parameters, the chemical composition of detergents is crucial in improving the cleaning, drying and hygiene performance of household dishwashers, as they contain various components ‐ such as surfactants, enzymes, and bleaching agents ‐ that interact with soil residues to improve cleaning effectiveness. This review will focus on recent scientific efforts to optimize programme structures concerning cycle durations and energy consumption and the role of detergents in this interrelationship between cleaning, drying and hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to toxic substances, introduced into our daily lives during industrialization and modernization, can disrupt the epithelial barriers in the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, leading to microbial dysbiosis and inflammation. Athletes and physically active individuals are at increased risk of exposure to agents that damage the epithelial barriers and microbiome, and their extreme physical exercise exerts stress on many organs, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation. Epithelial barrier‐damaging substances include surfactants and enzymes in cleaning products, laundry and dishwasher detergents, chlorine in swimming pools, microplastics, air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and diesel exhaust. Athletes' high‐calorie diet often relies on processed foods that may contain food emulsifiers and other additives that may cause epithelial barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis. The type of the material used in the sport equipment and clothing and their extensive exposure may increase the inflammatory effects. Excessive travel‐related stress, sleep disturbances and different food and microbe exposure may represent additional factors. Here, we review the detrimental impact of toxic agents on epithelial barriers and microbiome; bring a new perspective on the factors affecting the health and performance of athletes and physically active individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilizing natural additives in household cleaning products to promote sustainability and reduce chemical usage. Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) fruit, known for its acidic properties and potential antimicrobial effects, presents a viable alternative for enhancing the quality and safety of dishwashing liquids. The present study was conducted to utilize Kamias (A. bilimbi) fruit extract as an additive in the production of dishwashing liquid. Physical and microbial tests were performed to ensure the dishwashing liquid's quality, consistency and microbial safety. These tests measured pH, specific gravity, total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli detection. A 4-point Hedonic scale using a modified sensory evaluation tool was used to describe the acceptability of the dishwashing liquid in terms of appearance, fragrance, texture (hand-feel), longevity of suds, degreasing power, and overall quality. The study showed that the appearance (3.50), degreasing power (3.57), and overall quality (3.63) of Kamias fruit extract dishwashing liquid were liked very much. The texture (hand-feel) was interpreted as liked moderately, with a mean value of 3.47. In terms of fragrance (3.40) and lo ngevity of suds (3.20), the Kamias dishwashing liquid was liked moderately. Data also showed that Kamias dishwashing liquid has a pH (7.00 @ 22.20C) in the neutral range and a specific gravity of 1.0290, which indicates its density relative to water. Furthermore, the detected microbial count demonstrated a significantly low microbial load (<10 Est.) as determined by the total plate count data. The absence of S. aureus and E. coli indicated a hygienic state, increasing the sample's safety quotient across various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate methods for euthanizing cave cockroaches (CCs; Blaberus giganteus) and Madagascar hissing cockroaches (MHCs; Gromphadorhina portentosa). It was hypothesized that both suggested methods would be effective for humane mass euthanasia of both species. SAMPLE Approximately 800 CC. METHODS The CCs were separated into replicate groups of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 grams and placed into 3.8-L plastic bags. Twenty-seven MHCs were divided into groups of 2 to 3. The study took place from January to March 2023. All CC groups were exposed to 100% carbon dioxide (CO2) at a rate of 4 L/min until the bag was full. Madagascar hissing cockroaches were similarly anesthetized using either CO2 or 2 mL of isoflurane on a cotton ball in a 1-L container or a combination of CO2 and isoflurane. Once cockroaches were immobile, secondary euthanasia steps were performed. One bag of CCs per weight category was exposed to soapy water (5% Dawn dishwashing liquid), and the second was placed into a −80°C freezer. The containers of MHCs were evenly exposed to the 2 euthanasia methods. Individuals remained in their secondary euthanasia method for 30 minutes. RESULTS Regardless of the weight of the CCs within each bag, there was no impact on time (1.8 ± 0.4 minutes [mean ± SD]) to immobility. The failure rates for both species were 0.2% CI (−0.1% to 1.5% [1/413]) for soapy water and 0.5% CI (0.005% to 1.9% [2/414]) for the freezer method. These results support the use of both 2-step euthanasia methods in CCs and MHCs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These methods will serve as an evidence-based alternative for humane mass euthanasia in cockroaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens and some key air pollutants. The ultrafine particles (UFPs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) indoor air concentrations were determined using real-time monitors. Simultaneously, the kitchen environment was characterized using video recordings with the aim to retrieve information pertaining to cooking, cookware washing and surface cleaning activities. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for the winter and summer campaigns. The obtained results confirmed that the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens had a significant impact on the concentrations of all the selected pollutants. Specifically, this study revealed the following key results: (i) indoor UFPs and NO2 concentrations were significantly higher during cooking than during washing activities (e.g., about +60% frying vs. handwashing and dishwasher running), mainly in the winter; (ii) washing activity had a statistically significant impact on the TVOC (+39% on average) and HCHO (+67% on average) concentrations compared to other activities; (iii) some specific sources of short-term pollutant emissions have been identified, such as the different types of cooking and opening the dishwasher; and (iv) in some restaurants, a clear time-dependent relationship between O3 and UFP, TVOC and HCHO has been observed, underlining the occurrence of ozonolysis reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to produce detergents with improved performance and good market acceptability, it is crucial to develop formulations with improved foamability and cleaning performance. The use of a delicate balance of surfactants and additives is an appealing strategy to obtain good results and enables a reduction in the amount of chemicals used in formulations. Mixtures of hydrophobically modified linear polymers and surfactants, as well as balanced mixtures with co-surfactants and/or hydrotropes, are the most effective parameters to control foamability and foam stability. In the present study, the effect of the addition of hydrophobically modified linear polymers, nonionic co-surfactants and hydrotropes, and their mixtures to anionic and zwitterionic surfactant aqueous solutions was evaluated. It was found that the presence of the hydrophobically modified polymer (HM-P) prevented the bubbles from bursting, resulting in better stability of the foam formed using zwitterionic surfactant solutions. Also, the surfactant packing was inferred to be relevant to obtaining foamability. Mixtures of surfactants, in the presence of a co-surfactant or hydrotrope led, tendentially, to an increase in the critical packing parameter (CPP), resulting in higher foam volumes and lower surface tension for most of the studied systems. Additionally, it was observed that the good cleaning efficiency of the developed surfactant formulations obtained a higher level of fat solubilization compared to a widely used brand of commercial dishwashing detergent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foamed concrete (FC) offers potential for various lightweight construction applications, making the need for industry-standard foaming agents crucial in achieving its desired properties. However, the limited availability of quality foaming agents hampers FC's widespread use in many economies. To address this, the potential of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products capable of foaming has been explored in this paper. Three widely available COTS alternatives - Coconut Diethanolamide (CDEA), liquid detergent, and dishwashing liquid - were examined for FC production. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and desirability analysis were employed to differentiate the effects of these COTS alternatives on various FC properties. Moreover, adjusting additional factors like foam volume, water-to-cement ratio, and maximum aggregate size - known influencers of FC properties - during the experiments revealed distinct impacts of each COTS alternative foaming agent on FC properties. Results revealed that FCs exhibiting highest compressive strengths are those made using CDEA, then followed by liquid detergent, and dishwashing liquid. In terms of absorption, FC samples made using CDEA exhibited the lowest values, followed by liquid detergent, then dishwashing liquid. In terms of unit cost, FC samples made using CDEA is the most economical, followed dishwashing liquid, then liquid detergent. However, regardless of the type of COTS alternative foaming the impact of FC density and CO2 emission equivalence values is similar. Furthermore, desirability analysis identified that CDEA yields the most desirable FC with optimal values for factors such as foam volume of about 60.073%, water-cement ratio of about 0.50, and maximum aggregate size of 1.611mm. Liquid detergent and dishwashing liquid also yields combinations of input factors which can produce FC conforming to corresponding ASTM standards for foamed concrete but with lower desirability. In conclusion, the investigation demonstrated the potential effectiveness of locally available COTS alternative foaming agents in FC production, contributing to their practical utilization and promoting more sustainable construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonionic polymer thickener ( EOAP) was synthesized from fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether and acrylic acid, the structure of EOAP was characterized, its surface properties and application properties were tested, and finaHy the thickening effect of EOAP on standard laundry detergent and sodium lauryl benzene sulfonate ( LAS) was studied. The results showed that EOAP had high surface activity, cmc is 39. 7 mg/L and ycmc is 34. 6 mN/m. Compared with the nonionic surfactant AEO9,the application performance of EOAP is not significantly weakened. Under the premise of ensuring the excellent performance of the main surfactant,5 EOAP was added to the standard laundry detergent and LAS aqueous solution,the viscosity of the former increased by 35 times,and the viscosity of the later also increased to the viscosity of standard dishwashing detergent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, in order to maintain cleanliness in our houses, as well as to maintain personal hygiene, numerous chemical agents are used every day. Dishwashing detergents are used the most, followed by laundry detergents, various soaps and hair shampoos, and not infrequently descaling agents, for cleaning ovens, unclogging drainage and sewage pipes, neutralizing unpleasant odours, etc. Although their number is growing day by day, most people do not realize the consequences, or at least not enough, and especially not about their potentially toxic effects. In fact, a great deal of the population do not consider household chemicals a particular problem, which is true, if they are used in the prescribed manner. However, the fact that these agents can cause harmful effects in humans and animals, and even participate in environmental pollution, is more than a sufficient reason to pay more attention to these agents, that is, to talk about them more and obtain more information for that matter. Particularly since there are authors who believe that some of the mentioned agents can even cause cancer, asthma or birth defects, i.e. infertility. Household chemicals can be divided in several ways, and one of the classifications is the one made according to the place of use. According to this division, the products we use every day at home can be roughly divided into those used for cleaning and maintaining hygiene in kitchens, used for the same purposes in bathrooms (including those used for personal hygiene ), and the products used in rooms and on terraces (flower protection). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the environmental impact of traditional laundry detergents that use synthetic surfactants derived from the petrochemical industry. Topics discussed include the growing demand for sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable biosurfactants and enzyme-only products, which aim to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The article describes the production of multiphase machine dishwasher detergents in single-dose format. These are produced in water-soluble single-chamber bags that contain a solid powder cleaning composition and a solid gel composition. The use of single-dose formats for dishwasher detergents and laundry detergents in dishwashers or washing machines is preferred by consumers due to their easy handling and reduced consumption costs per use. There is a demand for machine dishwasher detergents in single-chamber dosing bags that provide optimal cleaning performance. The article describes a single-chamber container that can be a molded, sealed bag. This bag contains a dishwasher detergent composition enclosed in a water-soluble single-chamber bag. The water-soluble single-chamber bag is made of a water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose ether. The solid cleaning composition in the bag can take various forms such as powder, granules, or tablets and contains surfactants such as anionic, nonionic, or cationic surfactants. The solid gel composition contains structuring agents such as fatty acid salts and may also contain co-structuring agents such as polyethylene glycol. The gel can also contain polar organic solvents such as alcohols or glycols. The hardness of the gel can be influenced by the addition of nonionic surfactants. The present study examines the effectiveness of household cleaners containing so-called "Effective Microorganisms" (EM). Various microbial compositions were analyzed, and the cleaning performance as well as the bactericidal and fungicidal effects were measured. The results show that EM-based cleaners have comparable effectiveness to conventional cleaners. No significant differences were found in terms of the reduction of pathogenic bacteria. The study suggests that EM-based cleaners may be an alternative option for surface cleaning. [Extracted from the article]

A machine dishwashing detergent in single-dose format is prepared by layering a solid powder detergent composition and a solid gel composition in a water-soluble single-chamber container (e.g. a sachet) made from a water-soluble polymer film of PVOH. Both components are in direct contact. For example, the single-chamber bag contains 18 grams of powder and 2 grams of solid gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]