Description
IntroAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD), associated with the use of perfumed products, remains one of the most common chronic disorders in the Western countries (Wijnhoven et al., 2008). More than one-quarter of the general European population suffers from ACD, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. ACD of the ano-genital region is less common, but equally impairs the quality of life of these patients (Huang S, 2012). Accordingly, the incidence of genital ACD is associated with the use of scented consumer products e.g. vaginal douches, intimate wipes, etc. (Yale et al., 2018). Currently, ingredient labelling is only mandated in the EU by some product-specific regulations for e.g. cosmetics (European Commission, 2018). For MHPs, however, the presence of fragrances is vaguely indicated on the MHP packaging by using words such as 'fresh'. Knowing that Fragrance ingredients are known to be one of the most frequent causes of allergic reactions and the less stringent regulation on the communication which fragrances are used, poses the question whether common fragrance allergens are present in MHPs, if women are exposed to these fragrances during MHP use and if they are at risk to develop ACD.
AIM
Here, ten scented MHPs (4 tampons, 3 sanitary napkins, 3 panty liners) originating from the belgian market have been investigaged on the risk for ACD. Here the skin sensitizing potency of the fragrance ingredient plays an important role, but exposure dose and frequency are involved in this too. In order to investigate the risk for ACD induction, the presence of fragrance allergens is analyzed in tampons and sanitary napkins (1). Next, the exposure of these allergens is determined under reasonable and foreseeable use by leaching them in a menstrual fluid simulant (2). Last, the risk of ACD development is assessed by comparing acceptable exposure levels described in literature with the determined consumer exposure level.
Results
In total, 10 fragrance allergens have been identified present in the investigated MHPs. These are well-known skin sensitizers of which 9 are included in the Cosmetics Regulation. Under reasonable and foreseeable use, we observed that 6 fragrance allergens leach from the scented MHPs, resulting in a relevant human exposure. When the potency, exposure and frequency of use are taken in consideration, it is expected that the MHPs would not induce ACD. However, the risk assessment does not take ACD elicitation into account for prior sensitized women.
Conclusion
Scented MHPs are a relevant source of exposure from fragrance allergens. Fragrance allergens are not indicated on the packaging of MHPs. There is no risk for ACD induction by solely MHPs use. However, ACD elicitation is still possible for prior sensitized women.
| Period | 15 Feb 2021 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Eutopia Fair |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | BelgiumShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |