Environmental adjuvants

Health and Safety Issues with Plasticizers and Plasticized Materials 

DEPs and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed to the surface of DEPs are adjuvants. The allergic response may be characterized by the formation of IgE antibodies, among others. These play a major role in the pathogenesis of Type I allergies such as rhinitis and asthma. Other chemicals such as detergents have been shown to possess adjuvant effect. Recent studies have also shown that phthalate plasticizers may be adjuvants.  

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The main purpose of pesticide formulation is to manufacture a product that has optimum biological efficiency, is convenient to use, and minimizes environmental impacts. The active ingredients are mixed with solvents, adjuvants (boosters), and fillers as necessary to achieve the desired formulation. The types of formulations include wettable powders, soluble concentrates, emulsion concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, suspension concentrates, suspoemulsions, water-dispersible granules, dry granules, and controlled release, in which the active ingredient is released into the environment from a polymeric carrier, binder, absorbent, or encapsulant at a slow and effective rate. The formulation steps may generate air emissions, liquid effluents, and solid wastes. 

As shown in Table 5.5.1,15% of the silicone surfactants annually used were disposed of via wastewater treatment plants [6], but no studies have addressed their fate or persistence in this environmental compartment. Due to the hydrolytic instability and tendency for sorption to surfaces, it is generally thought that limited persistence of the parent molecule in aqueous systems should occur. Consequently more attention has been focused on interactions with solid media such as that resulting from direct application as agricultural adjuvants, and in re-use of sludge. Increased water solubility for the degradation products of trisiloxane surfactants has, however, been observed [10,12,15], demonstrating the need to also monitor the... 

The chemical structures of the currently available inhaled anesthetics are shown in Figure 25-2. The most commonly used inhaled anesthetics are isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane. These compounds are volatile liquids that are aerosolized in specialized vaporizer delivery systems. Nitrous oxide, a gas at ambient temperature and pressure, continues to be an important adjuvant to the volatile agents. However, concerns about environmental pollution and its ability to increase the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) have resulted in a significant decrease in its use. 

DNA vaccines are being explored but it has proved to be difficult to deliver the naked DNA to cellular sites where the appropriate antigen will be produced. Gold particles coated with DNA plasmids have been evaluated. Naked DNA is wasteful in some senses because relatively large quantities are required for even small quantities of translation and adjuvants are required. In addition there is no protection against environmental DNAase enzymes. However, DNA and the appropriate protein antigen may have more potential. 

Haller, W.T. and Stocker, R.K. (2003) Toxicity of 19 adjuvants to juvenile Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill sunfish), Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 22(3), 615-619. 

Kersten, G.F.A. Aspects of ISCOMs Analytical, Pharmaceutical and Adjuvant Properties. Thesis, National Institute for public health and environmental protection, Biltoven and University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, 1990. 

Uses Lubricant, coupling agent for metalworking intermediate for EP additives, surfactants, oleochem. derivs. wetting agent in agric. adjuvants base fluid in environmentally friendly soivs. and cleaners earner, solvent for pesticides, inks, leather treatment food coatings food pkg. adhesives... 

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