Skin antisepsis prior to the induction of spinal anesthesia is essential because of the potential for infectious complications. Povidone-iodine is a widely used antiseptic solution for skin preparation before spinal anesthesia, and chlorhexidine alcohol solution is a commonly used alternative to povidone-iodine. Previous studies have shown that chlorhexidine is more effective than povidone-iodi...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the percutaneous penetration of lead oxide (PbO) powder and the effect of rapid skin decontamination with two different detergents. METHODS Franz cells were used to study in vitro PbO skin penetration through human skin during a 24-hour period. The tests were performed without or with decontamination using either Ivory Liquid soap or a new ex...

We present dose calculations to the basal cell layer of the epidermis resulting from skin contamination by radionuclides used in nuclear medicine. Dose calculations were made using the computer code VARSKIN, as modified by us to include these radionuclides and to account for their monoenergetic electron emissions. Results indicate that basal skin doses (taken to be at a depth of 0.007 cm) are a...

A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing the use of a new iodophor-impregnated incise drape with a standard skin preparation technique in 1102 patients undergoing abdominal surgical procedures is reported. The effect of the incise drape on wound bacterial contamination and subsequent wound infections is compared. The iodophor-impregnated plastic incise drape reduced the contamination o...

Hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection are pre-requirements for hygiene management in hospital settings and the food industry. In order to facilitate risk management, different contamination scenarios and interventions need to be evaluated. In the present study data on transfer rates and reductions of Staphylococcus aureus were provided in an experimental set-up using artificial skin. Using th...

Inorganic mercury, in the form of mercurous chloride, or calomel, is intentionally added to some cosmetic products sold through informal channels in Mexico and the US for skin lightening and acne treatment. These products have led to multiple cases of mercury poisoning but few investigations have addressed the contamination of cream users' homes. We report on several cases of mercury poisoning ...

Arsenic contamination of groundwater in different parts of the world is an outcome of natural and/or anthropogenic sources, leading to adverse effects on human health and ecosystem. Millions of people from different countries are heavily dependent on groundwater containing elevated level of As for drinking purposes. As contamination of groundwater, poses a serious risk to human health. Excessiv...