Patterns of household and personal care product use by the Korean population: implications for aggregate human exposure and health risk

Background Household and personal care products (H&PCPs) are used frequently in the domestic environment. Different types of H&PCPs often contain the same chemicals and have potential for aggregate exposure. Therefore, product use patterns should be investigated to assess exposure and health risk. Results A nationwide survey was conducted in Korea to examine the use of 16 types of H&PCPs, to obtain data that can be used for such assessments. The initial analysis focused on identifying usage patterns, such as the frequency of use and amount of product used per application. Then, co-use in 16 product categories were analyzed. Family size, marital status and age were, respectively, recognized as the critical demographic factor for classification of the frequency of use in laundry products, cleaning products and shower products. In laundry products, cleaning products and shower products, frequent H&PCPs co-use patterns according to demographical factor were recognized. Chances of exposure of chemical ingredients to participants were investigated based on the usage of individual products. 32 chemicals among all investigated ingredients were identified to be potentially exposed to more than half of the participants, and 21 chemicals are classified above Class 4 in acute toxicity. Conclusions Personal preference was not observed both in the use frequency and the amount per application of H&PCPs, among all participants. Instead, household duties were found to be associated with the yearly use frequency of household care products. In addition, the yearly chemical profiles of individual consumer were obtained, and the chemicals that have multiple chances of exposure and concomitant health risk in daily life were identified. The results provide the overview of distribution of chemicals in daily life, and essential ground for aggregate exposure assessment in Korea.

MONITORING OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF IORI RIVER

The article examines the chemical pollution of the Iori River, one of the most important rivers in Georgia. In addition to Georgia, this river is found in Azerbaijan. The study of this river is crucial as LLC United Water Supply Company of Georgia organizes the water supply of big cities and villages of Georgia through Iori water. Furthermore, the population of two big villages independently uses the river water for various household activities: washing (laundry, products, dishware), livestock watering, and irrigation. They do not use it as drinking water. The water of the Iori River was monitored in two sections: village Sasadilo and village Sartichala. In total, 24 samples were taken over the course of 2018 and 2019 years. Some part of the research was conducted on the site through HI83399-02 | Water Wastewater Multiparameter (with COD) Photometer and pH meter device. These studies included pH, BOD, and the temperature was measured directly during sampling. The same device was used for measuring approximate concentrations of heavy metals. At the next stage of the study, an inhabitants survey was conducted to identify their knowledge of environmental cleanliness and safety concerns. As a result of the study, our recommendation to the population is to refrain or restrict the use of untreated river water directly in domesticities. The results of the survey showed that the population has less information about the likelihood of getting heavy metals in the body and developing tumor diseases.