Nanoparticle (NP) applications have recently gained more space in the development of many products, especially in cosmetology. The aim of the present study was to validate a single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique for the detection and quantification of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold ions (Au (i)) in different cosmetics currently marketed in Brazil. The size limit of detection for pure AuNPs was 22 nm, and a concentration limit of detection of 2.3×106 particles g−1 was achieved. The limit of detection for total gold was 0.02 μg L−1 obtained in standard mode conditions. The recovery achieved was 98% for dissolved Au and 109% for AuNPs; the relative standard deviation was <5%. This validated method was applied to cosmetic products (n= 10) from different national and international industrial producers. Most cosmetics analysed contained quantifiable amounts of dissolved gold (< 0.005-2.1 μg g−1) and only four contained quantifiable amounts AuNPs the variability of the results detected (< LOD – 9.3 × 108particles g−1). The products that contained the greatest amount of these metallic NPs were the artisanal products. The results demonstrate the importance of adequate quality control for cosmetics to ensure consumer safety.

DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES BY spICP-MS. The growing interest in nanotechnology has led to an increase in the production and application of nanoparticles worldwide. Due to the unique functional properties of nanoparticles, these materials are being used by many industries, including the agricultural and food sectors. Among the commercially available nanomaterials, it is possible to highlight those produced with silver nanoparticles. One of the most promising techniques for the analysis of metallic nanoparticles is the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) performed in single particle mode (spICP-MS). However, the use of the technique in the detection and measurement of nanoparticles requires that the equipment be operated differently than when used to analyze dissolved metal solutions. Thus, this article presents the use of the spICP-MS technique for the measurement and quantification of nanoparticles, as well as their validation. The method proved to be adequate for the purpose, presenting a satisfactory result for the selectivity test and recovery of 83.7 (40 nm) and 77.6% (80 nm). The detection limits, determined for the most frequent size, dissolved silver concentration and particle concentration, were 17.5 nm, 0.736 ng mL-1;, 146 particles mL-1;, respectively. Thus, the results obtained indicated the possibility of using the technique to determine the size and concentration of silver nanoparticles.

O impacto do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana é um problema que tem merecido atenção da comunidade científica em todo o mundo, sobretudo nos países em desenvolvimento. O consumo de agrotóxicos na região sudeste do Brasil está estimado em 12kg de agrotóxico/trabalhador/ano. Em algumas áreas agrícolas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, como na região da Microbacia do Córrego de São Lourenço, Nova Friburgo, o consumo de agrotóxico foi estimado em 56kg de agrotóxico/trabalhador/ano. Elevados níveis de contaminação humana e ambiental foram encontrados nesta região, como decorrência do uso extensivo destes agentes químicos. A avaliação do impacto sobre a saúde humana implica o conhecimento e a visualização da importância/magnitude relativa de cada uma das vias de contaminação. Inúmeros fatores, que, em geral, encontram-se inter-relacionados, contribuem para a situação encontrada na Microbacia do Córrego de São Lourenço e a forma mais adequada de se avaliar toda a dimensão deste problema é o uso de uma abordagem integrada.

Environmental and human difficulties caused by pesticides used in agriculture are important health issues worldwide, specially in the developing countries. Pesticide consumption in Southeast Brazil is estimated in 12kg/worker/year. In the São Lourenço Valley, Rio de Janeiro State, pesticide consumption is estimated at some 56kg/worker/year. High levels of human and environmental contamination caused by these products were found in the area. Many factors were shown as determinants of this situation, such as: pesticides with different formulations used with insufficient or even non-existent supervision or technical advice; intensive marketing activities place the responsibility for correct use and disposal of these chemicals on farm workers with low education levels typical of rural areas in Brazil, resulting in widespread human and environmental contamination. The evaluation of those loosely inter-related factors help shape the current situation in the São Lourenço Valley, indicating that the only way to really understand and assess the problem as a whole is through an integrative (transdisciplinary) approach.

O impacto do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana é um problema que tem merecido atenção da comunidade científica em todo o mundo, sobretudo nos países em desenvolvimento. O consumo de agrotóxicos na região sudeste do Brasil está estimado em 12kg de agrotóxico/trabalhador/ano. Em algumas áreas agrícolas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, como na região da Microbacia do Córrego de São Lourenço, Nova Friburgo, o consumo de agrotóxico foi estimado em 56kg de agrotóxico/trabalhador/ano. Elevados níveis de contaminação humana e ambiental foram encontrados nesta região, como decorrência do uso extensivo destes agentes químicos. A avaliação do impacto sobre a saúde humana implica o conhecimento e a visualização da importância/magnitude relativa de cada uma das vias de contaminação. Inúmeros fatores, que, em geral, encontram-se inter-relacionados, contribuem para a situação encontrada na Microbacia do Córrego de São Lourenço e a forma mais adequada de se avaliar toda a dimensão deste problema é o uso de uma abordagem integrada.

Environmental and human difficulties caused by pesticides used in agriculture are important health issues worldwide, specially in the developing countries. Pesticide consumption in Southeast Brazil is estimated in 12kg/worker/year. In the São Lourenço Valley, Rio de Janeiro State, pesticide consumption is estimated at some 56kg/worker/year. High levels of human and environmental contamination caused by these products were found in the area. Many factors were shown as determinants of this situation, such as: pesticides with different formulations used with insufficient or even non-existent supervision or technical advice; intensive marketing activities place the responsibility for correct use and disposal of these chemicals on farm workers with low education levels typical of rural areas in Brazil, resulting in widespread human and environmental contamination. The evaluation of those loosely inter-related factors help shape the current situation in the São Lourenço Valley, indicating that the only way to really understand and assess the problem as a whole is through an integrative (transdisciplinary) approach.

Mercury kept in a garage of a residencial building in Rio de Janeiro was accidentally released and caused local (environmental and human) contamination. The concentration of mercury in indoor air of the most critical site reached 15.5 mg/m³. Outdoor air samples showed concentrations ranging from 0.37 to 6.6 mg/m³ . Seventy five per cent of the urine samples collected from 22 residents in the contaminated building showed levels of mercury higher than those observed in non exposed individuals (>6.9 mg/L); in 30% of these samples, the concentration was higher than 20 mg/L. These values show a high level of human contamination and the final consequences were not so serious owing to the quick action taken by one of the residents.