Determination and risk assessment of phthalates in face masks. An Italian study.

Serious human health concerns have been recently raised from daily use of face masks, due to the possible presence of hazardous compounds as the phthalic acid esters (PAEs). In this study, the content of 11 PAEs in 35 commercial masks was assessed by applying a specific and accurate method, using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Surgical, FFP2 and non-surgical models, for both adults and children were collected from the Italian market.

The release of metals from metal-on-metal surface arthroplasty of the hip.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum and urine levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni) in patients who had undergone metal-on-metal hybrid surface arthroplasties on the supposition that a release of metals would occur due to the large head size of this type of implant. Metal levels were determined by using an analytical method based on sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed a significant difference between patients and control subjects in mean levels of Co and Cr in serum (p<0.