Toxicity associated with ingestion of a polyacrylic acid hydrogel dog pad.

Superabsorbent sodium polyacrylate polymeric hydrogels that retain large amounts of liquids are used in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and other applications. These polymers are generally considered "nontoxic" with acute oral median lethal doses (LD50) >5 g/kg. Despite this favorable toxicity profile, we identified a novel toxic syndrome in dogs and rats following the ingestion of a commercial dog pad composed primarily of a polyacrylic acid hydrogel. Inappropriate mentation, cerebellar ataxia, vomiting, and intention tremors were observed within 24 h after the ingestion of up to 15.7 g/kg of the hydrogel by an adult, castrated male Australian Shepherd mix. These observations prompted an experimental study in rats to further characterize the toxicity of the hydrogel. Adult, female Sprague Dawley rats ( n = 9) were assessed before and after hydrogel ingestion (2.6-19.2 g/kg over 4 h) using a functional observation battery and spontaneous motor activity. Clinical signs consistent with neurotoxicity emerged in rats as early as 2 h after the end of hydrogel exposure, including decreased activity in an open field, hunched posture, gait changes, reduced reaction to handling, decreased muscle tone, and abnormal surface righting. Hydrogel-exposed rats also had reduced motor activity when compared with pre-exposure baseline data. Rats that ingested the hydrogel did not develop nervous system lesions. These findings support the conclusion that some pet pad hydrogel products can induce acute neurotoxicity in animals under high-dose exposure conditions.

[Quantification and studies of in vitro toxicity of chemicals extracted from synthetic ion exchange media]. / Quantification et études de toxicité in vitro des extractibles d'échangeurs d'ions synthétiques.

Soluble chemicals extracted from chromatographic media can contaminate pure biological preparations. These contaminants that may come from the chemical synthesis of the polymers could have adverse effects as far as their toxicity is concerned. Ion exchangers made using classical acrylic monomers have been investigated for the presence of traces of monomers which are not converted into polymers. In vitro toxicity investigations have also been performed with the same monomers. Obtained data demonstrated that the amount of free residual monomers was below the sensitivity of the analytical methods (HPLC) for both the main monomers (acidic and alkaline) and the acrylic bifunctional monomer. Toxicity trials showed no adverse effects on human cells in culture. Moreover no polyploidia induction was evidenced in cells cultured in the presence of monomers.

Contact dermatitis from penetration of rubber gloves by acrylic monomer.

An orthopaedic surgeon developed dermatitis from acrylic materials. The acrylic monomer was found to penetrate surgical rubber gloves readily. Cases of "rubber glove dermatitis" with negative patch tests may have a similar explanation. Laboratory tests suggest that monomer does not damage rubber sufficiently to allow bacteria to penetrate gloves, but it remains possible that this would happen under theatre conditions.