Presence of formaldehyde in topical corticosteroid preparations available on the Swedish market.
The aim of this study was to investigate the formaldehyde content of topical corticosteroid preparations available on the Swedish market. 73 samples were analysed with the chromotropic acid (CA) method for semi-quantitative formaldehyde determination and 30 samples with a high-performance liquid chromatographic method. These included 24 ointments, 28 creams, 1 lotion, 6 liniments, 2 gels, 9 solutions, 2 mousses and 1 oral paste. Formaldehyde was found in 5 creams and 1 ointment. Sources of formaldehyde in these preparations were discussed. Isopropanol was identified as a probable source of yellow discoloration, leading to false-negative results with the CA method.
Goon
Anthony Teik-Jin
AT
Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden. agtj_2000@yahoo.com
Gruvberger
Birgitta
B
Persson
Lena
L
Isaksson
Marléne
M
Bruze
Magnus
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D013548:Sweden
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000485:Allergens; D005557:Formaldehyde