Isopropyl Myristate Toxicity: A Detailed Analysis

What Is Isopropyl Myristate?

When skin absorption is needed, isopropyl myristate polar emollient is frequently used in topical medicinal and cosmetic formulations and head lice treatment. Moreover, it is present in pet flea and ticks removal solutions. The non-aqueous portion of two-phase mouthwash is also used to clean out the oral cavity of microorganisms. Moreover, isopropyl myristate is frequently employed as a solvent in scent formulations and in removing prosthetic makeup. Isopropyl myristate's ester can hydrolyze to release the alcohol and acid. It is hypothesized that acid causes formulations' pH values to decrease.

What Is the Mechanism of Action of Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl myristate can physically cover the exoskeleton bodies of lice as a pediculicide. The lice are then physically immobilized by this coating, which also acts to break down the wax covering on the insect exoskeleton and obstruct the insects' airways, causing dehydration-related death. However, given this action method's lack of immunologic or chemical activity, isopropyl myristate's physical action causes minimal lice resistance. Still, it is also not ovicidal, meaning any lice eggs that may have been deposited would not be harmed. Moreover, isopropyl myristate only requires 10 minutes of contact time per required dosage to begin acting as a pediculicide.

What Are the Uses of Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl myristate is a polar moisturizer that improves skin absorption and is used in topical medications and cosmetics. Isopropyl myristate has received much research and development attention as a skin penetration enhancer. Lanolin may be easily dissolved by isopropyl myristate; solutions containing up to 50 percent lanolin in isopropyl myristate are stable, free-flowing liquids at room temperature. Thus, isopropyl myristate is utilized in anhydrous skin lubricating lotions with high lanolin content as a solubilizing, spreading, and penetrating agent. Skin is left soft and smooth after using isopropyl myristate without an oily surface layer. Therefore, it comprises bath oils, cosmetic ointments, hair preparations, shaving lotions, creams, lotions, lipsticks, and aerosol toiletries. Currently, the main application for which isopropyl myristate is officially recommended is as the active component in a non-prescription pediculicide rinse.

What Are the Toxic Effects Caused Due to Exposure to Isopropyl Myristate?

• Acute Toxicity: Isopropyl myristate causes skin irritation and is acutely toxic. Mineral oil has an oral LD50 of 22 grams or kilogram and is a laxative and eye irritant. Petrolatum irritates the skin and, when consumed, produces a laxative effect. Overexposure symptoms and signs include irritation of the eyes and skin; laxative action. Aspiration pneumonia may result from inhaling mineral oil fumes or particles. Lipid granuloma, lipid pneumonia (lung disease), dermatitis (skin irritation), oily acne (eruptions on face), and melanosis (brown or gray discoloration on the skin) are further symptoms. In addition, mineral oil use may hinder the absorption of water and inhibit vitamin A from intestinal contents from being absorbed.

• Chronic Toxicity: Mineral oil is a human carcinogen through inhalation that causes gastrointestinal cancers, according to "Dangerous Characteristics of Industrial Products." Moreover, it is a human teratogen that causes fetal testicular cancers when inhaled.

What Are the First Aid Measures to Be Taken Incase of Exposure?

1. Inhalation:

• If one inhales, take the sufferer outside. If required, provide oxygen or artificial respiration.

2. Skin Contact:

• Remove and isolate any contaminated garments while rinsing the afflicted skin with water.

• Carefully cleanse any parts of the skin that are affected with soap and water.

• If necessary, seek medical treatment.

3. Eye Contact:

• First, look to see if the individual is wearing contact lenses, and if so, remove them.

• Call a hospital or poison control center while flushing the victim's eyes for 20 to 30 minutes with water or regular saline solution. Without a doctor's permission, avoid applying ointments, oils, or medications to the victim's eyes.

• Even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) manifest, send the person to the hospital immediately once the victim's eyes are flushed.

4. Ingestion:

• Avoid inducing vomiting in case of ingestion.

• Give the person one or two glasses of water to dilute the toxin if they are conscious and not convulsing, and contact a hospital or poison control center immediately.

• Transport the victim right away to a medical facility.

• Ensure the patient's airway is unblocked, avoid giving anything by mouth, and lay the person on their side with the head lower than the body if the victim is convulsing or unconscious. Immediately get the victim to a hospital.

What Are the Safety Measures to Be Followed on Accidental Exposure?

1. Personal Safety Measures:

• Put on personal protection gear.

• Personnel should be moved to safe places right away. Keep people away from spills and leaks and upwind of them.

• Make sure there is enough airflow.

• Eliminate all potential ignition sources.

• Avoid swallowing.

• Avoid inhaling gas, mist, or fumes.

• Stay away or prevent contact with skin and eyes.

2. Environmental Safety Measures:

• If it is safe, stop any subsequent leaks or spills. Environmental discharge must be prevented.

• Avoid flushing into sanitary sewers or surface water. Stop products from going down the drain. Wherever feasible, avoid releasing isopropyl myristate into the environment. This includes refraining from using items containing this component in excess or needlessly. Application instructions should be followed, and products should only be used in moderation.

3. Techniques for Cleanup:

• Use non-combustible absorbent materials, such as sand, earth, vermiculite, and diatomaceous earth, to contain and collect spills.

• Place the materials in a container and dispose of them by local laws.

What Are the Personal Protective Measures to Be Taken by Individuals?

1. Protective Actions:

• Make sure the position of the safety showers and eyewash stations is convenient for the workplace. Use local exhaust ventilation while using.

2. Technical Measures:

• Provide enough ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation before and after usage.

3. Eye Protection:

• Avoid using contact lenses.

• Protective eyewear with side shields

If splashes are probable, always wear the following:

• Eyes are completely shielded by goggles or a face shield: gloves resistant to solvents

4. Hand Protection:

• Always wear gloves resistant to solvents. Before usage, gloves need to be checked and replaced as needed.

5. Skin and Body Defense:

• Wear an apron with solvent resistance. If splashes are probable, wear protective clothing.

6. Respiratory Safety:

• Use adequate breathing gear if there is not enough ventilation.

• Use self-contained breathing equipment when doing rescue or maintenance tasks within storage tanks.

• Utilize respiratory protection that has NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approval.

Conclusion

Isopropyl myristate is an ester of myristic acid and isopropyl alcohol, often known as rubbing alcohol (a fatty acid commonly seen in coconut and palm oils). It is a very thin emollient that may be applied in various ways as a carrier oil. Though it is used in various cosmetics and topical medications, its toxic effects should not be ignored, and necessary precautions and training should be employed to prevent the toxicity.