[Concern about lung damage caused by guanidine cationic disinfectants]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Guanidine disinfectants are widely used in China.
• Polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG), a guanidine cationic disinfectant, has been used in South Korea.
• PHMG use has been associated with severe lung damage, including pulmonary fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use of guanidine disinfectants in China.
• To investigate the lung damage caused by polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG).
• To provide a scientific basis for public health policies regarding disinfectant safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies on guanidine disinfectant use.
• Analysis of research employing ultrasonic atomization technology to simulate human exposure to PHMG.
• Evaluation of findings linking PHMG exposure to pulmonary fibrosis.

Main Results:

• Studies confirmed that polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) can cause pulmonary fibrosis.
• Ultrasonic atomization technology effectively simulated real-world PHMG exposure scenarios.
• Evidence supports a causal link between PHMG exposure and lung damage.

Conclusions:

• Guanidine disinfectants, particularly PHMG, pose a significant risk of lung damage.
• Further attention to the mechanisms of PHMG-induced lung injury is crucial.
• Scientific evidence necessitates policy formulation for public health protection against disinfectant-related lung diseases.