Environ Health Toxicol.  2016 ;31(1):e2016004. 10.5620/eht.e2016004.

Humidifier disinfectants, unfinished stories

• Choi Y
• Paek D

• KMID: 2469660
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5620/eht.e2016004

Abstract

Once released into the air, humidifier disinfectants became tiny nano-size particles, and resulted in chemical bronchoalveolitis. Families had lost their most beloved members, and even some of them became broken. Based on an estimate of two million potential victims who had experienced adverse effects from the use of humidifier disinfectants, we can say that what we have observed was only the tip of the iceberg. Problems of entire airways, as well as other systemic effects, should be examined, as we know these nano-size particles can irritate cell membranes and migrate into systemic circulation. The story of humidifier disinfectant is not finished yet.

Keyword

Humidifier disinfectant; Upper airway disease; Systemic toxicity

MeSH Terms

Cell Membrane
Disinfectants*
Humans
Humidifiers*
Ice Cover
Disinfectants