Investigating the number of chemical compounds remaining in dishwashing liquid on kitchen utensils and the amount of exposure to them

The widespread use of dishwashing liquids in households raises concerns about residual chemical compounds on kitchen utensils and their potential health implications. This study aimed to quantify the residues of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) on ceramic plates, stainless steel cutlery, and glass tumblers, and to assess associated human exposure risks. A purposive sample of ۱۰۰ households was selected, with ۳۰۰ utensil samples analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for residue quantification and exposure modeling to assess ingestion and dermal risks. Rinsing practices and water hardness were evaluated as influencing factors through multiple regression analysis. Results revealed significantly higher SLS (۰.۱۵ ± ۰.۰۴ µg/cm²) and MIT (۰.۰۳ ± ۰.۰۱ µg/cm²) residues on ceramic plates compared to stainless steel (۰.۱۱ ± ۰.۰۳ µg/cm² SLS; ۰.۰۲ ± ۰.۰۱ µg/cm² MIT) and glass (۰.۰۸ ± ۰.۰۲ µg/cm² SLS; ۰.۰۱ ± ۰.۰۰۵ µg/cm² MIT) (p < ۰.۰۵), attributed to ceramic’s rougher surface (Ra = ۰.۸۵ µm). Shorter rinsing durations (<۱۰ seconds) and higher water hardness (>۱۵۰ mg/L CaCO₃) increased residue retention by ۲۵% and ۱۵%, respectively (p < ۰.۰۵). Ingestion exposure was highest for ceramic plates (۰.۴۵ µg/kg/day SLS), with ۲% of cases exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) under worst-case scenarios, based on guideline values established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Dermal exposure remained negligible (hazard quotient <۰.۱). These findings indicate that while most exposures are within safe limits, the use of ceramic utensils and suboptimal rinsing practices pose low but notable risks. The study underscores the need for consumer education on effective rinsing and the development of formulations with enhanced reusability to minimize exposure.

کلیدواژه ها:

chemical residues ، Dishwashing liquid ، kitchen utensils ، Preservatives ، Surfactants