COMMON LUBRICANTS AND THEIR SIDE EFFECTS

Nonoxynol 9: Poison by intraperitoneal route. Mutation data reported. When
to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke and fumes (HC, . 958).
Parrafin: Possible carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data by
implant route. (HC, p. 982; HOP, p. 212).
Chlorhexidine: Mildly toxic by ingestion. Skin irritant. Mutation data
reported (HC, p. 167).
Lidocaine: Poison by ingestion and subcutaneous routes. Excitement,
hallucinations, distorted perceptions, changes in heart rate, and dyspnea.
Anaesthetic rapidly absorbed by mucous membranes. Excessive doses may
cause methemoglobinemia (HC, p. 439;
HOP, p.341.)
Mineral oil/petrolatum: A human teratogen that causes testicular tumors in
the fetus.
of vapor or particles can cause pneumonia.
Possibly
produces gastrointestinal tumors. Deposits accumulate in the lymphnodes
and dissolves and prevents the absorption of vitamin A from the intestines
(HC, p. 885; HOP. p. 206, 410.)
Polyethylene glycol: Moderately toxic. Eye irritant. Possible carcinogen
and flammable. Many glycols produce severe acidosis, central nervous
system damage, and congestion (HC, p. 1053; HOP, pp. 193-195.)
Sodium borate: A.K.A. borax. Toxic to all cells. Prolonged absorption
casues anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia (HOP, p. 396).
Propylene glycol: Slightly toxic. Causes convulsions, mutations, and
surface EEG changes (HC, p. 1086).
Carboxymethylcellulose,
hydroxymethylcellulose,
polyscorbate 60:
The first of these compounds has been shown to cause cancer in animals.
Used in cosmetics, inhalation of these products could cause chemical
pneumonitis. Bodily implantation of these substances will cause foreign
body [antibody] reaction (HOP, p. 308).
Triethanolamine: Moderately toxic by ingestion. Liver and kidney damage
has been demonstrated in animals from chronic exposure. Possible
carcinogen (HC, p. 1273).
Methylparaben, propylparaben: Close chemical cousins of benzoic acid.
Poisonous and moderately toxic. An allergen. Causes dyspnea and allergic
dermatitis (HC. pp. 132, 695, 702).
Source: The Hazardous Chemicals Desk reference (HC) and The Handbook of
Poisoning (HOP).