[Cytotoxicity of chemicals used in household products: 1997- 2004].

The cytotoxicities of chemicals used in household products were evaluated using a neutral red (NR) uptake assay. The chemicals tested during 1997-2004 were rubber additives (accelerators, antioxidants and retarders), solvents, plasticizers and biocides, such as antimicrobials, fungicides, preservatives used in paints, paper, wood and plastic products. The cytotoxicity potential of each chemical was classified by determining the concentrations inducing 50% reduction of NR uptake into Chinese hamster fibroblast V79 cells compared to control (IC50). In vivo eye irritancy of each chemical was estimated by the IC50 value. Most biocides tested showed strong cytotoxicity and had a high probability of inducing strong eye irritation.