2006 Volume 17 Issue 4 Pages 427-430
Inorganic agents, such as Cu, Zn, and Ag compounds, are known to be relatively safe, and these agents are used in many kinds of products. However, regions treated with metal compound agents and their concentration are not indicated in most commercially available products. In this study, to establish a simple method of measuring the concentration of metals in product regions, we evaluated screening methods using non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XFS). Qualitative analysis by XFS and quantitative analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPAES) were performed in the same regions, and the results were compared. Inorganic antimicrobial agents used in 40 antimicrobial products (96 regions) were analyzed. As the result, (1) XFS was useful for the screening of Cu and Zn, but was not suited for the screening of Ag. (2) Use of inorganic antimicrobial treatment was indicated on 11 products, but actually, 25 products were treated with inorganic antimicrobial agents. (3) Cu was detected in 12 products. (4) In 19 products, Zn was used for the antimicrobial treatment. (5) Ag was detected in 5 products, in which Cu or Zn were contained at higher concentrations. The combination of Ag and Cu or Zn may enhance antimicrobial effects. (6) Inorganic antimicrobial agents were detected in 4 of the 13 products for infants. Although 2 products indicated the treatment with chitosan, Zn was detected. In these products, antimicrobial effects may have been obtained by the combination of chitosan and Zn or Zn alone.
