Glossary

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

A
Acetic acid
Colorless, pungent, water-miscible liquid, C2H4O2, the essential constituent of vinegar, produced by oxidation of acetaldehyde, bacterial action on ethyl alcohol, the reaction of methyl alcohol with carbon monoxide, and other processes: used chiefly in the manufacture of acetate fibers and in the production of numerous esters that are solvents and flavoring agents.
Adjuvant
Pharmacological or immunological agents that modify the effect of other agents like drugs or vaccines
Aldehyde
Any of a class of organic compounds containing the group −CHO, which yields acids when oxidized and alcohols when reduced.
Amide
A class of organic compounds derived from ammonia or an amine by replacement of hydrogen with an acyl group.
Amino acids
Any of a class of organic compounds that contains at least one amino group, –NH2, and one carboxyl group, –COOH: the alpha-amino acids, RCH(NH2)COOH, are the building blocks from which proteins are constructed.
Anionic surfactants
In solution, the head is negatively charged. This is the most widely used type of surfactant for laundering, dishwashing liquids and shampoos because of its excellent cleaning properties and high sudsing potential.
Antibacterial
Destructive to or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Antimicrobial
Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms
Antipruritic
Relieving or preventing itching.
Antiseptic and Germicide
Used to prevent infection and decay by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
Antivenin
An antitoxin active against the venom of a snake, spider, or other venomous animal or insect..
Antiviral agent
Any drug that destroys viruses
Aphthae
Canker sores.
Aphthous
Of, relating to, or characterized by aphthae. See Aphthae
Aqueous
Of, relating to, or resembling water
Ascorbic acid
A white, crystalline, water-soluble vitamin, C6H8O6, occurring naturally in citrus fruits, green vegetables, etc., and often produced synthetically, essential for normal metabolism: used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy, and in wound-healing and tissue repair.
B
Bacteria
Ubiquitous one-celled organisms, spherical, spiral, or rod-shaped and appearing singly or in chains...
Bacteriostatic
The prevention of the further growth of bacteria.
Barrier creams
A topical formulation used in industrial and medical environments to place a physical barrier between the skin and the contaminants which may irritate the skin and cause contact dermatitis or occupational dermatitis.
Bronchospasm
Spasmodic contraction of the muscular lining of the bronchi, as in asthma, causing difficulty in breathing.
Byproduct
A secondary or incidental product, as in a process of manufacture.
C
Camphene
A colorless, crystalline, water-insoluble substance, C10H16, Occurring in turpentine and many other essential oils, prepared from pinene: used chiefly as an intermediate in the manufacture of synthetic camphor.
Carcinogenic
Any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer.
Carcinogenic compound
A group of substances or agents that tends to produce a cancer.
Carcinogens
Any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer.
Catalytic hydrogenation
A chemical reaction that results from the addition of hydrogen (H2). The process is usually employed to reduce or saturate organic compounds.
Caustic
Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressant
Drugs that can be used to slow down brain activity.
Chloracne
A severe skin disease with acne-like lesions that occur mainly on the face and upper body.
Chloroform
A colorless, volatile, nonflammable, slightly water-soluble, pungent, sweet-tasting liquid...
Choline
A quaternary ammonium cation, C5H14N+O, one of the B-complex vitamins, found in the lecithin of many plants and animals.
Comedogenic
Tending to produce or aggravate acne.
Conifer
Cone-bearing seed plant. Typical examples of conifers include cedars, douglas-firs, cypresses, firs, junipers, kauris, larches, pines, redwoods, spruces, and yews.
Coniferous
Belonging or pertaining to the conifers.
D
Demulsifier
To break down (an emulsion) into separate substances incapable of re-forming the emulsion that was broken down.
Denatured
To render (any of various alcohols) unfit for drinking by adding an unwholesome substance that does not alter usefulness for other purposes.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin.
Diethyl ether
A colorless, highly volatile, flammable liquid, C4H10O, having an aromatic odor and sweet, burning taste, derived from ethyl alcohol by the action of sulfuric acid: used as a solvent and, formerly, as an inhalant anesthetic.
Dioxin
A by-product of pesticide manufacturing...
Disinfectant
Used on hard inanimate surfaces and objects to destroy or irreversibly inactivate infectious fungi and bacteria but not necessarily their spores...
Dispensing Agent
A cleaning composition contains a detersive surfactant and a poly(amino acid) compound or a precursor...
Dispersing Agent
Either a non-surface active polymer or a surface-active substance added to a suspension, usually a colloid, to improve the separation of particles and to prevent settling or clumping. Dispersants consist normally of one or more surfactants, but may also be gases.
E
Emollient
Having the power of softening or relaxing, as a medicinal substance; soothing, especially to the skin.
Emulsifier
To make into or form an emulsion.
Emulsifying Agent
A sustance that coats the particles of the dispersed phase and prevents coagulation of colloidal particles; see emulsifier.
Emulsion
Any colloidal suspension of a liquid in another liquid.
Endocrine disruption
Natural or synthetic chemicals that may interfere with or mimic human hormones that regulate growth and development...
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
EPA leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts.
Epidemiological
The branch of medicine dealing with the incidence and prevalence of disease in large populations and with detection of the source and cause of epidemics of infectious disease.
Esophageal
Pertaining to the esophagus.
Esophagus
The muscular membranous tube for the passage of food from the pharynx to the stomach; the gullet.
Ester
A compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with the elimination of a molecule of water, as ethyl acetate, C4H8O2, or dimethyl sulfate, C2H6SO4.
Ethylene oxide
A colorless, odorless, gaseous, toxic, ring compound, C2H4O, usually obtained by the oxidation of ethylene: used chiefly in the synthesis of ethylene glycol.
Excitotoxicity
Exaggerated and continuous stimulation by a neurotransmitter...
F
Food allergens
specific components of food or ingredients within food that are recognized by allergen-specific immune cells and elicit specific immunologic reactions resulting in characteristic symptoms...
Food allergy
An adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs reproducibly on exposure to a given food.
Food intolerance
A non-immunologic adverse reaction to foods or food components that elicit reproducible adverse reactions but do not have established or likely immunologic mechanisms.
Fungicide
A substance or preparation, as a spray or dust, used for destroying fungi.
G
Geraniol
A colorless or pale-yellow terpene alcohol, C10H18O, with a geranium like odor, found in rose oil, soluble in alcohol and ether, insoluble in water: used in perfumes and flavors.
Germicide
An agent for killing germs or microorganisms.
Glycols
Also called ethylene glycol, ethylene alcohol, a colorless, sweet liquid, C2H6O2, used chiefly as an automobile antifreeze and as a solvent.
Granuloma
A medical term for a ball-like collection of immune cells which forms when the immune system attempts to wall off substances that it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate...
H
HDL (High-density lipoprotein)
One of the lipoproteins that enable lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the water-based bloodstream. High levels of HDL seems to protect against cardiovascular diseases, and is sometimes called "good cholesterol".
Humectants
A substance that absorbs or helps another substance retain moisture, as glycerol.
Hydrolysis
Chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water.
Hygroscopic
Absorbing or attracting moisture from the air.
I
Immunological
Of or relating to immunology.
Immunology
The study of the body's immune system or natural defense mechanisms against disease.
Immunotoxicity
Toxicity to the immune system.
Indirect food additive
In general, these are food additives that come into contact with food as part of packaging, holding, or processing, but are not intended to be added directly to, become a component, or have a technical effect in or on the food. Include adhesives and components of coatings, paper and paperboard components.
Ion
One of the electrically charged particles formed in a gas by electric discharge or the like.
Ionic
Pertaining to or occurring in the form of ions. See ion
K
Ketone
Ketones are produced on massive scales in industry as solvents, polymer precursors, and pharmaceuticals. In terms of scale, the most important ketones are acetone, methylethyl ketone, and cyclohexanone. A ketone is a type of compound that features one carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two other carbon atoms.
L
Lacrimation
The secretion of tears, esp. in abnormal abundance.
Lanolin
A fatty substance, extracted from wool, used in ointments, cosmetics, waterproof coatings, etc.
LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)
A type of lipoprotein that transports cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues. High levels of LDL can signal medical problems like cardiovascular disease; it is often called bad cholesterol.
Lye
A highly concentrated, aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
M
Macrophagic myofasciitis
The condition is characterized by an immunologically active lesion which is caused by the long-term persistence at the site of injection of aluminum hydroxide, an adjuvant used in vaccines against hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and tetanus toxoid.
Methemoglobinemia
The presence of methemoglobin in the blood due to conversion of part of the hemoglobin to this inactive form.
Microbes
A microorganism, esp. a pathogenic bacterium.
Microglia cells
A type of non-neuron cells that are the resident white blood cells of the brain and spinal cord, and thus act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS)
Monoterpene
Any of a class of terpenes C10H16 containing two isoprene units per molecule; also a derivative of a monoterpene.
N
N-nitroso compounds
Results from reactions involving other chemicals called alkylamines. At room temperature, N-nitroso compounds are yellow liquids. They do not have a distinct odor. Industry makes small amounts of N-nitroso compounds for research. They can also be formed as a side-reaction when other products are made.
Nanoparticle
A microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers.
Neurotoxicity
The degree to which a substance is poisonous to nerve tissue.
Nitrates
A salt or ester of nitric acid, or any compound containing the univalent group –ONO2 or NO3.
Nitrosating agents
Chemicals that can cause nitrosamine contamination, which have been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals.
Nitrous acid
An unstable acid HNO2 known only in solution or in the form of its salts or esters.
Non-Carcinogenic
Not causing cancer
Non-polar
Not polar; containing no permanently dipolar molecules; lacking a dipole.
O
Opacifier
To cause to become opaque.
Organic compound
Any member of a large class of chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon.
Organophosphates
In health, agriculture, and government, the word "organophosphates" refers to a group of insecticides or nerve agents acting on the enzyme acetylcholinesterase
P
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's is a slowly progressive neurologincal disease that is characterized by resting tremor on one side of the body, generalized slowness of movement, stiffness of limbs, and gait or balance problems...
Phenol
A white, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous mass, C6H5OH, obtained from coal tar, or a hydroxyl derivative of benzene: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as an antiseptic, and in organic synthesis.
Photosensitivity
Abnormal sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet light, usually following exposure to certain oral or topical drugs or to other sensitizing chemicals and resulting in accelerated burning and blistering of the skin.
Polar liquid
A solvent is a liquid, solid, or gas that dissolves another solid, liquid or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution. The most common solvent in everyday life is water.
Polarity
The presence or manifestation of two opposite or contrasting principles or tendencies.
Polymerization
A chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units.
Propene
A colorless, flammable gas, C3H6, of the olefin series: used chiefly in organic synthesis.
Pulmonary aspiration
In medicine, aspiration is the entry of secretions or foreign material into the trachea and lungs. The patient may either inhale the material, or it may be blown into the lungs during positive pressure ventilation or CPR.
PVC - polyvinyl chloride
A thermoplastic polymer. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic.
Q
Quaternary ammonium compounds
A wide variety of preservatives, surfactants, germicides, sanitizers, antiseptics, and deodorants used in cosmetics...
R
Racemic
The first known racemic mixture was “racemic acid”, which Louis Pasteur found to be a mixture of the two enantiomeric isomers of tartaric acid.
Reducing agent
A substance that causes another substance to undergo reduction and that is oxidized in the process.
S
Sanitizer
Used to reduce, but not necessarily eliminate, microorganisms from the inanimate environment to levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations.
Sebum
The semi-fluid secretion of the sebaceous glands, consisting chiefly of fat, keratin, and cellular material.
Secondary amines
Organic compounds that may be written R1R2NH, where R1 and R2 designate either identical or different groups.
Sensitizer
A chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical. The condition of being sensitized to a chemical is also called chemical hypersensitivity...
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate, sodium salt of benzoic acid, is used preferably as one of the principal anti-microbial preservatives used in foods and beverages...
Solvent
A substance that dissolves another to form a solution: Water is a solvent for sugar.
Stearic acid
A colorless, wax like, sparingly water-soluble, odorless solid, C1 8H3 6O2, the most common fatty acid, occurring as the glyceride in tallow and other animal fats and in some animal oils: used chiefly in the manufacture of soaps, stearates, candles, cosmetics, and in medicine in suppositories and pill coatings.
Sterilizers
Used to destroy or eliminate all forms of microbial life including fungi, viruses, and all forms of bacteria and their spores.
Straight-chain
An open chain of atoms, usually carbon, with no side chains attached to it.
Sub-chronic
The ability of a toxic substance to cause effects for more than one year but less than the lifetime of the exposed organism.
Surfactant
Any substance that when dissolved in water or an aqueous solution reduces its surface tension or the interfacial tension between it and another liquid. A shortened form of "surface-active agent"...
Systemic toxicity
Adverse effects caused by a substance that affects the body in a general rather than local manner.
T
Teratogenic
Able to disturb the growth and development of an embryo or fetus.
Terpene
Any of various unsaturated hydrocarbons, C10H16, found in essential oils and oleoresins of plants such as conifers and used in organic syntheses.
Terpin hydrate
A white, crystalline powder, C10H20O2·H2O, usually used in combination with codeine, as an expectorant.
Terpineol
Any of several unsaturated, cyclic, tertiary alcohols having the formula C10H18O, occurring in nature in many essential oils or prepared synthetically: used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes.
Tertiary Amine
An amine, containing three radicals, of general formula R1R2R3-N; the radicals may be the same, different, or part of a ring.
Toxaphene
An amber, waxy, water-insoluble solid, whose principal constituent is chlorinated camphene, used as an insecticide and as a rodenticide.
U
Urticaria
A vascular reaction of the skin characterized by erythema and wheal formation due to localized increase of vascular permeability. The causative mechanism may be allergy, infection, or stress.
V
Viscous liquid
Viscosity is actually, the resistance to flow. An example of a viscous liquid is maple syrup; it takes a while to pour.
Volatile organic compounds
Organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the earth's atmosphere. Although ubiquitous in nature and modern industrial society, they may also be harmful or toxic. VOCs are often regulated.
Volatility
Evaporating rapidly; passing off readily in the form of vapor.
Volatilize
To pass off in vapor.
W
Wetting agents
A substance that by becoming adsorbed prevents a surface from being repellent to a wetting liquid and is used especially in mixing solids with liquids or spreading liquids on surfaces.
Wheals
A raised, itchy (pruritic) area of skin that is almost always an overt sign of allergy. Not all wheals are alike.