SANITARY-HYGIENIC, CLINICAL-IMMUNOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF WET WIPES IN PUBLIC HEALTH CONTEXT

The aim of the study was to review the literature on the biomedical and environmental risks associated with the use of wet wipes in the context of public health.Methodology. This study included a bibliometric study to examine the global dynamics of research on wet wipes. Relevant publications were retrieved from two major bibliographic databases: Scopus and the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded) in the Web of Science (WoS). The study of bibliometric relationships was conducted using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). Along with the bibliometric analysis, a review of a wide range of publicly available online sources covering relevant issues was conducted.Scientific novelty. It is shown that the quality of wet wipes and their consumption by the population can determine such indicators of population health as environmental, medical and sanitary, social and behavioral. The article systematically presents information on various aspects of the issue of biomedical and environmental risks of both new and used wet wipes, including their sanitary-hygienic, clinical-immunological and environmental characteristics, as well as social aspects in the context of public health. The primary focus is on pathogenic indicator microorganisms as potential threats to human health, as well as the environmental issues arising from pollution caused by this hygiene product.Conclusions. Based on a bibliometric review of the literature and available studies, the human health and environmental risks linked to wet wipe use were thoroughly analyzed. In general, the quality of wet wipes and their consumption by the population can determine such public health indicators as environmental, medical and sanitary, social and behavioural. Microbiological and environmental parameters that determine the safety of wet wipes for public health have become the subject of comprehensive scientific analysis. The study emphasizes pathogenic indicator microorganisms as potential health hazards and considers the environmental impact of pollution caused by this hygiene product. However, socio-pedagogical approaches aimed at forming a responsible attitude towards the use and proper disposal of wet wipes remain underdeveloped and not systematic. Future research should focus on:▪ further exploring the microbial diversity of hygiene products, considering both harmful microorganisms and potential biodegraders;▪ search for eco- and bio-safe materials and solutions for wetting wet wipes;▪ shaping the behaviour of responsible use and consumption of wet wipes.