Widespread occurrence of bisphenol A diglycidyl ethers, p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens), benzophenone type-UV filters, triclosan, and triclocarban in human urine from Athens, Greece

A review on contaminants of emerging concern in European raptors (2002-2020)

Raptors (birds of prey and owls) have been widely used as suitable bioindicators of environmental pollution. They occupy the highest trophic positions in their food chains and are documented to bioaccumulate high concentrations of persistent pollutants such as toxic metals and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs).Whereas raptors played a critical role in developing awareness of and policy for chemical pollution, they have thus far played a much smaller role in current research on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Given the critical knowledge obtained from monitoring 'legacy contaminants' in raptors, more information on the levels and effects of CECs on raptors is urgently needed. This study critically reviews studies on raptors from Europe reporting the occurrence of CECs with focus on the investigated species, the sampled matrices, and the bioanalytical methods applied. Based on this, we aimed to identify future needs for monitoring CECs in Europe. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), novel flame retardants (NFRs), and to a lesser extent UV-filters, neonicotinoids, chlorinated paraffins, parabens and bisphenols have been reported in European raptors. White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) were the most frequently studied raptor species. Among matrices, eggs, feathers and plasma were the most widely employed, although the potential role of the preen gland as an excretory organ for CECs has recently been proposed. This review highlights the following research priorities for pollution research on raptors in Europe: 1) studies covering all the main classes of CECs; 2) research in other European regions (mainly East Europe); 3) identification of the most suitable matrices and species for the analysis of different CECs; and 4) the application of alternative sample treatment strategies (e.g. QuEChERS or pressurized liquid extraction) is still limited and conventional solvent-extraction is the preferred choice.

Exposure of the French population to bisphenols, phthalates, parabens, glycol ethers, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds in 2014-2016: Results from the Esteban study

BACKGROUND

As part of the French Human Biomonitoring (HBM) programme, the Esteban study described, among other things, biomarkers levels of various chemicals in adults (18-74 years old) and children (6-17 years old). This paper describes the design of the study and provides, for the first time, data on the biological exposure of the general French population to a wide range of contaminants posing a threat to human health which are currently found in domestic environments.

METHODS

Esteban is a cross-sectional study conducted on a nationwide sample of the French general population. Exposure biomarkers of six families of contaminants deemed detrimental to adults' and children's health were measured in biological samples collected either at participants' homes by a nurse, or brought to a National Health Insurance examination centre. All participants were randomly selected (2503 adults and 1104 children). The geometric mean and percentiles of the distribution of levels were estimated for each biomarker. Most of the descriptive statistical analyses were performed taking into account the sampling design.

RESULTS

Results provided a nationwide description of biomarker levels. Bisphenols (A, S and F), and some metabolites of phthalates and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) (specifically, PFOS and PFOA) were quantified in almost all the biological samples analysed. Higher levels were observed in children (except for PFCs). Levels were coherent with international studies, except for bisphenols S and F, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and parabens (with higher levels reported in the USA than in France).

CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

This study is the first to provide a representative assessment of biological exposure to domestic contaminants at the French population level. Our results show that the French general population was exposed to a wide variety of pollutants in 2014-2016, and identify the determinants of exposure. These findings will be useful to stakeholders who wish to advocate an overall reduction in the French population's exposure to harmful substances. Similar future studies in France will help to measure temporal trends, and enable public policies focused on the reduction of those chemicals in the environment to be evaluated.

Insights into the electrochemical degradation of triclosan from human urine: Kinetics, mechanism and toxicity

Electrochemical degradation of triclosan in human urine was firstly studied by using Ti/SnO₂-Sb/PbO₂ anode doped with rare-earth elements. The results indicated that the Ti/SnO₂-Sb/Gd-PbO₂ anode demonstrated the best performance with the degradation rate constants being 0.095 min^-1 in fresh urine and 0.045 min^-1 in hydrolyzed urine at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2. The electrochemical degradation was improved in the presence of phosphate and chloride, while the degradation was obviously inhibited by urea, bicarbonate and ammonia. Degradation mechanism mainly involved ether-bond cleavage, hydroxylation, cyclization, dehydrogenation and carboxylation. Quantitative structure-activity relationship model showed that ecological risks of cyclization products to fish, daphnid and green algae was higher than the parent compound, implying that the potential risks to aquatic organism should not be ignored before triclosan mineralized completely. Energy consumption for 90% triclosan degradation ranged from 4.5 to 47.8 Wh L^-1, and the consumption increased along with the hydrolysis of urine. The results indicate that electrochemical oxidation is a feasible and energy-saving technique to effectively remove triclosan from human urine.

Microplastic fibres from synthetic textiles: Environmental degradation and additive chemical content

Microplastic fibres (MPFs) often make up the largest fraction of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, yet little is known about their degradative fate and persistence. This study investigates the environmentally relevant photodegradation of common MPFs: polyester (PET), polyamide (PA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), their respective additive chemical profile, together with their potential for additive leaching. MPFs were subject to ultraviolet (UV) exposure in seawater and freshwater media over 10 months. PET and PA MPFs showed significant fragmentation and surface changes following UV exposure, additionally PA showed evidence of chemical changes. PAN did not undergo significant photodegradation in the same exposure period. Chemicals tentatively identified in MPFs and aqueous leachates via non-target gas chromatography-mass spectrometry include monomers, UV stabilisers and degradation products. Characterisation of several bisphenols (BPs) and benzophenones (BzPs) was performed via ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Bisphenol A, bisphenol S and benzophenone-3 were quantified in all MPFs and wool at concentrations between 4.3 and 501 ng/g, with wool displaying the highest sum concentration of BPs and BzPs at 863 and 27 ng/g, respectively.

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of MCF-7 Cells Exposed to 23 Chemicals at Human-Relevant Levels: Estimation of Individual Chemical Contribution to Effects

BACKGROUND

Humans are constantly being exposed to various xenobiotics at relatively low concentrations. To date, limited evidence is available to ascertain whether a complex xenobiotic mixture at human-relevant levels causes any health effect. Moreover, there is no effective method to pinpoint the contribution of each chemical toward such an effect.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to understand the responses of cells to a mixture containing 23 xenobiotics at human-relevant levels and develop a feasible method to decipher the chemical(s) that contribute significantly to the observed effect.

METHODS

We characterized the metabolome and transcriptome of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) before and after exposure to the mixture at human-relevant levels; preexposure levels were derived from existing large-scale biomonitoring data. A high-throughput metabolomics-based "leave-one-out" method was proposed to understand the relative contribution of each component by comparing the metabolome with and without the particular chemical in the mixture.

RESULTS

The metabolomic analysis suggested that the mixture altered metabolites associated with cell proliferation and oxidative stress. For the transcriptomes, gene ontology terms and pathways including "cell cycle," "cell proliferation," and "cell division" were significantly altered after mixture exposure. The mixture altered genes associated with pathways such as "genotoxicity" and "nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)." Through joint pathways analysis, metabolites and genes were observed to be well-aligned in pyrimidine and purine metabolisms. The leave-one-out results showed that many chemicals made their contributions to specific metabolic pathways. The overall metabolome pattern of the absence of 2,4-dihyroxybenzophenone (DHB) or bisphenol A (BPA) showed great resemblance to controls, suggesting their higher relative contribution to the observed effect.

DISCUSSION

The omics results showed that exposure to the mixture at human-relevant levels can induce significant in vitro cellular changes. Also, the leave one out method offers an effective approach for deconvoluting the effects of the mixture. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6641.

Urinary concentrations of parabens amongst Iranian adults and their associations with socio-demographic factors

BACKGROUND

Parabens are widely used to prevent organism growth and increase the shelf life of foods, medicines and personal care products (PCPs). Recent studies indicate their potentially harmful effects on human health. There is no information on the extent of exposure to parabens among Iranians.

METHODS

We measured the concentration of urinary methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP) and butylparaben (BP) among Iranian adults and calculated their estimated daily intake (EDI). Also, association between the level of urinary parabens with socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were investigated.

RESULTS

Detection frequencies of MP, EP, PP, and BP were 98.9, 91, 94.3, and 88.2%, and their median urinary concentrations were 69.06, 9.10, 12.4, and 9.87 µg/l, respectively. Urinary parabens were higher in females, and the difference in the concentration of MP and PP was significant. A significantly positive correlation between MP and PP (r = 0.638) and a moderate to a weak correlation between other parabens were observed. There was a significantly negative weak correlation between age and MP, BP and PP. There was also a significant association between different age groups and MP, BP and PP as well as different BMI values and MP. The highest EDI value belonged to MP in the female group. Despite being lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI), its value was higher than that reported in other countries (except the US).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that Iranians are widely exposed to the parabens and the range of exposure was associated with socio-demographic factors. These results could serve as a basis for assessing the risk of exposure to parabens amongst Iranians.

Bioaccumulation potential of bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters: A multiresidue approach in raptor tissues

Environmental exposure to bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters has received considerable attention due to the ubiquitous occurrence of these contaminants in the environment and their potential adverse health effects. The occurrence of bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters is well established in human populations, but data is scarce for wildlife, and especially for raptors (birds of prey, falcons and owls). In this study, concentrations of eight bisphenols and five benzophenone UV filters were determined in six raptor tissues, including muscle, kidney, liver, brain, preen gland (uropygial gland) and adipose. The tissue samples (n = 44) were taken from dead raptor species (1997-2011), including Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus, n = 2) and long-eared owls (Asio otus, n = 2), both from France, and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla, n = 16) from Greenland. Overall, six bisphenols and four benzophenone UV filters were found in the samples. Bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), benzophenone-8 (BzP-8) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BzP) were the most abundant contaminants, accounting for median concentrations of 67.5, 3.01, 27.1 and 9.70 ng/g wet weight (w.w.), respectively. The potential role of the preen gland as a major excretory organ for bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters was suggested since the median sum concentration of the two contaminant classes in the white-tailed eagle tissues showed higher bioaccumulation potential in the preen gland (5.86 ng/g w.w.) than the liver (2.92) and kidney (0.71). The concentrations of these contaminants in the tissues of the three raptor species indicated a pattern of increasing detection rates and median concentrations with an increase of the species size and their expected trophic position. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first peer-reviewed study to document multiresidues of both contaminant classes in raptor tissues.

A fast-multiclass method for the determination of 21 endocrine disruptors in human urine by using vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (VADLLME) and LC-MS/MS

Simplicity, speed, and reduced cost are essential demands for routine analysis in human biomonitoring studies. Moreover, the availability of higher volumes of human specimens is becoming more restrictive due to ethical controls and to the costs associated with sample transportation and storage. Thus, analytical methods requiring much lower sample volumes associated with simultaneous detection capability (multiclass analysis) are with a very high claim. In this sense, the present approach aimed at the development of a method for preconcentration and simultaneous determination of four classes of endocrine disruptors (seven bisphenols, seven parabens, five benzophenones, and two antimicrobials) in the urine. The approach is based on vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (VADLLME) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After optimization of the significant parameters of VADLLME extraction, the proposed procedure showed to be simple, fast, sensitive, requiring only 1.0 mL of urine, 400 μL of organic solvents with a total stirring time of 20 s. Moreover, a variation of inter-day and between-day runs were lower than 10.0% and 11.0%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of 50 urine samples of Brazilian pregnant women to establish reference ranges.

Toxic effects and transcriptome analyses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae exposed to benzophenones

Sunscreen chemicals, such as benzophenones (BPs), are common environmental contaminants that are posing a growing health concern due to their increasing presence in water, fish, and human systems. Benzoresorcinol (BP1), oxybenzone (BP3), and dioxybenzone (BP8) are the most commonly used BPs for their ability to protect from sunburn by absorbing a broad spectrum of ultraviolet radiation. In this study, zebrafish larvae were used as an in vivo model to investigate the potential risks and molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects of BPs. The effects of these BPs on the gene expression in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, estrogen receptor pathway, and sex differentiation were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. All BPs were found to function as agonists of the estrogen receptors α and β1, indicating that these BPs likely undergo similar molecular metabolism in vivo, whereby they can activate cytochrome P450 genes and promote the expression of CYP19A and DMRT1. Furthermore, the gene expression profile of larvae after BP3 exposure was evaluated using a whole transcriptome sequencing approach. BP3 affected estradiol biosynthesis and sex differentiation. It also regulated gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thus interfering with the endocrine system. As a xenobiotic toxicant, BP3 upregulated the expression of cytochrome P450 genes (CYP1A and CYP3A65) and glutathione metabolism-related genes (GSTA, GSTM, and GSTP). It also interfered with the nervous system by regulating the calcium signaling pathway. These findings will be useful for understanding the toxicity mechanisms and metabolism of BPs in aquatic organisms and promote the regulation of these chemicals in the environment.

Occurrence, distribution, and health risk assessment of 20 personal care products in indoor and outdoor swimming pools

The distribution of 20 personal care products (PCPs), including seven preservatives, six UV filters, five anticorrosion agents, and two antimicrobials, were determined in 40 swimming pools using solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Among 14 targets detected, 1H-benzotriazole and triclocarban were observed in all samples. The detected concentrations of preservatives, UV filters, anticorrosion agents, and antimicrobials were in the ranges of not detected (nd)-179 ng L^-1, nd-289 ng L^-1, nd-58.4 ng L^-1, and nd-56.9 ng L^-1, respectively. The presence of preservatives, UV filters and antimicrobials in pool waters might be mainly brought in by human activities while anticorrosion agents were mainly from the source water. Furthermore, the concentrations of methylparaben, ethylparaben, 1H-benzotriazole, 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole, 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole, and 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole in indoor pools were found higher than those in outdoor pools. The longer opening time and weaker light intensity for indoor pools might cause the difference. The redundancy analysis showed significantly negative correlations between the concentrations of parabens and the contents of residual chlorine in the pool waters. A higher chlorine residue may promote the decomposition of parabens. Health risk assessment showed that skin penetration would be the main approach for the intake of PCPs by swimmers while swimming. Compared with the non-athletic swimmers, the athletic swimmers might be more sensitive, but the health risks for both groups of swimmers could be negligible.

Impact of Mixture Effects between Emerging Organic Contaminants on Cytotoxicity: A Systems Biological Understanding of Synergism between Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate and Triphenyl Phosphate

Humans are exposed to many xenobiotics simultaneously, but little is known about the toxic effects based on chemical-chemical interactions. This study aims at evaluating the binary interactions between 13 common environmental organic compounds (resulting in 78 pairs) by observing their cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. Among all of the tested pairs, the combination of flame-retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) exhibited one of the most significant synergistic effects. We further characterized the transcriptome and metabolome after combined exposure to TPP and TDCPP and individual exposure. The results suggested that the coexposure caused many more changes in gene expressions and cellular activities. The transcriptome data showed that the coexposure triggered significant pathway changes including "cholesterol biosynthesis" and "ATF6-Alpha activated chaperone genes", together with distinct gene ontology (GO) terms such as the "negative regulation of the ERK1 and ERK2 cascade". Additionally, coexposure enhanced the biological activity of liver X receptors and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The metabolome data showed that coexposure significantly elevated oxidative stress and affected the purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Overall, this study showed that interactions, which may enhance or suppress the biological processes, are common among environmental chemicals, although their environmental relevance should be studied in the future.

Characterization of triclosan and triclocarban in indoor dust from home micro-environments in Vietnam and relevance of non-dietary exposure

Contamination status, spatial variability, and exposure risk of triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in indoor dusts from different micro-environments were evaluated for the first time in Vietnam as well as in Southeast Asian region. TCS and TCC were measured in 89 dust samples collected from bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens of private houses in four northern cities including Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Nam Dinh, by means of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Concentrations of TCS and TCC ranged from <5 to 1090 (median 33.2) and from <3 to 531 (median 19.3) ng g^-1, respectively. Concentrations of TCS and TCC in the kitchen and bedroom dusts were markedly higher than levels found in the living room samples, probably due to their applications in kitchen utensils, household cleaning reagents, and personal care products. A strong positive correlation between TCS and TCC concentrations was detected in the whole dataset (R² = 0.810, p < 0.001). For samples in which both TCS and TCC were quantified, TCS/TCC ratios ranged from 0.3 to 12 with a median value of 1.8, and did not show big differences between micro-environments. Human exposures to TCS and TCC through dust ingestion were estimated for various age groups with 95% CI daily intake doses ranging from (0.032-0.070) to (0.340-0.740) and from (0.017-0.033) to (0.175-0.345) ng kg-bw^-1 d^-1 for adults and infants respectively. Although our derived values were much lower than reference doses, more comprehensive risk assessment considering multiple exposure pathways of TCS and TCC is needed.

Urinary Concentrations of Parabens in a Population of Iranian Adolescent and Their Association with Sociodemographic Indicators

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in personal care products, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential endocrine disruption effects of parabens. In the present study, the urinary concentration of four common parabens, including methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP), in 100 Iranian adolescents randomly referring to health services centres were analyzed using GC/MS. The association of sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, collected through questionnaire, with the concentration of parabens also were studied. Median concentrations of MP, EP, PP, and BP were 92.21, 8.46, 12.26, and 8.42 µg/g creatinine, respectively. There was a strong positive significant correlation between MP and PP (r = 0.694) and moderate to a weak correlation between the other parabens. The concentration of urinary MP in females was significantly higher than those in male (p = 0.021). There was a significant negative association between different BMI groups and MP and EP. There also was a positive significant association between the MP and age, and between MP, EP, and PP, and tobacco use. Although the estimated daily intake of the parabens was lower than the Acceptable Daily Intake, it was higher than those reported in other countries. This confirms the widespread exposure of Iranian adolescents to the paraben compounds and their association with sociodemographic factors. This was the first study reporting the urinary parabens level in Iranian adolescents, and the data can be used as a basis for assessing the risk of exposure to parabens in the Iranian population in future studies.

Occurrence and transfer of benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters from the pregnant women to fetuses

Benzophenone (BP)-type ultraviolet (UV) filters are widely used in personal care products. Some of them have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals. However, little is known about the occurrence of BP-type UV filters in paired maternal-fetal samples. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of eight BP-type UV filters in paired maternal-fetal samples collected from Southern China. Among target analytes, only benzophenone-3 (BP-3) was frequently (detection rate > 80%) detected in maternal-fetal samples, i.e., maternal serum (MS), cord serum (CS), maternal urine (MU) and amniotic fluid (AF). BP-3 was the dominant compound in MS (median: 0.14 ng/mL), CS (0.16) and AF (0.12); whereas MU was dominated by benzophenone-1 (BP-1, 2.85). The median CS/MS ratios (i.e., placental transfer rates) of 4-hydroxy benzophenone (4-OH-BP, 2.35), BP-1 (1.52), benzophenone-4 (BP-4, 1.06), and BP-3 (1.03) were higher than 1.0, suggesting that exposure levels of these chemicals in fetuses were greater than those in mothers. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.667, p < 0.001) of BP-3 concentrations were found between MS and CS, which suggested that MS could be an indicator of fetal exposure to BP-3. Furthermore, the CS/MS ratios of 4-OH-BP, BP-1, BP-3, and benzophenone-8 (BP-8) increased with decreasing molecular weight or log K_ow. Passive diffusion may play an important role in placental transfer of these BP type UV filters. The MU/MS_BP-3 ratio (5.86) was relatively higher than that of MU/MS_BP-1 (0.89), which indicated that BP-3 excretes rapidly in urine. The present study documents the occurrence of eight BP-type UV filters in matched MS, CS, MU and AF samples for the first time in China.

Fate, risk and removal of triclocarban: A critical review

The halogenated antimicrobial triclocarban (TCC) has large production and consumption over last decades. Its extensive utilization in personal care products and insufficient treatment in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has led to its listing as one of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs). Due to the hydrophobicity and chemical stability of TCC, it has been omnipresent detected in terrestrial and aquatic environments, and its prolonged exposure has thrown potential pernicious threat to ecosystem and human health. Considering its recalcitrance, especially under anoxic conditions, both biological and non-biological methods have been exploited for its removal. The efficiency of advanced oxidation processes was optimistic, but complete removal can rarely be realized through a single method. The biodegradation of TCC either with microbial community or pure culture is feasible but efficient bacterial degraders and the molecular mechanism of degradation need to be further explored. This review provides comprehensive information of the occurrence, potential ecological and health effects, and biological and non-biological removal of TCC, and outlines future prospects for the risk evaluation and enhanced bioremediation of TCC in various environments.

Menstrual blood concentrations of parabens and benzophenones and related factors in a sample of Spanish women: An exploratory study

AIM

To evaluate concentrations of parabens (PBs) and benzophenones (BzPs) in menstrual blood and explore related sociodemographic/lifestyle factors, and to compare between menstrual and peripheral blood concentrations in a subset of samples.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Concentrations of 4 PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP) and butyl-paraben (BuP)] and 6 BzPs [BzP-1, BzP-2, BzP-3, BzP-6, BzP-8 and 4-OH-BzP] were determined in menstrual blood from 57 women and in both menstrual and peripheral blood samples from 12 women, all healthy Spanish women of reproductive age. Socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits [diet and use of cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs)] were gathered using an online questionnaire. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between menstrual and peripheral blood concentrations, while multivariable linear regression was used to identify potential explanatory variables for menstrual PB and BzP concentrations.

RESULTS

Globally, all menstrual blood samples had detectable levels of ≥3 compounds, and 52.6% of the samples contained ≥6 compounds. MeP, PrP, and BzP-3 were the most frequently detected compounds (detection frequencies >90.0%), with median concentrations of 1.41, 0.63, and 1.70 ng/mL of menstrual blood, respectively. Age, the use of PCPs, and consumption of some food items (meat, pasta, cheese, or dairy products) were related to the menstrual blood concentrations of some PBs/BzPs. Serum:menstrual blood ratios of PBs/BzPs ranged from 1.7 to 3.6, with no inter-matrix correlations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals, to our knowledge for the first time, the widespread presence of several PBs and BzPs in intimate contact with gynecological tissues, although their concentrations in menstrual blood were not correlated with those in peripheral blood from the same women. These results shed light on the information provided by the menstrual blood as a potential matrix for characterizing exposure to PBs and BzPs, whose consequences for women's reproductive health need to be addressed.

Occurrence of parabens and their metabolites in the paired urine and blood samples from Chinese university students: Implications on human exposure

Parabens, a group of p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, are extensively used in cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuff. In the present study, the total forms (free plus conjugated) of four parent parabens, such as methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP), and four metabolites, namely methyl protocatechuate (OH-MeP), ethyl protocatechuate (OH-EtP), p-hydroxy benzoic acid (4-HB), and 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (3,4-DHB), were detected in paired urine and blood samples collected from 196 Chinese university students. The median urinary and blood parabens and their metabolites concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 167 ng/mL and from <0.02 to 2.88 ng/mL, respectively. MeP was the predominant parent parabens, accounting for 68% and 52% of urine and blood samples, respectively. Furthermore, 4-HB predominantly contributed to the parabens and their metabolites in urine (54%) and blood (41%). Significant positive correlations were observed between the urinary levels and blood levels. Moreover, relatively high levels of parabens and their metabolites were detected in urine samples. Our results imply that urinary concentrations are good predictors of human exposure to parabens and metabolites. Gender-related difference in urinary concentrations of parabens and their metabolites were found. The median urinary levels of the tested compounds in females were significantly higher than those in males (Mann Whitney U test, p < 0.05 or 0.01). The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of MeP, EtP, and PrP were also evaluated. The median values of EDI_MeP, EDI_EtP, and EDI_PrP for all of the university students were estimated to be 25.9, 1.61, and 3.82 μg/kg bw/day, respectively. The median values (μg/kg bw/day) of EDI_MeP, EDI_EtP, and EDI_PrP were higher in females (53.7, 8.65, and 5.22) than in males (8.41, 0.85, and 2.57). This study is the first study to report the occurrence of parabens and their metabolites in paired urine and blood samples in China.

Concentration and distribution of parabens, triclosan, and triclocarban in pregnant woman serum in China

Despite mass production and widespread use of parabens, triclosan (TCS), and triclocarban (TCC) in a range of personal care products, little is known about their concentrations and distribution in pregnant woman serum in China. In this study, 5 parabens (methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), butyl- (BuP), heptyl- (HeP) and benzyl-parabens (BzP)) and 4 their metabolites (methyl protocatechuate (OH-MeP), ethyl protocatechuate (OH-EtP), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB)), TCS, and TCC were measured, by using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) techniques, in pregnant woman serum samples collected from 13 provinces in China. Total concentrations of parabens (∑PBs), their metabolites (∑MBs), and TCC and TCS (∑AAs) in serum ranged from 0.221-18.6 (geometric mean (GM): 2.47), 47.4-598 (212), and 0.101-5.84 (1.01) ng/mL, respectively. MeP, EtP, 4-HB and TCS were the dominant compounds, and their GM concentrations were 1.86, 0.239, 211 and 1.00 ng/mL, respectively. Geographical distribution of target chemicals in serum was determined. Concentrations of MeP (5.49 ng/mL) and EtP (0.895 ng/mL) in sera from the Northeast China were higher than those from other regions (MeP: 0.987-3.54, EtP: 0.07-0.254 ng/mL; p < 0.05). The highest 4-HB concentrations were found in sera from the Southwest China (GM: 286 ng/mL), whereas the TCS concentrations in sera from the North China (1.18 ng/mL) were higher than those found for other regions (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intakes (EDIs; range: 49.5-126 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day) showed that the Chinese women were in a low health risk from exposure to such chemicals. This is the first study to report concentration profiles of parabens, TCS and TCC in pregnant woman serum in China.

Influence of Vegetarian Dietary Intervention on Urinary Paraben Concentrations: A Pilot Study with 'Temple Stay' Participants

Personal care products and cosmetics have been identified as major sources of paraben exposure among humans. However, the contribution of dietary factors has not been well understood. We recruited temple stay participants (n = 25) who followed a strict Buddhist vegetarian diet during a five-day period, and assessed the influence of this lifestyle change, employing their urine samples collected before and after the temple stay. Before the temple stay, methylparaben (MeP) was detected at the highest levels, followed by ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), butylparaben (BuP), and benzophenones (BPs) in the urine samples. Following the temple stay, the urinary EtP concentrations remarkably increased from 14.0 to 105 μg/L, and were around two orders of magnitude higher than those reported from other countries. Dietary factors associated with the temple diet may partly explain the increase, because EtP is allowed in Korea for seasoning and condiments, which are frequently added in vegetarian diets. Following the temple stay, however, MeP, PrP, and BPs did not show significant decreasing trends. In contrast, BuP levels decreased significantly, especially in male urine samples, that is, from 3.60 to 1.03 μ/L, suggesting a reduced use of certain personal care products during the temple stay. Our observations outline the potential importance of dietary factors on EtP exposure, and might help explain its high exposure levels among Korean population.

Exposure assessment to parabens, bisphenol A and perfluoroalkyl compounds in children, women and men by hair analysis

Population is continuously exposed to endocrine disrupting compounds present in everyday products such as parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs). The aims of this study were, first, to evaluate human exposure to three parabens (methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP) and propylparaben (PrP)), BPA and six PFCs (perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)) through the analysis of hair samples from children, women and men and, then, to evaluate possible relationships between pollutant concentration in hair and age, gender, smoking and dyeing habits or hair colour. Hair samples were collected from 42 volunteers from Seville (Spain) (10 children, 16 women and 16 men). Six of the monitored pollutants (MeP, EtP, PrP, BPA, PFHpA and PFOS) were detected in at least 76% of the samples analysed. The highest concentrations and frequency of detection (100% of the samples) corresponded to MeP and PrP (up to 14,187 and 9009 ng/g, respectively). BPA was found in 83% of the samples at concentrations in the range from 24 to 1427 ng/g whereas PFCs were detected at concentrations in the range from 0.6 to 15.5 ng/g, being PFHpA and PFOS the ones most frequently detected (86% and 76%, respectively). Concentrations of BPA and parabens in adults were statistically higher than those in children. The results of this study reveal the suitability of hair for biomonitoring endocrine disrupting compounds of high concern (PFCs, parabens and BPA) to which population is internally or/and externally but continuously exposed.

Parabens in breast milk and possible sources of exposure among lactating women in Korea

Parabens, broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservatives widely used in various consumer products and food, are suspected to be linked with several adverse health effects in humans, especially newborn babies, infants, and young children. While human exposure to parabens has been frequently reported by measuring the concentration of parabens in urine, similar measurements in breast milk have rarely been made. To determine paraben concentrations in breast milk and possible sources of exposure, four major parabens, including methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP) were measured in breast milk samples collected from 260 lactating women in South Korea. Demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors associated with the presence of parabens in breast milk were determined. EP concentrations were detected at the highest levels in breast milk samples, followed by MP, PP, and BP. Pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, use of basic skin care products, use of cosmetics, canned beverage, and type of milk consumption were associated with higher frequencies of paraben detection. In addition, type of milk, parity, and drinking status were significantly associated with the concentration of EP. Multiple regression analyses showed that colostrum and transitional milk samples had higher levels of EP than mature milk samples. The estimated daily intake of parabens in infants via breastfeeding appears to be negligible when compared to the acceptable daily intake values set forth by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); however, considering the vulnerability of breastfed infants and ubiquitous sources of exposure from daily use of household and personal toiletries, efforts to identify sources and mitigate exposure are warranted.

Metabolomics and phenotype assessment reveal cellular toxicity of triclosan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibiotic that is added to household and personal care products. Recently, it has become more popular, turning into one of the major contaminants of the environment. This raises a dawning awareness regarding health and environmental issues. In this study, the toxicity of TCS to Caenorhabditis elegans was evaluated using a metabolomics approach. Additionally, the lifespan, locomotion, and reproduction of C. elegans were monitored for a better interpretation of toxic effects. In C. elegans exposed to TCS at the concentration of 1 mg/L, the average lifespan decreased in approximately 3 days. Reproduction and locomotion were also decreased with TCS exposure. The number of progenies, head thrashes, and body bends decreased to 45.15 ± 11.63, 39.60 ± 5.90, and 9.20 ± 1.56 with the exposure to TCS, respectively. Oxidative stress was induced by TCS exposure, which was confirmed by using DAF-16:GFP strain and H₂DCF-DA-based ROS assay. Metabolomics analysis revealed that carbohydrates and amino acids related to energy production were considerably affected by TCS exposure. Additionally, levels of tyrosine, serine, and polyamines, responsible for neurotransmitter and stress response, were significantly altered. Collectively, our findings suggest that TCS induces toxic effects by various mechanisms and exerts a strong influence in various phenotypes of the tested model.

Applicability of the OECD 455 in-vitro assay for determination of hERa agonistic activity of isoflavonoids

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-validated transactivation assay using the human estrogen receptor alpha (hERα) Hela9903 cell line is used for activity evaluation of hERα agonists and antagonists. Due to many advantages, this assay is broadly used as an initial screening process. However, response significantly higher from that of 17-β estradiol (E2) was observed with phytoestrogens for concentrations commonly above 1 μM in previous studies. The main aim of this study was thus to ascertain the applicability of OECD protocol 455 for evaluation of estrogenic activity of natural flavonoids, including known phytoestrogens. The estrogenic activities of aglycones as well as of O-methylated and glycosylated flavonoids were evaluated. Supra-maximal luciferase activity was seen for most of the flavonoids tested at concentrations even below 1 μM. hERα-mediated luciferase expression was confirmed with the competition assay specified in OECD protocol 455. However, at concentrations above 1 μM, non-specific interactions were also observed. Instead of EC₅₀ values, which could not be determined for most of the isoflavonoids tested, the concentrations corresponding to 10% (PC₁₀) and 50% (PC₅₀) of the maximum activity of the positive control, E2, were used for quantitative determination of estrogenic activities. Appropriate evaluation of the data obtained with the current OECD protocol 455 validated assay represents a valuable tool for initial screening of natural flavonoids for estrogenic activity.

Urinary parabens in children from South China: Implications for human exposure and health risks

Parabens are extensively applied in cosmetics, drugs or food as preservatives and have become common pollutants in environmental media. However, data on human exposure to these chemicals is still limited, especially for children. This study aimed to investigate parabens in urine samples of children and to evaluate the cumulative risk of paraben exposure. Five short-chain parabens were measured in 255 urine samples collected from children in a kindergarten and elementary schools from South China. Methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP) and n-propyl paraben (PrP) were widely detected in urine samples (detection rates > 94.9%), indicating their widespread exposure. The urinary median concentrations of MeP, EtP and PrP were 2.25, 0.33 and 0.50 μg/L, respectively. Significantly positive correlations (p < 0.01) were observed between MeP and PrP in urine, suggesting similar sources and/or metabolic pathways of these two chemicals. The median estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of parabens were determined to be 18.1 and 9.79 μg/kg-bw/day for kindergarten children and elementary school students, respectively. Estimation of human intake and exposure risks indicated potential risks of PrP exposure for elementary school students. This is the first study addressing paraben exposure in South China children.

Association of urinary phthalate metabolites and phenolics with adipokines and insulin resistance related markers among women of reproductive age

Chemicals such as phthalates and phenolics have been associated with metabolic markers in humans. However, most studies have only looked at a limited number of chemicals, and little is known about their potential effects on adipokines in humans. In the present study, the associations between dozens of urinary chemicals, including phthalate metabolites and phenolics, and markers related to insulin resistance as well as major adipokines, were assessed among the women of reproductive age (n = 459, between 20 and 48 years of age) recruited from major cities in Korea between 2015 and 2016. Adipokines such as adiponectin and leptin, and insulin resistance related markers such as glucose and insulin, were analyzed in serum. Associations between urinary chemicals and the adipokines or insulin resistance related markers were assessed in two steps. First, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to assess the association of each urinary chemical with the adipokines or insulin resistance related markers (single-pollutant model). Second, several chemicals were selected using elastic net regression and were subsequently analyzed with OLS regression model (multi-pollutant model), considering simultaneous exposure to multiple chemicals. In both single- and multi-pollutant models, several urinary chemicals consistently showed significant associations with adipokines or the insulin resistance related markers. The sum of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHPm) and ethyl paraben (EtP) were associated with increased serum adiponectin levels. Urinary ΣDEHPm levels also showed positive associations with fasting glucose. Moreover, urinary mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and bisphenol S (BPS) levels showed positive associations with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Interestingly, urinary propyl paraben (PrP) levels showed a negative association with HOMA-IR, in both models. Our observations show that among many consumer chemicals, phthalates may affect serum adipokines, and thus glucose, and insulin resistance in adult females. Further confirmation is warranted in other populations.

Spatial distribution of parabens, triclocarban, triclosan, bisphenols, and tetrabromobisphenol A and its alternatives in municipal sewage sludges in China

Parabens, triclocarban (TCC), triclosan (TCS), bisphenols (BPs), and tetrabromobisphenol A and its alternatives (TBBPAs) are used in a broad range of daily consumer products and industrial productions. Concerns have been raised over exposure of humans to these chemicals, because of their adverse health effects. However, information on the spatial distribution of parabens, TCC, TCS, BPs and TBBPAs in sludge from waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) in China is still limited. In this study, 19 endocrine disrupting chemicals, including six parabens, two antimicrobials (TCC and TCS), eight BPs and three TBBPAs, were determined in sludges from 46 WWTPs across China. Concentrations of target chemicals were found in a decreased order as: ∑(TCC+TCS) (mean: 3930, range: 1340-11,100ng/g dw)>∑₈BPs (201, 23.1-1240ng/g dw)>∑₆parabens (67.9, 10.4-272ng/g dw)>∑₃TBBPAs (18.4, 1.36-195ng/g dw). Methyl paraben (MeP), TCC, bisphenol A (BPA) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) were the major compounds found in sludge, accounting for 89.0%, 57.7%, 85.8% and 93.3% of ∑₆parabens, ∑(TCC+TCS), ∑₈BPs and ∑₃TBBPAs, respectively. Elevated concentrations of BPs and TBBPAs were found in sludges from the Northeast China and Central South China (p<0.05), respectively, whereas there were no significant spatial difference in concentrations of parabens or antimicrobials among different geographical regions (p>0.05). Calculation of mass loading showed that sludge from East China (1340kg/yr) and South Central China (1060kg/yr) released relatively more such chemicals. This nationwide study provided baseline concentrations of these chemicals in sludges and estimated their environmental release through sludge in China.

The individual and Co-exposure degradation of benzophenone derivatives by UV/H2O2 and UV/PDS in different water matrices

Benzophenone derivatives, including benzophenone-1 (C₁₃H₁₀O₃, BP1), benzophenone-3 (C₁₄H₁₂O₃, BP3) and benzophenone-8 (C₁₄H₁₂O₄, BP8), that used as UV filters are currently viewed as emerging contaminants. Degradation behaviors on co-exposure benzophenone derivatives using UV-driven advanced oxidation processes under different aqueous environments are still unknown. In this study, the degradation behavior of mixed benzophenone derivatives via UV/H₂O₂ and UV/peroxydisulfate (PDS), in different water matrices (surface water, hydrolyzed urine and seawater) were systematically examined. In surface water, the attack of BP3 by hydroxyl radicals (HO∙) or carbonate radicals (CO₃^∙-) in UV/H₂O₂ can generate BP8, which was responsible for the relatively high degradation rate of BP3. Intermediates from BP3 and BP8 in UV/PDS were susceptible to CO₃^∙-, bringing inhibition of BP1 degradation. In hydrolyzed urine, Cl^- was shown the negligible effect for benzophenone derivatives degradation due to low concentration of reactive chlorine species (RCS). Meanwhile, BP3 abatement was excessively inhibited during co-exposure pattern. In seawater, non-first-order kinetic behavior for BP3 and BP8 was found during UV/PDS treatment. Based on modeling, Br^- was the sink for HO∙, and the co-existence of Br^- and Cl^- was the sink for SO₄^∙-. The cost-effective treatment toward target compounds removal in different water matrices was further evaluated using EE/O. In most cases, UV/H₂O₂ process is more economically competitive than UV/PDS process.

Stabilities of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, bisphenol F diglycidyl ether, and their derivatives under controlled conditions analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), bisphenol F diglycydyl ether (BFDGE), and their related compounds are widely used as precursors in production of epoxy resins. The high reactivity of these compounds makes the development of analytical methodologies that ensure appropriate metrological accuracy crucial. Consequently, we aimed to determine whether and to what extent the composition of the solution and storage conditions affect the stability of selected BADGE and BFDGE derivatives. The stabilities of these compounds were studied using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (HPLC-ESI–MS/MS). The chromatographic method elaborated here has allowed for separation of the analytes in time shorter than 6 min, for both methanol and acetonitrile-based mobile phases. The obtained calibration curves for all analytes were linear in the range tested. The values of limit of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.91–2.7 ng/mL, while values of limit of quantitation (LOQs) were in the range of 2.7–5.7 ng/mL. The chosen experimental conditions were compared in terms of the content of organic solvent in solution, storage temperature, and time. Our results show that the content of BADGE, BADGE·HCl, BFDGE, three-ring NOGE decreased with increasing water content (> 40% v/v). For BADGE and three-ring NOGE, significant changes in concentration were noted as early as 24 h after the test solutions had been prepared. In addition, a reduction in the storage temperature (4 to − 20 °C) reduced the rate of transformation of the monitored analytes. Our study will increase quality control in future research and may increase the reliability of the obtained results.

Species-specific accumulation and temporal trends of bisphenols and benzophenones in mollusks from the Chinese Bohai Sea during 2006-2015

Information on the occurrence and bioaccumulation of bisphenols and benzophenones in coastal marine invertebrates is limited. In this study, concentrations of eight bisphenol and five benzophenone analogues were determined in 186 mollusks collected from coastal areas of the Chinese Bohai Sea during the period 2006-2015. Total concentrations of bisphenols and benzophenones were in range of not detected (nd)-58 (geometric mean: 13.0 ng/g) and nd-59.1 (2.06 ng/g) on a dry-weight basis, respectively. BPA and BPF were the major bisphenols, collectively accounting for >90% of the total concentrations. BP-3 was the predominant benzophenone, representing 74% of the total concentrations. The mollusk species, Meretrix meretrix, accumulated high concentrations of both bisphenols and benzophenones. A steady increase in bisphenol concentrations in mollusks was observed in recent years, whereas no obvious temporal trend was found for benzophenones. The estimated daily intakes of bisphenols through consumption of mollusks were lower than the current reference dose. This study establishes a baseline concentration for bisphenols and benzophenones in mollusks in Chinese coastal waters.

The occurrence of bisphenol plasticizers in paired dust and urine samples and its association with oxidative stress

Bisphenol A diglycidy ether (BADGE) and its derivatives are epoxy resins and widely used as emerging plasticizers in food packages and material coating. Though known as endocrine disruptors, little information is available on their occurrence, exposure routes and toxicity. Besides, the analysis of BADGE and its derivatives has always been a challenge due to their reactive chemical properties and the background contamination. Therefore, we firstly developed a novel water-free method to analyze BADGE and its derivatives in dust samples together with other two typical plasticizers bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS). In order to investigate the levels in paired dust and urine samples, 33 paired samples were collected from Singapore. In both dust and urine samples, the predominant compounds were BPA, BADGE-2H₂O and BPS. A significantly positive correlation of BPA levels in paired dust and urine samples was observed in this small-scale study. To tentatively explore the human health effect from exposure to these bisphenol plasticizers, we assessed the correlation between the urinary concentrations of these compounds and oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress biomarker. The result showed that 8-OHdG levels in urine samples was positively correlated with urinary BPA level and body mass index (BMI), suggesting that elevated oxidative stress might be associated with BPA exposure and obesity. In the future, a larger scale study is warranted due to the limited sample size in this study.

Toxic effects of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and derivatives in human placental cells

BADGE (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether) is a synthesis product of bisphenol A (BPA), which, like other plasticizers, can cross the human placenta and reach the foetus. However, compared to BPA, there is almost no toxicological information. This work investigates the toxicity, endocrine and lipid disruption potential of BADGE and its hydrolysed and chlorinated derivatives (BADGE·H₂O and BADGE·2HCl) in human placental JEG-3 cells. The analysis of culture medium by HPLC-ESI(+)-QqQ evidenced a good bioavailability of BADGE·2HCl and BADGE·H₂O, but low stability of BADGE. Regardless, BADGE·2HCl and BADGE showed higher cytotoxicity than BADGE·H₂O, which was the only compound that significantly inhibited CYP19 activity (IC₅₀ 49 ± 5 μM). JEG-3 cells lipidome analyzed by FIA-ESI(+/-)-Orbitrap was significantly altered by exposure to BADGE·2HCl and BADGE at concentrations at the low μM range. BADGE·2HCl lead to a strong decrease of diacyl- and triacyl-glycerides (DGs,TGs) together with some membrane lipids, while BADGE lead to an accumulation of TGs. The results evidence the ability of BADGE and derivatives to affect placental lipid handling and to modulate placental CYP19 activity (BADGE·H₂O) and highlights the need to monitor human exposure to these compounds, at least as intensely as BPA is monitored.

Blood pressure changes during pregnancy in relation to urinary paraben, triclosan and benzophenone concentrations: A repeated measures study

Previous studies have proven the endocrine-disrupting properties and health hazards of parabens, triclosan, and benzophenones, but their relationship with blood pressure during pregnancy remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the associations of repeated measures of urinary parabens, triclosan, and benzophenones with blood pressure during pregnancy and evaluated whether the associations were modified by fetal sex. From a prospective birth cohort in Wuhan, China, we collected urine samples from 644 pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters between 2014 and 2015. Five parabens, triclosan, and three benzophenones were quantified in all urine samples. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured in each trimester after urine sampling. Mixed linear models were used to estimate the associations between urinary chemical levels and blood pressure during pregnancy among all pregnant women and subgroups stratified by fetal sex. In the women carrying male fetuses, urinary triclosan and selected benzophenone concentrations were associated with a slight change of SBP during pregnancy. In the women carrying female fetuses, no chemical was associated with SBP, while urinary concentration of triclosan was inversely associated with DBP, though the magnitude was small. Urinary paraben levels weren't associated with blood pressure during pregnancy. Our results suggest that triclosan and selected benzophenone exposure might be associated with blood pressure during pregnancy in a potential fetal sex-different manner. Replicated research studies in pregnant women with higher triclosan and benzophenone exposure levels are needed in the future.

Occurrence of benzophenones, parabens and triclosan in the Yangtze River of China, and the implications for human exposure

Humans could be exposed to ingredients in personal care products (PCPs) via ingestion of water originated from contaminated water source, yet little attention has been focused on the distribution of benzophenones, parabens and triclosan in the Yangtze River water from China so far. Benzophenones, parabens and triclosan were analyzed in the water samples from 20 various sites in the middle reach of the Yangtze River, China from March to July, and September during 2015. Among the targeted compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA, a paraben metabolite) was found with the highest concentration (median: 510 ng/L), followed by benzophenone-1 (2.79 ng/L), methylparaben (MeP, median 2.72 ng/L) and triclosan (median: 1.85 ng/L). Significant differences were observed in seasonal variations for most observed compounds. Parabens and benzophenones showed higher concentrations in spring while triclosan and PHBA showed higher concentration in summer. Spatial variations of benzophenone-1 were observed among 20 sampling sites, whereas other benzophenones, parabens and triclosan distributed evenly comparatively. Human exposure assessment showed higher estimated daily intake of the detected compounds for infants and toddlers from water than adults, implicating that infants may experience a higher exposed risk than adults. This study provides evidence that parabens, benzophenones and triclosan commonly occurred in the Yangtze River.

Benzophenone-UV filters in personal care products and urine of schoolchildren from Shenzhen, China: Exposure assessment and possible source

The use of benzophenone (BP)-type UV filters in personal care products (PCPs) has rapidly increased in China over the past decade, leading to growing concerns on the potential adverse effects associated with the usage. Urine analysis is an ideal non-invasive approach for human biomonitoring of xenobiotics that are excreted mainly through urinary system. To investigate human exposure of PCPs to children from South China, we determined BP-type UV filters in a total of 156 commercial PCP goods covering 11 categories, as well as 280 urine samples collected from elementary school students in Shenzhen, China. Five BP analogues (i.e., BP1, BP2, BP3, BP8, and 4HB) were frequently detected in both PCPs and urine, among which BP3 was the dominant analogue, accounting for 96.3% of the total BPs in PCPs and 53.2% in urine, respectively. Sunscreens contained the highest BP concentrations (mean: 2.15 × 10⁴ ng g^-1) among all PCP goods. Girls exhibited higher urinary BP concentrations than boys, and body mass index positively influenced BP concentrations. However, no regional difference in urinary BP concentration was observed. The estimated dermal uptake of BPs from PCPs after considering the percutaneous absorption rates was much lower than the estimated dermal intake. The total daily excretion doses estimated from urinary BPs were 74.4 and 47.4 ng·kg^-1_bw day^-1 for girls and boys, respectively. The higher usage of body lotions, hand lotions, and sunscreens by girls than boys (1.49 vs. 1.03 times week^-1) might play an important role.

Verifying community-wide exposure to endocrine disruptors in personal care products - In quest for metabolic biomarkers of exposure via in vitro studies and wastewater-based epidemiology

This study aimed to identify human specific metabolites of selected known or suspected endocrine disruptors (EDCs), mainly UV filters, used in personal care and consumer products whose metabolism has hardly been explored and to select suitable candidate biomarkers for human exposure studies using wastewater based epidemiology (WBE). The analysis of metabolic biomarkers of target chemicals is crucial in order to distinguish between internal and external exposure, since many sources contribute to chemicals being discharged into wastewater. This was achieved through the employment of a new analytical framework for verification of biomarkers of exposure to chemicals combining human biomonitoring and water fingerprinting. Eight EDCs with unknown metabolic pathways (benzophenone-1 (BP-1); benzophenone-2 (BP-2); 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone (4,4'-DHBP); 4-benzylphenol (4-BenzPh); homosalate (HO); octocrylene (OC); 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC), and two EDCs with known metabolism (bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3)) were tested. The biotransformation observed consisted mainly of phase I processes such as hydrolysis and hydroxylation together with phase II conjugation reactions such as sulphation and glucuronidation. Only two chemicals (BP-1, BP-3) were identified in urine and three chemicals (BPA, BP-1, BP-3) in wastewater. Five newly discovered metabolites (HO-Met1, OC-Met1, 4-BenzPh-Met4, 4-BenzPh-Met5 and 4-BenzPh-Met6) and one previously known metabolite (BPA-Met3) were detected in tested urine/wastewater samples from five WWTPs serving large communities ranging between 17 and 100 thousand inhabitants. The presence of metabolic biotransformation products of OC, 4-BenzPh, BPA and HO in wastewater provides evidence for internal exposure of studied populations to these chemicals.

Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system

Preservatives (ingredients which inhibit growth of microorganisms) are used to prolong shelf life of various foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Parabens are one of the most popular preservatives used in the aforementioned products and is currently being used worldwide. Parabens are easily absorbed by the human body. Thus, it is important to discuss about their safety with respect to human physiology. In view of the current literature, which classifies parabens as a group of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), it seems that the precise assessment of their influence on the human endocrine system is particularly important. Disruption of the endocrine homoeostasis might lead to multidirectional implications causing disruption of fitness and functions of the body. Therefore, in this review article, we aimed to summarize the current literature on properties, occurrence, and metabolism of parabens as well as to present recent progress in knowledge about their influence on the human endocrine system.

Urinary concentrations of environmental phenols and their association with type 2 diabetes in a population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A few epidemiologic studies suggest that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, little is known about association between other phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and T2DM. In this case-control study, we measured urinary concentrations of 23 phenolic EDCs in 101 individuals from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to examine the association of parabens, antimicrobials, bisphenols, benzophenones and bisphenol A diglycidyl ethers with T2DM. Urine samples were collected from 54 T2DM cases and 47 non-diabetic individuals (controls), aged 28-68 years old, during 2015-2016. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate odd ratios (ORs) for the association between diabetes and EDC exposures after adjusting for confounders including age, gender, nationality, smoking status and occupation. Age from 40 to 59 years (OR 5.56, 95% CI 2.20-14.0) and smoking status (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.25-6.79) showed significant positive associations with T2DM. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that T2DM cases had high urinary levels of parabens (i.e., methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP) and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (4-HB)), bisphenols (i.e., bisphenols A (BPA) and F (BPF)), and benzophenone (i.e., 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BP)) relative to the controls. Individuals in the 4th quartile for urinary concentrations of MeP, EtP, PrP, 4-HB and BPF and in the 3rd quartile for BPA and 4-OH-BP showed over a 6-fold increase in the odds of having diabetes compared with those in the first quartile. Overall, our study shows that urinary levels of multiple phenolic EDCs were associated with increased risk for diabetes. Further prospective studies are required to verify these associations.

Determination of Nine Bisphenol-Diglycidyl Ethers in Human Breast Milk by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Because of their widespread use, and the mutagenicity and teratogenicity observed in in vitro studies, bisphenol-diglycidyl ethers (BDGEs) were suspected of posing health risks to humans, especially to infants. Quantifying exposure of BDGEs from breast milk is essential in assessing the potential health risks of these ubiquitous compounds to infants. However, there is no reported analytical method for the determination of BDGEs in breast milk. In this context, we developed a rapid and sensitive method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to measure nine BDGEs in breast milk. The analytes were extracted with acetonitrile and fat was removed by freezing under -20 °C. The extracts were further purified by PRiME HLB solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) for the analytes were 0.033-0.500 and 0.100-1.500 μg L^-1, respectively. The recoveries of BDGEs were ranged from 71.33% to 114.33%. Good method reproducibility regarding intra- and interday precision was observed, yielding relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 11.81% and 10.83%, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to 20 breast milk samples. BADGE·2H₂O, BADGE·HCl·H₂O, BADGE·H₂O, BADGE·HCl, BFDGE·2H₂O, and BFDGE·2HCl were detected. BFDGE·2HCl was the dominant BDGE with detection rate of 65.0% and the concentration ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 μg L^-1. This is the first report describing the occurrence of BDGEs in breast milk.

Occurrence, distribution, and environmental risk of four categories of personal care products in the Xiangjiang River, China

The Xiangjiang River is the mother river of the Hunan Province; also, it is a stream receiving effluents from wastewater treatment plants and even sewage, providing raw water for drinking water and habitat for various kinds of aquatic organisms. Thus, the occurrence and distribution of personal care products (PCPs) in the Xiangjiang River, including seven preservatives, four anticorrosion agents, two antimicrobials, and six UV filters, were detected to evaluate their environmental risk. Of 13 detected PCPs, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, 1H-benzotriazole, 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole, triclosan, and triclocarban were detected with a high frequency (81.4-100%), and their concentrations were up to 3173.9, 1040.4, 520.5, 15.6, 20.0, and 13.3 ng/L, respectively. Seasonal and spatial differences of the PCP distributions were observed with p < 0.05. Compared with other 37 rivers around the world, the overall pollution level of the Xiangjiang River was moderate, characterized with higher preservatives, lower anticorrosion agents and UV filters in concentration. The risk assessment revealed that methyl paraben, propyl paraben, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, triclosan, and triclocarban were likely to have ecotoxicological effects on the fish, daphnias, and algae.

Urinary phthalate metabolites and environmental phenols in university students in South China

In China, university students have unique lifestyles compared with the rest of the youth population, as they are almost entirely isolated in campuses. The number of university students is large, and since students represent the future of human reproduction, exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) may have a large impact on society. In this study, levels of several EEDs, including phthalate metabolites, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, triclosan (TCS), and benzophenone-3, were determined in 169 urine samples collected from university students in Guangzhou, South China. In addition, to further understand the potential sources of EEDs in their daily lives, a survey of students' lifestyles was conducted. Based on the urinary concentrations of EEDs and the survey results, daily exposure doses of target EEDs and their potential sources were investigated. Our results indicated that nine phthalate metabolites, three parabens, and BPA were ubiquitous (detection frequency > 60%) in the urine of university students. The concentrations of total phthalates (median: 99.4 µg L^-1) were orders of magnitude higher than those of total parabens (7.30 µg L^-1) and of other environmental phenols (0.40 µg L^-1). Significantly higher concentrations of phthalates, parabens, and TCS were found in female versus male students, partly due to the higher usage of personal care products (PCPs) by female students (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of phthalates, parabens, BPA, and TCS were 0.46-1.35, 3.29-10.3, 0.007, and 0.67 µg/kg-bw/day, respectively. The EDIs of phthalates and BPA were much lower than those suggested by the European Food Safety guidelines (10, 50, and 50 µg/kg-bw/day for dibutyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, and BPA, respectively). Our results indicated that university students were widely exposed to EEDs, but at relatively low doses. PCP usage was the main reason for differences in levels of phthalates (especially diethyl phthalate) and parabens between male and female students in South Chinese universities.

Body size-dependent bioaccumulation, tissue distribution, and trophic and maternal transfer of phenolic endocrine-disrupting contaminants in a freshwater ecosystem

Parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, and triclocarban are recognized endocrine-disrupting contaminants (EDCs); and their occurrence in the environment has attracted increasing concern. Body size-dependent bioaccumulation, tissue distribution, trophic magnification, and maternal transfer of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparabens; 2-phenylphenol (PHP); BPA; triclosan; and triclocarban were investigated in freshwater fish of the Pearl River catchment, China. Most of the EDCs were detected in more than half of the biota samples, ranging from not detected to 6750 ng g^-1 lipid weight, with median concentrations of 5 to 72 ng g^-1 lipid weight. Livers generally contained the highest EDC levels (1609 ± 1860 ng g^-1 lipid wt, mean ± standard deviation), followed in decreasing order by eggs (842 ± 1317 ng g^-1 lipid wt), belly fats (488 ± 465 ng g^-1 lipid wt), and dorsal muscles (240 ± 239 ng g^-1 lipid wt) of the wildlife. Body size-dependent bioaccumulation of the EDCs was observed in the freshwater fish, which varied according to species, tissue, and compound. The concentrations of triclosan, PHP, and BPA usually showed decreasing trends, whereas parabens mostly demonstrated increasing tendency with increasing fish weights, indicating effects of growth dilution and bioaccumulation, respectively. Potential biomagnification was shown by triclosan with trophic magnification factors of 3.0, 4.3, and 4.0 in liver, belly fat, and dorsal muscle, respectively. In addition, the potential of maternal transfer in the fish was primarily revealed for methyl- and propylparabens, PHP, triclosan, and BPA. Presence of the EDCs in the freshwater organisms of the Pearl River catchment warrants more attention considering the potential of trophic magnification and maternal transfer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1811-1823. © 2018 SETAC.

Advanced data mining approaches in the assessment of urinary concentrations of bisphenols, chlorophenols, parabens and benzophenones in Brazilian children and their association to DNA damage

Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has received considerable attention over the last three decades. However, little is known about the influence of co-exposure to multiple EDCs on effect-biomarkers such as oxidative stress in Brazilian children. In this study, concentrations of 40 EDCs were determined in urine samples collected from 300 Brazilian children of ages 6-14 years and data were analyzed by advanced data mining techniques. Oxidative DNA damage was evaluated from the urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHDG). Fourteen EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP), propyl paraben (PrP), 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (3,4-DHB), methyl-protocatechuic acid (OH-MeP), ethyl-protocatechuic acid (OH-EtP), triclosan (TCS), triclocarban (TCC), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP3), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP1), bisphenol A bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·2H₂O), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) were found in >50% of the urine samples analyzed. The highest geometric mean concentrations were found for MeP (43.1 ng/mL), PrP (3.12 ng/mL), 3,4-DHB (42.2 ng/mL), TCS (8.26 ng/mL), BP3 (3.71 ng/mL), and BP1 (4.85 ng/mL), and exposures to most of which were associated with personal care product (PCP) use. Statistically significant associations were found between urinary concentrations of 8OHDG and BPA, MeP, 3,4-DHB, OH-MeP, OH-EtP, TCS, BP3, 2,4-DCP, and 2,5-DCP. After clustering the data on the basis of i) 14 EDCs (exposure levels), ii) demography (age, gender and geographic location), and iii) 8OHDG (effect), two distinct clusters of samples were identified. 8OHDG concentration was the most critical parameter that differentiated the two clusters, followed by OH-EtP. When 8OHDG was removed from the dataset, predictability of exposure variables increased in the order of: OH-EtP > OH-MeP > 3,4-DHB > BPA > 2,4-DCP > MeP > TCS > EtP > BP1 > 2,5-DCP. Our results showed that co-exposure to OH-EtP, OH-MeP, 3,4-DHB, BPA, 2,4-DCP, MeP, TCS, EtP, BP1, and 2,5-DCP was associated with DNA damage in children. This is the first study to report exposure of Brazilian children to a wide range of EDCs and the data mining approach further strengthened our findings of chemical co-exposures and biomarkers of effect.

Degradation of triclosan and its main intermediates during the combined irradiation and biological treatment

Triclosan is an extensively applied antimicrobial agent which has been frequently detected in the environment. In this paper, the degradation of triclosan and its main intermediates was investigated during the combined irradiation and biological treatment. The results showed that triclosan degradation increased with increase of absorbed dose, the removal efficiency of triclosan was 62%, 77%, 87%, 91% and 94%, respectively at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kGy. The final removal efficiency of triclosan after the combined irradiation and biological process was 81%, 86%, 90%, 92% and 95%, respectively. During the irradiation process, two main intermediates, that is, 4,4'-2'-phenoxyphenol (Intermediate 1) and 4-chloro-2'-phenoxyphenol (Intermediate 2) were detected, in which Intermediate 1 dominated during the irradiation process. In the following biological treatment process, Intermediates 1 and 2 could be further degraded. In single biological treatment process, the final removal efficiency of triclosan was 54%, and Intermediates 1 and 2 were detected. Intermediate 1 could be biodegraded while Intermediate 2 could not. The concentration of Intermediate 2 increased during biological treatment process. In conclusion, irradiation as pre-treatment process can enhance the degradation of triclosan and improve the biodegradability of Intermediate 2. Combined irradiation and biological process can be promising for treating antibiotic-containing wastewater.

Induction of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei by 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (oxybenzone) in human lymphocytes

Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; BP-3) is a filter used in a variety of personal care products for protection of human skin and hair from damage by ultraviolet radiation. BP-3 is suspected to exhibit endocrine disruptive properties. Indeed, it was found to be able to interact with the endocrine system causing alteration of its homeostasis, with consequent adverse health effects. Moreover, it is ubiquitously present in the environment, mostly in aquatic ecosystems, with consequent risks to the health of aquatic organisms and humans. In the present study, we analyzed the cytogenetic effects of BP-3 on human lymphocytes using in vitro chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei assays. Blood samples were obtained from five healthy Italian subjects. Lymphocyte cultures were exposed to five concentrations of BP-3 (0.20, 0.10, 0.05, 0.025, and 0.0125 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h (for chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei tests, respectively). The concentration of 0.10 µg/mL represents the acceptable/tolerable daily intake reference dose established by European Union, whereas 0.20, 0.05, 0.025, and 0.0125 µg/mL represent multiple and sub-multiple of this concentration value. Our results reported cytogenetic effects of BP-3 on cultured human lymphocytes in terms of increased micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations' frequencies at all tested concentrations, including concentrations lower than those established by European Union. Vice versa, after 48-h exposure, a significant reduction of the cytokinesis-block proliferation index value in cultures treated with BP-3 was not observed, indicating that BP-3 does not seem to produce effects on the proliferation/mitotic index when its concentration is equal to or less than 0.20 μg/mL.

The pH-dependent toxicity of triclosan to five aquatic organisms (Daphnia magna, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Danio rerio, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, and Carassius auratus)

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial and antifungal agent widely used in personal care products, and it has been frequently detected in the aquatic environment. In the present study, the acute toxicity of TCS to Daphnia magna, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Danio rerio, and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri was assessed under different pH conditions. Generally, TCS was more toxic to the four aquatic organisms in acidic medium. The LC₅₀ values for D. magna and D. rerio were smaller among the selected species, suggesting that D. magna and D. rerio were more sensitive to TCS. In addition, the oxidative stress-inducing potential of TCS was evaluated in Carassius auratus at three pH values. Changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were commonly observed in all TCS exposure groups, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress in the liver of C. auratus. The integrated biomarker response (IBR) index revealed that a high concentration of TCS induced great oxidative stress in goldfish under acidic condition. This work supplements the presently available data on the toxicity data of TCS, which would provide some useful information for the environmental risk assessment of this compound.