Probabilistic exposure assessment of aggregate rates of dermal exposure of Japanese women and children to parabens in personal care products

Exposure estimates of parabens from personal care products compared with biomonitoring data in human hair from Northeast China

Parabens (PBs), a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are extensively used as additives in personal care products (PCPs); however, distinguishing between endogenous and exogenous contamination from PCPs in hair remains a challenge. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the levels, distribution patterns, impact factors, and sources of PBs in 119 human hair samples collected from Changchun, northeast China. The detection rates of methylparaben (MeP), propylparaben (PrP), and ethylparaben (EtP) in hair samples were found to be 100%. The concentration of PBs in hair followed the order of MeP (57.48 ng/g) > PrP (46.40 ng/g) > EtP (6.80 ng/g). The concentration of PrP in female hair was significantly higher (65.38 ng/g) than that observed in male hair (7.82 ng/g) (p < 0.05). The levels of excretion rates of MeP (ERMeP) and excretion rates of PrP (ERPrP) in the hair-dying samples (ERMeP: 17.89 ng/day; ERPrP: 14.15 ng/day) were found to be 2.52 and 2.40 times higher, respectively, compared to the non-hair-dying samples (ERMeP: 7.09 ng/day; ERPrP: 6.05 ng/day). However, the system exposure dosage (SED) results revealed that although hair dyes exhibited higher PBs, human exposure was found to be lower than certain PCPs. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that toner, face cream, body lotion, and hair conditioner were identified as the primary sources of PBs in male hair. Furthermore, the human exposure resulting from the utilization of female hair dye and serum exhibited a positive correlation with hair ERMeP and ERPrP levels, indicating in the screening of samples, excluding hair samples using hair dye and haircare essential oil can effectively avoid the interference caused by exogenous contamination from PCPs.

Exposure Profile and Characteristics of Parabens and Alkylphenols in Plasma among Rural Adults in Central China

Parabens and alkylphenols pose serious hazards to human health, yet there are few studies on their exposure profiles and health risks in rural Chinese populations. In this study, 804 participants were selected from the Henan Rural Cohort in mid-eastern China. The plasma levels of parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben (BuP)) and alkylphenols (4-tert-butylphenol (4-t-BP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP)) were analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Linear regression models were used to investigate factors that may influence pollutant exposure levels. The correlation between contaminants was assessed using Spearman's correlation. The human contaminant intake was estimated using the estimated daily intake (EDI). The health risk was assessed using the hazard quotient (HQ). The detection frequency of four parabens and two alkylphenols exceeded 75%, with median concentrations of 0.444, 0.067, 0.078, 0.053, 8.810, and 6.401 ng/mL, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between parabens, as well as between 4-t-BP and 4-t-OP. Regarding gender, paraben concentrations were higher in women than in men, except for BuP. The EDI for pollutants except 4-t-OP was lower than their respective tolerable/acceptable daily intake. In total, 85.70% of participants had 4-t-OP HQ > 1. A widespread exposure to parabens and alkylphenols among the rural population was found. The high health risks of alkylphenol exposure indicate that alkylphenols should be used with caution.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and Monte Carlo simulation of margin of safety for octocrylene, EHMC, 2ES, and homosalate in sunscreens

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) using a floating organic drop has been optimized and used for the sample preparation of four commonly used ultraviolet filter (UVF) substances in sunscreens. Plackett-Burman experimental design was used to screen 10 variables in DLLME. The most significant variables were then optimized by using a response surface method with a Box-Behnken design. DLLME followed by an optimized HPLC identified octocrylene, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, and homosalate as the frequently found UVFs in commercial sunscreens. The systemic exposure dosage and margin of safety (MoS) for the identified UVFs were estimated using in-use concentrations and application patterns. The average systemic exposure dosage values for octocrylene, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, and homosalate were 0.52, 0.61, 0.020, and 0.079 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. Whereas the average MoS values for individual UVFs ranging from 296 to 3160 were all significantly higher than the limit value of 100, the combined exposure risks were slightly above the limit. The probabilistic health risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulation revealed that the combined MoS values were (mean, 10‰, 90‰) 342, 119, and 441, respectively. Regarding the usage of sunscreen cosmetics containing the UVFs studied, these results indicate a safety concern for those who apply multiple UVF products.

Association between exposure to a mixture of metals, parabens, and phthalates and fractional exhaled nitric oxide: A population-based study in US adults

The effects of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) (e.g., phthalates) on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in children have received much attention. However, few studies evaluated this relationship in adults, and the previous studies have considered only a unitary exposure or a set of similar exposures instead of mixed exposures, which contain complicated interactions. We aimed to evaluate simultaneously the relationship between three types of EDCs (six phthalate metabolites and two parabens in urine, two heavy metals in blood) and FeNO (as a continuous variable) in adults. Data of adults aged ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007-2012) were collected and analyzed. The generalized linear (GLM) regression model was used to explore the association of chemicals with FeNO. The combined effect of 10 chemicals on the overall association with FeNO was evaluated by the weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) model. In addition, The Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was explored to investigate the interaction and joint effects of multiple chemicals with FeNO. Of the 3296 study participants ultimately included, among the GLMs, we found that mercury (Hg) (β = 0.84, 95%CI:0.32-1.36, FDR = 0.01) and methyl paraben (MPB) (β = 0.47, 95%CI:0.16-0.78, FDR = 0.015) were positively correlated with FeNO. In the WQS model, the combined effect of chemicals almost had a significantly positive association with FeNO and the top three contributors to the WQS index were Hg (40.2%), MECPP (22.1%), and MPB (19.3%). BKMR analysis showed that there may be interactions between MPB and Hg, Mono (carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCOP) and Hg and the overall effect of the mixture showed a positive correlation with FeNO. In conclusion, our study strengthens the credibility of the view that EDCs can affect respiratory health. In the future, we should be particularly careful with products containing Hg, MECPP, MPB, and MEHP for the prevention of respiratory diseases.

Urinary paraben derivatives in pregnant women at three trimesters: Variability, predictors, and association with oxidative stress biomarkers

Exposure to parabens has been shown to increase oxidative stress, which has a vital impact on the development of numerous diseases. However, few studies reported the effects of the paraben derivatives on oxidative stress, particularly among pregnant women. This study, using repeated measurements, aimed to understand the exposure profiles of urinary paraben derivative concentrations and their relationships with oxidative stress biomarkers (OSBs). A total of 861 pregnant women, who provided spot urine samples at three trimesters, were included, and 2583 urine samples were used to measure four paraben derivatives [p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HB), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), methyl protocatechuate, and ethyl protocatechuate], four parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl), and three OSBs [8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (for DNA), 8-hydroxyguanosine (for RNA), and 4-hydroxy nonenal mercapturic acid (for lipid)]. Pregnant women were extensively exposed to parabens and paraben derivatives with detection frequencies (DFs) of 86.1%-100%, except for butylparaben with a DF of 14.9%. p-HB and 3,4-DHB had relatively high urinary concentrations (specific gravity-adjusted median values: 1394 and 74.5 ng/mL, respectively). Low reproducibility in paraben derivatives was found across the three trimesters. Sampling season, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and infant sex were predictors of some paraben derivatives/parabens. Linear mixed model analyses showed that all target compounds (if DF > 50%) were associated with increases in all the selected OSBs, where the percent change in OSBs with an interquartile range increase in paraben concentration ranged from 9.85% to 24.7%, while those in paraben derivative concentration ranged from 13.8% to 72.1%. Weighted quantile sum model showed that joint exposure was significantly associated with increased OSBs, and paraben derivatives were stronger contributors to OSBs compared with parabens. Overall, urinary paraben derivatives were associated with increased oxidative stress of nucleic acids and lipid in pregnant women.

Evaluation of pollutants in perfumes, colognes and health effects on the consumer: a systematic review

Cosmetic products, especially perfumes and colognes, are widely used in various communities. However, the use of these products can have side effects on consumers. This article aims to review the relevant literature published up to August 2020 to determine whether perfumes and colognes can affect people's health. Relevant articles were identified through electronic search. A total of 562 articles were selected and finally 37 related articles were included in the study after the screening process. The results of this systematic study showed that phthalates, aldehydes, parabens and aluminum-based salts are the most important contaminants in aromatic products that cause side effects such as allergies, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, especially in males, skin allergies, nervous system damage and migraine headaches for consumers. The incidence of complications in people using these products depends on parameters such as age, gender, race, amount of substance consumed, duration of use and economic status, and regarding the relationship between diseases such as cancer, respiratory disorders and endocrine with common contaminants in aromatic products, incidence of these diseases is probable in consumers which require further research to prove.

Placental transport of parabens studied using an ex-vivo human perfusion model

INTRODUCTION

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in daily consumer products such as cosmetics, food items, pharmaceuticals and household commodities. They have been broadly detected in human samples indicating a general human exposure, and concerns arose from their potential endocrine disrupting effect. Especially the exposure to parabens during pregnancy is concerning, as the time of fetal development is a particularly vulnerable period. The aim of this study was to investigate the transport and metabolism of four commonly used parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butylparaben (MeP, EtP, PrP and BuP) and the metabolite para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) across the human placenta.

METHODS

An ex-vivo human placental perfusion model was used. The test compounds were added in the maternal compartment (with initial concentrations of 1 mM or 0.1 mM). Placental transport was evaluated by fetal-maternal concentration ratios (FM-ratio), transport index (TI) and indicative permeability (IP).

RESULTS

Information about parabens kinetics was taken from 10 perfusions and PHBA from 7 perfusions. Paraben metabolism was not detected. The placental transport of MeP, EtP, PrP, BuP and PHBA revealed a transfer from maternal to fetal circulations with FM₁₂₀ of 0.86 ± 0.27 (MeP), 0.98 ± 0.28 (EtP), 1.00 ± 0.28 (PrP), 1.12 ± 0.59 (BuP) and 0.82 ± 0.37 (PHBA). The test substances accumulated in the perfused tissue in some degree. The average kinetic parameters FM-ratio, TI and IP were not different between chemicals.

DISCUSSION

The present study shows that the placenta barrier is permeable to all four parabens and the metabolite, which implies potential fetal exposure.

Probabilistic risk assessment of preservatives in dishwashing detergents and wet wipes for Korean consumers

Preservatives are essential additives in dishwashing detergents and wet wipes. Ensuring the safe use of preservatives in products is important for public health, as some preservatives are associated with health issues. In this study, the content of 12 preservatives in 105 dishwashing detergents and 105 wet wipes was determined, where these compounds are commonly found, among consumer products. A realistic exposure estimation was considered by using Korean consumer-specific exposure parameters for adults and babies. A probabilistic risk assessment was conducted by applying the Monte Carlo simulation method. Benzoic acid (41%) and cetylpyridinium chloride (30%) were the most commonly used preservatives in dishwashing detergents and wet wipes, respectively, although their content in different products (benzoic acid: 0.28-19.4 mg/g in dishwashing detergents; cetylpyridinium chloride: 0.003-0.64 mg/g in wet wipes) varied widely. The calculated median and upper-limit margin of safety (MOS) values related to systemic health effects and skin sensitization from exposure to preservatives largely exceeded the target MOS, which confirmed the safety of the products. Exposure to preservatives from wet wipes was several times higher in babies than in adults. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the amount of the product used, frequency of use, and weight fraction of the preservative were the major contributors to the exposure to preservatives from dishwashing detergents and wet wipes.

Exposure to parabens and associations with oxidative stress in adults from South China

Parabens are widely applied as preservatives in cosmetics, drugs and food. Previous studies suggested that parabens could exhibit potential risks to human health. However, data on human exposure levels and health effects of parabens remain limited, especially in the potential effects on DNA oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate urinary levels of parabens in adults from South China and explore the relationships between urinary parabens and DNA oxidative stress. Five short chain parabens, including methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP), n-propyl paraben (PrP), butyl paraben (BuP) and benzyl paraben (BzP), were determined in urine from 319 adults in Shenzhen, China. MeP, EtP and PrP were frequently detected in urine samples (detection frequencies >66.5%), suggesting broad exposure in South China adults. Median concentrations of MeP, EtP, PrP, BuP and BzP were 5.78, 0.39, 0.35, 0.01 and 0.02 μg/L, respectively. A significantly positive correlation was observed between the urinary concentrations of MeP and PrP (p < 0.01), suggesting similar sources for these two chemicals. In addition, participants with alcohol consumption exhibited significantly lower paraben concentrations in urine than those without alcohol drinking (p < 0.05). Significant association was observed between urinary concentrations of parabens and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels (p < 0.01), while no significant dose-response relationship was found (p > 0.05). A potential risk from PrP exposure was found in South China adults.

Environmental Distribution of Personal Care Products and Their Effects on Human Health

Personal care products (PCPs) are generally used for personal hygiene, cleaning, grooming, and beautification. These include hair and skin care products, baby care products, UV blocking creams, facial cleansers, insect repellents, perfumes, fragrances, soap, detergents, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, etc., thus exposing humans easily. Personal preferences related to PCPs usage frequency are highly variable and depend on socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. The increasing availability and diversity of PCPs from the retailer outlets consequently result in higher loading of PCPs into wastewater systems and, therefore, the environment. These compounds persistently and continuously release biologically active and inactive ingredients in the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and demonstrating adverse effects on human, wild, and marine life. Advanced techniques such as granular activated carbon filtration and algae-based system may help biotransformation and remove PCP contaminants from water with improved efficiency. Additionally, harmony among PCPs related regulations of different countries may encourage standard checks to control their manufacturing, sale, and distribution across the borders to ensure consumers' safety. Furthermore, all intended ingredients, their concentrations, and instructions for frequency of use as per age groups may be clearly labeled on packages of PCPs. In conclusion, the emerging environmental contaminants of PCPs and their association with the growing risks of negative effects on human health and globally on the environment emphasize the chemical-free simple lifestyle.

The associations between personal care products use and urinary concentrations of phthalates, parabens, and triclosan in various age groups: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 3 2015-2017

Phthalates and parabens are ubiquitous chemicals of public concern. This study aimed to investigate the use of personal care products (PCPs) as predictors of exposure to phthalates, parabens, and triclosan (TCS) among various age groups in a nationally representative population. The concentrations of eight phthalate metabolites, three parabens, and TCS were measured in a random spot urine sample in 5962 study participants (age range: 3-86 years). The information on PCPs use was obtained in seven categories over previous three months. The exposure risks to phthalates, parabens, and TCS were different according to the pattern of PCPs use in different age groups and gender. In adolescents and adults, females used all categories of PCPs more frequently than males, with statistical significance. The use rates of PCPs and the significant exposure risks to phthalates, parabens, and TCS associated with PCP use were more clearly observed in adults. The least square geometric means (LSGMs) of urinary methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), and propylparaben (PrP) steadily increased, as the cumulative number of used PCPs increased with statistical significance. The exposure risks to MeP were consistently observed with various PCPs use and showed a significant increase as the cumulative number of PCPs use increased in adults. Furthermore, the use of fragrance products, makeup, and air fresheners significantly increased the exposure risk to EtP in preschoolers. The significant exposure risk to mono-(3-carboxypropyl)- phthalate (MCPP) associated with nail polishes use was observed in preschoolers and adults. This study showed the associations between PCPs use and urinary concentrations of phthalates, parabens, and TCS in various age groups. Environmental health policies to reduce exposure to phthalates and parabens should be widely implemented, including industry regulations and increasing public awareness. Future studies are needed to explore other important exposure sources of these chemicals and their related adverse health effects.