Plastic additives and personal care products in south China house dust and exposure in child-mother pairs

Occupational exposure of nail technicians to industrial chemicals: A pilot study

Previous studies have observed the use of complex industrial chemicals in beauty products. However, occupational exposure of beauty practitioners to various chemicals has not been sufficiently assessed. Our study recruited 37 female nail technicians from 28 nail salons in South China and investigated the abundances and profiles of more than 60 industrial chemicals or their metabolites in indoor dust, hand wipes, and urine of nail technicians. Thirty female college students were also recruited for comparison. The results revealed broad exposure of nail technicians to 42 target chemicals or their metabolites, with mono-phthalate esters (mono-PAEs) exhibiting the highest concentrations (median 284 ng/mL), followed by parabens (median 57.9 ng/mL) and antioxidants (median 19.6 ng/mL) in urine. The urinary concentrations of mono-PAEs, parabens, triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban of nail technicians were significantly higher than those of college students. Pre-shift and post-shift urine did not exhibit significant differences for most chemicals, likely reflecting continuous and long-term exposure. Hand wipe levels of TCS and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpheno were significantly associated with urinary levels of these chemicals or their metabolites, while such a pattern was not observed between dust and urinary levels. This highlights the influence of dermal contact or hand-to-mouth transfer on the intake of these chemicals. Collectively, our pilot study demonstrates the occupational exposure of nail technicians to industrial chemicals in beauty products and calls for vigilant self-protection measures to mitigate exposure risks in beauty practitioners.

Nail salon dust reveals alarmingly high photoinitiator levels: Assessing occupational risks

Photoinitiators (PIs) are chemical additives that generate active substances, such as free radicals to initiate photopolymerization. Traditionally, polymerization has been considered a green technique that seldomly generates contaminants. However, many researches have confirmed toxicity effects of PIs, such as carcinogenicity, cytotoxicity, endocrine disrupting effects. Surprisingly, we found high levels of PIs in indoor dust. Our analysis revealed comparable levels of PIs in dust from printing shops (geometric mean, GM: 1.33 ×103 ng/g) and control environments (GM: 874 ng/g), underscoring the widespread presence of PIs across various settings. Alarmingly, in dust samples from nail salons, PIs were detected at total concentrations ranging from 610 to 1.04 × 107 ng/g (GM: 1.87 ×105 ng/g), significantly exceeding those in the control environments (GM: 1.43 ×103 ng/g). Nail salon workers' occupational exposure to PIs through dust ingestion was estimated at 4.86 ng/kg body weight/day. Additionally, an in vitro simulated digestion test suggested that between 10 % and 42 % of PIs present in ingested dust could become bioaccessible to humans. This is the first study to report on PIs in the specific environments of nail salons and printing shops. This study highlights the urgent need for public awareness regarding the potential health risks posed by PIs to occupational workers, marking an important step towards our understanding of environmental pollution caused by PIs.

An evaluation of dogs' exposure to benzophenones through hair sample analysis

Introduction

Benzophenones (BPs) are used in various branches of industry as ultraviolet radiation filters, but they pollute the natural environment, penetrate living organisms, and disrupt endocrine balance. Knowledge of the exposure of domestic animals to these substances is extremely scant. The aim of the study was to investigate long-term exposure of companion dogs to BPs and relate this to environmental factors.

Material and Methods

Hair samples taken from 50 dogs and 50 bitches from under 2 to over 10 years old were analysed for BP content with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The results revealed that dogs are most often exposed to 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and 4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1). Concentration levels of BP-3 above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 100% of the samples and fluctuated from 4.75 ng/g to 1,765 ng/g. In turn, concentration levels of BP-1 above the MQL were noted in 37% of the samples and ranged from <0.50 ng/g to 666 ng/g. Various factors (such as the use of hygiene and care products and the dog's diet) were found to affect BP concentration levels. Higher levels of BP-3 were observed in castrated/spayed animals and in animals that required veterinary intervention more often.

Conclusion

The results obtained show that the analysis of hair samples may be a useful matrix for biomonitoring BPs in dogs, and that these substances may be toxic to them.

Conjugated bisphenol S metabolites in human serum and whole blood

Studies have shown that bisphenol S (BPS) is mainly present as its conjugated metabolites in human blood. However, the distribution of conjugated BPS metabolites in different human blood matrices has not been characterized. In this study, paired human serum and whole blood samples (n = 79) were collected from Chinese participants, and were measured for the occurrence of BPS and 4 BPS metabolites. BPS was detectable in 49% of human serum ( Collapse

Key Words

• BPS-G
• BPS-S
• Distribution
• Serum
• Whole blood

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Phenols/blood
• Phenols/metabolism
• Sulfones/blood
• Sulfones/metabolism
• Male
• Female
• Environmental Pollutants/blood
• Environmental Pollutants/metabolism
• Adult
• Glucuronides/blood
• Glucuronides/metabolism
• Sulfuric Acid Esters/blood
• Middle Aged

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Zhenling Fu Department of Pharmacy, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, PR China
Hangbiao Jin Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, PR China
Weili Mao Department of Pharmacy, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, PR China
Zefu Hu Department of Pharmacy, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, PR China.

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Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals from beverage packaging materials and risk assessment for consumers

This study investigated the influence of beverage packaging materials on the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastic, glass, carton, aluminium, and tin canned non-alcoholic beverages. Results showed that 63 EDCs including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone-type UV-filters, biocides, nitrophenols, and alkylphenols, were detected in 144/162 screened products. Detected ∑63EDC concentrations ranged from 1.3 to 19,600 ng/L. EDC concentrations were higher in beverages packaged in metal cans while lower or no levels were detected in glass, plastic, and carton packaged drinks. Bisphenol levels were higher on average in canned beverages compared to glass (p < 0.01) and plastic products (p < 0.05) produced by the same brand and manufacturer. Two structural isomers of bisphenol A (BPA) were identified in 19 beverages, constituting the first detection in foodstuffs. The calculated daily intake of detected EDCs showed that exposure to BPA from per capita beverage consumption of 364 mL/day are up to 2000-fold higher than the newly revised safety guideline for BPA recommended by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Overall, these findings suggest that BPA exposure poses a potential health hazard for individuals who regularly consume non-alcoholic beverages packaged in aluminium or tin cans, particularly young children.

Comprehensive assessment of phthalates in indoor dust across China between 2007 and 2019: Benefits from regulatory restrictions

China is the largest producer and consumer of phthalates in the world. However, it remains unclear whether China's phthalate restrictions have alleviated indoor phthalate pollution. We extracted the concentrations of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in indoor dust at 2762 sites throughout China between 2007 and 2019 from the published literature. Based on these data, we investigated the effects of phthalate restrictions and environmental factors on the temporal-spatial distribution and sources of phthalates and estimated human exposure and risk of phthalates. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of phthalates in indoor dust throughout China decreased in the following order: DEHP > DBP > DIBP > DMP > DEP > BBP. The concentrations of six phthalates were generally higher in northern and central-western China than in southern regions. BBP and DEHP concentrations decreased by 73.5% and 17.9%, respectively, from 2007 to 2019. Sunshine was a critical environmental factor in reducing phthalate levels in indoor dust. Polyvinyl chloride materials, personal care products, building materials, and furniture were the primary sources of phthalates in indoor dust. The phthalates in indoor dust posed the most significant threat to children and older adults. This study provides a picture of phthalate pollution, thus supporting timely and effective policies and legislation.

Associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with household environments among mothers and their preschool-age children

Phthalates have become a matter of public health concern due to their extensive use worldwide and negative health effects. The evaluation of potential sources of phthalate exposure is crucial to design prevention strategies, especially for vulnerable populations. This study included 528 mother-child pairs in the Taiwan Mother Infant Cohort Study who were followed up at ages 3-6 years between 2016 and 2020. Each mother was interviewed by using a structured questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics and household environment factors, such as the use of plastic food packaging, residential visible mold, insecticide sprays, and electric mosquito repellents. Eleven phthalate metabolites were analyzed in urine samples simultaneously collected from the mother-child pairs. The phthalate metabolite urinary concentrations were higher among the children than among their mothers, except those of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that urine samples collected during the summer showed higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites than those collected during the winter. Family income levels had negative associations with the concentrations of MnBP and metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in children. The use of plastic food packaging was positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and metabolites of DEHP in mothers. Residential visible mold or mold stains were significantly associated with higher MnBP and DEHP metabolite concentrations in children. The use of insecticide sprays was positively associated with MnBP concentrations in children. Significant associations between household environmental factors and phthalate exposure were mostly found in children, potentially indicating different exposure pathways between mothers and their children. Findings from this study provide additional information for the design of prevention strategies to protect the health of children and women.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals in indoor dust: A review of temporal and spatial trends, and human exposure

Several chemicals with widespread consumer uses have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), with a potential risk to humans. The occurrence in indoor dust and resulting human exposure have been reviewed for six groups of known and suspected EDCs, including phthalates and non-phthalate plasticizers, flame retardants, bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), biocides and personal care product additives (PCPs). Some banned or restricted EDCs, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are still widely detected in indoor dust in most countries, even as the predominating compounds of their group, but generally with decreasing trends. Meanwhile, alternatives that are also potential EDCs, such as bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and PFAS precursors, such as fluorotelomer alcohols, have been detected in indoor dust with increasing frequencies and concentrations. Associations between some known and suspected EDCs, such as phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers, FRs and BPs, in indoor dust and paired human samples indicate indoor dust as an important human exposure pathway. Although the estimated daily intake (EDI) of most of the investigated compounds was mostly below reference values, the co-exposure to a multitude of known or suspected EDCs requires a better understanding of mixture effects.

Estimated daily intake of phthalates, parabens, and bisphenol A in hospitalised very low birth weight infants

Very low birth weight infants (VLBW, birth weight (BW) < 1500 g) are exposed to phthalates, parabens and bisphenol A (BPA) early in life. We estimated daily intake (EDI) of these excipients in 40 VLBW infants the first and fifth week of life while hospitalised. Based on urinary samples collected in 2010, EDI was calculated and compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) with hazard quotients (HQs) evaluated. A HQ > 1 indicates that EDI exceeded TDI with increased risk of adverse health effects. EDI was higher in VLBW infants compared to term-born infants and older children. VLBW infants born at earlier gestational age (GA), or with lower BW, had higher EDI than infants born at later GA or with higher BW. First week median EDI for BPA was higher than TDI in 100% of infants, in 75% for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), 90% for the sum of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), DEHP and di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP) = ∑BBzP+DnBP+DEHP+DiNP, and in 50% of infants for propylparaben (PrPa), indicating increased risk of adverse effects. Fifth week EDI remained higher than TDI in all infants for BPA, in 75% for DEHP and ∑BBzP+DnBP+DEHP+DiNP, and 25% of infants for PrPa, indicating prolonged risk. Maximum EDI for di-iso-butyl phthalate was higher than TDI suggesting risk of adverse effects at maximum exposure. VLBW infants born earlier than 28 weeks GA had higher EDI, above TDI, for PrPa compared to infants born later than 28 weeks GA. Infants with late-onset septicaemia (LOS) had higher EDI for DEHP, ∑BBzP+DnBP+DEHP+DiNP and BPA, above TDI, compared to infants without LOS. More 75% of the infants' EDI for DEHP and ∑BBzP+DnBP+DEHP+DiNP, 25% for PrPa, and 100% of infants' EDI for BPA, were above TDI resulting in HQs > 1, indicating increased risk of adverse health effects.

Assessment of health risk and dose-effect of DNA oxidative damage for the thirty chemicals mixture of parabens, triclosan, benzophenones, and phthalate esters

Humans are constantly exposed to parabens (PBs), triclosan (TCS), benzophenones (BPs), and phthalate esters (PAEs) due to the widespread existence of these chemicals in personal care products (PCPs), and the high frequency of usage for humans. Previous studies indicated each class of the above-mentioned chemicals can exhibit potential adverse effects on humans, in particular DNA oxidative damage. However, the health risk assessment of combined exposures to multiple PCPs is limited, especially the overall dose-effect of mixtures of these chemicals on DNA oxidative damage. In this study, we measured the urinary levels of 6 PBs, TCS, 8 BPs, 15 metabolites of PAEs (mono-PAEs), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) from 299 adults simultaneously. PBs, TCS, BPs, and mono-PAEs were frequently detected in urinary samples with median concentrations of 52.888, 0.737, 1.305, and 141.381 ng/ml, suggesting a broad, low-level exposure among participants. Risk assessments indicated approximately 22% and 15% of participants suffered health risks (Hazard index >1) from exposure to TCS and PAEs. The relationship between 8-OHdG levels and chemical exposure was estimated by Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. It indicated an overall positive correlation between the mixture of these chemicals and 8-OHdG, with methylparaben and mono-benzyl phthalate contributing the most to this association. Of note, sex-related differences were observed, in which exposure to PCPs led to higher health risks and more pronounced dose-effect on DNA damage in the female population. Our novel findings reveal the health risks of exposure to low-level PCPs mixtures and further point out the overall dose-response relationship between DNA oxidative damage and PCP mixtures.

Phthalates in dormitory dust and human urine: A study of exposure characteristics and risk assessments of university students

Phthalate diesters (PAEs) are prevalent and potentially toxic to human health. The university dormitory represents a typical and relatively uniform indoor environment. This study evaluated the concentrations of phthalate monoesters (mPAEs) in urine samples from 101 residents of university status, and the concentrations of PAEs in dust collected from 36 corresponding dormitories. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, median: 68.0 μg/g) was the major PAE in dust, and mono-ethyl phthalate (47.9 %) was the most abundant mPAE in urine. The levels of both PAEs in dormitory dust and mPAEs in urine were higher in females than in males, indicating higher PAE exposure in females. Differences in lifestyles (dormitory time and plastic product use frequency) may also affect human exposure to PAEs. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between the estimated daily intakes of PAEs calculated by using concentrations of PAEs in dust (EDI_D) and mPAEs in urine (EDI_U), suggesting that PAEs in dust could be a significant source of human exposure to PAEs. The value of EDI_D/EDI_U for low molecular weight PAEs (3-6 carbon atoms in their backbone) was lower than that of high molecular weight PAEs. The contribution rate of various pathways to PAE exposure illustrated that non-dietary ingestion (87.8 %) was the major pathway of human exposure to PAEs in dust. Approximately 4.95 % of university students' hazard quotients of DEHP were >1, indicating that there may be some health risks associated with DEHP exposure among PAEs. Furthermore, it is recommended that some measures be taken to reduce the production and application of DEHP.

Associations between concentrations of typical ultraviolet filter benzophenones in indoor dust and human hair from China: A human exposure study

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) has been widely used as a typical ultraviolet (UV) filter in various personal care products. While BP-3 and its derivatives (BPs) have been detected in various environmental matrices, very little is known about the concentration profile of BPs in human hair. The associations of BPs in human hair with those in indoor dust samples collected from the same locations remain largely unclear. In this study, a total of 258 indoor dust samples and 66 human hair samples were collected across China and analyzed to determine the presence of BP-3 and its derivatives. The BP-3 concentrations ranged from 0.386 to 1230 ng/g dw in indoor dust and from 0.149 to 696 ng/g dw in human hair. No difference was found between BPs in indoor dust samples from different geographic regions (p > 0.05), whereas relatively higher BP concentrations were observed for dust from urban regions than dust from rural ones (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the BP-3 concentrations of indoor dust and human hair samples (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of BPs for humans from indoor dust showed a gender difference (females > males; p < 0.05), with the highest EDI value being found in Southwest China (males: 35.5 pg/kg bw/day; females: 40.6 pg/kg bw/day). This study provides the concentration profiles of BPs in human hair and elucidates the associations between the BP concentrations in indoor dust samples and human hair samples collected across China.

Characterization of triclosan-induced hepatotoxicity and triclocarban-triggered enterotoxicity in mice by multiple omics screening

Triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, TCS) and triclocarban (3,4,4'-trichloro-carbanilide, TCC) are two antimicrobial agents commonly used for personal care products. Previous studies primarily focused on respective harmful effects of TCS and TCC. In terms of their structural similarities and differences, however, the structure-toxicity relationships on health effects of TCS and TCC exposure remain unclear. Herein, global ¹H NMR-based metabolomics was employed to screen the changes of metabolic profiling in various biological matrices including liver, serum, urine, feces and intestine of mice exposed to TCS and TCC at chronic and acute dosages. Metagenomics was also applied to analyze the gut microbiota modulation by TCS and TCC exposure. Targeted MS-based metabolites quantification, histopathological examination and biological assays were subsequently conducted to supply confirmatory information on respective toxicity of TCS and TCC. We found that oral administration of TCS mainly induced significant liver injuries accompanied with inflammation and dysfunction, hepatic steatosis fatty acids and bile acids metabolism disorders; while TCC exposure caused marked intestine injuries leading to striking disruption of colonic morphology, inflammatory status and intestinal barrier integrity, intestinal bile acids metabolism and microbial community. These comparative results provide novel insights into structure-dependent mechanisms of TCS-induced hepatotoxicity and TCC-triggered enterotoxicity in mice.

Occurrence of azole and strobilurin fungicides in indoor dust from three cities of China

Widespread use of fungicides has raised the concern of exposure to them among the general population. However, there are extremely limited studies reporting the occurrence of fungicides in indoor dust in China. This study aimed to determine ten agricultural fungicides in indoor dust samples collected in three cities of China from 2016 to 2019, assess spatial and seasonal variations, and estimate the related exposure via dust ingestion. Six out of ten fungicides including difenoconazole, prochloraz, tebuconazole, tricyclazole, azoxystrobin, and pyraclostrobin were frequently detected in the dust samples (ranged 65.8-97.7%) and the concentrations of some fungicides showed a strong correlation with each other. Difenoconazole was the most abundant one among the selected fungicides. The highest level of the selected fungicides was observed in the indoor dust collected from Wuhan in summer 2019 (median cumulative concentration of the fungicides: 62.6 ng/g), while the relatively low concentrations of fungicides were found in the dust from Taiyuan (2.08 ng/g). Heavier fungicide contamination was observed in urban districts compared to that in rural districts. Seasonal variations in the fungicide residuals were also identified. The exposure assessment suggested that intake of the selected fungicides via dust ingestion was much lower than dietary intake reported in other studies. This study filled the data gap of fungicide residuals in the indoor dust in China and further studies are needed to identify the sources and determinants of indoor fungicide contamination.

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.