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

Abstract

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.