Concentrations Of Methyl Paraben Research Articles

Determination of six parabens in biological samples by magnetic solid-phase extraction with magnetic mesoporous carbon adsorbent and UHPLC-MS/MS

Although parabens are useful due to their antiseptic properties, their widespread use has caused concerns regarding their potential toxicological effects. In this study, a novel magnetic solid-phase extraction combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MSPE-UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed, based on ordered magnetic mesoporous carbon (MMC), for paraben analysis. The MMC was prepared by soft-template synthesis, with a unique pore structure and a highly specific surface response, indicating potential as an excellent adsorbent. Several parameters affecting the paraben extraction efficiency were investigated and a novel method for paraben analysis in serum and urine samples using MSPE-UHPLCMS/MS was developed. The concentrations of methylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben, and propylparaben in these samples were 0.0380–4.36, 0.460–9.65, 0.0118–0.770, and 0.0363–0.641 μg/L, respectively, whereas isobutylparaben and butylparaben were not detected. Furthermore, satisfactory recoveries of 76.4–121% with relative standard deviations (n = 5) of 1.9–8.6% were obtained. Therefore, the developed MSPE-UHPLC-MS/MS method was efficient, highly sensitive, and reliable for analysing parabens in complex biological samples.

Occurrence of parabens, triclosan and triclocarban in paired human urine and indoor dust from two typical cities in China and its implications for human exposure

Parabens, triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) are emerging endocrine disrupting chemicals, which are commonly used in personal care products and household applications in daily life. Due to their adverse health effects, human exposure to these chemicals has been a public concern. Despite evidence showing different exposure pathways of these chemicals, few studies have examined contribution of certain exposure to total human exposure. In this study, we measured six parabens, TCS and TCC in 129 indoor dust samples and these chemicals plus four paraben metabolites in 203 urine samples from two different cities in China (Suizhou, a typical small city in central China and Beijing, the capital of China). The median concentrations of ∑6Parabens (1050 ng/g) and ∑TCS + TCC (565 ng/g) in dusts from Beijing were 1.9–3.3 times higher than those from Suizhou (∑6Parabens: 314, ∑TCS + TCC: 294 ng/g). The ∑6Parabens in urines from Suizhou and Beijing were in the range of 0.208–645 and 0.455–2300 μg/g Creatinine (Cr), respectively. The ∑TCS + TCC concentrations in urine were 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than those found for ∑6Parabens. Comparatively, women had relatively higher body burden of parabens than men, which was more noticeable when considering the use of skin care products. In this regard, relatively higher levels of parabens were also found in women in couples. Positive correlations were found between concentrations of methyl-paraben (MeP) and ethyl-paraben (PrP) in paired dust and urine samples (p < 0.05). Human exposure to such chemicals was evaluated. Based on the measured concentrations in paired human urine and indoor dust samples, our results provided direct evidence that the contribution of indoor dust ingestion to the total exposure was minor. These findings are essential for clarifying the sources and potential exposure routes of these chemicals in humans.

Methylparaben Increases Expression of the Gamma‐Glutamyltransferase 6 Gene Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Lan‐5 Neuroblastoma Cell Line

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The pathogenesis of ASD is not clear, although some studies point to hormone disruptors, such as parabens, and oxidative stress as possible environmental factors. Gamma-glutamyltransferase 6 (GGT6) plays a role in the gamma-glutamyl cycle which is crucial to the cellular defense system against oxidative stress. The ggt6 gene expression is shown to be increased in ASD. In this study, we assessed changes in gene expression of ggt6 in Lan-5 neuroblastoma cell lines exposed to methylparaben for 72 hours. This cell line is derived from a 4-5-month-old boy which is more suitable for our study compared to female derived cell lines as ASD has a higher occurrence rate in males. We hypothesized methylparaben would increase the gene expression of ggt6. We measured the IC10 concentrations of methylparaben against the Lan-5 cell line and treated this cell line with the mentioned IC10 concentrations for 72 hours. We then analyzed changes in gene expression of ggt6 via Real time-PCR. We observed a significant increase in ggt6 gene expression in the methylparaben treated groups compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). This observation suggests a possible link between ASD and parabens. It is promising to look further into the effects of parabens on the nervous system and their possible association with ASD.

Toxicity and sublethal effects of methylparaben on zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae and adults.

Among the parabens, methylparaben (MeP) is the most commonly found in personal care products. Due to the continuous use of MeP and low removal efficiency by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), it reaches aquatic environments, where it is incorporated by organisms inhabiting these waters. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of MeP on the zebrafish Danio rerio larvae and adults through toxicity tests and physiological and biochemical biomarkers in order to assess possible harmful effects of MeP. For biomarker measurements, fish were exposed to the environmental concentration of 30 μg/L of MeP and the non-effect concentration (NOEC) estimated for larvae (60 mg/L) and adult (50 mg/L) in toxicity tests. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of MeP was 105.09 mg/L for adults and 211.12 mg/L for larvae. These values unexpectedly indicated that adults were more sensitive to MeP compared to larvae. In adult fish, exposure to 50 mg/L MeP induced a significant decrease in phase 1 biotransformation (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity) and an increase in lipoperoxidation (LPO) in gills, as well as an increase in frequency of micronuclei in erythrocytes of these fish. Biomarkers results were integrated (integrated biomarker response [IBR] index), and it observed lower IBR scores in tissues of fish exposed to MeP, suggesting a suppression of biological responses. In addition, LPO contributed mostly to the IBR score estimated for gills of fish exposed to 50 mg/L MeP. Based on LPO quantity, sublethal exposure of MeP (30 μg/L and 60 mg/L) did not cause toxicity to larvae. Hence, we investigated whether the difference in sensitivity between adults and larvae could be associated with the antimicrobial action of MeP that could affect the intestinal microbiota of adults. We only found an increase in the number of carbon sources consumed by them without effects on diversity and abundance. This outcome can be considered an adaptation to environmental stress, but not a negative effect. However, the LPO and genotoxicity caused by MeP to zebrafish adults call direct attention to the importance of regulating the presence of this compound in the environment and improve cleaning processes adopted by WWTP.

Using Pressure-Driven Membrane Processes to Remove Emerging Pollutants from Aqueous Solutions

Currently, there is great concern about global water pollution. Wastewater generally contains substances called emerging pollutants, and if the removal of these pollutants is not given sufficient attention, the pollutants can enter into the water cycle and reach the water supply for domestic use, causing adverse effects on the well-being of people. In order to avoid this menace, a multitude of techniques to reduce the high concentration levels of these substances dissolved in water are being researched and developed. One of the most-used techniques for this goal is the physical-chemical separation of contaminants in water through membrane technology. In this study, different membranes were tested with the objective of investigating the removal of three emerging pollutants: caffeine, metformin, and methyl-paraben. Initially, a nanofiltration (NF) membrane was selected, and the influence of pressure was evaluated in the rejection coefficients and permeate fluxes. Next, a screening of three new membranes to remove methyl paraben was completed. The influence of the operating variables, working pressure, and methyl paraben-feed concentration was checked. Finally, the solution-diffusion model was applied to predict the behavior of the different membranes in the removal of methyl paraben. A good correlation between experimental and calculated values of permeate flux and methyl paraben concentration was obtained.

Exposure to Parabens Through The Use of Personal Care Products Among Iranian Men.

Despite the widespread use of parabens as antimicrobial preservatives in personal care products (PCP) and foodstuffs, recent studies have shown that exposure to parabens can play a role in the endocrine disruption process. In the present study, the urinary concentrations of methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP) were measured among 125 men, and their relationship with the use of 13 distinct PCPs was examined. MP, EP, PP, and BP were detected with a median concentration of 60.12, 8.40, 9.74, and 7.19μg/L, respectively. The difference of urinary MP and PP between three groups of users of PCPs (low, medium, and high users) was significant (p < 0.05), and the higher levels were found in the high-users' group. The total number of PCP applications was associated with higher urinary MP and PP. Furthermore, the urinary concentration of parabens was found to be dependent of the types of products used. Participants who reported the use of sunscreen, lotions, and deodorant had significantly higher urinary MP (76-185%) than nonusers. Bodywash users had higher levels of urinary MP and PP (112-160%). The use of mouthwash, perfume/cologne, and toothpaste also had urinary PP concentration (73-412%) higher than nonusers. The use of handwashing products remarkably increased the urinary levels of parabens (158-520%). Our findings showed that the use of certain types of PCP is an important source of paraben exposure among Iranian men. These findings can serve as a basis for more extensive studies to investigate the extent of exposure to parabens and to apply appropriate strategies for reduction of their exposure.

The sex-specific association between maternal urinary paraben levels and offspring size at birth

Parabens are a group of antimicrobial preservatives applied in an extensive range of products and are suspected to impair fetal growth because of their disrupting effect on the endocrine system. We aimed to examine maternal urinary paraben concentrations and their neonates' outcome indexes. Methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP) concentrations were measured in 105 maternal urine samples collected before delivery. Length, weight, and head circumference at birth were extracted from the mothers' delivery files. A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between paraben levels and neonatal anthropometric indices. The median levels of urinary parabens, especially BP, were higher than those in other countries. Prenatal urinary concentration of MP and BP showed a significantly positive association with birth weight in all neonates (β = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.41, and β = 8.56, 95% CI: 3.95, 13.17, respectively), while these chemicals showed a significant negative association with head circumference (β = - 0.002, 95% CI: - 0.004, - 0.000, and β = - 0.016, 95% CI: - 0.030, - 0.002, respectively). A significant positive association between MP and birth length was also found (β = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.00) in all the neonates. In sex-stratified adjusted models, MP and BP were found to be associated, respectively, with higher birth length and weight in male neonates (β = 0.008, 95% CI: - 0.001, 0.017, and β = 7.948, 95% CI: 1.045, 14.851). In girls, maternal urinary MP, PP, and BP were associated with increased birth weight (β = 0.831, 95% CI: 0.043, 1.620; β = 4.178, 95% CI: 0.877, 7.480; and β = 10.821, 95% CI: 3.545, 18.097, respectively), and MP and BP were associated with reduced head circumference at birth (β = - 0.003, 95% CI: - 0.005, - 0.001, and β = - 0.035, 95% CI: - 0.055, - 0.016). These results revealed potential impacts between neonatal growth and maternal exposure to parabens. However, these findings should be interpreted while considering the limitations of the present study.

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.

Separation of methylparaben from aqueous source stream by pseudo-emulsion hollow fiber membrane strip dispersion technique: Optimization of process parameters using Grey-Taguchi method

Parabens are the esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid extensively used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. These compounds have been reported to have estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties. The separation of methylparaben from water by hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) and pseudo-emulsion hollow fiber membrane strip dispersion (PEHFSD) technique was studied. Output responses: permeability and stripping percentage were maximized by Grey-Taguchi technique. Concentrations of methylparaben in the three phases at equilibrium were in good agreement with the values calculated from the material balance. Stripping percentage for HFSLM and PEHFSD system were 67% and 90.52% respectively at a contact time of 90 minutes. The estimated permeability was 3.8859 × 10−5 and 7.8041 × 10−5 cm/sec for HFSLM and PEHFSD system respectively.

Urinary parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan in primiparas from Shenzhen, China: Implications for exposure and health risks.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-020-00599-1.

Degradation of aqueous methylparaben by non-thermal plasma combined with ZnFe2O4-rGO nanocomposites: Performance, multi-catalytic mechanism, influencing factors and degradation pathways

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) combined with zinc ferrite-reduced graphene oxide (ZnFe2O4-rGO) nanocomposites were used for the degradation of aqueous methylparaben (MeP). ZnFe2O4-rGO nanocomposites were prepared using the hydrothermal method, with the structure and photoelectric properties of nanocomposites then characterized. The effects of discharge power, initial MeP concentration, initial pH, and air flow rate on MeP degradation efficiency were investigated, and the multi-catalytic mechanism and MeP degradation pathways were established. Results showed that ZnFe2O4-rGO nanocomposites with a 10%:90% mass ratio of GO:ZnFe2O4 had an optimal catalytic effect. The MeP degradation efficiency of NTP combined with ZnFe2O4-rGO (10 wt%), was approximately 25% higher than that of NTP alone. Conditions favorable for MeP degradation included higher discharge power, lower MeP concentration, neutral pH value, and higher air flow rate. The degradation of MeP by NTP combined with ZnFe2O4-rGO nanocomposites followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. O2•-, •OH, H2O2, and O3 were found to play important roles in the MeP degradation, as part of the multi-catalytic mechanism of NTP combined with ZnFe2O4-rGO nanocomposites. MeP degradation pathways were proposed based on the degradation intermediates detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, including demethylation, hydroxylation, carboxylation, ring-opening, and mineralization reactions. The prepared ZnFe2O4-rGO nanocomposites provide an approach for improved contaminant degradation efficiency, with reduced energy consumption in the NTP process.

Organic Micropollutants in Wastewater Effluents and the Receiving Coastal Waters, Sediments, and Biota of Lyttelton Harbour (Te Whakaraupō), New Zealand.

Coastal ecosystems are receiving environments for micropollutants due to high levels of associated anthropogenic activities. Effluent discharges from wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of micropollutants to coastal environments. Wastewater effluents, seawater, sediments, and green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in Lyttelton Harbour (Te Whakaraupō), Christchurch, New Zealand, were analysed for a suite of personal care products and steroid hormones during a 1-year period. In wastewater effluents, the concentration of methyl paraben (mParaben), ethyl paraben (eParaben), propyl paraben (pParaben), butyl paraben (bParaben), 4-t-octylphenol (OP), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), triclosan, methyl triclosan (mTric), Bisphenol A (BPA), Estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2), and Estriol (E3) ranged from < 0.6 to 429ngL-1 and was dominated by OP, 4-MBC, BP-3, triclosan, BP-1, and BPA. In seawater, 4-MBC, BP-3, BPA, and E1 were the most frequently detected contaminants (< 0.2-9.4ngL-1). Coastal sediment samples contained mParaben, OP, 4-MBC, BP-3, BP-1, BPA, OMC, and E1 (< 0.2-11ngg-1d.w.), and mParaben, OP, and BP-3 were found to bioaccumulate (3.8-21.3ngg-1d.w.) in green lipped mussels.

Enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic activity of reduced graphene oxide/cadmium sulfide composite: Methylparaben degradation mechanism and toxicity

Reduced graphene oxide/cadmium sulfide (RGOCdS) nanocomposite synthesized through solvothermal process was used for methylparaben (MeP) degradation. The crystallinity of the nanocomposite was ascertained through X-ray diffraction. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) results proved the absence of any free particle beyond the catalyst surface ensuring the composite nature of the prepared material. The enhancement in the activity on doping with RGO was substantiated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS-UV). It is evident from the photocatalytic degradation experiments that RGOCdS is more efficient than pure CdS. Maximum MeP degradation (100%) was achieved after 90 min of irradiation with 750 mg/L RGOCdS dosage at an acidic pH of 3, for an initial MeP concentration of 30 mg/L. The degradation mechanism substantiated through HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed the complete degradation of MeP without any residual intermediaries. The catalyst could be sustained and reused for up to 9 cycles of usage. Phytotoxicity and mycotoxicity results evidently ascertain the environmental implications of the photocatalyst material.

Evaluation of exposure to parabens in Iranian women and its association with personal care products using behavior

Parabens are widely used in personal care products (PCPs) as antimicrobial factors due to their biocide property. These compounds have estrogenic activities and act as endocrine disruptors against biological systems. This study aimed to measure the urinary concentration of methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP), and to evaluate their association with the application of 19 PCPs among Iranian women. Parabens' detection frequency was 86–100%, and their median concentration was 8.53–93.4 μg/L, representing wide exposure of participants to parabens. The highest daily intake (DI) was related to MP (median = 13.4 μg/kg-BW/day); however, it was lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The difference in the level of parabens between three groups of PCPs users (low, moderate, and high) was significant (P < 0.05). So, the parabens' level of exposure in Iranian women has been associated with their PCPs using habits, and the levels of urinary parabens were different based on the type of used products. For instance, the concentration was higher among the users of lotion (13–78%), makeup base (41–74%), sunscreen (34–71%), body wash (57–87%), and deodorants (58–61%). These findings can be used in future risk assessment studies and in the strategic planning for elimination of exposure in the Iranian population.

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

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. 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. 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 9.87µg/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). 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.

Urinary Paraben Concentration and Its Association with Serum Triglyceride Concentration in 2013-2014 NHANES Participants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, colloquially known as parabens, are types of preservatives found in multiple foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products to which Americans are exposed daily. It is unclear if parabens exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties. Parabens may interact with triglycerides in adipose tissue and impact lipid metabolism. Objective To evaluate the association between urinary paraben concentrations and serum triglyceride concentrations. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting. The Mobile Examination Centers affiliated with 2013-2014 NHANES. Participant(s). 827 adults (20 years or older) affiliated with the 2013-2014 NHANES. Intervention(s). None. Main Outcome Measure(s). Triglyceride levels were associated with urinary paraben concentrations (methyl, ethyl, and propyl) using a hierarchical multiple regression, adjusting for ethnicity/race, gender, BMI, and age. Unadjusted results are also reported. Results The geometric mean of the urinary concentration of methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben was 57.100, 2.537, and 6.537 ng/ml, respectively. Triglyceride concentrations were inversely associated with methylparaben (β = −0.092, P=0.07), ethylparaben (β = −0.066, P=0.045), and propylparaben (β = −0.076, P=0.025). Being female, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black were associated with decreasing triglyceride levels in the presence of methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben, and age, BMI, and being male were associated with increasing circulating triglycerides. Conclusion Despite the potential detrimental effects of parabens on triglycerides, our results suggest that urinary excretions of methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben are associated with lower concentrations of circulating triglycerides in certain populations. Further research is needed to confirm the mechanisms and health impact of this relationship.

Effects of methylparaben on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes.

Parabens (PBs) are compounds widely used in industry for food and personal care products as antimicrobials and preservatives. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in their detection in different ecosystems so that humans and other organisms are highly exposed. Methylparaben (MePB), compared with other PBs, is mostly detected in food, personal care and baby care products. PBs could be linked to the generation of hormonal disorders and fertility impairment since their recent classification as endocrine disruptors. The knowledge of the effects that MePB can exert is of great importance as, in terms of reproduction, information is limited. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of MePB on porcine oocyte viability and in vitro maturation (IVM), as well as to determine the lethal concentration at 50% (LC50 ) and the maturation inhibition concentration at 50% (MIC50 ). Oocytes were exposed to different MePB concentrations 0 (control), 50, 100, 500, 750 and 1000 μm during 44 h of IVM. Cytoplasmic alterations and reduced cumulus cell expansion were observed in oocytes exposed to MePB; however, viability was not affected. In addition, oocyte maturation decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after exposure to MePB. The estimated LC50 was 2028.38 μm, whereas MIC50 was 780.31 μm. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates that MePB altered porcine oocyte morphology, and caused a reduction in cumulus cell expansion, both of which resulted in decreased oocyte maturation. Therefore, MePB exposure may be one of the factors involved in fertility impairment in mammals, including that of humans.

The association of personal care products uses and dietary habits with the urinary concentration of parabens in Iranian adults

ABSTRACT We evaluated the relationships between the use of individual personal care products (PCPs) and food items with the urinary Methylparaben (MP), Ethylparaben (EP), Propylparaben (PP) and Butylparaben (BP) among 178 Iranian adults. The urinary concentrations of parabens were found to be significantly different between low, medium, and high users of PCPs (P < 0.05). The frequency of PCP use was associated with higher urinary MP, PPand BP concentrations. Significant positive association was found between the frequency of food products use and urinary MP and EP concentrations. The urinary concentration of parabens was higher in individuals who used body wash, makeup base, shaving cream and, lotion in the past 24 h compared to non-users. Consumers of cookies and dairy products had significantly higher urinary MP and jelly consumers had higher urinary MP and PP concentrations than non-consumers. Our findings indicated that certain types of foods and PCPs could be important sources of exposure to parabens.

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 8.42µg/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.

Investigating determinants of parabens concentration in maternal urine

Parabens are used as antimicrobial preservatives in a wide range of cosmetics, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. There is increasing evidence that has linked paraben exposure to adverse health effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the determinants of urinary parabens concentration among Iranian pregnant women. The urinary concentrations of methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP) were measured among 117 pregnant women at their first trimester. The associations between urinary concentrations of these compounds with different variables were assessed. MeP, EtP, PrP, and BuP were detected with a median concentration of 160.1, 0.04, 7.8, and 7.5 μg/g.cre, respectively. Significant associations were observed between urinary concentrations of MeP and PrP with educational level, between MeP, PrP and BuP with plastic packaging of foodstuffs and physical activity status, and between MeP and sampling season. All the measured parabens were significantly correlated with the use of personal care products. PrP and BuP were found to be correlated to passive smoking and intake of supplements, respectively. MeP and EtP showed negative significant relationships with the consumption of drinking water and MeP concentration correlated with gestational age. According to our findings, Iranian pregnant women are at high risk of exposure to parabens.