Consumer Exposure Research Articles

Regulated 1-2 Carbon Disinfection Byproducts do not Correlate with Cytotoxicity with Increasing Disinfectant Contact Time During Chlorination, Chlorination Followed by Chloramination or Granular Activated Carbon Followed by Chlorination.

Regulations typically use four trihalomethanes (THM4) and five haloacetic acids (HAA5) as metrics of consumer exposure to disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and their chronic health risks. Their use as exposure metrics assumes that their concentrations correlate with DBP-associated toxicity. For a chlorine-disinfected surface water, this study demonstrates that increasing chlorine contact time from 1 to 7 days was associated with a 62-76% increase in THM4 and HAA5 but a 40-47% decrease in total cytotoxicity. Thus, the use of THM4 and HAA5 may divert regulatory attention away from the low water age sections of distribution systems near treatment facilities that may feature the highest cytotoxicity but lowest THM4/HAA5 concentrations. Among common options to reduce THM4/HAA5, this study also shows that chlorine disinfection followed by chloramines for maintaining a distribution system residual did not substantially reduce cytotoxicity. Granular activated carbon followed by chlorine reduced cytotoxicity by 28-80%, even at the lowest water ages where cytotoxicity was maximized. These findings highlight the need to identify DBPs that better correlate with toxicity than THM4/HAA5 to serve as metrics of exposure. These metrics could help identify distribution system locations exhibiting higher consumer risk and develop modifications to disinfection systems that effectively reduce consumer risk.

Brominated flame retardant in animal feeds from Poland

The safety of food of animal origin is closely related to feed quality. Feed pollution by brominated flame retardants (BFRs) leads to the exposure of animals and consumers of food of animal origin to these substances. The study aimed to assess the concentration of ten PBDE (BDE-28, 47, 49, 99, 100, 138, 153, 154, 183, and 209) congeners and eight nBFRs (TBX, PBT, HBB, PBEB, EH-TBB, BTBPE, BEH-TBPH, and DBDPE) in 59 feed and feed materials from six different feed categories (277/2012/EU). The quantification of analytes was based on isotopic dilution and gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). All 59 feed samples were contaminated with at least one of the analytes. PBDEs and nBFRs were found in 78% and 91% of the samples, respectively. BFR content ranged from 0.18 to 5.87 μg·kg-1 in feed with a 12% moisture content, and the most contaminated category was vegetable oils, followed by fishmeal, feeds for fish, animal fats, and compound feeds for pigs. The least contaminated samples turned out to be compound feeds for chickens. This study confirms the general trend of decreasing PBDE concentrations in fishmeal. In the investigated samples, BDE-47 and BDE-209 contributed the most to the ∑PBDE content. DBDPE, HBB, and PBT contributed the most to the investigated ∑nBFRs. The widespread occurrence of nBFRs in feed seems disturbing because these compounds have replaced PBDEs. Their concentrations in the feed may most likely exceed those of PBDEs in the coming years.

Trends in NHANES Biomonitored Exposures in California and the United States following Enactment of California's Proposition 65.

The prevalence of toxic chemicals in US commerce has prompted some states to adopt laws to reduce exposure. One with broad reach is California's Proposition 65 (Prop 65), which established a list of chemicals that cause cancer, developmental harm, or reproductive toxicity. The law is intended to discourage businesses from using these chemicals and to minimize consumer exposure. However, a key question remains unanswered: Has Prop 65 reduced population-level exposure to the listed chemicals? We used national biomonitoring data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate the impact of Prop 65 on population-level exposures. We evaluated changes in blood and urine concentrations of 37 chemicals (including phthalates, phenols, VOCs, metals, PAHs, and PFAS), among US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants in relation to the time of chemicals' Prop 65 listing. Of these, 11 were listed prior to, 11 during, and 4 after the biomonitoring period. The remaining 11 were not listed but were closely related to a Prop 65-listed chemical. Where biomonitoring data were available from before and after the date of Prop 65 listing, we estimated the change in concentrations over time for Californians compared with non-Californians, using a difference-in-differences model. We used quantile regression to estimate changes in exposure over time, as well as differences between Californians and non-Californians at the 25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles. We found that concentrations of biomonitored chemicals generally declined nationwide over time irrespective of their inclusion on the Prop 65 list. Median bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations decreased 15% after BPA's listing on Prop 65, whereas concentrations of the nonlisted but closely related bisphenol S (BPS) increased 20% over this same period, suggesting chemical substitution. Californians generally had lower levels of biomonitored chemicals than the rest of the US population. Our findings suggest that increased scientific and regulatory attention, as well as public awareness of the harms of Prop 65-listed chemicals, prompted changes in product formulations that reduced exposure to those chemicals nationwide. Trends in bisphenols and several phthalates suggest that manufacturers replaced some listed chemicals with closely related but unlisted chemicals, increasing exposure to the substitutes. Our findings have implications for the design of policies to reduce toxic exposures, biomonitoring programs to inform policy interventions, and future research into the regulatory and market forces that affect chemical exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13956.

Evaluation of dermal exposure to phthalates and parabens resulting from the use of hair relaxers

ABSTRACT Hair relaxers have been suggested as a source of exposure to parabens and phthalates. However, dermally absorbed doses of these chemicals resulting from consumer use of hair relaxers have yet to be quantified, and results from epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that there is no increased risk for hormone-sensitive, reproductive cancers associated with use of hair relaxers among Black women. Therefore, dermal absorption of parabens and phthalates associated with hair relaxer use for several commercially available hair relaxer kits was modeled using IH SkinPerm™. The chemicals detected in the hair relaxer kits included methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), butylparaben (BP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and the phthalate substitute bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA). The daily absorbed dose ranges (mg/kg/day), standardized over a year of product use, were as follows: 8.64 × 10−5-0.00116 MP, 2.30 × 10−8-3.07 × 10−6 EP, 3.24 × 10−8-4.33 × 10−6 BP, 8.65 × 10−9-1.15 × 10−6 DEP, and 8.94 × 10−7-0.000119 DEHP for Kit #1; 8.44 × 10−5-0.00113 MP and 7.91 × 10−5-0.00106 DEP for Kit #2; and 2.49 × 10−6-3.33 × 10−5 MP, 1.52 × 10−8-2.03 × 10−6 EP, 3.29 × 10−9-4.39 × 10−7 DEP, and 3.11 × 10−6-4.14 × 10−5 DEHA for Kit #3. These absorbed doses were well below applicable health-based guidance values, indicating consumer exposure from product use is not expected to pose a health risk. These results provide valuable information for health risk evaluations for hair relaxer use.

Coffee and mineral oil hydrocarbons: potential dietary intake

Levels of mineral oil hydrocarbons were measured in a large range of green and roasted coffee beans or ground powder. To better understand the consumer exposure to mineral oil hydrocarbons, the transfer to the brewed coffee was assessed under three different preparations. As a result, less than 5% of mineral oil hydrocarbons were transferred to the cup. With this low transfer rate, the coffee contribution to the mineral oils daily intake can be assessed to be very low, below 0.8% of the total exposure.

Microplastics in commercial bivalves from coastal areas of Thailand and health risk associated with microplastics in ingested bivalves

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in marine organisms is a significant threat to seafood consumers worldwide. This study is the first to investigate the abundance of MPs in the commercial bivalves from six sites along Thailand's coastline, the daily exposure of bivalve consumers to MPs, and potential associated health risks. The microplastic occurrence varied from 69 % to 93 % in four bivalve species while the average abundance of MPs was 1.87 ± 0.86 items/individual or 0.46 ± 0.43 items/g ww. Benthic bivalves (cockles and clams) contained more MPs than their pelagic counterparts (mussels and oysters). Small blue microfibers (<500 μm) were the most abundant. The most common polymers were natural based polymers (cotton and rayon) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The daily microplastic exposure for consumers was 0.52 items/person. Although the risk of microplastic contamination is low, we recommend investigation into the transfer of MPs within the food web, notably as it may pose significant human health concerns.

Application of Nanotechnology to Enhance the Effectiveness and Stability of Essential Oils

The global demand for essential oils is expanding as a result of their numerous applications and increasing consumer exposure in the international market. Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile compounds including, but not limited to, phenolics, esters, ketones, terpenes, alcohols, and amides. The majority of EOs have excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and functional activities. These natural products have conquered space in the food, drug, and cosmetic commercial arena. Unfortunately, like many lipophilic and aromatic active substances, EO presents some drawbacks such as low water solubility, strong organoleptic characteristics, low stability, and limited administration routes, which confines their Industrial use. EOs can be nanoencapsulated to increase their persistence, and bioavailability in the biological process by employing the optimum encapsulation polymers. Additionally, these particles are capable of controlling the release of the EOs promoting a prolonged preservative effect in cosmetics and foods, as well as a potential advantage for pharmaceutical dosage forms. The current research focuses on the essential features of EOs as well as their encapsulation methods. Furthermore, the potential applications of applying nanoencapsulated essential oils in the healthcare field were addressed.

An analysis of suspected microplastics in the muscle and gastrointestinal tissues of fish from Sarasota Bay, FL: exposure and implications for apex predators and seafood consumers.

Microplastics have been found in the gastrointestinal (GI) fluid of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), inhabiting Sarasota Bay, FL, suggesting exposure by ingestion, possibly via contaminated fish. To better understand the potential for trophic transfer, muscle and GI tissues from 11 species of dolphin prey fish collected from Sarasota Bay were screened for microplastics (particles <5 mm diameter). Suspected microplastics were found in 82% of muscle samples (n=89), and 97% of GI samples (n=86). Particle abundance and shapes varied by species (p<0.05) and foraging habit (omnivore vs. carnivore, p<0.05). Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) had the highest particle abundance for both tissue types (muscle: 0.38 particles/g; GI: 15.20 particles/g), which has implications for dolphins as they are a common prey item. Findings from this study support research demonstrating the ubiquity of estuarine plastic contamination and underscore the risks of ingestion exposure for wildlife and potentially seafood consumers.

Cytotoxic effects induced by combined exposure to the mycotoxins sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A and patulin on human tumour and healthy 3D spheroids

Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of mycotoxins through diet. Despite the serious threat they pose, mycotoxin risk assessment often overlooks co-exposure. With the aim of filling this gap, the present study investigates the combined cytotoxicity of sterigmatocystin (STE), ochratoxin A (OTA) and patulin (PAT) in human tumour Neuroblastoma and healthy Mesenchymal Stem Cells three-dimensional (3D) spheroids. The range of concentrations tested (1.56–50 μM for STE, 0.78–25 μM for OTA and 0.15–5 μM for PAT) was selected considering the IC50 values obtained in previous studies and the estimated dietary exposure of consumers. To ensure appropriate experimental conditions, assessments for single mycotoxins and their combinations were conducted simultaneously. The nature of the toxicological interactions among the mycotoxins was then defined using the isobologram analysis. Our results demonstrated increased cytotoxicity in mycotoxin mixtures compared to individual exposure, with abundance of synergistic interactions. These findings highlight that the co-occurrence of STE, OTA and PAT in food may increase their individual toxic effects and should not be underestimated. Moreover, the use of advanced culture models increased the reliability and physiological relevance of our results which can serve as a groundwork for formulating standardized regulatory approaches towards mycotoxin mixtures in food and feed.

A 20-Year Data Review on the Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk and Dairy Products in Mediterranean Countries—Current Situation and Exposure Risks

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a major carcinogenic compound found in milk and dairy products, posing a constant risk to consumers in the Mediterranean region. This study systematically reviewed AFM1 presence in these products in Mediterranean countries over a period of 20 years and estimated the relevant nutritional exposure for consumers. Using data from three databases, 596 articles were retrieved with 123 meeting the inclusion criteria. The frequency of AFM1 occurrence was 40% regardless of milk type, with non-cow milk showing an increasing trend. Moreover, the Estimated Daily Intake of AFM1 from milk and dairy product consumption and the associated Hazard Index were determined. Notably, Southeastern Mediterranean countries presented higher contamination levels, leading to elevated Estimated Daily Intake and Hhazard Index values. Thermally processed milk showed high contamination levels, and among dairy products, cheeses were the most contaminated. This review highlights AFM1 as a persistent hazard in the dairy sector, underscoring the need for effective interventions throughout the milk production stages.

Exposure and knowledge on peanut aflatoxin B1 among urban consumer in Jakarta, Indonesia

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L), an important food in the Indonesian diet, has been reported to be contaminated with the carcinogenic Aflatoxin B1. However, research on consumer knowledge and exposure to AfB1 from peanuts in Indonesia is still limited. This study aimed to assess the exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) from peanuts consumed by urban Jakarta and their knowledge of aflatoxin risk. This observational study was cross-sectional in design, involving 192 randomly selected respondents. Peanut intake frequency was measured using a semi-quantitative FFQ instrument. Questionnaires were used to collect data regarding knowledge and income. The AfB1 content was analyzed by HPLC. Pearson Chi-Square test was used for analysis. The results showed that AfB1 contaminants were present in all samples. Respondents who frequently consumed high amounts of peanuts and processed products were exposed to AfB1 with a median of 22.55 ppb bb/day. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and AfB1 exposure (p= 0.874), age (p= 0.884), or income (p= 0.355). In conclusion, aflatoxin B1 exposure was still high in urban areas. There was no relationship between knowledge and exposure to AfB1 peanuts. Inter-sectoral strengthening of the empowerment and control of aflatoxin exposure is needed, as are economic and health impact studies related to AfB1 exposure.

Deciphering the complexity of the chemicals in food packaging materials using molecular networks

Chemicals from packaging materials might be transferred into food resulting in consumer exposure. Identifying these migrated chemicals is highly challenging and crucial to perform their safety assessment, usually starting by the understanding of the chemical composition of the packaging material itself. This study explores the use of the Molecular Networking (MN) approach to support identification of the extracted chemicals. Two formulations of bioplastics were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography hyphenated to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Data processing and interpretation using a conventional manual method was performed as a point of comparison to understand the power of MN. Interestingly, only the MN approach facilitated the identification of unknown chemicals belonging to a novel oligomer series containing the azelaic acid monomer. The MN approach provided a faster visualization of chemical families in addition to the highlight of unrelated chemicals enabling to prioritize chemicals for further investigation improving the safety assessment of packaging materials.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for difenoconazole according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance difenoconazole. To assess the occurrence of difenoconazole residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Council Directive 91/414/EEC, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered.

Ornamental plants as vectors of pesticide exposure and potential threat to biodiversity and human health

The production of conventional ornamental plants is pesticide-intensive. We investigated whether pesticide active ingredients (AIs) are still present in ornamentals at the time of purchase and assessed their potential ecotoxicity to non-target organisms. We purchased 1000 pot plants and 237 cut flowers of different species from garden centers in Austria and Germany between 2011 and 2021 and analyzed them for up to 646 AIs. Ecotoxicological risks of AIs were assessed by calculating toxic loads for honeybees (Apis mellifera), earthworms (Eisenia fetida), birds (Passer domesticus), and mammals (Rattus norvegicus) based on the LD50 values of the detected AIs. Human health risks of AIs were assessed on the basis of the hazard statements of the Globally Harmonized System. Over the years, a total of 202 AIs were detected in pot plants and 128 AIs in cut flowers. Pesticide residues were found in 94% of pot plants and 97% of cut flowers, with cut flowers containing about twice as many AIs (11.0 ± 6.2 AIs) as pot plants (5.8 ± 4.0 AIs). Fungicides and insecticides were found most frequently. The ecotoxicity assessment showed that 47% of the AIs in pot plants and 63% of the AIs in cut flowers were moderately toxic to the considered non-target organisms. AIs found were mainly toxic to honeybees; their toxicity to earthworms, birds, and mammals was about 105 times lower. Remarkably, 39% of the plants labeled as “bee-friendly” contained AIs that were toxic to bees. More than 40% of pot plants and 72% of cut flowers contained AIs classified as harmful to human health. These results suggest that ornamental plants are vectors for potential pesticide exposure of consumers and non-target organisms in home gardens.

Campylobacter assessment along the Spanish food chain: Identification of key points.

Campylobacteriosis, caused by Campylobacter spp., is one of the most important foodborne zoonotic diseases in the world and a common cause of gastroenteritis. In the European Union, campylobacteriosis is considered the most common zoonotic disease, with over 10,000 cases in 2020 alone. This high occurrence highlights the need of more efficient surveillance methods and identification of key points. Herein, we evaluated and identified key points of Campylobacter spp. occurrence along the Spanish food chain during 2015-2020, based on the following variables: product, stage and region. We analysed a dataset provided by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition using a machine learning algorithm (random forests). Campylobacter presence was influenced by the three selected explanatory variables, especially by product, followed by region and stage. Among the studied products, meat, especially poultry and sheep, presented the highest probability of occurrence of Campylobacter, where the bacterium was present in the initial, intermediate and final stages (e.g., wholesale, retail) of the food chain. The presence in final stages may represent direct consumer exposure to the bacteria. By using the random forest method, this study contributes to the identification of Campylobacter key points and the evaluation of control efforts in the Spanish food chain.

Cannabinoid residuals in tissues of lambs fed spent hemp biomass and consumer's exposure assessment

Spent hemp biomass (SHB) contains trace amounts of cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), that may accumulate in the tissues of animals consuming SHB. We measured cannabinoid residues in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle of finishing lambs fed either 10% or 20% SHB for 8 weeks, or 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks SHB withdrawal. We detected multiple cannabinoids in the liver at a similar proportion to the SHB. However, CBD and Δ9-THC were enriched >20-fold in the adipose and muscle, compared to their proportion in SHB. The highest concentration of Δ9-THC was detected in adipose tissue and was 7.4-times higher than in muscle. Most cannabinoids were undetectable in tissues after 4 weeks of clearance. The consumers’ exposure assessment on Δ9-THC revealed tissue levels of total THC (THCA+Δ9-THC) that exceed the acute reference dose of 1 μg/kg BW across population groups. When consuming meat from the lambs fed 10% and 20% SHB, the maximum total THC exposure was 2.03 and 7.32 μg/kg BW, respectively, equal to or below the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level of 36 μg/kg BW, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level of 12 μg/kg BW or a tolerable dose intake of 7 μg/kg BW.

Point-of-use filtration units as drinking water distribution system sentinels

Municipal drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) and associated premise plumbing (PP) systems are vulnerable to proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, even when chemical disinfection residuals are present, thus presenting a public health risk. Monitoring the structure of microbial communities of drinking water is challenging because of limited continuous access to faucets, pipes, and storage tanks. We propose a scalable household sampling method, which uses spent activated carbon and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane point-of-use (POU) filters to evaluate mid- to long-term occurrence of microorganisms in PP systems that are relevant to consumer exposure. As a proof of concept, POU filter microbiomes were collected from four different locations and analyzed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The analyses revealed distinct microbial communities, with occasional detection of potential pathogens. The findings highlight the importance of local, and if possible, continuous monitoring within and across distribution systems. The continuous operation of POU filters offers an advantage in capturing species that may be missed by instantaneous sampling methods. We suggest that water utilities, public institutions, and regulatory agencies take advantage of end-of-life POU filters for microbial monitoring. This approach can be easily implemented to ensure drinking water safety, especially from microbes of emerging concerns; e.g., pathogenic Legionella and Mycobacterium species.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of red carotenoid-rich Paracoccus carotinifaciensNITE SD 00017 for salmon and trout for the renewal of its authorisation (ENEOS Techno Materials Corporation).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on red carotenoid-rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens NITE SD 00017 for salmon and trout (category: sensory additives; functional group: colourants; substances which when fed to animals add colours to food of animal origin) for the renewal of its authorisation. The applicant provided evidence that the additive complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel concludes that the use of the additive in salmon and trout remains safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. When assessing consumer exposure to canthaxanthin and adonirubin at the level of the existing maximum residue limits (MRL) for poultry and the proposed MRL for trout/salmon (5 mg/kg muscle), the exposure of consumers exceeds the acceptable daily intake (ADI) in the population classes toddlers and other children. The Panel considers that there is no need to restrict the use of the additive to fish older than 6 months or of more than 50 g. Red carotenoid-rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens NITE SD 00017 is not irritant to the skin, but is irritant to the eyes. It is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser and any exposure via skin or the respiratory tract is a risk.

Examining the hepatotoxic potential of cannabidiol, cannabidiol-containing hemp extract, and cannabinol at consumer-relevant exposure concentrations in primary human hepatocytes.

Hemp extracts and consumer products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and/or other phytocannabinoids derived from hemp have entered the marketplace in recent years. CBD is an approved drug in the United States for the treatment of certain seizure disorders. While effects of CBD in the liver have been well characterized, data on the effects of other cannabinoids and hemp extracts in the liver and methods for studying these effects in vitro are limited. This study examined the hepatotoxic potential of CBD, CBD concentration-matched hemp extract, and cannabinol (CBN), at consumer-relevant concentrations determined by in silico modeling, in vitro using primary human hepatocytes. Primary human hepatocytes exposed to between 10-nM and 25-μM CBD, CBN, or hemp extract for 24 and 48 h were evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release, apoptosis, albumin secretion, urea secretion, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell viability was not significantly affected by CBD, CBN, or the hemp extract at any of the concentrations tested. Exposure to hemp extract induced a modest but statistically significant decrease in albumin secretion, urea secretion, and mitochondrial membrane potential at the highest concentration tested whereas CBD only induced a modest but statistically significant decrease in albumin secretion compared with vehicle control. Although this study addresses data gaps in the understanding of cannabinoid hepatoxicity in vitro, additional studies will be needed to determine how these results correlate with relevant consumer exposure and the biological effects of cannabinoids in human liver.

Recent use of consumer and personal care products and exposures to select endocrine disrupting chemicals among urban children with asthma.

Emerging studies suggest that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in personal care and other consumer products are linked with various adverse health effects, including respiratory and reproductive effects. Despite Black persons using more personal care products than other demographic groups and having a high asthma burden, little is known regarding their consumer product use patterns and associated EDC exposures. To examine the association between recent exposure to select EDCs with specific consumer products and behaviors in a cohort of 110 predominantly Black children with asthma, ages 8-17 years, living in Baltimore City, Maryland. We quantified concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F, two dichlorophenols, four parabens, triclosan, benzophenone-3, and triclocarban in spot urine samples. Questionnaires were used to capture recent (last 24-h) consumer product use and behaviors. Associations between EDCs and consumer product uses/behaviors were assessed using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and caregiver income level. Effect estimates were expressed as geometric mean ratios of biomarker concentrations of product-users vs non-users. Increased concentrations to select EDCs were associated with recent use of air freshener (ratios; BPA: 1.9, 95%CI 1.4-2; BPS 1.7, 95%CI 1-2.97; propyl paraben: 3.0, 95%CI 1.6-5.6), scented candles (methyl paraben: 2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.1), and scented carpet powder (2,5-dichlorophenol: 2.8, 95%CI 1.2-6.3). Additionally, consuming canned food was associated with some increased biomarker concentrations (ratios: BPA: 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.4; BPS: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.6). These findings add to the body of evidence suggesting that recent use of select consumer products in Black children contributes to exposure of chemicals of concern and could potentially inform exposure mitigation interventions. Findings have broad potential health implications for pediatric populations and Black children who may face exposure and health disparities. Little is known about how children's personal care product use and consumer behaviors affect their exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This is particularly true for Black children who often experience a disparate exposure burden to many EDCs. This is a significant knowledge gap among children that are uniquely vulnerable to EDCs as they undergo critical windows of growth and development. Our findings show associations between consumer products and EDC exposures in predominantly Black children in low-income settings. Identifying EDC exposure determinants has broad health implications as many of these chemicals have been associated with adverse health risks.