German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB): Time trends of paraben exposure

Abstract

Parabens are used as preservatives e.g. in cosmetics and body care products. They have allergenic and estrogenic properties. According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) the toxicological data available for isopropyl-, isobutyl-, pentyl-, benzyl- and phenyl-paraben do not allow for the assessment of their health impact. Therefore, since 2014, these parabens are prohibited in cosmetic products in Europe (Commission Regulation (EU) No 358/201): For n-propyl- and n-butyl-parabene the maximum percentage was reduced to 0.19% (0.14% as acid) for each compound. Internal exposure time trends for young adults aged 20 to 29 years were analyzed in 24 h-urine samples collected by the ESB for 6 parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, iso-propyl, n-propyl, iso-butyl, and n-butyl-paraben), covering the period from 1995 to 2017. Parabens were determined after enzymatic hydrolysis via HPLC-MS/MS. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.5 ÎÌg/L. In 1995 10% of the samples contained isobutyl-paraben levels above LOQ. As a maximum, a fraction of 30% was observed in 2007 and 2008. In 2017 it was found in none of the samples. The fraction of levels at or above LOQ for n-butyl-paraben decreased from 27% in 1995 to 5% in 2017 (2004: 53 %). Although the use of ethyl-paraben had been classified as acceptable by the SCCS, exposure slightly decreased: The fraction of levels at or above LOQ decreased from 85% in 1995 to 67% in 2017. Methyl-paraben was detected in all samples analysed. Apart from decreasing detection rates urinary concentrations started to drop considerably in recent years for all parabens. For further elucidating the trend, similar studies in other European countries are warranted. The decline in exposure can be considered a positive result from a precautionary standpoint. However, health based guidance values are needed for substantiated evaluation of human exposure levels. In: ISES-ISEE 2018 Joint Annual Meeting : Abstract book. Ottawa: International Society of Exposure Science, 2018, S. 535