Dietary Habits and Personal Care Product Use as Predictors of Urinary Concentrations of Parabens in Iranian Adolescents

Despite the widespread use of parabens as antimicrobial preservatives in personal care products (PCPs) and foodstuffs, recent studies show that exposure to parabens could result in endocrine disruption. The urinary methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben among 100 adolescents and their relationships with using 19 personal care and 18 food products were evaluated. Urinary paraben concentrations were significantly higher in the high-user group (8-19 products) compared to both low (0-3 products) and middle (4-7 products) user groups. The frequency of PCP use was associated with higher urinary levels of 4 parabens, and the frequency of food product use was associated with higher urinary methylparaben and ethylparaben. The use of mouthwash was associated with higher levels of methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. Users of makeup base had higher methylparaben and propylparaben, users of eye makeup had higher propylparaben, and users of body wash, sunscreen, and lotion had higher urinary propylparaben than nonusers. Consumers of dairy products had significantly higher urinary methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, and cookie consumers had higher urinary methylparaben and ethylparaben, than nonusers. Consumers of canned foods and chips/snacks had higher methylparaben, and consumers of sauces and jams had higher ethylparaben than nonconsumers. The findings show that certain types of foods and personal care products could be important sources of paraben exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2378-2388. © 2020 SETAC.