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This document is a position paper that discusses the use of sunscreens. It emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen properly and suggests the need for a meeting among scientific experts to improve their composition, particularly for pediatric use. The paper also acknowledges the benefits of sun exposure for physical and mental well-being, but cautions against excessive exposure and the use of tanning beds. It suggests that physical protection and clothing may be preferable to relying solely on sunscreen. The paper raises concerns about the controversial effectiveness of sunscreens in preventing skin cancer and the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of certain chemical filters. It concludes by calling for further research and collaboration to develop the best strategy for sun protection. The document includes a list of references covering various topics related to sun protection, such as the role of vitamin D in melanoma development, risk factors for melanoma, the effectiveness and absorption of sunscreen ingredients, the potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and the safety of nanoparticles in sunscreen. These references can be valuable for library patrons conducting research on sun protection and its impact on health and the environment. [Extracted from the article]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that is widely used in various industrial applications. It has concerns in its use as a color developer in thermal paper receipts since it is identified as an endocrine disruptor and causes hormonal disturbances. In this study, thirty thermal paper receipt samples were randomly collected from various locations in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Sixty percent (60%) of receipt samples showed BPA levels above the acceptable limit (200 ng/mg) set by the European Union (EU) for thermal papers. On the other hand, 40% of the samples reported very low BPA levels (< 0.02 ng/mg). However, estimated weight adjusted daily intakes (EDI) ranged between 8.22 ×10−11 and 0.000812 μg/kg bw/day for the general population, and between 7.89×10−9 and 0.0681 μg/kg bw/day for the occupationally exposed cashiers. Thus, all calculated EDIs were below the European Food Safety Authority Tolerable Daily Intake (4 μg/kg·bw/day) and the provisional Health Canada Tolerable Daily Intake (25 ug/kg bw/day) under varying paper-to-skin transfer coefficients and absorption fractions. Nevertheless, due to its health effects and recent legal restrictions by EU, the occurrence of co-exposure to dietary and non-dietary sources should be considered in the health risk assessment of Bisphenol A, mainly for people with frequent occupational exposure to thermal paper, and especially with the increased use of sanitizers. The current study is a first within the UAE context in relation to BPA in thermal paper receipts, thus its significance especially with the recent EU enforcement of BPA limits in paper receipts. The study highlights that proper policies as well as education and awareness may assist in limiting transdermal BPA exposure for the general and occupationally exposed populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal paper contains potentially toxic compounds such as bisphenol A (BPA), which is used as a color developer. BPA has been reported in thermal paper in concentrations up to 42,600 μg g −1 . The exposure to BPA via dermal transfer has been recently discussed as a significant contribution to the overall human exposure and the estimated daily intake (EDI) has been reported up to 218 μg d −1 . BPA has been also detected in recycled paper with concentrations up to 46 μg g −1 . Due to the fact that BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and migrates from materials, regulatory restrictions have been established to prevent risks for the human health. As a consequence, structural analogues, such as bisphenol S (BPS) have been introduced into the market. Little is known about the presence and toxicity of these emerging replacements, and concern has risen about them. The present review gives an overview of the occurrence and levels of BPA and replacements in thermal paper. BPA is still the most common color developer found in thermal paper, followed by BPS. The analytical methods used for quantification of BPA and BPA replacements in paper products are also reviewed. BPA is transferred from thermal paper products to the finger pads upon handling it. Paper-skin transfer followed by penetration of BPA depends on conditions (e.g. greasiness of fingers and use of hand cream). It is, however, still debated whether thermal paper as a source for human exposure contributes significantly to the overall internal BPA exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper mill effluents are complex mixtures containing different toxic compounds including endocrine-disrupting (EDCs) and genotoxic compounds. In the present study non-concentrated raw and biologically treated wastewaters from two paper mill plants with different paper production technologies i) Paper mill A uses virgin fibres, and ii) Paper mill B uses recycled fibres for paper production and the corresponding receiving surface waters, were assessed for their cytotoxic/genotoxic activity with SOS/ umuC , Ames MPF 98/100 Aqua, and comet assay with human hepatoma HepG2 cells. In addition the levels of seven selected EDCs were quantified in wastewater samples and receiving surface waters. All investigated EDCs were confirmed in raw and biologically treated effluents from both paper mills with concentrations being markedly higher in Paper mill B effluents. In the receiving surface waters three of the studied EDCs were determined downstream of both paper mills effluent discharge. The wastewater samples and the recipient surface water samples from Paper mill A were not mutagenic for bacteria and did not induce DNA damage in HepG2 cells. On the contrary, half of the raw wastewater samples from Paper mill B were mutagenic whereas biologically treated wastewater and the recipient surface water samples were negative. In HepG2 cells most of the raw and biologically treated wastewater samples from Paper mill B as well as surface water samples collected downstream of Paper mill B effluent discharge induced DNA damage. The results confirmed that genotoxic contaminants were present only in wastewaters from Paper mill B that uses recycled fibres for paper production, and that the combined aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment procedure efficiently reduced contaminants that are bacterial mutagens, but not those that induce DNA damage in HepG2 cells. This study highlights that in addition to chemical analyses bioassays are needed for a comprehensive toxicological evaluation of complex wastewater samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor, is used as a color developer in thermal paper. More recently, some emerging structural analogues have been introduced to replace BPA due to the strengthened regulations concerning thermal paper. Nevertheless, very limited data are available regarding their occurrence and potential health risks. Here, thirteen potentially toxic compounds were investigated in paper products (120 thermal papers and 81 nonthermal papers) collected in Beijing, China. The results indicated that the replacement of BPA by alternatives such as Bisphenol S (BPS), Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether-4,4″-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone copolymer (D-90), 4-hydroxyphenyl 4-isoprooxyphenylsulfone (D-8), Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenyl (BPS-MAE) and Bis-(3-allyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfone (TGSA) has been significantly advanced in several types of thermal paper (i.e., market weight stickers, train tickets, express labels, air boarding passes and lottery tickets). The mean value for the total analyte concentrations in thermal paper was 6.06 mg/g, and the highest level found was 26.0 mg/g. In addition, the frequent detection of these chemicals in nonthermal paper (>80%, n = 81) demonstrated that the contamination in thermal paper can be spread into other recycled paper, such as corrugated boxes, newspapers, food contact papers, etc. The estimated daily intake of BPA and its alternatives through the handling of thermal paper was 0.025 μg/kg bw/day for the general population. This is the first report on the occurrence of various new BPA alternatives in paper products from China, which will be helpful for further risk assessment and making responsible replacement decisions. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A large-scale survey of BPA and alternatives in 201 paper products is reported. • D-90, D-8, BPS-MAE and TGSA were detected in paper products from China. • Thermal paper is a source for contamination of recycled papers with BPA and alternatives. • Dermal daily intake of ∑TAs was estimated to be 1.77 μg/day for the general population. First identification of several new bisphenol A alternatives in paper products from China and the dermal daily intake of ∑TAs was estimated to be 0.025 μg/kg bw/day for the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient method for determination of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), is developed without the requirement of derivatization. Due to the prevalence of exposure of BPA-containing products to the general public, high-quality testing and monitoring methods are essential. BPA was separated and quantified under reverse-phase conditions using a high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet absorption (HPLC-UV) detection method. A silica hydride-based C8 column along with an effective gradient protocol yielded well-resolved peaks that allowed for the direct analyses of BPA in receipt paper and carbon copies of lab notebooks. Excellent linear correlation was observed (R2 = 0.9936) in the calibration curve obtained from the HPLC-UV analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in a variety of consumer products, including some paper products, particularly thermal receipt papers, for which it is used as a color developer. Nevertheless, little is known about the magnitude of BPA contamination or human exposure to BPA as a result of contact with paper and paper products. In this study, concentrations of BPA were determined in 15 types of paper products (n = 202), including thermal receipts, flyers, magazines, tickets, mailing envelopes, newspapers, food contact papers, food cartons, airplane boarding passes, luggage tags, printing papers, business cards, napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper, collected from several cities in the USA. Thermal receipt papers also were collected from Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. BPA was found in 94% of thermal receipt papers (n = 103) at concentrations ranging from below the limit of quantitation (LOQ, 1 ng/g) to 13.9 mg/g (geometric mean: 0.211 mg/g). The majority (81%) of other paper products (n = 99) contained BPA at concentrations ranging from below the LOQ to 14.4 μg/g (geometric mean: 0.016 μg/g). Whereas thermal receipt papers contained the highest concentrations of BPA (milligram-per-gram), some paper products, including napkins and toilet paper, made from recycled papers contained microgram-per-gram concentrations of BPA. Contamination during the paper recycling process is a source of BPA in paper products. Daily intake (DI) of BPA through dermal absorption was estimated based on the measured BPA concentrations and handling frequency of paper products. The daily intake of BPA (calculated from median concentrations) through dermal absorption from handling of papers was 17.5 and 1300 ng/day for the general population and occupationally exposed individuals, respectively; these values are minor compared with exposure through diet. Among paper products, thermal receipt papers contributed to the majority (>98%) of the exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), as an environmental endocrine disruptor, has adverse effects on eco-environments and health. Thus, it is crucial to highly sensitive on-site detect DEHP. Herein, a double-enzyme active MnO 2 @BSA mediated dual-modality photoelectrochemical (PEC)/colorimetric aptasensing platform with the cascaded sensitization structures of ZnIn 2 S 4 and TiO 2 as signal generators was engineered for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of DEHP using an all-in-one lab-on-paper analytical device. Benefitting from cascaded sensitization effect, the ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 photosensitive structures-assembled polypyrrole paper electrode gave an enhanced photocurrent signal. The MnO 2 @BSA nanoparticles (NPs) with peroxidase-mimic and oxidase-mimic double-enzymatic activity induced multiple signal quenching effects and catalyzed color development. Specifically, the MnO 2 @BSA NPs acted as peroxidase mimetics to generate catalytic precipitates, which not only obstructed interfacial electron transfer but also served as electron acceptors to accept photogenerated electrons. Besides, the steric hindrance effect from MnO 2 @BSA NPs-loaded branchy polymeric DNA duplex structures further decreased photocurrent signal. The target recycling reaction caused the detachment of MnO 2 @BSA NPs to increase PEC signal, realizing the ultrasensitive detection of DEHP with a low detection limit of 27 fM. Ingeniously, the freed MnO 2 @BSA NPs flowed to colorimetric zone with the aid of fluid channels and acted as oxidase mimetics to induce color intensity enhancement, resulting in the rapid visual detection of DEHP. This work provided a prospective paradigm to develop field-based paper analytical tool for DEHP detection in aqueous environment. [Display omitted] • The cascaded sensitization structure of ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 was in situ grown on polypyrrole paper electrode. • The MnO 2 @BSA NPs exhibited peroxidase- and oxidase-mimic dual-enzymatic activity. • The dual-enzyme active MnO 2 @BSA NPs mediated the PEC/colorimetric detection of DEHP. • An all-in-one lab-on-paper dual-modality analytical device was assembled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioluminescent Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based bioreporters were used to monitor bisphenol A and other estrogenic chemicals in thermal paper samples collected mainly from Finland on two occasions in 2010/2011, and 2013. The bisphenol A-targeted (BPA-R) and the human oestrogen receptor (hERα) bioreporters were applied to analyse both non-treated and extracted paper samples. Bisphenol A was readily bioavailable to the yeast bioreporters on the non-treated paper samples without any pre-treatment. Detected concentrations ranged from a detection limit of 9-142 μg/g to over 20 mg/g of bisphenol A equivalents in the thermal papers. Low bisphenol A like activities were detected in many samples, and were considered to be caused by residual bisphenol A or other types of bisphenols, such as bisphenol S. Most of the thermal paper samples were toxic to the yeast bioreporters. The toxicity did not, however, depend on the bisphenol A concentration of the samples. The yeast bioreporters were demonstrated to be a robust and cost-efficient method to monitor thermal paper samples for their bisphenol A content and estrogenicity. Thermal paper was considered as a potential BPA source for both human exposure and environmental emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disruption (ED) effects due to pulp and paper mill effluents extracts involving different industrial procedures and effluent treatments (nontreated, primary, and secondary treated) were evaluated using immature triploid rainbow trout in a pulse-exposure toxicity experiment. The protocol involved the use of intraperitoneal injection of mill extracts (solid-phase extraction [SPE]) corrected for individual fish weight and included several laboratory standards (steroidal hormones and phytosterols). Biological endpoints at two different levels of biological organization were analyzed (molecular and individual organism). Results indicated that nonsignificant changes were observed in the individual physiological indices represented by condition factor, liver somatic index, and gonad somatic index during the experiment. Significant induction of liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity was observed between different effluent treatments and experimental controls. Significant endocrine-disrupting effects at the reproductive level were observed in all effluent treatments involving significant increments in plasma vitellogenin (VTG) levels. Fish exposed to untreated effluent extracts had significantly higher VTG levels compared to fish exposed to primary and secondary treatment effluent extracts, indicating a decrease of the estrogenic effect due to the effluent treatment. The present study has shown that for the Chilean pulp and paper mill SPE extracts evaluated, an endocrine disruption effect was induced in immature triploid rainbow, reaffirming the significant estrogenic effects demonstrated previously in laboratory and field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the last 20 years, studies conducted in North America, Scandinavia, and New Zealand have shown that pulp and paper mill effluents affect fish reproduction. Despite the level of effort applied, few leads are available regarding the factors responsible. Effluents affect reproduction in multiple fish species, as evidenced by decreased gonad size, decreased circulating and gonadal production of reproductive steroids, altered expression of secondary sex characteristics, and decreased egg production. Several studies also have shown that effluent constituents are capable of accumulating in fish and binding to sex steroid receptors/binding proteins. Studies aimed at isolating biologically active substances within the pulping and papermaking process have provided clues about their source, and work has progressed in identifying opportunities for in-mill treatment technologies. Following comparisons of manufacturing processes and fish responses before and after process changes, it can be concluded that effluent from all types of mill processes are capable of affecting fish reproduction and that any improvements could not be attributed to a specific process modification (because mills normally performed multiple modifications simultaneously). Improved reproductive performance in fish generally was associated with reduced use of molecular chlorine, improved condensate handling, and liquor spill control. Effluent biotreatment has been effective in reducing some effects, but biotreated effluents also have shown no difference or an exacerbation of effects. The role of biotreatment in relation to effects on fish reproduction remains unclear and needs to be resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Parabens (alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid) are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs. Although parabens have been reported to be used as antimicrobials in certain types of papers (e.g., wet sanitary or hygiene wipes), little is known about the occurrence of these compounds in paper products. In this study, we determined the concentrations of six paraben analogs, methyl (MeP), ethyl (EtP), propyl (PrP), butyl (BuP), benzyl (BzP), and heptyl parabens (HepP), in 253 paper products divided into 18 categories, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). At least one of the six parabens was detected in almost all (detection rate: 98%) paper samples, and the total concentrations (∑PBs; sum of six parabens) ranged from 1.85 to 3,220,000ng/g (geometric mean (GM): 103; median: 55.1ng/g). Sanitary wipes contained very high concentrations of ∑PBs (GM: 8300ng/g). Paper currencies, tickets, business cards, food cartons, flyers, and newspapers contained notable concentrations of ∑PBs, and the GM concentrations in these paper categories were on the order of a few tens to thousands of nanograms per gram. One source of parabens in paper products is the use of these chemicals as antifungal agents. MeP and PrP were the predominant analogs, accounting for approximately 62% and 16% of the total concentrations of parabens, respectively. On the basis of measured concentrations and frequency of handling of paper products, we estimated the daily intake (EDI) of parabens through dermal absorption. The GM and 95th percentile EDI values were 6.31 and 2050ng/day, respectively, for the general population. Among the paper categories analyzed, sanitary wipes contributed to the majority (>90%) of the exposures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume chemical with endocrine disrupting properties commonly used as color developer in thermal paper. Concerns about the potential hazards of human BPA exposure have led to the increasing utilization of alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). This study was designed to assess: (i) BPA, BPS, and BPF concentrations in 112 thermal paper receipts from Brazil, France, and Spain by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS); and (ii) hormone-like activities of these receipts using two receptor-specific bioassays, the E-Screen for (anti-)estrogenicity and PALM luciferase assay for (anti-)androgenicity. BPA was present in 95.3% of receipts from Spain, 90.9% of those from Brazil, and 51.1% of those from France at concentrations up to 20.27 mg/g of paper. Only two samples from Brazil, two from Spain, and ten from France had a BPS concentration ranging from 6.46 to 13.29 mg/g; no BPA or BPS was detected in 27.7% of French samples. No BPF was detected in any receipt. Estrogenic activity was observed in all samples from Brazil and Spain and in 74.5% of those from France. Anti-androgenic activity was observed in > 90% of samples from Brazil and Spain and in 53.2% of those from France. Only 25.5% of French samples were negative for both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. Estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities per gram of paper were up to 1.411 µM estradiol (E 2) equivalent units (E 2 eq) and up to 359.5 mM procymidone equivalent units (Proceq), respectively. BPA but not BPS concentrations were positively correlated with both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities. BPA still dominates the thermal paper market in Brazil and Spain, and BPS appears to be one of the main alternatives in France. There is an urgent need to evaluate the safety of alternatives proposed to replace BPA as developer in thermal printing. The large proportion of samples with hormonal activity calls for the adoption of preventive measures. Highlights • BPA or BPS but not BPF was present in nearly all thermal paper receipts. • Hormone-like activity was detected in > 80% of the receipts. • BPA levels were 30- to 100-fold higher than the EU-recommended level (0.2 mg/g). • BPS only appears to be an alternative to BPA in thermal paper from France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A paper-based sorptive phase was applied for the first time in high-throughput thin film microextraction. • Use of 3D printing technology to attach the sorptive phase on the blades and to allow higher enrichment factors. • Increased sample volume from conventional 2 mL to up to 15 mL in a 24-well plate format. • Environmentally friendly method for the determination of endocrine disrupting compounds in water. A new method was developed for the determination of endocrine disrupting compounds (phthalates, alkylphenols and bisphenols) in water samples by using thin film microextraction technique (TFME) with high-performance liquid chromatography and diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). This paper reports for the first time the use of a paper-based sorptive phase (PSP) in a high-throughput semi-automated system. This system designed by 3D printing technology allowed us to integrate the PSP with a multi-well plate format. Multivariate design of experiments and one-factor-at-a-time approaches were employed for optimization. The optimized PSP preparation required two dips of the filter paper into the nylon 66 solution followed by the evaporation of the solvent. The best conditions for the extraction step were NaCl 30 % (w/v) added to the sample at pH 2 for 180 min. The desorption showed best results with acetonitrile for 20 min. The calibration curves exhibited coefficients of determination higher than 0.9837. The limits of detection varied from 1.5 to 7.6 μg L-1. Six of ten analytes showed promising results with accuracy ranging from 82 to 117 % and precision (RSD) equal or inferior to 24 % for mineral water sample. We also evaluated a coconut water sample that obtained higher deviations than mineral water sample. The time consumed for each sample was about 8.3 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic xenoestrogen widely used in various industrial fields, can be present, in its un-reacted form, as an additive in thermal paper. BPA is virtually ubiquitous in industrialized societies and humans are exposed to this chemical via dietary and non-dietary sources. Since in 2015 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) indicated that thermal paper is the second source of BPA exposure after the food chain, some suppliers replaced BPA with its analogue Bisphenol S (BPS), speculatively supposed to be safer. In this work BPA and BPS concentration levels were determined in thermal paper receipts collected in Italy from 50 different sources by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem fluorescence and ultraviolet detection. BPA was found in 44 samples at mean concentration of 107.47 μg/100 mg of paper (from below Limits of Quantification (LOQ) to 1533.733 μg/100 mg of paper). BPS was found in 31 samples at mean concentration of 41.97 μg/100 mg of paper (from below the LOQ to 357.989 μg/100 mg of paper). 26 samples were positive to both BPA and BPS. The estimate daily intake (EDI) values of BPA and BPS occurring through dermal absorption were calculated for 70 kg body weight individuals. For general population, they were 0.0625 μg/day for BPA and 0.0244 μg/day for BPS, based on the mean content of bisphenols found. For occupationally exposed individuals, they were 66.8 μg/day for BPA and 15.6 μg/day for BPS, based on the worst scenario. Such levels would produce a dermal intake below the Tolerable Day Intake established by EFSA (4 μg/kg·bw/day); nevertheless, the occurrence of co-exposure to dietary and non-dietary sources should be considered in the health risk assessment, mainly for people frequently exposed to thermal paper contact for occupational reason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper wastewater (PPW) contains significant concentrations of phytosterols, suspected of inducing endocrine disruption in aquatic species. Aerated stabilization basins (ASBs) are commonly used for the treatment of PPW, but phytosterol removal varies among treatment systems. The objective of this study was to better understand the removal processes and biotransformation of phytosterols within an ASB treatment system fed with untreated PPW. PPW settled solids and supernatant fractions showed that phytosterols are primarily associated with settleable solids, which carry phytosterols to ASB sediment where anoxic/anaerobic conditions prevail. Bioassays with supernatant and settled PPW fractions of the raw wastewater conducted under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, showed that solids disintegration and hydrolysis results in phytosterol release in ASBs. A simulated ASB, fed with PPW and operated for 2.4 years at three hydraulic retention times (HRTs; 22.2, 11.1 and 5.6 d) with total phytosterol and solids loading rates from 10 to 42 μg/L-d and 44–178 mg/L-d, respectively, was used to determine the steady-state effluent quality and sediment characteristics. Although effluent COD and phytosterol concentrations were relatively low and stable (84–88% total COD removal; 82–94% total phytosterol removal) across the range of HRTs tested, sediment COD and phytosterol concentrations increased with increasing loading rate. On average, 51% of the phytosterols entering the ASB were removed via biotransformation, 40% were retained in the sediment, and the remaining 9% exited with the effluent. This study demonstrates the role of sediment as a source of phytosterol release in ASBs and highlights the importance of HRT and the PPW characteristics for predicting phytosterol fate in ASBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In context of testing, screening and monitoring of endocrine-disrupting (ED) type of environmental pollutants, tunicates could possibly represent a particularly interesting group of bioindicator organisms. These primitive chordates are already important model organisms within developmental and genomics research due to their central position in evolution and close relationship to vertebrates. The solitary ascidians, such as the genus Ciona spp. (vase tunicates), could possibly be extra feasible as ED bioindicators. They have a free-swimming, tadpole-like larval stage that develops extremely quickly (<20 h under favorable conditions), has a short life cycle (typically 2–3 months), are relatively easy to maintain in laboratory culture, have fully sequenced genomes, and transgenic embryos with 3D course data of the embryo ontogeny are available. In this article, we discuss possible roles of Ciona spp. (and other solitary ascidians) as ecotoxicological bioindicator organisms in general but perhaps especially for effect studies of contaminants with presumed endocrine disrupting modes of action. • Ascidians, and particularly Ciona intestinalis , are interesting as bioindicators for effect studies of endocrine disrupting contaminants. • As primitive chordates, the ascidians can possibly represent a relevant proxy for both invertebrate and vertebrate taxa in ecotoxicity studies. • The ascidian tadpole-like larvae develop extremely rapid and are interesting as model organisms for assessing endocrine toxicity on embryo development endpoints. • Ciona is much used in genomic and developmental research, but it remains little exploited in ecotoxicology and endocrine disrupting effect studies. • Better insight on endocrine disrupting effects of emerging chemicals in marine invertebrate groups is particularly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing concern about chemical pollutants that have the ability to mimic hormones, the so-called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). One of the main reasons for concern is the possible effect of EDCs on human health. EDCs may be released into the environment in different ways, and one of the most significant sources is industrial wastewater. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the treatment performance of different wastewater treatment procedures (biological treatment, filtration, advanced oxidation processes) for the reduction of chemical oxygen demand and seven selected EDCs (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bisphenol A and nonylphenol) from wastewaters from a mill producing 100 % recycled paper. Two pilot plants were running in parallel and the following treatments were compared: (i) anaerobic biological treatment followed by aerobic biological treatment, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis (RO), and (ii) anaerobic biological treatment followed by membrane bioreactor and RO. Moreover, at lab-scale, four different advanced oxidation processes (Fenton reaction, photo-Fenton reaction, photocatalysis with TiO2, and ozonation) were applied. The results indicated that the concentrations of selected EDCs from paper mill wastewaters were effectively reduced (100 %) by both combinations of pilot plants and photo-Fenton oxidation (98 %), while Fenton process, photocatalysis with TiO2 and ozonation were less effective (70 % to 90 %, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bisphenol A (BPA; 4-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-2-yl]phenol), a suspected endocrine disruptor with a weak estrogenic activity, is used in a variety of consumer products, including food-contact materials made of paper and cardboard products. Due to restrictions on the use of BPA because of its potential health risks, BPA is gradually being replaced by other bisphenols because no limitations exist for these substances. This study presents a method for the simultaneous analysis of BPA, bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) in paper and board products using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Paper samples were extracted by liquid extraction, as well as by Folch extraction, derivatised withN,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) and the results compared. The developed method showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9965) and precision, yielding relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 16.6% for reproducibility and 19.8% for repeatability. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the different bisphenols ranged from 0.23 to 2.70 µg kg–1paper and from 0.78 to 9.10 µg kg–1paper, respectively. Analysis of different paper products (recycled, virgin fibre) showed that all the analysed bisphenols were present in the samples, except for BPAF and BPB. A calculation of the ‘worst-case’ scenario assuming a maximum potential migration of 100% of the analytes into food showed that the analysed products can be assumed to be safe regarding the migration of bisphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Focused ultrasonic solid–liquid extraction (FUSLE) and reverse-phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF-MS) was applied to the determination of bisphenol-type endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in food-contact recycled-paper materials. Recycled paper is a potential source of EDCs. Bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF) and their derivatives bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) are used for the production of epoxy resins employed in the formulation of printing inks. The FUSLE of bisphenol-type EDCs from packaging is reported for the first time. First, different extraction solvents were studied and methanol was selected. Then, the main FUSLE factors affecting the extraction efficiency (solvent volume, extraction time and ultrasonic irradiation power) were studied by means of a central composite design. The FUSLE conditions selected for further experiments were 20ml of methanol at ultrasonic amplitude of 100% for 5s. Finally, the number of extraction cycles necessary for complete extraction was established in two. The analysis of the FUSLE extracts was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS with electrospray ionization and the determination of the four analytes took place in only 4min. The FUSLE and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS method was validated and applied to the analysis of different food-contact recycled-paper-based materials and packaging. The proposed method provided recoveries from 72% to 97%, repeatability and intermediate precision under 9% and 14%, respectively, and detection limits of 0.33, 0.16, 0.65 and 0.40μg/g for BPA, BPF, BADGE and BFDGE, respectively. The analysis of paper and cardboard samples confirmed the presence of EDCs in these packaging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Emerging evidence indicates that industrially produced endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be as obesogenic as poor dietary patterns and should be considered in obesity prevention policies. The authors conducted two reviews: (a) a systematic search of four electronic databases for papers published since January 2010 to identify the policy recommendations contained in scientific reviews of EDC exposure and obesity risk and (b) a narrative review of obesity policy documents published since January 2012 to identify the recommendations of national and international agencies. A search of four electronic databases found 63 scientific reviews with policy recommendations, of which 26 suggested individual responsibility to avoid exposure, 11 suggested medical interventions to counter the effects of exposure, and 42 suggested regulatory control of hazardous chemicals. Of sixty policy documents examined, six mentioned pollutants as a possible risk factor for obesity, and only one made explicit reference to strategies for reducing exposure to EDCs. The UN Sustainable Development Goals include targets to prevent ill health from hazardous chemicals (Targets 3.9 and 12.4) and to remove unsafe industrial chemicals from the environment (Targets 6.3, 11.6, 12.4, and 14.1). The authors suggest these should be explicitly linked to World Health Assembly targets to halt the rise in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is a biochemical process that modifies gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence, and this represents the molecular basis for imprinting and epigenetics. Recent reports have revealed alterations in DNA methylation profiles in the placenta of babies born from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This supports several previous observations that suggested an increase in the prevalence of imprinting diseases following ART treatment, and also fits our observations regarding the metabolism and requirements of early human embryos. Human embryo culture media (HECM) are currently formulated according to requirements based on the mouse embryo model, and in fact need to pass the Mouse Embryo Assay test in order to be accepted by the relevant authorities, despite the fact that physiological (especially the time necessary to reach genomic activation) and biochemical requirements of mouse and human embryos are quite different. This commentary aims to explain some of the discrepancies, and emphasize why human embryo metabolism tells us that the composition of HECM, as well as the role of the MEA as a unique model, should be re-evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have constructed an efficient and reliable yeast-based detection system to evaluate the androgenic activity of endocrine disruptors from pulp and paper mill effluents (PPME). This system consists of human androgen receptor and androgen response elements driven β-galactosidase genes transformed in yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The transcriptional activation by known androgens, correlated with androgenic activities as measured by other assay systems. This assay system when applied to evaluate anti-androgenic activities, the known anti-androgens effectively inhibited reporter gene induction by testosterone. The specificity of the assay was tested by incubating the transformed cells with supraphysiological concentrations of non-androgenic steroids and none of them gave a significant response. The extracted PPME from five different mills demonstrated strong androgenic activities (about five-to eight-folds over control). These results suggest that PPME are rich in androgenic chemicals and the employed detection system could be applicable to primary screening for effectors on androgen receptor functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used as a color developer in thermal paper. Thermal paper is ubiquitous in daily life due to its use in cash register receipts, so opportunities for human contact abound. For this study, 10 blank cash register receipts were obtained from businesses in suburban Boston. BPA was extracted and analysis of concentration was performed using gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector. In some receipts, BPA was not detected but in others it was as high as 19 mg for a 12-inch long receipt, which is in line with concentrations indicated in patents. This study is intended to highlight the potential for human exposure to BPA as well as the ease with which exposure may be reduced through the use of BPA-free thermal paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and green method was developed to synthesize the graphene–carbon nanotubes (Gr–CNTs) nanocomposite with a sandwich lamination structure. Pt nanoparticles were loaded on the as-synthesized Gr–CNTs nanocomposite to prepare an electrochemical sensor for determining bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal printing paper. The electrochemical behavior of BPA on the Pt/Gr–CNTs nanocomposite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronocoulometry (CC). The direct determination of BPA was accomplished by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under optimized conditions. The oxidation peak current was proportional to the BPA concentration in the range from 6.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−5 M and 1.0 × 10−5 to 8.0 × 10−5 M with a correlation coefficient of 0.987 and 0.998, respectively. The detection limit was 4.2 × 10−8 M (S/N = 3). The fabricated electrode showed good reproducibility, stability and selectivity. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine BPA in thermal printing papers samples and the results were satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an introductory paper to a series of papers intended to provide the basis for understanding the contribution of endocrine axis disruption or dysfunction to the pathogenesis of morphological findings and to aid in the interpretation of study outcomes. This is the first in this series of guidance papers prepared by the Working Group and outlines general concepts of study design and assay conduct and validation for hormone studies in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluents from pulp and paper mills that historically have used elemental chlorine in the bleaching process have been implicated in inhibiting reproduction in fish. Compounds with estrogenic and androgenic binding affinities have been found in these effluents, suggesting that the impairment of reproduction is through an endocrine-related mode of action. To date, a great deal of attention has been paid to phytoestrogens and resin acids that are present in mill process streams as a result of pulping trees. Estrogen and estrogen mimics interact directly with the estrogen receptor and have near immediate effects on gene transcription by turning on the expression of a unique set of genes. Using differential display (DD) RT-PCR, we examined changes in gene expression induced by exposure to paper mill effluents. Largemouth bass were exposed to 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80% paper mill effluent concentrations in large flow-through tanks for varied periods of time including 7, 28 or 56 days. Plasma hormone levels in males and females and plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) in females decreased with dose and time. Measurements of changes in gene expression using DD RT-PCR suggest that the gene expression patterns of male fish do not change much with exposure, except for the induction of a few genes including CYP 1A, a protein that is induced through the action of the Ah receptor in response to dioxin and similar polyaromatic hydrocarbons. However, in the case of females, exposure to these effluents resulted in an up-regulation of CYP 1A that was accompanied by a generalized down-regulation of genes normally expressed during the reproductive season. These antiestrogenic changes are in agreement with previous studies in bass exposed to these effluents, and could result in decreased reproductive success in affected populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This document is an editorial titled "Next generation chemical risk assessment: integration of advances in toxicology, biology and computation." It discusses the potential for recent advancements in toxicology, such as high-throughput screening assays, omics technology, and machine learning algorithms, to improve risk assessment by enhancing hazard characterization, dose-response assessment, and exposure assessment. The editorial acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties associated with implementing next-generation risk assessment, including the development of predictive indicators for various chemicals and understanding toxicological mechanisms. The document also mentions a research topic on next-generation chemical risk assessment, which includes papers on database and computational algorithms, high-throughput assays, and the application of deep learning in predicting drug-induced liver injury. The editorial concludes by acknowledging the contributions of the authors, reviewers, and journal staff. [Extracted from the article]

This paper discusses the feasibility of the ultraviolet radiation–hydrogen peroxide (H2O2/UV-C) process as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) in the treatment of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC). Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) was chosen as the model compound owing to its classification as an EDC. Experiments have been conducted at various pH values (3.5, 6.0 and 9.0) and initial H2O2concentrations (0–60 mM) in a batch reactor equipped with a low-pressure mercury UV-C lamp in order to evaluate the optimal operation conditions of the H2O2/UV-C process. The most effective pH value for the degradation of DMP by H2O2/UV-C treatment was found as 6.0. DMP abatement increased with increasing H2O2concentrations from 5 to 30 mM. Further increase in initial H2O2concentration, however, reduced both the rate and extent of DMP removal as well as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removals. A simple kinetic model was proposed for DMP, COD and TOC abatements confirmed pseudo-first-order reaction. The electrical energy per order (EE/O) values for DMP oxidation and TOC mineralization were calculated as 3.3 and 19 kWh m−3order−1respectively for the optimum treatment conditions (H2O2,o= 30 mM, pHo= 6.0, DMPo= 100 mg L−1). Inhibition of oxygen uptake rate by activated sludge (ISO 8192) was evaluated as a tool for assessing the acute toxicity of untreated and H2O2/UV-C treated DMP. According to the results obtained in this work, the use of the H2O2/UV-C process is recommended to achieve a complete DMP oxidation and high mineralization degree of aqueous solution of DMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Consistency in the identification, assessment and management of ED substances is needed. [•] Scientifically robust weight-of-evidence approaches for regulatory decision making are needed. [•] More debates on socioeconomic benefits in the context of decision making are needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Arxula yeast bisphenol screen (A-YBS) utilizes the bioluminescent Arxula adeninivorans yeast–based reporter cells for tailored analysis of bisphenols, one of the major endocrine-disrupting compound groups. For the first time, this bioreporter has been applied on the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) adsorbent surface to develop a respective planar bioluminescence bioassay (pA-YBS). The goal was to combine the advantages of HPTLC with a more selective bioassay detection for bisphenols. The performance of this pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay was demonstrated by calculating the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of bisphenols compared to references. The EC50 ranged from 267 pg/band for bisphenol Z and 322 pg/band for bisphenol A (BPA) to > 1 ng/band for other bisphenols (BPC, BPE, BPF, and BPS) and references (17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol). The EC50 value of BPA was three times more sensitive in signal detection than that of 17β-estradiol. The visual or videodensitometric limit of detection of BPA was about 200 pg/zone. The higher signal intensity and sensitivity for BPA confirmed the tailored bioassay selectivity compared to the existing estrogen screen bioassay. It worked on different types of HPTLC silica gel plates. This HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay method was used to analyze complex mixtures such as six tin can migrates, five thermal papers, and eleven botanicals. The detected estrogenic compound zones in the tin can migrates were successfully verified via the duplex planar yeast antagonist estrogen screen (pYAES) bioassay. The two bisphenols A and S were identified in one out of five thermal papers and confirmed with high-resolution mass spectrometry. No bisphenols were detected in the botanicals investigated via the pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay. However, the botanicals proved to contain phytoestrogens as detected via the pYAES bioassay, which confirmed the tailored bioassay selectivity. This HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay is suited for cost-efficient analysis of BPA in complex samples, with no need for sterile conditions due to the fast workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: From menarche until menopause, the average menstruator will use over 11 000 tampons or sanitary pads. Vaginal and vulvar tissue is highly permeable, and chemicals are absorbed without undergoing first‐pass metabolism. Objectives: To conduct a review of the literature to determine exposure to environmental chemicals in menstrual products. Search strategy: This review identified 15 papers over the past 10 years. Selection criteria: Papers that measured chemicals in menstrual products and that measured human biomarkers of chemical exposure were included. Papers had to also be available in English. Data collection and analysis: Reviewers assessed the articles and data provided. Multiple chemical groups were found. Main results: Phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin‐like compounds were detected in menstrual products. Research gaps were identified, including the lack of studies on newer products such as menstrual underwear and cups/discs. In addition to measuring chemicals in these products, future research should focus on clarifying the exposure per menstrual cycle to these chemicals to understand how menorrhagia and cycle length influence exposure from menstrual products. Conclusion: Menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. This reflects a potentially important route of exposure to chemicals that can impact women's reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are chemicals that alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system of living organisms. They can be natural (N-EDCs) or synthetic compounds (S-EDCs). N-EDCs can belong to different groups, such as phytoestrogens (PEs), including flavonoids, or mycotoxins originating from plants or fungi, and cyanotoxins, derived from bacteria. Humans encounter these substances in their daily lives. The aim of this rapid review (RR) is to provide a fine mapping of N-EDCs and their toxicological effects on human health in terms of various medical conditions or adverse consequences. This work is based on an extensive literature search and follows a rigorous step-by-step approach (search strategy, analysis strategy and data extraction), to select eligible papers published between 2019 and 2023 in the PubMed database, and to define a set of aspects characterizing N-EDCs and the different human target systems. Of the N-EDCs identified in this RR, flavonoids are the most representative class. Male and female reproductive systems were the targets most affected by N-EDCs, followed by the endocrine, nervous, bone and cardiovascular systems. In addition, the perinatal, pubertal and pregnancy periods were found to be particularly susceptible to natural endocrine disruptors. Considering their current daily use, more toxicological research on N-EDCs is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe a test stripe for fluorometric determination of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were immobilized on molecularly imprinted nanoparticles which then were placed on nitrocellulose paper. The GQDs display blue fluorescence (with excitation/emission peaks at 350/440 nm) which is reduced in the presence of BPA. The test stripe has a 43.9 ± 0.8 μg·L−1 limit of detection in case of water samples. The stripe was applied to the determination of BPA in (spiked) tap water and sea water, and the LODs were found to be 1.8 ± 0.2 μg·L−1 and 4.2 ± 0.5 μg·L−1, respectively. Structural analogs of BPA, such as aminophenol, phenol, hydroquinone and naphthol were found not to interfere. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of graphene quantum dots immobilized on molecularly imprinted nanoparticles placed on nitrocellulose paper for the determination of Bisphenol A in tap water and seawater. The method is based on the fluorescence quenching due to binding of targets in specific recognition sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the efficacy of three white-rot fungi—Bjerkandera adusta, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Trametes versicolor—in degrading synthetic dyes and lignin in pulp and paper mill effluents, which annually contribute around 40,000 million cubic meters of dyed waste. Exploiting the structural resemblance of dyes to lignin, the fungi utilize ligninolytic enzymes—lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and laccase—to break down the pollutants. Initial mycoremediation trials in synthetic dye solutions with Direct black 80, Direct yellow 11, Basic brown 1, Orange II, and Red 8 BLP achieved decolorization rates of 70–80% within 7 days, except for Red 8 BLP. Both soluble and insoluble lignin fractions were significantly reduced, with an overall removal rate of 80–90%. Contrary to prior beliefs about the recalcitrance of azo dyes, B. adusta demonstrated substantial biodegradation capabilities, even on non-lignocellulosic substrates, such as dairy waste. The decolorization efficacy varied with dye structure, suggesting that efficiency should not be judged solely on color reduction. Remarkably, B. adusta also effectively decolorized and removed lignin from actual mill effluents without pH alteration, indicating a viable low-cost bioremediation strategy. This invites further investigation into optimizing B. adusta for industrial wastewater biodecolorization, especially in the field of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thyroid hormone (TH)-disrupting activity of effluents and environmental water samples in Thailand was surveyed by three in vitro bioassays with different endpoints. These assays test the potency of competitive binding with the active form of TH, 3,3',5-[125I]triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), to the plasma transport protein transthyretin (TTR) and TH receptor (TR; the TTR assay and TR assay, respectively) and the interference with the cellular T3-signaling pathway through TR-mediated luciferase gene activation (the luc assay). The TH-disrupting activity in water samples collected from paper manufacturing plants (PMPs), the canal Khlong U-Taphao, and a sewage-treatment plant (STP) was detected predominantly in the dichloromethane/methanol or methanol fractions of solid-phase extraction, suggesting a similar hydrophobic nature of the causative contaminants. The TR assay was relatively more sensitive than the TTR assay to the competitively potent contaminants. The luc assay indicated that the dichloromethane/ methanol fractions of most water samples contained anti-T3-like activity. Our assays demonstrated that wastewater treatment effectively removed the TH-disrupting contaminants from wastewater in the PMP and the STP. The potencies for TH disruption at the three sampling points of the STP exhibited positive correlations among the three bioassays, whereas those from the canal and PMP water were not correlated among the three bioassays. Furthermore, the influent contaminants that were competitively potent in the TTR assay partially affected the luc assay. These bioassays are useful monitoring tools that give results relevant for evaluating the health of amphibian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the literature data, an efficient removal of bisphenol A (BPA) during ozonation can be expected under water treatment conditions. However, up to now, the degradation products have not been identified. This has been the main point of this study. Aqueous solutions of BPA have been analyzed by LC–UV, LC–MS or MS/MS at different ozone doses. Under our experimental conditions, up to five major transformation products were evidenced. According to UV, MS and MS/MS spectra characteristics, chemical structures are consistent with catechol, orthoquinone, muconic acid derivatives of BPA, benzoquinone and 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. Moreover, three additional minor transformation products have been observed for which chemical structures have been tentatively proposed. In the case of major transformation products, the reaction pathway may involve an initial ozone reaction by electrophilic substitution or 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. In the presence of ozone, these primary transformation products were shown to be unstable. Further transformation products, with smaller molecular weight and more polar character such as aliphatic acids or aldehydes, are then expected during ozonation. The identification of minor transformation products was more complex to assess. However, oligomeric structures have been evidenced, certainly arising from secondary reaction between various oxidation products of BPA. The formation of these latter products would not be favored under water treatment conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor and poses serious threats to human health, and widespread concern has been raised regarding its effective removal from the environment. In this work, an eco-friendly surface molecularly imprinted composite (MIL-100(Fe)@MIP) was successfully fabricated in the green solvent of water and further achieved the fast and effective removal of BPA. The maximum adsorption capacity of BPA bound to MIL-100(Fe)@MIP was 15.45 mg g−1, and the adsorption behavior was adequately described with the Langmuir model. MIL-100(Fe)@MIP acquired fast adsorption of BPA, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity achieved 95% within 10 min. The adsorption process better matches the pseudo-second-order model. As a solid phase sorbent, MIL-100(Fe)@MIP was successfully applied to rapidly and efficiently remove BPA from five real samples, which included disposable food containers, canned yellow peach, orange juice, soybean milk and teabags, and the recoveries ranged from 80.67% to 100.58%. Furthermore, MIL-100(Fe)@MIP exhibited excellent reusability for 20 cycles. Hence, the developed MIL-100(Fe)@MIP is an eco-friendly and promising adsorbent that can effectively and rapidly remove BPA from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol S (BPS), an environmental endocrine disruptor, has been identified in global environmental matrices. Nevertheless, limited studies have investigated the presence of chlorinated analogues of BPS (Clx-BPSs) with potential estrogenic activities in environmental matrices. In this study, the occurrence of BPS and five types of Clx-BPSs was characterized in indoor dust (n = 178) from Hangzhou City. BPS was measurable in 94% of indoor dust samples, with an average level of 0.63 μg/g (1-BPS (2-chloro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol; detection frequency 70%), Cl2-BPS-2 (2-chloro-4-(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol; 65%), and Cl2-BPS-1 (2,6-dichloro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol; 61%) were among the frequently detected Clx-BPSs. Cl1-BPS was the most abundant analyte, with an average of 0.048 μg/g (2-BPS-1 (0.035 μg/g, 2-BPS-2 (0.031 μg/g, 1-BPS (p < 0.01), as well as between BPS and Cl2-BPS-1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, an estimation was made for the total daily intake of Clx-BPSs via the ingestion of indoor dust by infants, children, and adults. This study presents the first evidence of the existence of Clx-BPSs in indoor dust, concurrently highlighting the necessity to address their potential human exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As industrialization and urbanization accelerate, the quality of the water environment has been deteriorating, and pollution from novel pollutants (ECs), such as microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and endocrine disruptors, has become increasingly prominent. Although the concentration of these new pollutants in the environment is very low, they pose a long-term cumulative threat to human health and ecosystem security because of their persistent and difficult-to-degrade properties. This paper reviews the treatment technologies for novel pollutants such as microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and endocrine disruptors, including physical (e.g., sand filtration, adsorption, membrane separation), chemical (e.g., flocculation, advanced oxidation, photocatalysis), and biological (e.g., microbial degradation) methods. The various technologies' advantages, disadvantages, and application statuses are analyzed, and future research directions and challenges are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in industrial production, is found in various environmental sources. Despite numerous reports on BPA degradation and removal, the details remain unclear. This paper aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive review of BPA degradation methods, focusing on biological, physical, and chemical treatments and the factors that affect the degradation of BPA. Firstly, the paper uses VOSviewer software (version 1.6.15) to map out the literature on BPA degradation published in the past 20 years, which reveals the trends and research focus in this field. Next, the advantages and limitations of different BPA degradation methods are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the importance of BPA degradation to protect the environment and human health. The paper provides significant insights for researchers and policymakers to develop better approaches for BPA degradation and removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviewed various studies on the effects of endocrine disruptors on human health, focusing on accelerated aging in the younger generation. In particular, we analyzed how the modern lifestyle and ignorance of endocrine disruptors in the younger generation are accelerating aging, and how the concentration of endocrine disruptor exposure in the human body affects the body's burden. Based on existing papers, we conducted a systematic review using Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus to comprehensively investigate and summarize the definition of endocrine disruptors, their effects on hormones, and the physical burden of continuous exposure to endocrine disruptors. Research has shown that persistent exposure to endocrine disruptors disrupts homeostasis in the body and creates oxidative stress that can lead to aging and chronic inflammation. These characteristics were also found to be significant in the observation of telomere length, which is a measure of aging. Therefore, in order to prevent accelerated aging in the younger generation, we can suggest ways to minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors and slow down normal aging in the entire public health, including the 3040s, in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, is commercialized as powder and beans in different types of packaging and extracted through several methods. In this regard, the present study focused on evaluating the concentration of two of the most used phthalates in plastic materials (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-butyl phthalate (DBP)) in coffee powder and beverages to assess their migration from different packaging and machines. Furthermore, the levels of exposure to these endocrine disruptors in regular coffee consumers were estimated. Samples of packaged coffee powder/beans (n = 60) from different forms of packaging (multilayer bag, aluminum tin, and paper pod) and coffee beverages (n = 40) that were differently extracted (by professional espresso machine (PEM), Moka pot (MP), and home espresso machine (HEM)) were analyzed by extraction of the lipid fraction, purification, and determination by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Risk due to consumption of coffee (1–6 cups) was assessed based on tolerable daily intake (TDI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). No significant differences emerged in DBP and DEHP concentrations among different types of packaging (multilayer, aluminum, and paper), whereas higher levels of DEHP were reported in beverages extracted by PEM (6.65, 2.58–11.32) than by MP (0.78, 0.59–0.91) and HEM (0.83, 0.62–0.98). The presence of higher DEHP levels in coffee beverages than in coffee powder may be due to its leaching through machine components. However, the levels of PAEs did not exceed the specific migration limits (SMLs) set out for food contact materials (FCM), and exposure to PAEs from coffee beverages was low, justifying the small risk due of its consumption. Consequently, coffee can be considered a safe beverage for exposure to some phthalic acid esters (PAEs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In past times, the analysis of endocrine disrupting properties of chemicals has mainly been focused on (anti-)estrogenic or (anti-)androgenic properties, as well as on aspects of steroidogenesis and the modulation of thyroid signaling. More recently, disruption of energy metabolism and related signaling pathways by exogenous substances, so-called metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) have come into focus. While general effects such as body and organ weight changes are routinely monitored in animal studies, there is a clear lack of mechanistic test systems to determine and characterize the metabolismdisrupting potential of chemicals. In order to contribute to filling this gap, one of the project within EU-funded Partnership for the Assessment of Risks of Chemicals (PARC) aims at developing novel in vitro methods for the detection of endocrine metabolic disruptors. Efforts will comprise projects related to specific signaling pathways, for example, involving mTOR or xenobioticsensing nuclear receptors, studies on hepatocytes, adipocytes and pancreatic beta cells covering metabolic and morphological endpoints, as well as metabolism-related zebrafish-based tests as an alternative to classic rodent bioassays. This paper provides an overview of the approaches and methods of these PARC projects and how this will contribute to the improvement of the toxicological toolbox to identify substances with endocrine disrupting properties and to decipher their mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most produced synthetic monomers in the world and is widespread in the environment. BPA was replaced by bisphenol analogues (BP) because of its adverse effects on life. Bacteria can degrade BPA and other bisphenol analogues (BP), diminishing their environmental concentrations. This study aimed to summarize the knowledge and contribute to future studies. In this review, we surveyed papers on bacterial degradation of twelve different bisphenol analogues published between 1987 and June 2022. A total of 102 original papers from PubMed and Google Scholar were selected for this review. Most of the studies (94.1%, n = 96) on bacterial degradation of bisphenol analogues focused on BPA, and then on bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS). The number of studies on bacterial degradation of bisphenol analogues increased more than six times from 2000 (n = 2) to 2021 (n = 13). Indigenous microorganisms and the genera Sphingomonas, Sphingobium, and Cupriavidus could degrade several BP. However, few studies focussed on Cupriavidus. The acknowledgement of various aspects of BP bacterial biodegradation is vital for choosing the most suitable microorganisms for the bioremediation of a single BP or a mixture of BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants and suspected endocrine disruptors. Objective: The aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to summarise the associations between prenatal or childhood exposure to PFASs and childhood overweight/obesity. Methods: The search was performed on the bibliographic databases PubMed and Embase with text strings containing terms related to prenatal, breastfeeding, childhood, overweight, obesity, and PFASs. Only papers describing a biomonitoring study in pregnant women or in children up to 18 years that assessed body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or fat mass in children were included. When the estimates of the association between a PFAS and an outcome were reported from at least 3 studies, a meta-analysis was conducted; moreover, to correctly compare the studies, we developed a method to convert the different effect estimates and made them comparable each other. Meta-analyses were performed also stratifying by sex and age, and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results: In total, 484 and 779 articles were retrieved from PubMed and Embase, respectively, resulting in a total of 826 articles after merging duplicates. The papers included in this systematic review were 49: 26 evaluating prenatal exposure to PFASs, 17 childhood exposure, and 6 both. Considering a qualitative evaluation, results were conflicting, with positive, negative, and null associations. 30 papers were included in meta-analyses (19 prenatal, 7 children, and 4 both). Positive associations were evidenced between prenatal PFNA and BMI, between PFOA and BMI in children who were more than 3 years, and between prenatal PFNA and WC. Negative associations were found between prenatal PFOS and BMI in children who were 3 or less years, and between PFHxS and risk of overweight. Relatively more consistent negative associations were evidenced between childhood exposure to three PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA) and BMI, in particular PFOS in boys. However, heterogeneity among studies was high. Conclusion: Even though heterogeneous across studies, the pooled evidence suggests possible associations, mostly positive, between prenatal exposure to some PFASs and childhood BMI/WC; and relatively stronger evidence for negative associations between childhood exposure to PFASs and childhood BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging pollutants (EPs) encompass natural or synthetic substances found in the environment that pose potential risks, but which have only recently been recognized or monitored. EPs consist of various categories, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, hormones, mycotoxins, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Through several pathways, EPs can access food, potentially leading to health impacts when safe concentrations are exceeded. Milk, being a highly nutritious food product that is heavily consumed by many consumers of different ages, is a crucial food matrix where EPs should be regularly monitored. In the literature, a large number of studies have been dedicated to the determination of different EPs in dairy milk, employing different analytical techniques to do so. Chromatography-based techniques are the most prevalent means used for the analysis of EPs in milk, demonstrating significant efficiency, sensitivity, and accuracy for this specific purpose. The extraction of EPs from a complex matrix like milk is essential prior to performing chromatographic analysis. This review comprehensively covers relevant research papers on the extraction and subsequent detection and determination of EPs in milk using chromatographic methods from 2018 to 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]