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Parabens are commonly used as preservatives and antimicrobial compounds in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. Structurally they are similar to estrogen hormone and they interfere with nuclear receptors for androgens, estrogens, progesterone, glucocorticosteroids etc. Hence, they are considered as endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC)s. Studies in both human and rodents have established the role of parabens in altering steroidogenesis and activity of enzymes that metabolize endogenous hormones. Parabens disrupt normal function of the hormones and lead to reproductive, developmental and neurological disorders; thyroid related problems, skin allergy and cancers. Scientific articles supporting these assertions have led some countries banning or restricting paraben usage. A number of substitutes, both natural and synthetic chemicals are now in market as alternatives of parabens. This review article aims to provide adverse effects of paraben as well as potent paraben alternatives. The major alternatives include formaldehyde, triclosan and phenol, but those chemicals also have toxicity and side effects which are difficult to ignore. Moreover, the natural compounds have low shelf life and less potency. Therefore, more research is needed to establish the alternatives of parabens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Hautarzt is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Der Hautarzt is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nail polish has been widely used around the world. However, the hazards of nail polishes discarded in the environment are still poorly investigated. Thus, the toxicogenetic effects of solubilized (SE) and leached (LE) extracts from nail polishes were investigated, simulating their disposal on water and landfill, respectively, and identifying their physicochemical properties and chemical constituents. Organic compounds and metals were detected in both extracts. SE and LE only induced mutagenic effects in TA98 Salmonella strain in the presence and absence of exogenous metabolic activation. Although both extracts did not significantly increase the frequency of micronucleated HepG2 cells, the cell viability was affected by 24-h exposure. No DNA damage was observed in gonad fish cells (RTG-2) exposed to both extracts; however, the highest SE and LE concentrations induced significant lethal and sublethal effects on zebrafish early-life stages during 96-h exposure. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that if nail polishes enter aquatic systems, it may cause negative impacts to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]