Exposure profiles to Benzophenones and their impacts on thyroid hormones in pregnant women

Benzophenones are ubiquitous compounds widely used in various industrial and consumer products including sunscreens, plastics, and personal care items. Their presence as emerging pollutants has raised concerns due to their potential adverse health effects, particularly as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The aim of this study was to identify exposure profiles to Benzophenones in pregnant women living in Algiers and to explore associations between urinary levels of these compounds and disruptions of thyroid hormones levels during pregnancy.

This study was carried out on 384 pregnant women. After gathering necessary information using a questionnaire, blood and urine samples were collected. Thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, and FT4) were measured by electrochemiluminescence while Benzophenones (BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3) were detected by LC-MS/MS.

BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3 were detected in 91.9%, 56.5%, and 88.3% of the analyzed samples, respectively. Mean concentrations were 2.250, 0.178, and 2.067 µg/g creatinine for BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3, respectively. Significant negative associations were found between plasma levels of FT3 and urinary concentrations of both BP-1 (β = -0.101) and BP-3 (β = -0.110). Moreover, significant positive associations were recorded between urinary concentrations of both BP-1 and BP-3 and the application of makeup.

In conclusion, exposure of pregnant women to Benzophenones may affect levels of thyroid hormones resulting in possible adverse health effects on the mother and the development of the child. Therefore, preventive measures limiting exposure to these EDCs are recommended.