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Human exposure to naturally occurring hydroquinone
P J Deisinger1, T S Hill, J C English
1Biochemical Toxicology Section, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York 14652-6272, USA.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Dietary sources like wheat and pears significantly increase hydroquinone (HQ) levels in human plasma and urine. Even cigarette smoke contributes to overall HQ exposure in volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Hydroquinone (HQ) is an industrial chemical found naturally as arbutin and in cigarette smoke.
- Low HQ levels are detected in humans without known exposure, suggesting environmental or dietary sources.
- Understanding HQ exposure is crucial for public health and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dietary and other potential sources of HQ.
- To quantify HQ contribution to plasma and urine concentrations in human volunteers.
- To compare HQ exposure from diet versus cigarette smoking.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of food items for arbutin and free HQ.
- Controlled dietary study with volunteers consuming HQ- and arbutin-rich foods.
- Monitoring plasma and urinary HQ levels (total HQ) post-consumption and post-smoking.
Main Results:
- Significant levels of arbutin and HQ found in wheat products, pears, coffee, tea, red wine, and broccoli.
- Dietary intake led to substantial increases in plasma (5x) and urinary (12x) total HQ.
- Smoking four cigarettes increased plasma total HQ by 1.5x and urinary excretion by 2.5x.
Conclusions:
- Dietary sources, particularly plant-derived foods, are a major contributor to human HQ exposure.
- Cigarette smoke is a less significant source of HQ exposure compared to diet.
- These findings highlight the importance of dietary factors in human exposure to hydroquinone.