Octinoxate 193
MEP can be detected in urine and can be used as a biomarker for exposure
to DEP [79]. Major concerns of the damaging effects of being exposed to DEP
are mainly geared towards pregnant women and their unborn fetus that were
exposed to harmful phthalates such as DEP during the gestation period. Studies
have shown that the chemical DEP acts as an endocrine disruptor and mimics
the role of estrogen and androgen hormones in females and males by binding
to estrogen and androgen receptors in the exposed fetuses [84–90]. This dis
turbs the fine hormonal balance in a developing fetal body. Furthermore, DEP
is mutagenic and has been linked to breast cancer in women. Our study shows
that DEP can be linked to autism by inducing neuromodifications in fetal brain
cells. Furthermore, children that have a prolonged exposure to phthalates
exhibit social communication impairments that are a hallmark symptom that
children with autism express. Consumers come into contact with various
chemicals through air, food, water, plasticizers, synthetic musks (i.e., tonalide)
and other various modes of inadvertent exposures. In a study conducted in
Paris, France, an analytical model was developed to detect various amounts of
endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in indoor air environments. The model
had the ability to detect EDCs in two atmospheric phases, including gas and
particulate phases. The results from the model showed that phthalates, because
of their high volatile characteristics, were one of the most abundant indoor
contaminants and were mostly found in the gaseous phase at a varying concen
tration of 8.39–1.246 ng/mg^3. In addition, musk ketones were the second most
detected EDCs in the indoor air environment, which had a concentration of
30 ng/m^3. The results showed that these chemicals are found abundantly in the
indoor air environment of homes. If the indoor air quality is contaminated
with these chemicals, the inhabitants of these homes (especially young chil
dren and pregnant women with developing fetuses) may be affected by these
chemicals [85–90].
Octinoxate
Octinoxates are colorless to light yellow liquids and a main chemical ingredient
in sunscreen, shampoos, and skin creams, nail polishes, and so on. Octinoxate
has been linked to being a possible endocrine disruptor [88]. It has also been
linked to breast cancer and affects the development of reproductive organs
[7,21]. For example, studies carried out at The Technical University of Denmark
exposed octinoxate to unborn fetuses of pregnant rats at various concentra
tions during the gestation and lactation period [91]. The offspring of rats that
were exposed to the various levels of octinoxate were observed for effects
during pre‐ and postnatal stages, up to 8 months of age [91]. The results of the
study revealed reduced weight of the testes and prostate glands in high‐dose‐
exposed male rats. Decreased motor abilities were observed in female rats
