194 Autism and Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
exposed to octinoxate. In addition, in the age range up to 8 months, the male
offspring showed a drastic decrease in sperm count and weight of the testes. Of
note, exposure to octinoxate yielded different effects in males and females [91]
(Table 7.2).Benzyl Benzoate and Benzyl Salicylate
Benzyl benzoate and benzyl salicylate are both chemical ingredients that are
found in various personal care products such as fragrances, cosmetics, after
shave, hair color, air fresheners, moisturizers, and so on. Benzyl benzoate, also
known as ascabiol or ascabin, is a benzyl ester (Figure 7.6). The physical state
of benzyl benzoate is usually a clear colorless liquid. The odor of benzyl benzo
ate is usually a faint yet sweet balsamic‐like odor. Benzyl salicylate, also known
as salicylic acid, is a benzyl ester. Salicylic acid has a clear liquid appearance.
The odor of benzyl salicylic acid is mildly sweet and slightly balsamic. Certain
studies have investigated the effects of benzyl benzoate and benzyl salicylate to
find the chemicals that may be estrogenic endocrine disruptors and possibly
induce breast cancer in women [92]. Studies conducted at the Perinatal Centre,
Institute for the Health of Women and Children, Sahlgrenska Academy,
Gothenburg, Sweden found the extent of cell proliferation in MCF7 breast cancer
cell lines was correlated with certain levels of exposure to benzyl benzoate or
benzyl salicylate over a period of 7–35 days [92] (Table 7.2).d‐Limonene
d‐limonene is a chemical that is predominantly used in fragrances and is used
as an additive for a lemon‐like flavor. The d‐limonene chemical is derived from
citrus peels. Common consumer goods that have synthetic d‐Limonene as an
additive include fragrances, soaps, automobile tire cleaner, cleaning products
(degreasers), shampoo, beverages (such as orange juice), and chewing gum.
The chemical structure of d‐limonene is that of a monocyclic monoterpene.
Limonene is a colorless liquid hydrocarbon classified as a cyclic terpene. The
more common D‐isomer possesses a strong smell of oranges. Limonene takes
its name from the lemon, since the rind of the lemon, like other citrus fruits,
contains considerable amounts of this compound, which contributes to its
distinct odor. Currently, widespread use of limonene is due to its ease of bio
synthesis. These are not natural chemicals, but are synthesized chemically on
a mass scale (Table 7.2). Dietary intake from food ingredients is an alternative
route of exposure; thus, limonene is found as a flavoring compound in tea
resulting in both dietary and inhalative exposure [93].
Also, secondary reactions during construction produce many odors.
Monoterpenes with α‐pinene are a primary example emitted from pine and