Review
Environmental Sciences
Karolina Nowak, Ewa Jablonska, Wioletta Ratajczak-Wrona
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive summary of available methods to prevent microbial contamination of cosmetics and personal care products, aiming to reduce the use of parabens in these products.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronica van der Schyff, Lenka Suchankova, Katerina Kademoglou, Lisa Melymuk, Jana Klanova
Summary: The personal care product industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide. While some products are marketed as green or natural, there is no significant difference in the concentrations of harmful compounds between green and conventional products. However, the cumulative intake of harmful compounds is an order of magnitude higher for individuals using conventional products compared to those using green products exclusively.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronika Klancic, Martina Gobec, Ziga Jakopin
Summary: The use of household and personal care products leads to the release of numerous chemicals into the environment, including parabens, bisphenols, UV filters, and alkylphenol ethoxylates. These chemicals can contaminate soil, water, plants, and animals. This review examines the sources and occurrence of halogenated transformation products, compares their endocrine-disrupting properties with their parent compounds, and highlights knowledge gaps in their toxicological profiles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marissa Chan, Emma V. Preston, Victoria Fruh, Marlee R. Quinn, Michele R. Hacker, Blair J. Wylie, Karen O'Brien, Paige L. Williams, Russ Hauser, Tamarra James-Todd, Shruthi Mahalingaiah
Summary: Prenatal exposure to personal care products may be associated with adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Hair product use, nail polish use, and certain personal care products were found to have associations with birth weight and birth length. These findings can inform future interventions and clinical recommendations to reduce exposures linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Pahriya Ashrap, Emily S. Barrett, Adana A. M. Llanos, Deborah J. Watkins, Amber L. Cathey, Carmen M. Velez-Vega, Zaira Rosario, Jose F. Cordero, Akram Alshawabkeh, John D. Meeker
Summary: This study investigated the association between personal care product (PCP) use and prenatal hormone levels in pregnant women from Puerto Rico. It found that household income and education level influence PCP use, and that certain hair products may be linked to lower concentrations of sex steroid hormones.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
S. Keerthanan, Chamila Jayasinghe, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Meththika Vithanage
Summary: The article reviews the occurrence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment and their impacts on plants, as well as the potential risks to human health. It highlights the differential uptake and bioaccumulation of PPCPs in plants, with a focus on the factors influencing plant uptake and translocation. Future research should address the mechanisms of plant uptake and translocation of PPCPs and strategies to reduce human health risks associated with consumption of contaminated plants.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Mondejar-Lopez, Alberto Jose Lopez-Jimenez, Joaquin C. Garcia Martinez, Oussama Ahrazem, Lourdes Gomez-Gomez, Enrique Niza
Summary: In this study, the natural terpene thymoquinone was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, showing high antimicrobial and moisturizing properties in cosmetic products, indicating its promising use as an alternative preservative.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Edris Madadian, David S. A. Simakov
Summary: The presence of emerging contaminants in water and wastewater resources is a concern for public health. This study investigates the thermal degradation of sewage sludge containing pharmaceutical and personal care products, and the potential for bioenergy production during the process. The results show that thermal treatment can significantly reduce the concentrations of these contaminants.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sergio Lucas-Sanchez, Lucia Abad-Gil, Carmen Isabel-Cabrera, M. Jesus Gismera, M. Teresa Sevilla, Jesus R. Procopio
Summary: This study presents an HPLC method with electrochemical detection using disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPE) for simultaneous determination of 6 different parabens in personal care products. The electrochemical behavior of parabens was studied on different carbon-based materials, and the most suitable conditions were chosen. A fast ultrasound-assisted extraction method was applied to extract the parabens from complex-matrix cosmetic products. The proposed method is versatile, fast, and has been successfully applied to commercial samples.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weili Mao, Jianli Qu, Songyang Zhong, Xilin Wu, Kaili Mao, Kaizhen Liao, Hangbiao Jin
Summary: Parabens, a family of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may be associated with the development of lung cancer. The study conducted in Quzhou, China found that urinary concentrations of methyl-paraben and propyl-paraben are positively associated with the risk of lung cancer in adults.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weili Mao, Jianli Qu, Songyang Zhong, Xilin Wu, Kaili Mao, Kaizhen Liao, Hangbiao Jin
Summary: The association between parabens and lung cancer is unknown. We conducted a study in Quzhou, China, recruiting 189 cases of lung cancer and 198 controls to measure urinary parabens concentrations and examine their association with lung cancer risk. We found that cases had significantly higher concentrations of MeP, EtP, PrP, and BuP compared to controls. In the adjusted model, we identified a significant correlation between urinary PrP concentrations and lung cancer risk. Moreover, higher urinary concentrations of MeP and PrP were also associated with increased lung cancer risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Laura Martin-Pozo, Maria del Carmen Gomez-Regalado, Inmaculada Moscoso-Ruiz, Alberto Zafra-Gomez
Summary: Personal care products and cosmetics may contain endocrine disruptors, which can be harmful to health, so the development of accurate detection methods is important.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qing Ying Yee, Mimi H. Hassim, Nishanth G. Chemmangattuvalappil, Joon Yoon Ten, Rafeqah Raslan
Summary: This study developed a comprehensive framework for integrating safety, health, and performance aspects into the ingredient design of personal care products. Mathematical optimization programming was used to generate a list of high-quality PCP preservative candidates, and an index-based safety and health effect assessment was presented.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheyenne Hawkins, Gregory Foster, Scott Glaberman
Summary: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are difficult to assess due to their diverse characteristics, and new prioritization methodologies comparing monitoring concentrations to toxicity data sources are needed. In this study, the potential risks of 99 PPCPs in an urban tributary were evaluated, and the highest risks were found near wastewater treatment plant and sewer overflows. Urban tributaries are important to monitor as their flow may not adequately dilute contaminants. Common psychotropics and ubiquitous chemicals exceeded thresholds of concern, indicating the need for further investigation. Improved coordination among monitoring programs is needed for global chemical prioritization efforts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Erika Raley, Lesliam Quiros-Alcala, Elizabeth C. Matsui
Summary: The evolving literature suggests a link between chemicals in personal care products and increased risk of asthma, with Black individuals being more exposed to these chemicals, potentially contributing to the disproportionate asthma prevalence among the US Black population. Efforts to reduce chemical exposures through personal care products may help in reducing this disparity.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Sangeet Adhikari, Varun Kelkar, Rahul Kumar, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: Microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging contaminants that cause unavoidable exposure to humans and animals. Detecting and quantifying these pollutants in the environment and living organisms is challenging due to their small size and complex characteristics. This mini-review explores the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used analytical methods and provides recommendations for ensuring data quality.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Richard Bade, Jason M. White, Maulik Ghetia, Santosh Adiraju, Sangeet Adhikari, Lubertus Bijlsma, Tim Boogaerts, Daniel A. Burgard, Sara Castiglioni, Alberto Celma, Andrew Chappell, Adrian Covaci, Erin M. Driver, Rolf U. Halden, Felix Hernandez, Heon-Jun Lee, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs, Jeong-Eun Oh, Marco A. Pineda Castro, Noelia Salgueiro-Gonzalez, Bikram Subedi, Xue-Ting Shao, Viviane Yargeau, Ettore Zuccato, Cobus Gerber
Summary: This study focused on 28 NPS stimulants and detected 11 of them, with eutylone and 3-methylmethcathinone (3MMC) being the most commonly found and with the highest mass loads, indicating international popularity. Older generation stimulants like para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), methylone, and mephedrone were also detected, showing the dynamic nature of the NPS market. Areas in New Zealand were found to have the highest loads of NPS stimulant consumption, demonstrating the potential public health risks associated with these substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sangeet Adhikari, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a powerful tool for health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the potential of using WBE to track global progress in achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a cost-effective manner. The results show that more than half of the SDGs can be monitored using WBE at centralized treatment infrastructure.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Temitope O. C. Faleye, Amir Elyaderani, Peter Skidmore, Sangeet Adhikari, Abriana Smith, Nicole Kaiser, Helen Sandrolini, Sarah Finnerty, Rolf U. Halden, Arvind Varsani, Matthew Scotch
Summary: We investigated the presence and diversity of rhinoviruses in nasopharyngeal swab samples from 248 individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI). We identified at least 13 rhinovirus genotypes and 16 variants that contributed to the burden of ILI in the community. Additionally, we described the complete capsid protein gene of an unassigned rhinovirus A genotype (AZ88**).
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Megan B. Diamond, Aparna Keshaviah, Ana Bento, Otakuye Conroy-Ben, Erin M. Driver, Katherine B. Ensor, Rolf U. Halden, Loren P. Hopkins, Katrin G. Kuhn, Christine L. Moe, Eric C. Rouchka, Ted Smith, Bradley S. Stevenson, Zachary Susswein, Jason R. Vogel, Marlene K. Wolfe, Lauren B. Stadler, Samuel Scarpino
Summary: Wastewater monitoring has proven effective in identifying outbreaks and variants, and should be expanded to enhance public health preparedness.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin M. Driver, Adam J. Gushgari, Joshua C. Steele, Devin A. Bowes, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using endogenous biomarkers, specifically glucocorticoid hormones, to estimate population-level stress by monitoring wastewater. The study found reproducible patterns in the excretion of stress hormones, with the highest levels occurring on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the lowest on Sundays. Stress levels were significantly higher on weekdays compared to weekends, and also higher during the first two months of each semester. Overall, stress levels were higher in the Spring semester compared to the Fall semester.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahul Kumar, Sangeet Adhikari, Erin Driver, Jake Zevitz, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This study evaluated population-level exposure to phthalates, bisphenols (BPs), and terephthalic acid (TPA) by measuring urinary metabolites in community wastewater. The findings suggest that analyzing municipal wastewater for chemical indicators of human exposure to plastic constituents is feasible and informative.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahul Kumar, Sangeet Adhikari, Erin M. Driver, Ted Smith, Aruni Bhatnagar, Pawel K. Lorkiewicz, Zhengzhi Xie, J. David Hoetker, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of detecting urinary biomarkers of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure in community wastewater. The results show the presence of various metabolites related to chemical exposure, with community 1 having higher detections and VOC loadings, which are associated with manufacturing activities and vehicle emissions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ananda Tiwari, Sangeet Adhikari, Devrim Kaya, Md. Aminul Islam, Bikash Malla, Samendra P. Sherchan, Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha, Manish Kumar, Srijan Aggarwal, Prosun Bhattacharya, Kyle Bibby, Rolf U. Halden, Aaron Bivins, Eiji Haramoto, Sami Oikarinen, Annamari Heikinheimo, Tarja Pitkaenen
Summary: Monkeypox disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, has become a global concern. Wastewater-based surveillance can be a useful tool for early detection of the virus, but there are challenges to overcome.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vivek Amin, Devin A. Bowes, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are major causes of global deaths, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a tool for assessing population-level disease prevalence and identified biomarkers for CVD and cancer. The results suggest that WBE can be a valuable support for current methods of CVD and cancer assessment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sangeet Adhikari, Rahul Kumar, Erin M. Driver, Devin A. Bowes, Keng Tiong Ng, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernandez, Mariel Araceli Oyervides-Munoz, Elda M. Melchor-Martinez, Manuel Martinez-Ruiz, Karina G. Coronado-Apodaca, Ted Smith, Aruni Bhatnagar, Brian J. Piper, Kenneth L. McCall, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Leon P. Barron, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This study analyzed wastewater samples from 50 cities in the United States and Mexico from July to October 2020 to estimate drug use rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed high detection frequencies of psychotropic drugs, including ketamine, lorazepam, clonazepam, and temazepam. The study also detected zaleplon and zolpidem in wastewater for the first time in North America.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Varun Kelkar, Erin M. Driver, Elisa J. Bienenstock, Anthony Palladino, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: Levels of stress biomarkers in wastewater can reflect population wellbeing and health. This study explored the stability of these biomarkers in wastewater for use in wastewater-based epidemiology. Results showed that the tetrahydro derivatives were the most persistent stress biomarkers, and their decay rates were influenced by temperature.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Matthew F. Smith, Steven C. Holland, Mihyun B. Lee, James C. Hu, Nghia C. Pham, Regan A. Sullins, LaRinda A. Holland, Tianchen Mu, Alexis W. Thomas, Remington Fitch, Erin M. Driver, Rolf U. Halden, Michelle Villegas-Gold, Sheri Sanders, Jennifer L. Krauss, Lora Nordstrom, Mary Mulrow, Michael White, Vel Murugan, Efrem S. Lim
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve new variants, but the dynamics of how these variants become dominant is not well understood. The emergence of new variants is driven by selection for increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Understanding the spread of emergent variants can inform public health responses to future variants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
William A. . Arnold, Arlene Blum, Jennifer Branyan, Thomas A. . Bruton, Courtney C. Carignan, Gino Cortopassi, Sandipan Datta, Jamie DeWitt, Anne-Cooper Doherty, Rolf U. Halden, Homero Harari, Erica M. Hartmann, Terry C. Hrubec, Shoba Iyer, Jonas LaPier, Dingsheng Li, Li Li, Jorge G. Muniz Ortiz, Amina Salamova, Ted Schettler, Carol F. Kwiatkowski, Ryan P. Seguin, Rebecca Sutt, Libin Xu, Guomao Zheng
Summary: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), widely used as antimicrobials and preservatives, have experienced increased usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show increased human exposure to QACs and their adverse environmental and health impacts, leading to the need for a reevaluation of the risks and benefits of their production, use, and disposal.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Devin A. A. Bowes, Erin M. M. Driver, Sonja Savic, Qiwen Cheng, Corrie M. M. Whisner, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Rolf U. U. Halden
Summary: This study demonstrates that wastewater-based epidemiology can be used for near real-time population dietary assessments, providing a promising tool for actionable and cost-effective data collection to support public health nutrition at the population scale.