Fish consumption is an indicator of exposure to benzophenone derivatives: A probabilistic risk assessment in Taiwanese population

Benzophenone (BP) derivatives (BPs) ultraviolet filters are used in industrial and commercial products and have been reported to be toxic. Studies have investigated the ecological risks but not the human exposure risks of BPs. Residues of 10 BPs (BP, BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-8, 2-OHBP, 4-OHBP, 4-MBP, M2BB, and PBZ) were measured in 110 commercial samples of saltwater fish (SF) and freshwater fish (FF) from Taiwan. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and noncarcinogenic risks (as hazard quotients [HQs] and hazard indices [HIs]) were predicted for eight age groups by using Monte Carlo simulation, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing risks. The carcinogenic risk of exposure to BP was estimated using lifetime cancer risk (LTCR). The results revealed that seven BPs (BP, BP-3, 2-OHBP, 4-OHBP, 4-MBP, PBZ, and M2BB) were ubiquitous in the fish samples. The mean sums of the content of these seven BPs in FF and SF were 46.4 ng/g and 25.0 ng/g, respectively. Infants (age 0–3 years) exhibited the highest HI of BPs (1.6E–2) and LTCR of BP (2.8E–7) among all age groups. The HQs and HIs of all BPs were less than 1 and the LTCR for BP was lower than the acceptable range (10−4 to10−6) in all age groups, suggesting that BPs intake through fish consumption is not a health concern for Taiwanese people. The results of the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the amount of SF consumed and 2-OHBP levels exerted the greatest effect on risk. Considering the relatively higher risk of fish consumption and concerns that ultraviolet filters are endocrine disruptors, the potential health risks of BPs intake for infants deserves further attention. [Display omitted] •10 BPs were measured in commercial samples of saltwater and freshwater fish.•BP, BP-3, 2-OHBP, 4-OHBP, 4-MBP, PBZ, and M2BB were ubiquitous in fish.•Infants (0–3 years) had the highest BP-related HI (1.6E–2) and cancer risk (2.8E–7).•Major contributors to BPs risk are saltwater fish consumed and 2-OHBP levels.•Exposure to BPs through fish consumption is safe for Taiwanese people.