Comparison of prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine active phenol derivatives in mammals — Humans and Baltic grey seals

Bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) are characterised by their endocrine active properties. Their negative effects on the development of the body are doubly important in the reproduction process. The goal was to compare the maternal transfer of phenol derivatives in humans and seals and identify factors that may affect the load of phenol derivatives entering the mother's body, which translates into a risk to the offspring. Phenol derivatives were determined using HPLC-FLD. It was shown that higher concentrations of phenol derivatives in blood or milk were detected in humans (mothers and newborns) compared to concentrations in Baltic seals. This was influenced by external exposure factors, i.e., leaching of phenol derivatives from food packaging or dermal contact. The authors conclude that milk is the main component in the maternal transfer of BPA to the next generation in humans, while blood is a carrier of alkylphenols, particularly 4-tert-octylphenol. •There is a maternal transfer of phenol derivatives in mammals•Human exposure to EDCs is higher than in Baltic seals•Milk is a major component of maternal transfer of bisphenol A•Blood acts as a carrier of alkylphenols from mother to offspring