Evidence for cosmetics as a source of mineral oil contamination in women

There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body, amounting to approximately 1 g per person. Possible routes of contamination include air inhalation, food intake, and dermal absorption. The present study aims to identify the most relevant sources of mineral oil contamination. One hundred forty-two women undergoing elective cesarean section were enrolled. A specimen of subcutaneous fat was removed prior to wound closure. On days 4 and 20 postpartum, milk samples were collected from the women. Fat and milk samples were analyzed for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH). All women completed a questionnaire on personal data, nutrition habits, and use of cosmetics. MOSH concentrations in fat tissue were compared with data from the questionnaire and with MOSH concentrations in corresponding milk samples. The predominant predictor for MOSH contamination of fat tissue was age (p