Gas Phase Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds Arising from the Application of Sunscreens

• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115944
• Publication Date: 2023-05-25T06:30:06Z
• Authors: Amber M. Yeoman; Marvin Shaw; Martyn Ward; Lyndsay Ives; Stephen J. Andrews; Alastair C. Lewis
• Keywords: Inhalation exposure; Volatile organic compound; BTEX

The speciation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from personal care products (PCPs) is complex and contributes to poor air quality health risks users via the inhalation exposure pathway. Detailed VOC emission profiles were generated for 26 sunscreen products; consequently, variability was observed between products, even though they all designed same purpose. Some found contain fragrance not labelled on their ingredients list. Five contaminant VOCs identified (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, p-xylene); headspace sampling an additional 18 randomly selected indicated that ethanol originating fossil petroleum a potential source. gas phase rates quantified 15 most commonly species using SIFT-MS. A wide range products. Usage estimates made based recommended dose per body surface area, which total mass one full-body application in 1.49 × 103-4.52 103 mg 1.35 102-4.11 102 facial (men aged 16+; children 2-4). Depending age sex, estimated 9.8-30 inhaled sunscreen.