Concentrations of the Sunscreen Agent Benzophenone-3 in Residents of the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004
2008

Benzophenone-3 Exposure in the U.S. Population

Sample size: 2517 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Antonia M. Calafat, Lee-Yang Wong, Xiaoyun Ye, John A. Reidy, Larry L. Needham

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

What are the levels of exposure to benzophenone-3 in the U.S. general population?

Conclusion

Exposure to benzophenone-3 was prevalent in the general U.S. population during 2003–2004, with significant differences observed by sex and race/ethnicity.

Supporting Evidence

  • BP-3 was detected in 96.8% of urine samples.
  • Geometric mean concentration of BP-3 was 22.9 μg/L.
  • Females had significantly higher BP-3 concentrations than males.
  • Non-Hispanic whites had higher BP-3 concentrations than non-Hispanic blacks.

Takeaway

Most people in the U.S. had benzophenone-3 in their urine, which comes from using products like sunscreen. Girls and white people had higher levels than boys and black people.

Methodology

Analyzed 2,517 urine samples using automated solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported data regarding product use.

Limitations

The study may not account for all potential sources of exposure to benzophenone-3.

Participant Demographics

U.S. general population aged 6 years and older, stratified by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p ≤ 0.01

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 1.9–6.5 for females; 95% CI, 2.9–16.2 for non-Hispanic whites

Statistical Significance

p ≤ 0.04

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1289/ehp.11269

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