Human exposure to nitro musks and the evaluation of their potential toxicity: An overview

Abstract

Synthetic nitro musks are fragrant chemicals found in household and personal care products. The use of thes products leads to direct exposures via dermal absorption, as well as inhalation of contaminated dust and volatilize fragrances. Evidence also suggests that humans are exposed to low doses of these chemicals through ora absorption of contaminated liquids and foods. As these compounds are lipophilic, they and their metabolites, hav been found not only in blood, but also breast milk and adipose tissue. After personal use, these environmentall persistent pollutants then pass through sewage treatment plants through their effluent into the environment Little is known about the biological effects in humans after such a prolonged low dose exposure to thes chemicals. While epidemiologic studies evaluating the effects of nitro musk exposures are lacking, there is limite evidence that suggest blood levels of nitro musks are inversely related to luteal hormone levels. This is supporte by animal models and laboratory studies that have shown that nitro musks are weakly estrogenic. Nitro musk exposure has been associated with an increased risk of tumor formation in mice. The evidence suggests that whil nitro musks by themselves are not genotoxic, they may increase the genotoxicity of other chemicals. However animal models for nitro musk exposure have proven to be problematic since certain outcomes are species specific This may explain why evidence for developmental effects in animals is conflicting and inconclusive. Given tha animal models and cell-line experiments are suggestive of adverse outcomes, further epidemiologic studie are warranted.