Sunscreens and thyroid function in humans after short-term whole-body topical application: a single-blinded study.

摘要

Sir, The three sunscreens benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 3-(4-melhyl-benzylidene) camphor (4-MBC) and octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC) are widely used in commercial sun protection products at a maximum use concentration of 10% for OMC and BP-3 and 4-6% for 4-MBC in the European Union. All three compounds have shown to have oestrogenic effects in vitro and in animal studies.1 We recendy reported in the same groups included in this study a substantial systemic absorption and urinary excretion of die three sunscreens hi men and postmenopausal women after whole-body topical application; no effect was observed on the levels of reproductive hormones. However, recent studies in rats have demonstrated a direct effect on thyroid hormone synthesis by OMC and 4-MBC after 12 weeks of oral treatment.