Assessing human exposure to organic UV filters through biomonitoring in South Korea

Abstract

This study evaluated human exposure to organic UV filters in a family-based panel in South Korea through biomonitoring. Urine samples from 124 participants in 48 families were collected during summer, autumn, and winter of 2020–2021. Twelve organic UV filters and nine metabolites were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The most frequently detected compounds were benzophenone-3 (BP-3, 86.0 %), 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylic acid (CDAA, 85.9 %), and benzophenone-1 (BP-1, 74.0 %). Their median concentrations were 0.269 μg/g creatinine, 0.502 μg/g creatinine, and 0.368 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Boys showed higher BP-3 levels compared to their mothers (p = 0.004) and sisters (p = 0.034), while fathers exhibited lower trans-4-methoxycinnamic acid (4-MCA) levels than other family members (p < 0.05). Seasonal variations were significant (p < 0.01), with concentrations of BP-1, BP-3, CDAA, octocrylene, and avobenzone decreasing from summer to winter, while EHMC, 4-MCA, and DHHB increased in autumn and declined in winter. These variations likely reflect changes in product usage and environmental factors. Organic UV filters may enter the human body through multiple pathways, including personal care products, food packaging, and environmental sources. Lifestyle factors, including product usage and outdoor activity, likely influenced individual exposure levels. This study is the first in South Korea to provide biomonitoring data on a wide range of organic UV filters, including benzophenones and others, highlighting unique intra-family exposure patterns. The results underscore the need for further research to identify exposure sources and develop public health policies tailored to regional contexts. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.