engleski

Cytoxicity of UV filters degradation by-products in chlorinated swimming pools: potential human health effects

Introduction Swimming pools represent environments with a high level of chlorinated degradation by-products (DBPs) due to intensive disinfection practice with chlorine based agents and continuous organic load (Chowdhury et al., 2014). Sunscreens contain UV filters and make up to 10-25% of the total product mass (Giokas et al., 2007). UV filters are known to react with chlorine by chlorination of the aromatic ring, especially when they are substituted with hydroxyl and/or amino groups and form chlorinate structures (Grbović et al., 2013). By the chlorination of UV filters new halogenated sunscreen derivatives of unknown mode of action and toxicity are formed in swimming pools (Li et al., 2016 ; Florentin et al., 2011). Materials and methods To evaluate the cyto- and genotoxic potential of benzophenone (BP) UV filters and their chlorinated DBPs we selected human lung epithelial cell model. For this objective, we have used the Comet assay integrated with a cell proliferation assay and detoxifcation enzyme activity assay. Results Results of cell proliferation have demonstrated higher cell toxicity of chloro-DHHB in comparison with chloro-BP3 or dichloro-BP3. In the case of avobenzone and its chlorinated product we observed the effects on cell viability already at micromolar concentrations. The highest value for enzyme activity was observed in the case of dichloro-BP3, indicating possible induction of detoxification mechanisms. The results of the Comet assay have shown no genotoxic potential and no difference among all tested concentrations and compounds. Discussion The results of the toxicity experiments indicate that some more toxic DBPs are formed during chlorination. The integrated use of combined tests allowed us to better explain the potential toxic effect of BPs comparing the parental compound and their chlorinated DBPs. Conclusion Exposure to DBPs in water and air of swimming pools may have several effects and present potential health risk to humans.

cytoxicity; UV filters; degradation by-products

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