, 2012). The use of parabens has raised concern due to their weak estrogenic activity confirmed in in vivo and in vitro studies. The potency seems to increase with the length of the alkyl chain, thus the long-chain parabens (e.g. ProP and butylparaben (ButP)) are of highest concern (Boberg et al., 2010, Routledge et al., 1998 and Witorsch and Thomas, 2010). In 2010, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated the safety of parabens and concluded that the use of MetP and EthP Selleckchem A-1210477 below the maximum permitted levels is considered safe, whereas the safety of ProP and ButP at the maximum levels is more uncertain due to lack of data (SCCS, 2011). TCS (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol)

is used as an antimicrobial agent in personal care products such as deodorants, toothpastes, mouth washes and shower gels, and also in consumer products such as cleaning products, plastics and toys (Bedoux et al., 2012). TCS is approved by the European Cosmetic Directive for use in PCI-32765 molecular weight cosmetic products in concentrations up to 0.3% (EC, 2009), but is no longer permitted for use in food contact materials (EC, 2010). TCS is readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, whereas the uptake via the oral cavity and skin is lower (SCCP, 2009). After absorption, TCS is almost completely converted to glucuronic and sulphuric acid conjugates and is subsequently excreted predominately in urine

as glucuronide conjugates. The

elimination half-life in humans after oral administration is estimated to be 13–29 h (SCCP, 2009). Serial measurements of TCS in morning urine have shown relatively high consistency over time (ICC = 0.56; (Lassen et al., 2013)). TCS has been shown in animal studies to cause endocrine effects, especially on the levels of thyroid hormones (Crofton et al., 2007, Dann and Hontela, 2011, Kumar et al., 2009 and Zorrilla et al., 2009). The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) has concluded that the current maximum concentration of 0.3% is not safe when the aggregate exposure from all cosmetic products second is considered. However, the maximum concentration is considered safe for individual products such as toothpastes, soaps and deodorants, but not in products that stay on the skin (e.g. body lotions) or mouth wash (SCCP, 2009). The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the levels of 10 phthalate metabolites, 5 parabens, BPA and TCS in urine from Swedish children (6–11 years old) and their mothers, in relation to demographics, lifestyle, housing and different potential sources of exposure to these chemicals. The study is part of a harmonized approach for biomonitoring on the European level; the COPHES (COnsortium to Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale) and DEMOCOPHES (DEMOnstration of a study to COordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale) twin projects.