Effects associated with exposure to the emerging contaminant octyl-methoxycinnamate (a UV-B filter) in the aquatic environment: a review

ABSTRACT

Given the increasing concern surrounding ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin damage, there has been a rise in demand for UV filters. Currently, UV-filters are considered emerging contaminants. The extensive production and use of UV filters have led to their widespread release into the aquatic environment. Thus, there is growing concern that UV filters may bioaccumulate and exhibit persistent properties within the environment, raising several safety health concerns. Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) is extensively employed as a UV-B filter in the cosmetic industry. While initially designed to mitigate the adverse photobiological effects attributed to UV radiation, the safety of OMC has been questioned with some studies reporting toxic effects on environment. The aim of this review to provide an overview of the scientific information regarding the most widely used organic UV-filter (OMC), and its effects on biodiversity and aquatic environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Endocrine disruptor
• risk assessment
• photoprotection
• environmental toxicology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

M.L. and C.Q. acknowledges the FCT (Ph.D. fellowship Ref: 2020.06616.BD and article 23, of the Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29, changed by Law 57/2017, of July 19) respectively. Thanks are due to FCT for the financial support to CICS-UBI (UIDB/00709/2020+UIDP/00709/2020) and CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020+UIDB/50017/2020+ LA/P/0094/2020) through national funds.