Methylparaben and propylparaben detected in over 92% of U.S. population samples, confirming widespread human exposure

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006, researchers at the CDC measured urinary concentrations of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben in 2,548 participants aged 6 and older. Methylparaben and propylparaben were detected in over 92% of samples. Non-Hispanic Black participants and females had significantly higher concentrations, likely reflecting higher use of personal care products containing parabens. This large-scale biomonitoring study established population-level baseline exposure data for parabens in the United States.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention