Estrogenic Activity of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons Used in Printing Inks

Abstract

The majority of printing inks are based on mineral oils (MOs) which contain complex mixtures of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. Consumer exposure to these oils occurs either through direct skin contacts or, more frequently, as a result of MO migration into the contents of food packaging that was made from recycled newspaper. Despite this ubiquitous and frequent exposure little is known about the potential toxicological effects, particularly with regard to the aromatic MO fractions. From a toxicological point of view the huge amount of alkylated and unsubstituted compounds therein is reason for concern as they can harbor genotoxicants as well as potential endocrine disruptors. The aim of this study was to assess both the genotoxic and estrogenic potential of MOs used in printing inks. Mineral oils with various aromatic hydrocarbon contents were tested using a battery of in vitro assays selected to address various endpoints such as estrogen-dependent cell proliferation, activation of estrogen receptor α or transcriptional induction of estrogenic target genes. In addition, the comet assay has been applied to test for genotoxicity. Out of 15 MOs tested, 10 were found to potentially act as xenoestrogens. For most of the oils the effects were clearly triggered by constituents of the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction. From 5 oils tested in the comet assay, 2 showed slight genotoxicity. Altogether it appears that MOs used in printing inks are potential endocrine disruptors and should thus be assessed carefully to what extent they might contribute to the total estrogenic burden in humans.

Toxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by commensal bacteria from human skin

“…Analysis for genotoxic effects was done by using a modified comet assay as described previously (Brinkmann et al 2013 ; Tarnow et al 2016 ). Briefly, 1 × 10 5 cells/ml were seeded into 24-well plates and left to rest for 24 h before being challenged with test substances as indicated.…”

“…Apart from constituting the majority of airborne pollutants (e.g. exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, volcanic emissions), PAHs also occur in many consumer products, including cosmetics, tools and toys (Commins 1969 ; Lin et al 2016 ; Morillo et al 2007 ; Souza et al 2016 ; Tarnow et al 2016 ). Skin exposure is thus frequent with many of these substances being potentially harmful.…”

Determination of hydrocarbon contamination in foods. A review

“…15,16 A very recent study on MOHs in printing inks reports a xenoestrogenic and genotoxic effect, along with a potential endocrine disruptor activity, mainly due to the aromatic fraction. 17 In 2012, the EFSA published an Opinion on MOHs in food, focusing on exposure and toxicity, concluding that MOSHs may accumulate in human tissues and form microgranulomas, and that MOAHs may be mutagenic and carcinogenic, and therefore of potential concern. 1 Since no safe dose can be dened for genotoxic compounds and there is insufficient data regarding accumulation, no values for tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) were specied either for MOAHs or for MOSHs.…”

Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) and Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) coupled to Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (QTOF-MS) as alternative techniques to trace aromatic markers of mineral oils in food packaging

“…The MOAH fraction depends on the composition of mineral oil and can vary between 15 and 35% and can contain mutagenic and carcinogenic activity. Recently estrogenic activity was also attributed to MOAH and probably behaviour as endocrine disruptors [12]. In 2016 the European Union published the recommendation EU 2017/84 of monitoring mineral oils in food and food packaging, with special emphasis on MOAH.…”