Research progress on the human exposure levels and health risks of butylated hydroxytoluene and its metabolites
10.3760/cma.j.cn112150-20250421-00336
- VernacularTitle:二丁基羟基甲苯及其代谢产物的人体暴露水平与健康风险研究进展
- Author:
Mengjia PU
1
;
Huiping ZHU
;
Yongxiu HAO
Author Information
1. 首都医科大学公共卫生学院流行病与卫生统计学系，北京 100069
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Butylated hydroxytoluene;
Exposure level;
Health impact assessment;
Review
- From:
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine
2025;59(11):1972-1977
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant widely used in food additives, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other industries. It has been frequently detected in various environmental media, including oceans, soils, and the atmosphere. Human exposure to BHT can occur through multiple routes, and it has the potential to accumulate in the body while being readily transformed into several metabolites that are often more toxic than the parent compound. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the levels of BHT and its metabolites in human populations and their potential health risks. Most current research on BHT exposure and its metabolites has focused on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children. These compounds have been detected in various biological samples—including human serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and placenta—with relatively high frequencies.The metabolites of BHT demonstrate greater toxicity than BHT itself and have been implicated in pathological processes such as diminished ovarian reserve and miscarriage. Potential mechanisms include endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. This article reviews current research on human exposure to BHT and its metabolites, as well as their potential health effects, aiming to provide a scientific basis for establishing usage standards and assessing health risks associated with BHT.
