Organic ultraviolet filter chemicals (UVFCs) are the FDA-approved active ingredients used in many sunscreens to protect the skin from UV light. These chemicals have been found in numerous aquatic environments leading to concerns about how they might affect aquatic organisms and humans. Many personal care products contain the UVFC 2-ethylhexyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (OD-PABA), also known as Padimate O. Upon exposure to UV light, OD-PABA degrades into numerous photoproducts. Some of these photoproducts have been previously identified, whereas others have not. Furthermore, the cellular toxicity of OD-PABA and its photoproducts are not well-established. In this study, we have isolated and characterized the major products of OD-PABA photolysis. We have also determined the cellular toxicities of OD-PABA and its isolated photoproducts. As OD-PABA is a commonly-used UVFC, results from this study provide us with an enhanced understanding of OD-PABA breakdown and its potential human and environmental health effects, which will allow us to better evaluate the suitability of this UVFC as a sunscreen agent.
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