Exposure to ultraviolet filters and its effects on human health

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are widely used in personal care products and industrial products such as plastics and paints. They can enter the environment through various pathways and pose potential hazards to human health. This article provides a review of the environmental occurrence characteristics and human exposure levels of UV filters, the association between filter exposure and various adverse health outcomes, and the health effects of filter exposure on different populations and conducts an in-depth discussion on the potential mechanisms and evidence of adverse effects from typical UV filters on exposed populations. It is proposed to further clarify relevant molecular biomarkers, investigate the sex-specific and combined toxicological hazards of UV filters, and explore the relationship between long-term exposure and chronic health issues, aiming to deepen the understanding of these emerging environmental pollutants, provide a reference for preventing exposure risks and using UV filters rationally, and offer data support for the governance of emerging contaminants and the promotion of a healthy China.