Phenol and Paraben Exposure Linked to Asthma in US Adults

Background: Asthma affects over 26 million adults in the U.S., contributing to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Despite existing knowledge on environmental risk factors, the relationship between phenol and paraben exposure and asthma prevalence in adults remains poorly understood.

Method: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. adults aged 18-65. Exposure to phenols and parabens was assessed through urine biomonitoring, while asthma diagnosis was confirmed via self-reported medical history. Statistical analyses employed multivariate logistic regression to account for potential confounders.

Results: Participants exhibiting the highest levels of phenol exposure (95th percentile) had a 32% increased risk of asthma (odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.58, P=0.004). Paraben exposure indicated a 28% higher prevalence of asthma symptoms (odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.56, P=0.02). No significant associations were noted with other environmental pollutants.

Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential link between phenol and paraben exposure and increased asthma risk in U.S. adults, highlighting the necessity for public health monitoring and policy reforms to address environmental toxins. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inference and calls for longitudinal studies to validate these associations.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.163