Development of a sensitive analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of Benzophenone-type UV filters and paraben preservatives in umbilical cord blood

UV filters and parabens are compounds used in large quantities in modern societies and have become ubiquitous in the environment. They are considered compounds of emerging concern due to the unwanted effects they cause in the environment and their bioaccumulation potential in humans. Considering their endocrine disrupting activity and their so far unknown effects in newborns, a continuous monitoring of these substances is required. In this work, we developed and validated a new sensitive methodology for the analysis of 8 UV filters and metabolites, and 4 parabens in umbilical cord blood samples. The method consisted of a liquid-liquid extraction and phase separation by freezing. Then, the organic extract was further analyzed at alkaline pH using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using a QqLIT hybrid mass spectrometer as analyzer. The low limits of detection achieved (0.01–0.42 ng/mL) allowed the reliable simultaneous quantification of UV filters and parabens in this complex biological matrix. • Simple, fast and sensitive analysis of UV filters and parabens in cord blood samples. • First simultaneous analysis of UV filters and parabens in cord blood. • Allows the evaluation of perinatal transfer of UV filters and parabens from the mother to the fetus.