ABSTRACT
Studies indicate that humans and wildlife are exposed to different PPCPs chemicals, in different concentrations, through various routes. The four classes of pharmaceutical compounds and two classes of personal care products (PCPs) selected for discussion herein show environmental relevance and have already been studied in the literature. In addition, data is available on population consumption, release percentages and their occurrence in the environment. Sub-lethal effects for all compounds have been confirmed in several studies, at even very low concentrations. Among these, behavior alterations, reproduction changes, interference of enzymes phase I metabolization (CYP), alterations of enzymes responsible for antioxidant systems (GST, CAT, GPx, GSH, SOD, GR), lipid peroxidation and genotoxicity were the main endpoints caused by PPCPs in different levels of the food chain. Given this, there is a strong need to understand the additive and synergistic effects of such mixtures, and to continue their evaluation in both in vitro and in vivo assays, in order to further elucidate their mechanism of action and toxic effects.
