Polycyclic musk fragrances in human adipose tissue and human milk

Polycyclic musk fragrances - substituted indane and tetraline derivatives - which are intensively utilized in cosmetics and detergents were determined in a total of 14 human adipose tissue samples and 5 human milk samples by GC/El/MS in the SIM mode. The residue levels ranged from 16 to 189 μg/kg fat for HHCB and from 8 to 58 μg/kg fat for AHTN, respectively. In a few samples also ADBI, AHDI and ATII were detected at lower levels. In analogy to the nitro musks, the dermal sorption of these lipophilic compounds from cosmetics and detergents is discussed as a possible contamination route.