para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

CAS Number: 150-13-0

SERIOUS
health hazard

MODERATE
health hazard

FEW OR NO
health hazards

0 79

80 89

90 100

Sources of exposure:

Personal care

Description:

para-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. While some sunscreens still contain PABA, its use has declined due to safety concerns.

Health concerns:

Genotoxicity

May cause mutations or damage DNA in cells.

Immunotoxicity & Allergens

May impact immune system function or cause allergic reactions.

Irritant

May cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.

Ecotoxicity

May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.

Banned/restricted lists:

European Commission Annex II prohibited substances. US FDA. Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use.

References

HOW MILLION MARKER SCORES CHEMICALS

Million Marker's Ingredient Hazard Scoring uses multiple chemical databases and a science-backed scoring system to compute hazard scores for thousands of chemicals found in consumer products and listed on ingredient labels.

We identified key chemicals based on a database compiling dozens of authoritative sources, screening tools, and QSAR models.

Hazard scores within 11 different health categories (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxicants, developmental toxicants, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, skin/eye/respiratory irritants, and ecotoxicity).

They are weighted based on several factors, including strength of evidence for adverse impacts in humans, severity, and potential contamination.