Bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), a ubiquitous novel brominated flame retardant (NBFR), has been reported to disrupt thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis and induce abnormal phototactic behavior in zebrafish larvae. However, the mechanisms by which TBPH interferes with the thyroid system remain unclear, and it is still unknown whether such endocrine disruption leads to structural impairments in retinal development. Here, we hypothesize that TBPH disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, impairs the TH signaling pathway, and ultimately leads to visual dysfunction during early development. Our results indicated that TBPH exposure cause structural damage in zebrafish larvae, including decreased eye size, reduced retinal layer thickness and decreased cell density in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Meanwhile, during the light-dark cycle assay, zebrafish larvae exhibited abnormal locomotor behavior accompanied by heightened sensitivity to light. Molecular docking analyses suggested that TBPH could bind competitively to transthyretin (TTR), which may be a primary mechanism disrupting HPT axis homeostasis. In addition, TBPH exposure led to upregulation of key genes related to retinal development and opsins, suggesting a potential compensatory response to retinal injury. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into NBFR toxicity and highlights new perspectives about safe alternatives to environmental pollutants.

2,3-Dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE) is a novel brominated flame retardant (NBFR) that is widely detected in diverse environmental matrices. The ecological effects of NBFRs represent a key criterion in determining their long-term applicability. Compounds such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other NBFRs are known to induce disruptions in physiological processes. DPTE interferes with the secretion of sex hormones in both larval and adult Chironomus kiiensis, thereby impairing reproduction and juvenile development. In this study, 48 h exposure to DPTE at concentrations ≥30 μg/L inhibited the activity of C. kiiensis larvae, and all tested concentrations of DPTE accumulated within the organism and were maternally transferred to offspring. Larval body length in the parental generation (P) was significantly reduced by all DPTE concentrations, whereas in the filial generation (F), significant reductions occurred only at 300 μg/L. Across all concentrations, DPTE delayed adult emergence and reduced developmental rates in both generations. These physiological abnormalities may be associated with disruptions in hormone, vitamin, and energy metabolism, along with fluctuations in the expression of hormone-related genes involved in ecdysteroid, juvenile hormone, and insulin signaling pathways. Our findings reveal that DPTE exerts toxic effects on freshwater organisms not only through acute immobilization but also via bioaccumulation, which subsequently impairs growth, development, and reproduction.

The tissue distribution (liver, kidney, heart, lung, and muscle) of 13 bisphenol analogues (BPs) in three marine mammals, including East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri), spotted seals (Phoca largha) and minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) which were from the Liaodong Bay and Northern Yellow Sea, China was investigated. The concentration levels of ∑13BPs ranged from 4.35 to 2068 ng/g dry weight in the tissues of three marine mammals, and BPF and BPA were the dominant contaminants. BPs show significantly difference and correlations among different tissues of marine mammals, and the liver exhibited the highest BPs levels. The body length and gender of the marine mammals were correlated with certain BPs in the tissues. The trophic magnification factors (TMF) were calculated using stable nitrogen isotope data. TMF analysis revealed that BPAF exhibited significant biodilution (TMF = 0.39-0.41, p < 0.05) in the food chains of all three species, whereas other BPs showed no significant trophic transfer. Estimated daily intakes of ∑13BPs through seafood consumption were 1.63 μg/kg/day for adults and 3.47 μg/kg/day for children under moderate exposure scenario. These findings enhance understanding of BPs bioaccumulation, tissue-specific distribution, and trophic dynamics in top marine predator

Rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have resulted in challenges related to contaminants of emerging concern in the environment. Dianshan Lake, which is adjacent to the economically developed region of the Yangtze River Delta, is an important freshwater resource for people living in Shanghai and Jiangsu, China. Identification and source tracing of contaminants of emerging concern in Dianshan Lake is important. In this study, the occurrences, temporal and spatial distributions, source apportionment, and environmental risks of these contaminants were investigated. Fifty-three contaminants were detected in the dry season (0.08–89.52 ng/L, mean: 17.72 ng/L), and 57 contaminants were detected in the wet season (0.49–79.45 ng/L, mean: 13.33 ng/L). Pharmaceuticals and personal care products, organic pesticides, and alkylphenols were identified as the predominant contaminants, with contributions of 23%, 25%, and 35%, respectively, to the total contaminant concentrations in both seasons. The contaminant concentrations in surface water during the wet season were higher than those in the dry season. Positive matrix factorization analyses showed that the main sources of pollutants in Dianshan Lake were agricultural drainage and wastewater treatment plant effluents. Pentabromophenol, potassium nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid were possibly associated with the electronics factories around the lake. A risk assessment showed that no sampling site was classified as high risk. However, ofloxacin, salicylic acid, difenoconazole, dichlorvos, 4-nitrophenol, bisphenol A, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and carbaryl posed moderate risks to the environment in wet season. Ofloxacin, difenoconazole, dichlorvos, carbaryl, 4-nitrophenol, salicylic acid, tetrabromobisphenol A, pentabromophenol, and octylphenol posed moderate risks in dry season. This research provides scientific guidance for periodic monitoring and regulation of contaminants of emerging concern in shallow lakes.

Microbial communities are a crucial component of soil resources and play key roles in various biogeochemical processes. However, in the process of industrialization, the operation, transformation, relocation and other activities of chemical companies inevitably subject soil microorganisms to harsh and complex chemical pressures. Additionally, single-factor biological toxicity tests are difficult to reflect the true situation of contaminated soil environments. A multi-dimensional assessment approach- integrating non-target screening via HPLC-HRMS and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology with molecular ecological network analysis- was utilized to investigate and compare the soil microbial community structure and composition across seven distinct contaminated sites in China. Additionally, we explored the interactions among microbial species and analyzed the correlations between microorganisms and environmental factors. Phthalates, biphenyls, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), anilines, and phenols were predominant in soil samples, with PAHs serving as the typical representative pollutants across seven contaminated sites. Statistical analysis revealed that Comamonas aquatica and Deltaproteobacteria showed significant positive correlations with naphthalene and benzene substituents. Aniline compounds and high-molecular-weight PAHs were primary drivers reducing soil microbial richness and community complexity. Functional prediction based on KEGG and COG indicates that soil microbiomes at different contaminated sites adapt to chemical pollution and remodel community functions through an integrated membrane transport-regulation-catabolism response, characterized by site-specific enrichment of efflux pumps, transport systems, and xenobiotic degradation pathways. This work provides valuable data and scientific support for management of emerging contaminants in chemically contaminated soil.

Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), widely used alternatives to phase-out traditional BFRs, raise environmental and health concerns, necessitating systematic evaluation of their degradability and removal mechanisms. This study developed and validated an aerobic simulated biodegradation method based on Chinese conventional activated sludge process to assess selected NBFRs (TBPH, TBC, TBPAE). Under optimized conditions (hydraulic retention time of 9 h; mixed liquor suspended solids of 3.5 g center dot L-1), 60-day removal rates of TBPH, TBC, and TBPAE were 16.78 %, 35.76 %, and 64.99 %, respectively. Non-targeted screening identified potential degradation products, and plausible biodegradation pathways, primarily involving debromination and hydrolysis, were proposed. Metagenomic analysis revealed dominant microbial strains, such as Rhodanobacter, with degradation potential and identified their associated functional genes. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first systematic study of the aerobic biodegradation of NBFRs, providing valuable insights into their persistence and environmental risks.

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is prevalent in various environmental media and biological matrices, posing considerable ecological and health risks due to its endocrine-disrupting, immunotoxic, neurotoxic, and carcinogenic properties. In this study, we developed an advanced mineralization process for the efficient mineralization of TBBPA, utilizing a hybrid system that combines zero-valent iron (ZVI) technology with an aerobic activated sludge method. A trimetallic material, s-Fe0-Cu-Pd, was synthesized by stepwise deposition of copper and palladium onto ZVI to improve its catalytic efficiency in degrading TBBPA. Optimal conditions for TBBPA degradation, including Cu and Pd loading ratios, initial pH, trimetallic dosage, and TBBPA concentration, were systematically investigated. The s-Fe0-Cu-Pd catalyst demonstrated superior performance compared to conventional ZVI and bimetallic systems, achieving 97.93 % degradation of TBBPA within 60 min, with BPA identified as the primary degradation product. Subsequent aerobic activated sludge treatment facilitated the complete degradation of intermediate products, achieving a BPA degradation rate of 100 % within 10 h. Electrochemical analyses (CV, EIS, and LSV) and DFT calculations demonstrated enhanced redox activity and electron transfer efficiency of the s-Fe0-Cu-Pd. Comprehensive characterization (SEM, XRD, XPS, ESR) and macrogenomic analysis were employed to elucidate the chemical and biological degradation mechanisms and to propose potential degradation pathways. This study represents the first integration of ZVI-based trimetallic catalysts with aerobic activated sludge to enhance TBBPA degradation efficiency, offering a sustainable solution for mitigating the ecological risks associated with TBBPA contamination.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common types of cancer and is caused by the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, such as an unhealthy lifestyle, family history of illness, reproductive factors, and ageing. However, increasing evidence has revealed that manufactured organic pollutants such as bisphenols are closely related to BC. Bisphenols exposure can promote the progression of BC through multiple complicated and variable molecular mechanisms. Reanalysis of existing data on this topic may reveal molecular markers with clinical value. In this study, we identified four key genes [keratin 14 (KRT14), keratin 5 (KRT5), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1 (ACSL1) and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1)] related to both bisphenols exposure and BC by employing the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and The Cancer Genome Atlas Cervical Cancer (TCGA-CESC) dataset; notably, KRT14 expression exhibited the most significant difference between tumour and normal tissues. Further analysis of the functions and biological processes associated with KRT14 and related regulatory molecules revealed that bisphenols exposure induces BC-promoting characteristics and aggressive behaviour-related signaling pathways, such as the steroid biosynthesis, Forkhead box (FOXO) and prolactin signaling pathways. To confirm the expression and biological effects of KRT14, we conducted relevant experiments. In vitro studies revealed that bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA) exposure significantly affected the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 cells by inhibiting KRT14 expression. Similarly, we also observed a decrease in KRT14 expression in BPA induced abnormal breast tissue in mice. In summary, our study revealed potential genes and pathways associated with bisphenols exposure in BC.

Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) methane (BPF), as a bisphenolic compound, has toxic effects on organisms such as endocrine disruption and immobilization of growth and development. This study evaluated the effect concentrations of BPF on Chironomus tentans and investigated the impact of BPF exposure at various sub-lethal concentrations on the growth, development, and reproductive capacity of different instars of C. tentans. The results demonstrated that exposure at concentrations of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 4.0 mg·L−1 delayed pupation, inhibited the development of imaginal discs, and caused an initial rise followed by a decline in the expression levels of genes related to larval development (ecr, usp, e74). Additionally, exposure at concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg·L−1 led to fluctuations in the expression levels of genes related to adult development and reproduction (ecr, kr-h1, foxo, inr, pdk, akt, and vg) in both female and male adults, with varying degrees of effect. Furthermore, BPF exposure inhibited male fertility, causing significant damage to the gonadal tissues, though it did not affect the final hatching of eggs. These findings indicate that BPF exhibits developmental and reproductive toxicity in C. tentans, with 2.0 mg·L−1 identified as the lowest effective concentration at which BPF affects pupation in midges.

The TRIAD approach is widely used as a scientific methodology available to deal with site-specific contamination scenarios. In this study, a soil environmental risk assessments (SERA) of ten industrial sites in China was conducted by ranking risks across multiple sites based on the TRIAD method, and attempted to provide an alternative method for risk ranking, the VIKOR method, when reference screening values for assessing individual indicators are unavailable. The VIKOR method was developed to address ranking and selection problems in multi-criteria decision-making, particularly in complex decision environments. The present assessments analyzed 33 chemical analysis indicators, 14 ecotoxicological indicators, and 5 ecological indicators related to soil microbial diversity, subsequently compared and discuss the differences in risk ranking results obtained using the two methods. The results of the TRIAD approach showed that six sites (including F, G, E, B, J and I) were ranked high in the risk order, which were in the moderate-risk range (Integrated risk value, 0.5–0.75). While the results of the VIKOR method showed that four sites (including F, G, H, and E) were ranked high in the risk order, followed by another four sites (including D, A, B, and C). Although there were differences in the assessment results, both methods consistently identified three sites (including F, G, and E) with relatively higher risks. The results indicated that when the TRIAD method is not applicable in special cases, the VIKOR comprehensive evaluation can be used to infer the relative ecological risk of the assessed site.

A total of 17 groups of wastewaters from the chemical industrial parks and matched receiving river waters were collected in the east of China. The measured total concentrations of 21 analyzed PFAS analogues (∑21PFAS) in the influents and effluents of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were in the range of 0.172–20.6 μg/L (mean: 18.2 μg/L, median: 3.9 μg/L) and 0.167–93.6 μg/L (mean: 10.8 μg/L, median: 1.12 μg/L), respectively, which were significantly higher than those observed in the upstream (range: 0.0158–7.05 μg/L, mean: 1.09 μg/L, median: 0.482 μg/L) and downstream (range: 0.0237–1.82 μg/L, mean: 0.697 μg/L, median: 0.774 μg/L) receiving waters. Despite the concentrations and composition profiles of PFAS varied in the water samples from different sampling sites, PFOA was generally the major PFAS analogue in the research areas, mainly due to the history of PFOA production and usage as well as the specific exemptions. The calculated concentration ratios of the short-chain PFCAs and PFSAs to their respective predecessors (PFOA and PFOS) in most of the samples far exceeded 1, indicating a shift from legacy PFOA and PFOS to short-chain PFAS in the research areas. Correlation network analysis and the calculated concentration ratios of PFAS in the effluents versus influents indicated transformation may have occurred during the water treatment processes and PFAS could not be efficiently removed in the WWTPs. Wastewater discharge of chemical industrial parks is a vital source of PFAS dispersed into the aquatic environment.

Brominated flame retardants, considered emerging contaminants, are widespread and persist in the environment. This study investigated the contamination of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in paired outdoor settled dusts and pine needles sampled from a megacity in the Eastern China. The measured total concentrations of PBDEs (& sum;27PBDEs) in outdoor settled dusts and pine needles were in the range of 77.4-345.2 ng/g dw and 20.7-120.0 ng/g dw, respectively, and equivalent ranges for novel brominated flame retardants (& sum;(11)NBFRs) were 25.7-1917.2 ng/g dw and 9.4-38.7 ng/g dw, respectively. BDE-209 and DBDPE dominated PBDEs and NBFRs profiles, respectively, in both dusts and pine needles. Outdoor settled dusts exhibited greater potentials to accumulate high-brominated PBDE homologues and EH-TBB while pine needles tended to accumulate low-brominated PBDE homologues, BTBPE and TBC. The plant uptake of BFRs was interpreted by McLachlan's framework on the assumption that the levels of BFRs in outdoor settled dusts and particle phase of air were positively correlated. The accumulation of PBDEs in pine needles was dominated by equilibrium partitioning between the vegetation and the gas phase when log K-OA values <10 and by particle-bound deposition when log K-OA values >13. However, NBFRs exhibited more complicated accumulation behavior. The predicted 50th percentile of the estimated daily intakes of & sum;27PBDEs via outdoor settled dusts exposure for adults and children were 3.5 x 10(-2) and 1.4 x 10(-1) ng/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively, and equivalent values for & sum;(11)NBFRs were 1.6 x 10(-2) ng/kg bw/day and 6.3 x 10(-2) ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The calculated hazard index (HI) values were far <1, indicating exposure of BFRs via outdoor settled dust intake would not pose potential non-carcinogenic health risks to both adults and children.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a group of compounds widespread in the environment. To investigate the occurrence and accumulation characteristics of PAEs, surface water samples were collected from the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China. The total concentrations of 11 analyzed PAEs (∑11PAEs) in the collected water samples ranging from 197.7 to 1,409.3 ng/L (mean ± IQR: 583.1 ± 308.4 ng/L). While DEHP was the most frequently detected PAE, DnBP and DnNP were the most predominant PAEs in the analyzed water samples with a mean contribution of 63.3% of the ∑11PAEs. The concentrations of the ∑11PAEs in the water samples from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were significantly higher than those from the middle reaches. To better understand the transport and fate of the PAEs, seven detected PAEs were modeled by Quantitative Water Air Sediment Interaction (QWASI). The simulated and measured values were close for most PAEs, and differences are within one order of magnitude even for the worst one. For all simulated PAEs, water and particle inflow were main sources in the reservoir, whereas water outflow and degradation in water were important removal pathways. The contribution ratios of different sources/losses varied from PAEs, depending on their properties. The calculated risk quotients of DnNP in the Three Gorges Reservoir area whether based on monitoring or simulating results were all far exceeded the safety threshold value, implying the occurrence of this PAE compound may cause potential adverse effects for the aquatic ecology of the Three Gorges Reservoir area.

Abstract Organophosphate esters (OPEs) as plasticizers and flame retardants are ubiquitous in various environments. The concentration, distribution and risk of OPEs has caused global concern in recent years. The Luoma Lake is one of drinking water source and four major freshwater in the Jiangsu provinces. The aim of this study is to investigate the pollution level of 11 OPEs in surface water and sediment of Luoma Lake within inflowing and outflowing river. The total concentration of 11 OPEs in the water and sediment were 1751–3967 ng/L and 288–513 µg/kg (ww), respectively. The concentration of 11 OPEs in Fangting River were higher than that in Yi River. Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) were the most abundant in the surface water. Tri-p-tolyl phosphate (TPTP) and Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) were the most abundant in the sediment. From the ecological risk, TPhP and TCIPP were the most significant contributors with moderate to high risk at all sampling sites, whereas most other OPEs posed low risk to the aquatic environment.

Abstract Background Exposure to organophosphate flame retardant (OPFRs) is widespread in general population. Emerging studies revealed OPFRs have endocrine disturbing property. However, research investigating OPFRs exposure, obesity and serum lipid profiles is limited. We aim to evaluate the association between urinary metabolites of OPFRs, BMI, and serum lipid profiles. Methods Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 was obtained. 1334 adults were enrolled in the current study. Urinary concentrations of bis (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP), bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP), dibutyl phosphate (DBUP), and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) were quantified to assess OPFRs exposure. Covariate-adjusted linear and logistic regression models were conducted to explore the associations between log2-transformed concentrations of OPFRs metabolites, BMI, obesity and serum lipid profiles. Stratified analyses were performed to assess the heterogeneity of associations by age, gender, race, etc. Results Increased urinary concentrations of BCEP and BDCPP were positively associated with 0.27 (95% CI: 0.02–0.52, p = 0.0338) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.25–0.87, p = 0.0004) higher BMI value, respectively. One log2-unit increase in urinary BCEP concentrations was associated with 10% higher risk for developing obesity (95% CI: 1.02–1.18, p = 0.0096). Additionally, one log2-unit increase in BDCPP was associated with 19% higher risk for obesity (95% CI: 1.09–1.30, p = 0.0001). Multivariable linear regression showed urinary DPHP concentrations were inversely correlated with serum TG levels (β=-7.41, 95% CI: -12.13 to -2.68, p = 0.0022). Conclusion Environmental exposure to OPFRs might contribute to obesity and dysregulated serum lipid in adults. Future prospective researches are warranted to confirm the causal relationship between metabolites of OPFRs and obesity.

Surface soil and river sediment samples were collected from the downstream of Chuhe River basin, East China, to investigate the occurrence and accumulation characteristics of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). The respective concentrations of BDE-209 and nine NBFRs ranged from n.d. to 41.4 ng/g dry weight (dw) and from 0.35 to 362.78 ng/g dw in the collected surface soil samples and ranged from 0.29 to 19.73 ng/g dw and from 0.70 to 66.83 ng/g dw in the collected river sediment samples. Soil samples exhibited a higher potential to accumulate BTBPE while the relative abundance of PBT in the collected sediment samples was significantly higher than that in soils. Even so, BTBPE was the predominant NBFR in both soil and sediment samples. The concentrations and relative abundances of legacy and NBFRs exhibited large spatial variation. The calculated concentration ratios of the total of the nine NBFRs (∑ 9 NBFRs) to BDE-209 (∑ 9 NBFRs/BDE-209) in most of the analyzed samples far exceeded 1, implying a clear shift from legacy brominated flame retardants to NBFRs in the downstream of Chuhe River basin.

The occurrence and distribution of 157 pesticides were investigated in surface water and sediment in Jiangsu Province, China. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to analyze and quantify these pesticides, and the risk quotient method was used to evaluate their respective environmental risk. The results showed that 91 pesticides were detected in surface water. The organophosphates (OPPs), fungicides, and amide herbicides were predominant. The total concentration in surface water ranged from 63.7 to 22,463 ng/L, 3.90 to 7262 ng/L, and ND to 34,120 ng/L, respectively. The mean concentration was 3479 ng/L, 1644 ng/L, and 1878 ng/L, respectively. The concentration range of detected pesticides in the Yangtze River Basin was generally lower than that in the Huai River Basin. In sediment samples, a total of 63 pesticides were detected. OPPs and amide herbicides were also ranked highest; the total concentration in sediment samples ranged from 2951 to 47,739 ng/g and 106 to 12,996 ng/g, respectively. And the mean concentrations was 6971 ng/g and 5130 ng/g, respectively. Suqian City had the highest concentration for OPPs and amide herbicides in the Huai River Basin, followed by Huai’an City, while Nanjing City and Yangzhou City ranked highest in the Yangtze River Basin. The spatial distribution of pesticides in Jiangsu Province indicated a concentration significantly higher in the western and northern regions than in the eastern and southern regions, and a concentration generally higher in lakes than in rivers. The risk assessment results showed that OPPs, fungicides, amide herbicides, organochlorines, and triazine herbicides in most surface water samples posed a high risk and had regional pollution characteristics. In sediment samples, organochlorines, carbamates, other herbicides, and other insecticides posed a high risk in northern Jiangsu Province, whereas OPPs, amide herbicides, and triazine herbicides posed high risks everywhere in Jiangsu Province.

Background The present study aims to explore the relationship between perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and hyperlipidemia using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods A total of 1600 subjects were included in the analysis, and nine kinds of PFAS were measured. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between serum PFAS and hyperlipidemia. Results Compared with the lowest quartile of perfluoromethylheptane sulfonic acid isomers (Sm-PFOS), the percentage change for hyperlipidemia was 57% and 41% in the third and highest quartile of PFOS. The positive association between Sm-PFOS and hyperlipidemia remained significant in population younger than 60 years, and the odds ratio for hyperlipidemia in fourth quartile of Sm-PFOS was 1.81. Conclusions These findings indicated that serum Sm-PFOS was independently associated with a higher risk for hyperlipidemia. The epidemiological study warrants further study to elucidate the causal relationship between them.

The current study aims to evaluate the associations between 10 urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites and thyroid profiles. The levels of 10 PAH metabolites and thyroid profiles were obtained from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012. Spearman analysis was utilized to evaluate the correlation coefficients among these 10 PAH metabolites. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models assessed the relationship between urinary PAH metabolite levels, thyroid hormones, and thyroid autoantibodies after adjusting potential confounders. Stratified analysis by gender was performed to evaluate sex-specific effect of urinary metabolites of PAH on thyroid profiles. One thousand six hundred forty-five eligible adult participants with complete research data were enrolled. Of note, the concentrations of the majority of urinary PAH metabolites were remarkedly higher in females compared with males. 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-FLU) was associated with higher total triiodothyronine (T3) levels in whole population (β = 2.113, 95