Zearalenone (CED0003063)

Zearalenone is an organic compound with the formula C18H22O5 and an average molecular weight of 318.37 g/mol. Zearalenone belongs to the zearalenones, a subclass of macrolides and analogues within the organic compounds. Biologically, it is classified as a mycotoxin (PMC7076805), a toxin (PMC4977621, PMC7435851), and a metabolite (PMC4977621). It further functions as a xenoestrogen (PMC12293878), a xenobiotic (PMC3694158), and a sex hormone (PMC3699366). The compound is found in or released from 21 recorded sources across several sectors. These include electrical and electronic equipment such as batteries, capacitors, printed circuit boards, wires and cables, and cell phones; food, food processing and cookware, including food packaging and the preparation of malt, vinegar, wort, and wine or sparkling wine; and textiles, leather and furnishings, including synthetic textiles and carpets and rugs. It is also found in drinking water and water supply, lubricants within the energy, oil and gas sector, and medical devices in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products. Recorded exposure routes include oral, inhalation, and touch. Zearalenone is associated with several adverse health effects. It is linked to infertility (PMC3794760, PMC5456214) and abortion (PMC3794760, PMC5456214). Additionally, it is associated with an increase in cancer (PMC7766742), specifically including colon cancer (PMC10153636) and ovarian cancer (PMC11640045).