Urinary Triclosan Concentrations Research Articles

Exposure to phenols during pregnancy and the first year of life in a new type of couple-child cohort relying on repeated urine biospecimens

BackgroundParabens, bisphenol A and triclosan have been forbidden or restricted in specific types of consumer goods in Europe and France. Limited biomonitoring data are available in France since the implementation of these regulations, and exposure data on infants is scarce worldwide. Understanding the predictors of phenol urinary concentrations will help identify potential targets for prevention. AimWe described levels, variability and predictors of exposure to 12 phenols in pregnant women and infants recruited between 2014 and 2017 in a French couple-child cohort. MethodsAmong 479 pregnant women and 150 of their infants, we studied phenol urinary concentrations in within-subject, within-period pools of repeated urine samples collected during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (up to 42 samples per woman), at 2 months and 12 months (up to 14 samples per infant). Time trends and associations with demographic, protocol, occupational and behavioral factors were studied using interval censored models to accommodate for undetected and unquantified urine concentrations. ResultsDetection rates were above 90% for bisphenol A, ethylparaben, methylparaben, benzophenone-3 and triclosan and below 5% for bisphenol AF, B, F and triclocarban. Median levels of bisphenol A, bisphenol S, methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben at 12 months were similar or higher than during pregnancy. For pregnant women all phenols but benzophenone-3 and bisphenol S showed a linear decrease between 2014 and 2017 (p-values < 0.02). Women with the shortest education (primary and secondary school) had higher urinary concentrations of triclosan (β = 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI), −0.04; 1.20)), ethyl (β = 0.43 (95%CI, 0.03; 0.84)) and propyl paraben (β = 1.39 (95%CI, 0.55; 2.24)) than those with the longest education. Cashiers had higher conccentrations of bisphenol S (β = 0.99 (95%CI, −0.11; 2.09)) but not of bisphenol A (β = −0.04 (95%CI, −0.26; 0.19)) than unemployed women. ConclusionsDespite recent regulations, bisphenol A, triclosan and paraben detection rates were high in women and young infants. High bisphenol and paraben median levels at 12 months require further investigation as early infancy is a sensitive period for exposure to environmental contaminants.

Gestational and childhood urinary triclosan concentrations and academic achievement among 8-year-old children

BackgroundEarly life exposure to triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical and suspected endocrine disruptor, may adversely affect neurodevelopment. No studies have examined gestational and early childhood exposure to triclosan and children’s academic achievement. MethodsUsing data from 193 mother-child pairs from the HOME Study, we quantified triclosan in maternal and child urine samples up to nine times between the second trimester of gestation (16-weeks) and age 8 years. At age 8 years, we administered the reading and math components of the Wide Range Achievement Test-4 (WRAT-4) to children. Using multiple informants models, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations of triclosan concentrations during each time period with WRAT-4 scores. We also tested whether associations differed by exposure period and child sex. ResultsThere was evidence that timing of exposure modified the associations between triclosan and reading composite scores (triclosan-exposure period interaction p-value = 0.20), but not math scores (interaction p-value = 0.72). Each 10-fold increase in triclosan concentrations at delivery was associated with lower reading composite scores (β:-2.6; 95 % CI:-5.0, -0.1). Additionally, we observed weaker and less precise inverse association of math scores with triclosan concentrations at delivery (β:-1.9; 95 % CI:-4.6, 0.8) and at age 1 year (β:-2.0; 95 % CI:-6.0, 2.1). There was not strong evidence that child sex modified the pattern of associations between repeated triclosan measures and WRAT-4 reading composite or math scores (sex-triclosan-exposure period interaction p-values>0.20). ConclusionUrinary triclosan concentrations at delivery and at age 1 year, but not other times during gestation or childhood, were associated with lower reading composite and to a lesser extent math test scores at age 8 years in this cohort of U.S. children.

Associations of urinary levels of phenols and parabens with osteoarthritis among US adults in NHANES 2005-2014.

Phenols and parabens are two major classes of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that may be related to multiple human diseases. However, there has been no studies examining the association between phenols as well as parabens and osteoarthritis (OA). We assessed the link between urinary concentrations of triclosan (TCS), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), bisphenol A (BPA), and parabens with OA based on the data collected from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in multivariable logistic regression models. Among all the 7114 participants included, the weighted percentage of OA was 12.11% (n=807). Compared with participants at tertile 1, those at tertile 2 of urinary BP-3, and tertile 3 of urinary BP-3 were more likely to show increased OA prevalence in a fully adjusted model, with odd ratio (OR) as 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.78], 1.55 (95 CI%: 1.17-2.06), and 1.66 (95 CI%: 1.23-2.24), respectively. In subgroup analyses stratified by potential confounders, various subgroups remained to show statistically significant positive association between urinary BP-3 and OA prevalence. Otherwise, we observed no statistically significant associations between urinary TCS, BPA or parabens with OA. In conclusion, this serves as the first study in which we found that the urinary concentration of BP-3 was positively correlated to prevalence of OA among the US population.

Urinary phenols and parabens and diabetes among US adults, NHANES 2005–2014

Background and aimsPhenols and parabens are ubiquitous and have been associated with markers of cardiovascular health. However, the literature lacks population-based studies examining the link between these endocrine disruptors and diabetes. We examined the association between paraben/phenol concentrations and diabetes among a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods and resultsWe utilized data from the 2005–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (N = 8498). Total urinary concentrations of BPA, triclosan, BP-3, and propyl, butyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens were measured from urine specimens collected during the examination session. Diabetes status was based on self-report of a previous diagnosis or HbA1c≥6.5%. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with the difference in log-transformed values of the 75th and 25th percentiles for each phenol/paraben, adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) of diabetes comparing the 75th to 25th percentiles of each paraben/phenol were 1.09 (0.96–1.23) for BPA, 0.84 (0.72–0.98) for triclosan, 0.69 (0.61–0.79) for BP-3, 0.71 (0.61–0.83) for propyl paraben, 0.66 (0.54–0.80) for butyl paraben, 0.60 (0.51–0.71) for ethyl paraben, and 0.79 (0.68–0.91) for methyl paraben. ConclusionsHigher concentrations of triclosan, BP-3, and propyl, butyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens were associated with lower odds of diabetes. These findings warrant further investigation into the potential mechanism behind the observed associations and the temporal direction of the associations, given that we cannot rule out reverse causation. Future studies of these endocrine disruptors may improve the understanding of their relationship with diabetes.

Exposure to triclosan among pregnant women in northern China: urinary concentrations, sociodemographic predictors, and seasonal variability.

Although triclosan (TCS) use is widespread in China, little is known about levels of exposure to TCS in pregnant women and its potential predictors, sources, and seasonal variability. We assessed urinary TCS levels of 466 pregnant women in a Chinese cohort. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated. Potential predictors and sources were collected through a questionnaire and the seasonal variability was recorded based on the time of sampling. The geometric mean of urinary TCS concentration was 0.81 μg/g. The 95th EDI was 0.15 μg/kg BW per day and the corresponding HQ was 3.23 × 10-3. Women with a household monthly salary between RMB (¥) 1000 and 3000 and between RMB (¥) 3000 and 5000 had 0.52 μg/g (95% CI 0.08, 0.75) and 0.58 μg/g (95% CI 0.17, 0.79) lower urinary TCS levels than those with a household monthly salary of < RMB (¥) 1000, respectively. Urine samples collected in winter had lower TCS levels (geometric mean 0.72 μg/g) than in spring, summer, and autumn (geometric mean 0.82, 0.84, and 0.86 μg/g), although they were non-significant (P = 0.648). No association was found between drinking water and food consumed during pregnancy and TCS levels. The study population was ubiquitously exposed to a relatively low and safe dose of TCS. Women with lower household income tended to be exposed to higher levels of TCS.

Early life triclosan exposure and neurodevelopment of children at 3 years in a prospective birth cohort.

Early life exposure to triclosan, an emerging endocrine disrupting chemical, may adversely impact childhood neurodevelopment, but limited epidemiologic studies have examined the associations. We evaluated the associations between prenatal and postnatal triclosan exposure and child neurodevelopment at 3 years. The study included 377 mother-child pairs who participated in Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS), a longitudinal birth cohort in China. Triclosan concentrations in maternal and 3-year-old child urine samples were quantified using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) were used to assess child neurodevelopment at 3 years of age. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to estimate associations of prenatal and postnatal urinary triclosan concentrations with children's developmental quotients (DQs). Detection frequencies of triclosan in maternal and childhood urine samples were 100% and 99.5%, respectively. The median values of prenatal and postnatal urinary triclosan levels were 0.65 and 0.44μg/L, respectively. One ln-unit increase of maternal urinary triclosan concentration was associated with increase of DQ scores in motor area of children (regression coefficient, β=0.28, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.03, 0.54; p=0.03). In sex-stratified analyses, maternal urinary triclosan levels were significantly related to increases in DQ scores in motor area among boys (β=0.25, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.50; p=0.04), while postnatal urinary triclosan concentrations were inversely associated with DQ scores in social area in boys (β=-0.37, 95%CI: -0.72, -0.03; p=0.03). The findings suggested that prenatal triclosan exposure predicted increases in motor scores, while postnatal triclosan exposure was related to reductions in social scores of 3-year-old children. These associations were only observed in boys. The biological mechanisms linking triclosan exposure to neurodevelopment await further studies.

Association between urinary triclosan concentration with bone mass density and osteoporosis in the US adult women, 2005-2010

TPS 633: Health effects of pesticides, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: Laboratory studies have demonstrated that Triclosan (TCS) could result in significant interstitial collagen accumulation and an increase in trabecular bone. However, little is known about the relationship between TCS exposure and human bone health. Methods: We used 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine the association between urinary TCS concentrations with BMD and osteoporosis in the US adult women (age ≥20 years). Weighted analyses were conducted to account for the complex sampling design and to obtain appropriate standard errors (SE), using the NHANES Analytic and Reporting Guidelines. Results: After adjustment for other covariates, significantly negative associations were observed between tertile 3 of TCS concentration and BMD in regions of total femur (β=-0.016, 95% CI=-0.032, -0.000), intertrochanter (β=-0.022, 95% CI=-0.042, -0.002), and lumbar spine (β=-0.014, 95% CI=-0.029, 0.001), respectively, relative to tertile 1. Compared with women at tertile 1, those at tertile 3 had significantly elevated prevalence of osteoporosis in intertrochanter [odd ratio (OR) =2.464, 95% CI = 1.190, 5.105]. Conclusions: In conclusion, this is the first epidemiological study to investigate the association between unariry TCS concentration with BMD and osteoporosis in the US adult women. We found urinary TCS concentration was negatively associated with BMD and was positively associated with prevalence of osteoporosis. The evidence was stronger in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Prospective studies are warranted to validate the findings in the future.

Associations of gestational and childhood urinary triclosan concentrations with academic achievement among 8-year-old children

Associations of gestational and childhood urinary triclosan concentrations with academic achievement among 8-year-old children

Urinary triclosan concentrations and semen quality among men from a fertility clinic

BackgroundTriclosan, a widely-used antimicrobial in personal care products, has shown endocrine disrupting activity in experimental studies. However, there is limited evidence from epidemiologic studies on health effects. ObjectiveTo examine the association between urinary triclosan concentrations and semen quality. MethodsA total of 262 men enrolled in the Environmental and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study provided 581 paired urine and semen samples (2009–2017). Urinary triclosan concentrations were quantified and semen analysis was evaluated according to WHO guidelines. We used linear mixed regression models to estimate the associations between specific gravity-adjusted urinary triclosan concentrations with semen parameters, with a random intercept to account for multiple samples per man and adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity, sexual abstinence time, and season and year of samples’ collection. ResultsMen had a mean (standard deviation) age of 36.6 (5.24) years and BMI of 27.9 (5.94) kg/m2. Seventy four percent of the samples had detectable (>2.3 μg/L) concentrations. We did not observe significant dose response trends between SG-adjusted urinary triclosan concentrations and semen parameters. However, in the adjusted analysis, compared to men with non-detectable triclosan concentrations in the lowest quartile, those in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had −1.32% (95%CI: –2.04, −0.59), −0.91% (95%CI: –1.63, –0.18), and −0.46% (95%CI: –1.25, 0.33) lower percent morphologically normal sperm, respectively. Similarly, a lower percentage of morphologically normal sperm was found among men with detectable triclosan concentrations, compared to men with non-detectable triclosan [–0.96% (95% CI: –1.57, −0.35)]. In sensitivity analyses, there was stronger negative associations on the percent morphologically normal sperm in the earlier time period due to the significant negative trend in detectable triclosan concentrations over time. ConclusionDespite the lack of observed dose response relationship, we found consistent patterns of lower percent morphologically normal sperm for men with urinary triclosan in the 2nd or 3rd quartile compared to undetectable concentrations.This association was stronger for samples obtained prior to 2013 when triclosan was more often detectable in urine.

Triclosan exposure and ovarian reserve

The objective of the current analysis was to investigate the associations of urinary triclosan concentrations with parameters of ovarian reserve.Five hundred eleven female aged 25–39 years who attended the infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes were recruited. Urinary concentrations of triclosan were measured by a validated gas chromatograohy ion-tap mass spectrometry method. Parameters of ovarian reserve were: antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels.Urinary concentrations of triclosan decrease antral follicle count. There were no statistically significant associations between other parameters of ovarian reserve (estradiol, FSH and AMH levels) and triclosan concentrations.Triclosan exposure may negatively affect antral follicle count, a marker of ovarian reserve. As the data on triclosan exposure and ovarian reserve are scarce additional study is needed to confirm the results.

Association Between Urinary Triclosan With Bone Mass Density and Osteoporosis in US Adult Women, 2005‒2010.

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that triclosan (TCS) can cause significant interstitial collagen accumulation and an increase in trabecular bone. However, little is known about the relationship between TCS exposure and human bone health. We used 2005 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine the association between urinary TCS concentration and bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in US adult women aged ≥20 years. After inclusion and exclusion, 1848 women were analyzed. After adjustment for other covariates, we observed significant associations between tertile 3 of TCS concentration and lower BMD in regions of the total femur (β = -0.016; 95% CI = -0.032, -0.000), intertrochanteric region (β = -0.022; 95% CI = -0.042, -0.002), and lumbar spine (β = -0.014; 95% CI = -0.029, 0.001), respectively, relative to tertile 1. Compared with women at tertile 1, those at tertile 3 were more likely to have increased prevalence of osteoporosis in the intertrochanteric region (OR = 2.464; 95% CI = 1.190, 5.105). This epidemiological study investigated the association between urinary TCS concentration and BMD and osteoporosis in US adult women. We found urinary TCS concentration was negatively associated with BMD and was positively associated with the prevalence of osteoporosis. The evidence was stronger in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Future prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Use of antibacterial toothpaste is associated with higher urinary triclosan concentrations in Asian immigrant women living in Vancouver, Canada

BackgroundTriclosan is an antibacterial added to consumer products including toothpastes, cosmetics, and plastic cutting boards. Known to disrupt reproductive and hormonal functioning in animals, epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to triclosan may have similar effects on human health. Methods100 women aged 19 to 45 years born in India or China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan new to the Vancouver (Canada) area were recruited in 2015–2016 by word of mouth, public advertisements, and contacts in health and cultural organizations. Participants completed an interview which queried potential sources of triclosan exposure at home and at work and their urine was tested for triclosan by GC–MS. Determinants of urinary triclosan were assessed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. ResultsTriclosan was detected in 62% of urine samples, with an overall GM of 14.5 μg/L (95% CI: 9.7–21.7 μg/L; range: <LOD to 1900 μg/L). Colgate Total® toothpaste users had higher urinary triclosan concentrations (median = 34.0 μg/L) than non-users (median = 2.5 μg/L, ρ < 0.001), a result which was unaffected by adjustment for age, income, BMI, and country of birth. South Asian born women had elevated urinary triclosan compared to East Asian born women. ConclusionTriclosan exposure via a specific antibacterial toothpaste brand was identified in reproductive age newcomer women in Canada. Health education around brushing teeth well while using lower toothpaste volumes or choosing triclosan-free toothpaste would reduce triclosan exposure.

Early-life triclosan exposure and parent-reported behavior problems in 8-year-old children

BackgroundTriclosan exposure may decrease circulating thyroxine levels or cause neuron apoptosis, which in turn may adversely affect neurodevelopment. However, few studies have examined the association of early life triclosan exposure with child behavior. ObjectiveTo quantify the association between early-life triclosan exposure and child behavior at age 8-years in 202 mother-child pairs from the HOME study (Cincinnati, OH; enrolled: 2003–2006). MethodsWe quantified urinary triclosan concentrations up to 3 times in mothers (16-weeks, 26-weeks, and delivery) and up to 6 times in children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years). Parents rated children's problem behaviors at age 8-years using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2). Adjusting for covariates and accounting for exposure measurement error, we estimated changes in behavior problem scores per 10-fold increase in mean gestational and childhood triclosan concentrations. In addition, we estimated sex-specific associations. ResultsChild sex modified the association of gestational and childhood triclosan with several BASC-2 scales (sex × triclosan p-values < 0.2). In boys, increasing gestational triclosan was associated with higher behavioral symptom index (β: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 8.1), externalizing problems (β: 5.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 9.0), attention problem (β: 6.6; 95% CI: 2.4, 11), hyperactivity (β: 6.4; 95% CI: 2.1, 11), and somatization (β: 3.8; 95% CI: 0.3, 7.3) scores. In contrast, triclosan-BASC-2 associations in girls were generally null and not statistically significant. We observed similar patterns of associations between childhood triclosan and these same behavioral scores; however, their magnitude decreased substantially after adjusting for gestational triclosan and associations were not statistically significant. ConclusionIn this cohort, increasing gestational and childhood urinary triclosan concentrations were associated with higher behavior problem scores in 8-year old boys, but not girls.

Relationship between triclosan exposure and thyroid hormones: the Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2012-2014).

Background5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol (triclosan) is used as an antiseptic and is a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical that can affect thyroid hormone levels. This study evaluated the relationship between triclosan exposure and thyroid hormones.MethodsData from the second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2012–2014) were analyzed. Triclosan exposure was evaluated using urinary triclosan concentrations and classified into 2 groups: ‘below detection (< limit of detection [LOD])’ vs. ‘detected (≥ LOD).’ Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between triclosan exposure and the serum thyroid hormone concentrations, adjusting for age, body mass index, urinary creatinine, and smoking status.ResultsWhen grouped by sex, triclosan exposure was positively associated with the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in females with marginal significance (β = 0.066, p = 0.058). However, no significant association was identified between triclosan exposure and serum total triiodothyronine and thyroxine in both males and females, and TSH in males.ConclusionsThis study is the first human study to evaluate the relationship between triclosan exposure and serum thyroid hormone concentrations in the Korean population. There was suggestive positive association between triclosan exposure and the serum TSH in females. Further studies need to evaluate the relationship between long-term exposure to low-dose triclosan and thyroid hormones.

Exposure to paraben and triclosan and allergic diseases in Tokyo: A pilot cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that exposure to paraben (Pb) and triclosan (TCS) is associated with allergies. However, Pb and TCS exposure in the Japanese population is not fully understood.ObjectivesThe present study was aimed to examine such exposure among Japanese individuals with allergic diseases.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire survey to evaluate allergic outcomes and the collection of urine samples to examine Pb and TCS exposure.ResultsPb containing daily commodities was used in 84.8% children. Pb use was positively associated with current atopic dermatitis (adjusted odds ratio, 4.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–17.3). Urinary Pb concentrations were increased significantly in those with current atopic dermatitis (AD) (median, 4.58 vs. 0; p < 0.0001), and showed an increased tendency in those with current wheeze (median, 3.45 vs. 1.81; p = 0.0535) in participants ≤15 years old. Urinary TCS concentration was under the limit of detection in all children.ConclusionUrinary levels of Pb were associated with current AD in children. We should pay more attention about Pb and TCS.

Blood pressure changes during pregnancy in relation to urinary paraben, triclosan and benzophenone concentrations: A repeated measures study

Previous studies have proven the endocrine-disrupting properties and health hazards of parabens, triclosan, and benzophenones, but their relationship with blood pressure during pregnancy remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the associations of repeated measures of urinary parabens, triclosan, and benzophenones with blood pressure during pregnancy and evaluated whether the associations were modified by fetal sex. From a prospective birth cohort in Wuhan, China, we collected urine samples from 644 pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters between 2014 and 2015. Five parabens, triclosan, and three benzophenones were quantified in all urine samples. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured in each trimester after urine sampling. Mixed linear models were used to estimate the associations between urinary chemical levels and blood pressure during pregnancy among all pregnant women and subgroups stratified by fetal sex. In the women carrying male fetuses, urinary triclosan and selected benzophenone concentrations were associated with a slight change of SBP during pregnancy. In the women carrying female fetuses, no chemical was associated with SBP, while urinary concentration of triclosan was inversely associated with DBP, though the magnitude was small. Urinary paraben levels weren't associated with blood pressure during pregnancy. Our results suggest that triclosan and selected benzophenone exposure might be associated with blood pressure during pregnancy in a potential fetal sex-different manner. Replicated research studies in pregnant women with higher triclosan and benzophenone exposure levels are needed in the future.

Exposure to triclosan among the Canadian population: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2009–2013)

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial additive in consumer products that has been detected in human populations globally. The purpose of this study was to assess triclosan exposure among the Canadian population using urinary triclosan as a biomarker. Data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) that reported triclosan concentrations in 8195 urine samples collected from Cycle 2 (2009–2011) and Cycle 3 (2012−2013) were analyzed. Triclosan was detected in 69.8% of samples with the geometric mean concentrations of 16 μg/L (16 μg/g creatinine) for the total population, 13 μg/L (13 μg/g creatinine) for children (3–19 years of age), and 16 μg/L (17 μg/g creatinine) for adults. Triclosan concentrations significantly differed by age, income, education, and employment in healthcare occupations, but not by race/ethnicity, sex, region of residence, or drinking water preferences or sources. Linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with urinary triclosan concentration. Results showed that household income was associated with higher urinary triclosan concentrations in both children and adults. Employed in healthcare occupations were associated with higher urinary triclosan concentrations in adults. Triclosan exposure at the 99th percentile was below the Biomonitoring Equivalents based on reference dose, suggesting that health risks to the Canadian population from triclosan exposure were low.

Cross-sectional associations between urinary triclosan and serum thyroid function biomarker concentrations in women

IntroductionExposure to the antimicrobial agent triclosan is ubiquitous. Research in animals shows that triclosan can cause decreases in thyroxine concentrations. However, the potential effects of triclosan on thyroid function in humans are unclear. ObjectiveTo estimate the association between urinary triclosan concentrations and serum thyroid function biomarkers in women seeking assisted reproduction treatment in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 317 women enrolled in the EARTH Study, a prospective preconception cohort that recruits Boston area couples. Using samples collected at study entry, we quantified urinary triclosan and serum thyroid function biomarker concentrations, specifically free and total thyroxine and triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid antibodies. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in thyroid function biomarkers per 10-fold increase in triclosan using linear regression models. We examined effect modification by body mass index (BMI) and infertility diagnosis. ResultsThe median urinary triclosan concentration was 7.8 μg/L (IQR: 3.0–59 μg/L). Each 10-fold increase in triclosan was inversely associated with free triidothyronine (T3) (β: −0.06 pg/mL; 95% CI: −0.1, −0.01), thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) (−10%; 95% CI: −19, −0.4), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) (−12%; 95% CI: −23,0.9) concentrations. BMI and infertility diagnosis modified the association of triclosan with free T3 and TPOAb, respectively. ConclusionUrinary triclosan concentrations were inversely associated with specific serum thyroid function biomarkers in this cohort, suggesting that triclosan may affect thyroid homeostasis and autoimmunity.

Environmental exposure to triclosan and polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study in China

ObjectivesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy of women at reproductive age. Although the aetiology of PCOS remains unclear, potential effects of environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds on the development...

Early-Life Triclosan Exposure and Behavior Problems in 8-Year-Old Children

Background: Triclosan may decrease circulating thyroxine levels or interfere with thyroid hormone signaling to adversely affect neurodevelopment. However, we are unaware of studies examining associations between triclosan exposure and childhood behavior problems.Methods: We used data from mother-child pairs enrolled in a Cincinnati, OH pregnancy and birth cohort study between 2003-2006 (The HOME Study). In 202 mother-child pairs, we quantified urinary triclosan concentrations in up to 3 maternal samples collected between 2nd trimester of the pregnancy and delivery, and in up to 6 child samples between ages 1 and 8 years. Caregivers rated their children&amp;#8217;s behavior at age 8 years using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2. We used a two-stage model to estimate changes in behavior problem scores with a 10-fold increase in mean gestational or childhood triclosan concentrations, accounting for triclosan exposure measurement error.Results: Gestational triclosan was positively associated with externalizing problem scores and some related clinical subscales; these associations were stronger in boys than girls (triclosan x sex interaction p-values &amp;lt; 0.2). Specifically, each 10-fold increase in gestational triclosan was associated with higher externalizing (&amp;#946;: 5.0; 95% CI: 1.1-8.9), attention (&amp;#946;: 6.4; 95% CI: 2.2-11), and hyperactivity (&amp;#946;: 6.4; 95% CI: 2.2-11) scores in boys. We observed a similar pattern of associations of childhood triclosan with externalizing and related clinical subscales, but these associations were substantially attenuated after we adjusted for gestational triclosan. In contrast, associations between gestational triclosan and behavior problems were slightly attenuated. In general, triclosan concentrations were not associated with internalizing problems.Conclusion: In this cohort, gestational urinary triclosan concentrations were associated with more externalizing, inattention, and hyperactivity behaviors at age 8 years in boys, but not girls.