Urinary Triclosan Concentrations Research Articles

Urinary Concentrations of the Antibacterial Agent Triclocarban in United States Residents: 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Triclocarban is widely used as an antibacterial agent in personal care products, and the potential for human exposure exists. We present here the first nationally representative assessment of exposure to triclocarban among Americans ≥6 years of age who participated in the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We detected triclocarban at concentrations above 0.1 μg/L in 36.9% of 2686 urine samples examined. Triclocarban was detected more frequently in adolescents and adults than in children, and in non-Hispanic black compared to other ethnic groups. In univariate analysis, log-creatinine, sex, age, race, and body surface area (BSA) were significantly associated with the likelihood of having triclocarban concentrations above the 95th percentile. In multiple regression models, persons with BSA at or above the median (≥1.86 m2) were 2.43 times more likely than others, and non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white were 3.71 times and 2.23 times more likely than "all Hispanic," respectively, to have urinary concentrations above the 95th percentile. We found no correlations between urinary concentrations of triclocarban and triclosan, another commonly used antibacterial agent. Observed differences among demographic groups examined may reflect differences in physiological factors (i.e., BSA) as well as use of personal care products containing triclocarban.

Prenatal phthalate, triclosan, and bisphenol A exposures and child visual-spatial abilities

IntroductionDuring fetal development, sex steroids influence sexually dimorphic behaviors, such as visual-spatial abilities. Thus, endocrine disrupting chemicals that impact sex steroids during gestation may affect these behaviors. ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship between prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite, triclosan, and BPA concentrations and visual-spatial abilities in a prospective cohort of 198 mother-child dyads. MethodsData are from a prospective cohort in Cincinnati, OH (HOME Study). We measured nine phthalate metabolites, triclosan, and BPA in maternal urine samples collected at 16 and 26 weeks of gestation. We assessed children’s visual-spatial abilities at 8 years of age using the Virtual Morris Water Maze (VMWM), a computerized version of the rodent Morris Water Maze. We quantified the covariate-adjusted change in the time or distance to complete the VMWM and time spent in the correct quadrant during a probe trial with an interquartile range increase in chemical concentrations using linear mixed models and linear regression, respectively. ResultsBoys completed the VMWM faster (4.1s; 95% CI:−7.1, −1.2) and in less distance (1.4 units; 95% CI:−2.8, 0) than girls. Overall, children with higher mono-n-butyl (MnBP), mono-benzyl (MBzP), and mono-carboxypropyl phthalate concentrations completed the VMWM in less time and distance than children with lower concentrations. For example, children with higher MnBP concentrations completed the VMWM in 0.9 less distance units (95% CI:−1.8, −0.0). Child sex modified the association between MnBP and VMWM performance. In girls, higher MnBP concentrations were associated with longer time (1.7s; 95% CI: −0.7, 4.1) and shorter distance (−1.7 units; 95% CI: −2.8, −0.5), whereas in boys, it was associated with shorter time (-3.0s; 95% CI:−5.6, −0.4), but not distance (−0.1 units; 95% CI:1.4, 1.0). Other phthalate metabolites, triclosan, and BPA were not associated with VMWM performance, and sex did not consistently modify these associations. ConclusionsIn this cohort, greater prenatal urinary concentrations of some phthalate metabolites were associated with improved VMWM performance, particularly among boys. Future studies should confirm these findings and determine if phthalates affect other hormonally sensitive aspects of child neurobehavior.

Early Life Triclosan Exposure and Child Adiposity at 8 Years of Age

Introduction: Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that may affect the gut microbiome and endocrine system to influence adiposity. However, little data from prospective studies examining prenatal and childhood exposures exist. We investigated the relationship of prenatal and childhood triclosan exposure with child adiposity. Methods: In a prospective cohort of 222 mother-child pairs from Cincinnati, OH, we quantified triclosan in spot urine samples collected twice during pregnancy between 2003-6, annually from 1-5 years of age, and once at 8 years. We assessed child adiposity at 8 years using BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. We used multivariable linear regression to estimate covariate-adjusted associations of child adiposity with triclosan concentrations during pregnancy (average), at 1-5 years (average), and at 8 years. Results: Median (range) prenatal, early childhood, and 8 year triclosan concentrations were 15 (1.6-853), 9 (1.6-515), and 10 ng/ml (1.0-1,610), respectively. Child sex modified the association between all three triclosan measures and adiposity (effect measure modification p-values=0.03-0.38), such that they were associated with reduced adiposity in girls. For example, among girls each 10-fold increase in triclosan during pregnancy, early childhood, and at 8 years was associated with a 3.3 (95% CI:-6.0,-0.6), 3.8 (95% CI:-7.5,-0.1) and 2.8 (95% CI:-5.0,-0.6) decrease in waist circumference (cm), respectively. This association was strongest for prenatal exposure when mutually adjusting for all three triclosan measures in the same model. Boys showed inconsistent associations between triclosan and waist circumference prenatally (0.5, 95%CI:-2.0, 3.0), in early childhood (1.6, 95% CI:-2.8, 6.0), and at 8 years (-1.0, 95% CI: -3.4, 1.3). Discussion: In this cohort, urinary triclosan concentrations during pregnancy, early childhood, and at 8 years of age were inversely associated with adiposity among 8 year old girls, but not boys.

Maternal urinary Triclosan concentration in relation to maternal and neonatal thyroid hormone levels: a prospective study

Introduction: Triclosan (TCS) is a synthetic antibacterial chemical widely used in personal care products, and also an endocrine disruptor. TCS exposure has been associated with decreased thyroid h...

Urinary Concentrations of Parabens and Other Antimicrobial Chemicals and Their Association with Couples' Fecundity.

Background:Human exposure to parabens and other antimicrobial chemicals is continual and pervasive. The hormone-disrupting properties of these environmental chemicals may adversely affect human reproduction.Objective:We aimed to prospectively assess couples’ urinary concentrations of antimicrobial chemicals in the context of fecundity, measured as time to pregnancy (TTP).Methods:In a prospective cohort of 501 couples, we examined preconception urinary chemical concentrations of parabens, triclosan and triclorcarban in relation to TTP; chemical concentrations were modeled both continuously and in quartiles. Cox’s proportional odds models for discrete survival time were used to estimate fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for a priori–defined confounders. In light of TTP being a couple-dependent outcome, both partner and couple-based exposure models were analyzed. In all models, FOR estimates < 1.0 denote diminished fecundity (longer TTP).Results:Overall, 347 (69%) couples became pregnant. The highest quartile of female urinary methyl paraben (MP) concentrations relative to the lowest reflected a 34% reduction in fecundity (aFOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.97) and remained so when accounting for couples’ concentrations (aFOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.96). Similar associations were observed between ethyl paraben (EP) and couple fecundity for both partner and couple-based models (p-trend = 0.02 and p-trend = 0.05, respectively). No associations were observed with couple fecundity when chemicals were modeled continuously.Conclusions:Higher quartiles of preconception urinary concentrations of MP and EP among female partners were associated with reduced couple fecundity in partner-specific and couple-based exposure models.Citation:Smarr MM, Sundaram R, Honda M, Kannan K, Buck Louis GM. 2016. Urinary concentrations of parabens and other antimicrobial chemicals and their association with couples’ fecundity. Environ Health Perspect 124:730–736; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP189

Prenatal triclosan exposure and cord blood immune system biomarkers.

Triclosan is widely used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative that has been hypothesized to play a role in asthma and allergic disease. The limited body of literature regarding the allergenicity of triclosan has not evaluated prenatal exposure and subsequent potential effects on the developing immune system. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between prenatal urinary triclosan concentrations and cord blood immune system biomarker concentrations. Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Biobank and were tested for three immune system biomarkers: immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin-33 (IL-33). Triclosan concentrations were measured in urine at 6-13 weeks gestation. No statistically significant associations were observed between prenatal triclosan concentrations and elevated concentrations of any immune system biomarker (n=1219 participants). Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine how the observed findings at birth translate into childhood.

Association of birth outcomes with fetal exposure to parabens, triclosan and triclocarban in an immigrant population in Brooklyn, New York

BackgroundPrior studies suggest associations between fetal exposure to antimicrobial and paraben compounds with adverse reproductive outcomes, mainly in animal models. We have previously reported elevated levels of these compounds for a cohort of mothers and neonates. ObjectiveWe examined the relationship between human exposure to parabens and antimicrobial compounds and birth outcomes including birth weight, body length and head size, and gestational age at birth. MethodsMaternal third trimester urinary and umbilical cord blood plasma concentrations of methylparaben (MePB), ethylparaben (EtPB), propylparaben (PrPB), butylparaben (BuPB), benzylparaben (BePB), triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether or TCS) and triclocarban (1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea or TCC), were measured in 185 mothers and 34 paired singleton neonates in New York, 2007–2009. ResultsIn regression models adjusting for confounders, adverse exposure-outcome associations observed included increased odds of PTB (BuPB), decreased gestational age at birth (BuPB and TCC) and birth weight (BuPB), decreased body length (PrPB) and protective effects on PTB (BePB) and LBW (3′-Cl-TCC) (p<0.05). No associations were observed for MePB, EtPB, or TCS. ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence of associations between antimicrobials and potential adverse birth outcomes in neonates. Findings are consistent with animal data suggesting endocrine-disrupting potential resulting in developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Advances on research of human exposure to triclosan

Triclosan, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, was reported to have been widely detected in various human biological samples such as urine, blood and human milk among foreign populations. In China, limited reports have been found on human exposure to triclosan, and the reported urinary triclosan concentrations were significantly lower than that of American populations. Besides, the potential influencing factors still remain unclear regarding human exposure to triclosan, but evidences suggest that those in middle age and with higher household income and higher social class tend to have higher urinary triclosan concentrations. Furthermore, triclosan exposure tend to differ by sex, geography, heredity, metabolism and life style.

Prenatal Triclosan Exposure and Anthropometric Measures Including Anogenital Distance in Danish Infants.

Background:Triclosan (TCS) is widely used as an antibacterial agent in consumer products such as hand soap and toothpaste, and human exposure is widespread. TCS is suspected of having endocrine-disrupting properties, but few human studies have examined the developmental effects of prenatal TCS exposure.Objectives:We prospectively examined associations between prenatal TCS exposure and anthropometric measures at birth and anogenital distance (AGD) at 3 months of age.Methods:Pregnant women from the Odense Child Cohort (n = 514) provided urine samples at approximately gestational week 28 (median 28.7 weeks, range 26.4–34.0), and urinary TCS concentration was measured by isotope dilution TurboFlow–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine associations between prenatal TCS exposure and measures of size at birth (birth weight, length, head and abdominal circumference) and AGD at 3 months of age (median 3.3 months, range 2.3–6.7 months), controlling for potential confounders.Results:Newborn boys in the highest quartile of prenatal TCS exposure had a 0.7-cm [95% confidence interval (CI): –1.2, –0.1, p = 0.01] smaller head circumference than boys in the lowest quartile. Additionally in boys, inverse associations of borderline statistical significance were observed between prenatal TCS exposure and abdominal circumference at birth and AGD at 3 months of age (p-values < 0.10). Prenatal TCS exposure was not significantly associated with any of the outcomes in girls. However, AGD was measured in fewer girls, and we observed no significant interactions between a child’s sex and prenatal TCS exposure in anthropometric measures at birth.Conclusion:Prenatal TCS exposure was associated with reduced head and abdominal circumference at birth and with reduced AGD at 3 months of age in boys, although the last two findings were statistically nonsignificant. These findings require replication but are compatible with an anti-androgenic effect of prenatal TCS exposure on fetal growth in boys.Citation:Lassen TH, Frederiksen H, Kyhl HB, Swan SH, Main KM, Andersson AM, Lind DV, Husby S, Wohlfahrt-Veje C, Skakkebæk NE, Jensen TK. 2016. Prenatal triclosan exposure and anthropometric measures including anogenital distance in Danish infants. Environ Health Perspect 124:1261–1268; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409637

Ten-year trends in urinary concentrations of triclosan and benzophenone-3 in the general U.S. population from 2003 to 2012

Despite their popular use and emerging evidences of adverse health effects, consequent trends in population level triclosan and benzophenone-3 exposure have been poorly evaluated. Therefore, we examined temporal trends of urinary triclosan and benzophenone-3 concentration in the general U.S. population by combining five cycles of National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003–2012) data. We calculated percent changes and the least square geometric means (LSGMs) of urinary triclosan and benzophenone-3 concentration from 10,232 participants by using multivariable regression models. As a result, LSGM concentration of urinary triclosan and benzophenone-3 did not show statistically significant changes over the study period. [Percent change (95% CI): Triclosan, −7.35% (−20.86, 8.47); Benzophenone-3, 7.08% (−27.88, 58.99)] However, we found decreasing trend of urinary triclosan concentration and increasing trend of urinary benzophenone-3 concentration since 2005–2006. Socio-demographic factors which affected urinary concentration of triclosan and benzophenone-3 persisted throughout 10 year study period. Highest income group showed higher level of urinary triclosan and benzophenone-3 concentration. Overall concentration of benzophenone-3 was higher in female than in male, and higher in non-Hispanic Whites than any other races/ethnicities.

Maternal Urinary Triclosan Level, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Birth Outcomes

Introduction: Triclosan (TCS) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent widely used in personal care products including toothpaste and soap, which posts potential risk to gut microbiota, and may promote insulin resistance and adiposity. TCS is also an endocrine disruptor. This study aimed to examine whether maternal urinary TCS level is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and birth outcomes. Methods: We measured prenatal urinary TCS concentrations in 620 pregnancy women from Shanghai, China, who were studied in 2012-2013. TCS level was assayed with high performance-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and categorized into high, medium and low in tertiles. GDM was defined based on the statement of International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG). Results: Among the 620 women, 97.9% had urinary TCS concentrations above the limit of detection (0.1ng/ml), 10.4% were prepregnancy overweight (BMI = 25 kg/m2), and 12% had GDM. Median TCS was 2.7 ng/ml. High TCS was associated with 2.69-fold (95% CI: 1.23, 5.91) higher odds of prepregnancy overweight and 1.88-fold (95% CI: 1.04, 3.40) higher odds of GDM, with adjustment for urinary creatinine, maternal age, education, husband smoking, and parity. Among female infants, birthweight was 122.8 grams higher (95% CI: 13.9, 231.6 grams) in infants of women with high TCS (median 13.3 ng/ml) than those with low TCS (median 0.77 ng/ml), with adjustment for urinary creatinine, prepregnancy BMI categories, the presence of GDM and other potential confounders. For male infants, maternal TCS was not associated with infant birthweight. In this sample, few (1.3%) of infants were born preterm (gestational age

Temporal variability and sources of triclosan exposure in pregnancy.

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial agent commonly added to personal care products. Some animal research studies have associated TCS exposure with androgenic and thyroid effects, as well as endocrine disruption, contact dermatitis and skin irritation. Limited Canadian data exist on exposure levels, temporal variability and sources of exposure to TCS, especially among pregnant women. Single and serial spot urine samples (n=1249), as well as consumer product use information were collected over 5 study visits across pregnancy and post-partum from 80 healthy pregnant women in Ottawa, Canada. Urine samples were analyzed for TCS by GC-MS-MS. Summary statistics, linear mixed effects models, and surrogate category analysis were used to describe the results. Triclosan was detected in 87% of maternal urine samples (LOD=3.0μg/L). The geometric mean TCS concentration of all urine samples was 21.6μg/L (95% CI 18.2-25.7). Triclosan concentrations were significantly higher when the urine was collected before 16:00, in the autumn, and more than 90min since last void, and in nulliparous women with household incomes greater than $100,000. A significant correlation was observed between maternal urinary TCS concentrations and number of reported uses of TCS-containing products. The ability of a single spot urine sample collected at any time during or post-pregnancy to predict an individual's geometric mean urinary TCS level corresponding to low, medium, or high exposure was 86.7%. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated high reproducibility within a week-day (0.77) and week-end day (0.79) and moderate reproducibility across the study period (0.50). This study provided the first data on temporal variability of urinary TCS concentrations and predictors of exposure in Canadian pregnant women. These results can inform exposure assessments in pregnant women and justify collection of single spot urine samples in epidemiologic studies, especially for women with higher exposures.

Urinary triclosan concentrations are inversely associated with body mass index and waist circumference in the US general population: Experience in NHANES 2003-2010.

Humans are extensively exposed to triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Triclosan's effects on human health, however, have not been carefully investigated. To examine whether triclosan exposure is associated with obesity traits. This study included 2898 children (6-19 years old) and 5066 adults (20 years or older) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003-2010 and had a detectable level of urinary triclosan. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between urinary triclosan and both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Each standard deviation increase in urinary triclosan was associated with a 0.34 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.05, 0.64) kg/m² lower level of BMI (P=0.02) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.09, 1.74)cm smaller waist circumference (P=0.03) in boys, and a 0.62 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.94) kg/m² lower level of BMI (P=0.0002) and 1.32 (95% CI: 0.54, 2.09) cm smaller waist circumference in girls (P=0.001); a 0.42 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.77) kg/m² lower level of BMI (P=0.02) and 1.35 (95% CI: 0.48, 2.22) cm smaller waist circumference (P=0.003) in men, and a 0.71 (95% CI: 0.34, 1.07) kg/m² lower level of BMI (P=0.0002) and 1.68 (95% CI: 0.86, 2.50) cm smaller waist circumference (P=0.0001) in women. In both children and adults, there was a consistent trend for lower levels of BMI and smaller waist circumference with increasing levels of urinary triclosan, from the lowest to the highest quartile of urinary triclosan (P ≤ 0.001 in all cases). Triclosan exposure is inversely associated with BMI and waist circumference. The biological mechanisms linking triclosan exposure to obesity await further investigation.

The associations of triclosan and paraben exposure with allergen sensitization and wheeze in children.

Triclosan and parabens are chemicals used in personal care and medical products as microbicides and preservatives. Triclosan and paraben exposure may be associated with allergy (atopy), but these associations have not been evaluated with respect to other atopic states such as eczema (atopic dermatitis). This study examines the associations of urinary triclosan and paraben concentrations with allergic sensitization and asthma in children according to eczema history. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of U.S. children aged 6-18 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2006). Triclosan and paraben concentrations were measured in urine. We assessed associations of triclosan and parabens with allergic sensitization and asthma using multivariable logistic regression in 837 children with complete data and stratified our results by eczema status. After covariate adjustment, triclosan and methyl and propyl paraben concentrations were positively associated with the odds of aeroallergen sensitization. Eczema did not significantly modify the association between triclosan or paraben levels and aeroallergen sensitization, asthma, or wheeze. The odds of parent-reported atopic asthma increased 34% (95% CI, 0, 81) across triclosan concentration quartiles. Increasing triclosan concentrations (quartiles) were associated with 2.3 times the odds of food sensitization (95% CI, 1.14, 4.44) among children with eczema, but not among children without eczema (OR, 1.25; 95% CI 0.93, 1.68; effect measure modification, p = 0.04). Triclosan and paraben exposures may increase the risk of atopic asthma and aeroallergen sensitization. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings and determine if these chemicals pose a risk to children's health.

Intervention to Reduce Endocrine Disruptor Exposure from Beauty Products in Latina Adolescents: the HERMOSA Study

Intervention to Reduce Endocrine Disruptor Exposure from Beauty Products in Latina Adolescents: the HERMOSA StudyAbstract Number:3007 Kim G Harley*, Daniel Madrigal, Crystal Casillas, Irene Vera, Jose Camacho, Katherine Kogut, Jianwen She, Rana Zahedi, Qi Gavin, Asa Bradman, Brenda Eskenazi, and Kimberly L Parra Kim G Harley* Center for Environmental Research and Children s Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, United States Search for more papers by this author , Daniel Madrigal Center for Environmental Research and Children s Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, United States Search for more papers by this author , Crystal Casillas HERMOSA Study, United States Search for more papers by this author , Irene Vera HERMOSA Study, United States Search for more papers by this author , Jose Camacho Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, United States Search for more papers by this author , Katherine Kogut Center for Environmental Research and Children s Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, United States Search for more papers by this author , Jianwen She Environmental Health Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, United States Search for more papers by this author , Rana Zahedi Environmental Health Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, United States Search for more papers by this author , Qi Gavin Environmental Health Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, United States Search for more papers by this author , Asa Bradman Center for Environmental Research and Children s Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, United States Search for more papers by this author , Brenda Eskenazi Center for Environmental Research and Children s Health, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, United States Search for more papers by this author , and Kimberly L Parra 2Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, United States Search for more papers by this author AbstractBackground: The Health & Environmental Research in Make-up of Salinas Adolescents (HERMOSA) Study is a youth-empowerment, participatory research project designed to educate young people about endocrine disruptors in beauty products. Youth Researchers from the community contributed to project design and conducted all recruitment and data collection.Objective: The goal of this study was to examine Latina girls’ exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals in personal care products and to test an intervention to lower this exposure.Methods: Study participants were 14-18 year old Latina girls (N=100) living in Salinas, California. Participants provided a urine sample and detailed information on all personal care product use in the previous 48 hours. Participants were then given alternate, low-chemical products to use for 3 days and returned to provide a follow-up urine sample. Urine was analyzed for phthalates and phenols at the California Department of Public Health using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Analyte levels were corrected for urine specific gravity to account for urinary dilution.Results: Urinary concentrations of several phthalates and phenols found in beauty products were lower in post-intervention samples compared to pre-intervention samples. Geometric mean concentrations decreased for diethyl phthalate, used in fragrance (78.2 vs. 56.4 ng/mL, p-value < 0.001); triclosan, an antibacterial used in soap (9.5 vs. 6.1 ng/mL, p<0.01); benzophenone-3, a sunscreen agent (172.8 vs.113.4 ng/mL, p<0.001); and methyl paraben, a preservative (77.4 vs.43.2 ng/mL, p<0.01). Future analyses will examine associations between use of specific personal care products and urinary phthalate, triclosan, benzophenone-3, and paraben concentrations.

Abstract P244: Urinary Triclosan Concentrations Are Associated with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in US Population, NHANES 2003-2010

Introduction: Triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent, is widely used in personal care and household products such as toothpaste. Its effect on human health, however, has not been well investigated. No study has examined the potential consequences of triclosan exposure on obesity traits. Objective: To examine whether triclosan exposure is associated with obesity traits. Methods: This study included 3,659 children (1,884 boys and 1,775 girls, 6-20 years old) and 6,566 adults (3,251 men and 3,315 women, 20 years and older) with detectable levels of urinary triclosan from the 2003-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) database. Urinary triclosan concentrations were measured by automated solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The association of triclosan levels with body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference was examined using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, race, education, household income, alcohol intake, and cotinine where appropriate. All data analyses were performed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, North Carolina), while taking into account sample weights and design variables. Results: Urinary triclosan concentrations were 4.2 μg/g creatinine (95% confidence interval, CI: 3.3-5.3 μg/g creatinine) in boys, 5.1 μg/g creatinine (95% CI: 3.8-6.9 μg/g creatinine) in girls, 9.2 μg/g creatinine (95% CI: 7.4-11.4 μg/g creatinine) in men, and 11.9 μg/g creatinine (95% CI: 9.6-14.8 μg/g creatinine) in women. From the bottom to the top quartile of urinary triclosan concentrations, there was a decreasing trend of BMI in all groups: 22.02±0.33 (multivariable-adjusted mean ± standard error), 21.55±0.28, 21.31±0.27, and 21.16±0.34 kg/m2, p for trend=0.05 in boys; 22.13±0.37, 21.87±0.34, 21.42±0.35, and 20.64±0.23 kg/m2, p for trend=0.009 in girls, 29.24±0.29, 29.07±0.27, 28.73±0.26, and 28.20±0.34 kg/m2, p for trend=0.03 in men; and 29.37±0.40, 28.47±0.43, 29.06±0.39, and 27.07±0.30 kg/m2; p for trend=0.0007 in women. Similar trends were observed for waist circumferences in the four groups (p for trend=0.003-0.04). Conclusion: Triclosan exposure is inversely associated with BMI and waist circumference, independent of multiple risk factors. The biological mechanisms linking triclosan exposure to obesity await further investigation although it is likely that triclosan is an endocrine disrupting chemical.

Distribution, variability, and predictors of urinary concentrations of phenols and parabens among pregnant women in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has higher rates of a range of endocrine-related diseases and disorders compared to the United States. However, little is known to date about human exposures to known or potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in Puerto Rico. We recruited 105 pregnant women in Northern Puerto Rico who provided urine samples and questionnaire data at three times (18 ± 2, 22 ± 2, and 26 ± 2 weeks) during gestation. We measured the urinary concentrations of five phenols and three parabens: 2,4-dichlorophenol (24-DCP), 2,5-dichlorophenol (25-DCP), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), butyl paraben (B-PB), methyl paraben (M-PB), and propyl paraben (P-PB). The frequent detection of these chemicals suggests that exposure is highly prevalent among these Puerto Rican pregnant women. Urinary concentrations of TCS, BP-3, and 25-DCP were higher than among women of reproductive age in the US general population, while concentrations of BPA, 24-DCP, and parabens were similar. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) varied widely between biomarkers; BPA had the lowest ICC (0.24) and BP-3 had the highest (0.62), followed by 25-DCP (0.49) and TCS (0.47). We found positive associations between biomarker concentrations with self-reported use of liquid soap (TCS), sunscreen (BP-3), lotion (BP-3 and parabens), and cosmetics (parabens). Our results can inform future epidemiology studies and strategies to reduce exposure to these chemicals or their precursors.

Relationship between urinary triclosan and paraben concentrations and serum thyroid measures in NHANES 2007–2008

Triclosan and parabens are broad spectrum antimicrobials used in a range of consumer products. In vitro and animal studies have suggested the potential for these compounds to disrupt thyroid function, though studies in humans have been limited. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship of urinary concentrations of triclosan and parabens with serum thyroid measures in a large, representative sample of the US population. We conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional analysis of data on urinary biomarkers of triclosan and paraben exposure and serum thyroid measures obtained from 1831 subjects (ages≥12years) as part of the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We found evidence of some inverse associations between parabens and circulating thyroid hormone levels in adults, with the strongest and most consistent associations among females. We also observed a positive association between triclosan and total triiodothyonine (T3) concentrations in adolescents. These results, in accordance with the in vitro and animal literature, suggest that paraben, and potentially triclosan, exposures may be associated with altered thyroid hormone levels in humans. Further research is needed for confirmation and to determine the potential clinical and public health significance of these findings.

Urinary concentrations of bisphenol A and triclosan and associations with demographic factors in the Korean population

Bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan are synthetic phenolic compounds to which the general public can be extensively exposed via consumer products and environmental contamination.In this study, we assessed exposure to BPA and triclosan in the Korean adult population aged 18–69 based on the Korean National Human Biomonitoring Survey conducted in 2009. Relying on data from 1870 representative Koreans, we found that the geometric mean urinary concentrations of BPA and triclosan were 1.90ng/ml [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.81–1.99] and 1.68ng/ml (95% CI: 1.48–1.90), respectively. The creatinine-adjusted geometric means of BPA and triclosan were 1.79μg/g creatinine (95% CI: 1.70–1.90) and 1.58μg/g creatinine (95% CI: 1.39–1.81), respectively. About 99.8% of the Korean adult population had urinary concentrations of BPA and about 92.6% of the Korean adult population had urinary concentrations of triclosan above the level of 0.05ng/ml (limit of detection, LOD). Urinary BPA concentrations were higher in residents of rural areas, whereas urinary triclosan concentrations were significantly associated with cigarette smoking. These findings suggested that most Koreans had detectable levels of BPA and triclosan in their urine and that the body burden of BPA and triclosan varied according to demographic and geographic factors.

Urinary Concentrations of Triclosan in the U.S. Population: 2003–2004

BackgroundTriclosan is a synthetic chemical with broad antimicrobial activity that has been used extensively in consumer products, including personal care products, textiles, and plastic kitchenware.ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess exposure to triclosan in a representative sample ≥ 6 years of age of the U.S. general population from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsWe analyzed 2,517 urine samples using automated solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution–high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsWe detected concentrations of total (free plus conjugated) triclosan in 74.6% of samples at concentrations of 2.4–3,790 μg/L. The geometric mean and 95th percentile concentrations were 13.0 μg/L (12.7 μg/g creatinine) and 459.0 μg/L (363.8 μg/g creatinine), respectively. We observed a curvilinear relation between age and adjusted least square geometric mean (LSGM) concentrations of triclosan. LSGM concentrations of triclosan were higher in people in the high household income than in people in low (p < 0.01) and medium (p = 0.04) income categories.ConclusionsIn about three-quarters of urine samples analyzed as part of NHANES 2003–2004, we detected concentrations of triclosan. Concentrations differed by age and socioeconomic status but not by race/ethnicity and sex. Specifically, the concentrations of triclosan appeared to be highest during the third decade of life and among people with the highest household incomes.