Exposure to biocides and their potential exposure sources among adults: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea.

Biocides are present in personal care (including preservatives or antibacterials), pest control, and disinfectant products (including non-agricultural insecticides, fungicides, and disinfectants), and their long-term exposure may induce adverse health effects in humans. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the exposure levels and major exposure predictors of biocides among nationally representative Korean adults. The target group included adults (≥19 years) participating in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2020. We employed survey-weighted multiple regression analysis and conditional inference trees analysis to assess the associations between demographic characteristics, behavioral sources (including personal care product use, pesticide use, and dietary patterns), and urinary levels of phenol (triclosan [TCS]), parabens (methyl paraben [MP], ethyl paraben [EP], propyl paraben [PP], and butyl paraben [BP]), and the pyrethroid insecticide metabolite (3-phenoxybenzoic acid [3-PBA]). Urinary EP, BP, and 3-PBA levels were higher in South Korean adults compared with those in Western countries. Major exposure predictors for MP, EP, and PP included the use of personal care products such as sunscreen, makeup, and hair care products in KoNEHS 2018-2020. Major exposure predictors for TCS and BP were vegetable consumption, and those for 3-PBA were mosquitocide use during summer in KoNEHS 2018-2020. However, these predictors were not observed in KoNEHS 2015-2017. Collectively, our findings suggest that biocide exposure predictors vary according to changes in product use and diet habits of individuals. Therefore, developing strategies to mitigate biocide exposure based on the demographic and behavioral characteristics of the general population is imperative.

Co-exposure of parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, and triclocarban in human urine from children and adults in South China.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are pervasive in the environment, prompting significant public concern regarding human exposure to these pollutants. In this study, we analyzed the levels of various endocrine-disrupting compounds, including parabens (PBs), benzophenones (BzPs), triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS), across 565 urine samples collected from residents of South China. All 11 target chemicals were detected at relatively high frequencies (41-100%), with the most prevalent ones being 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (5.39 ng/mL), methyl-paraben (5.12 ng/mL), ethyl-paraben (3.11 ng/mL) and triclosan (0.978 ng/mL). PBs emerged as the most predominant group with a median concentration of 32.2 ng/mL, followed by TCs (sum of TCC and TCS, 0.998 ng/mL) and BzPs (0.211 ng/mL). Notably, urinary concentrations of PBs in adults were significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to children, while BzPs and TCs were elevated in children (p < 0.001). The increased presence of BzPs and TCs in children is a cause for concern, given their heightened sensitivity and vulnerability to chemicals. Significant correlations were found between urinary target compounds and demographic factors, including gender, age and body mass index. Specifically, females, younger adults (18 ≤ age ≤ 35) and individuals with under/normal weight (16 ≤ BMI ≤ 23.9) were found to have higher exposure levels to EDCs, as indicated by the median values of their estimated daily intakes. Despite these higher levels still being lower than the acceptable daily intake thresholds, the health risks stemming from simultaneous exposure to these EDCs must not be overlooked.

Recent use of consumer and personal care products and exposures to select endocrine disrupting chemicals among urban children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Emerging studies suggest that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in personal care and other consumer products are linked with various adverse health effects, including respiratory and reproductive effects. Despite Black persons using more personal care products than other demographic groups and having a high asthma burden, little is known regarding their consumer product use patterns and associated EDC exposures. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between recent exposure to select EDCs with specific consumer products and behaviors in a cohort of 110 predominantly Black children with asthma, ages 8-17 years, living in Baltimore City, Maryland. METHODS: We quantified concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F, two dichlorophenols, four parabens, triclosan, benzophenone-3, and triclocarban in spot urine samples. Questionnaires were used to capture recent (last 24-h) consumer product use and behaviors. Associations between EDCs and consumer product uses/behaviors were assessed using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and caregiver income level. Effect estimates were expressed as geometric mean ratios of biomarker concentrations of product-users vs non-users. RESULTS: Increased concentrations to select EDCs were associated with recent use of air freshener (ratios; BPA: 1.9, 95%CI 1.4-2; BPS 1.7, 95%CI 1-2.97; propyl paraben: 3.0, 95%CI 1.6-5.6), scented candles (methyl paraben: 2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.1), and scented carpet powder (2,5-dichlorophenol: 2.8, 95%CI 1.2-6.3). Additionally, consuming canned food was associated with some increased biomarker concentrations (ratios: BPA: 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.4; BPS: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.6). SIGNIFICANCE: These findings add to the body of evidence suggesting that recent use of select consumer products in Black children contributes to exposure of chemicals of concern and could potentially inform exposure mitigation interventions. Findings have broad potential health implications for pediatric populations and Black children who may face exposure and health disparities. IMPACT: Little is known about how children's personal care product use and consumer behaviors affect their exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This is particularly true for Black children who often experience a disparate exposure burden to many EDCs. This is a significant knowledge gap among children that are uniquely vulnerable to EDCs as they undergo critical windows of growth and development. Our findings show associations between consumer products and EDC exposures in predominantly Black children in low-income settings. Identifying EDC exposure determinants has broad health implications as many of these chemicals have been associated with adverse health risks.

Monitoring human exposure to four parabens and triclosan: comparing silicone wristbands with spot urine samples as predictors of internal dose.

BACKGROUND: People are exposed to a variety of chemicals each day as a result of their personal care product (PCP) use. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine if silicone wristbands provide a quantitative estimate of internal dose for phenols commonly associated with PCPs, with a focus on triclosan and four parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben. Uptake of these compounds into wristbands and correlations with internal dose were assessed. METHODS: Ten adults from central North Carolina wore five silicone wristbands, with one wristband removed each day for 5 days. Each participant provided a 24 h urine sample and a random spot urine sample each day, in which paraben and triclosan metabolites were evaluated. RESULTS: All parabens and triclosan were detected frequently in wristbands and, except for butylparaben, in urine samples. Wristband and spot urine concentrations of parabens and triclosan were both compared to a measurement of internal dose (i.e., the total metabolite mass excreted over 5 days as a measurement of internal dose). IMPACT STATEMENT: The two most hydrophobic compounds investigated, butylparaben and triclosan, displayed significant linear uptake in wristbands over 5 days, whereas concentrations of methyl- and ethylparaben displayed a steady state concentration. In general, wristbands and spot urine samples were similarly correlated to internal dose for frequently detected parabens and triclosan.  However, wristbands have additional advantages including higher detection rates and reduced participant burden that may make them more suitable tools for assessing exposure to PCPs.

Temporal trends in exposure to parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, and triclocarban in adult females in Kyoto, Japan, from 1993 to 2016.

Products used in daily life can contain chemicals such as parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, and triclocarban that have potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Little is known about the temporal trends of exposure levels to some of these chemicals in Japan. Our study assessed the intake and risk associated with exposure to commonly used chemicals. We measured the concentrations of five parabens, four benzophenones, and triclosan and triclocarban in 133 single spot urine samples. The urine samples were collected in 1993, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2011, and 2016 from healthy female residents in Kyoto, Japan. With the exception of methylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben, there were no significant fluctuations in the concentrations of target chemicals over the study period; however, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben showed temporal changes in concentrations. Methylparaben concentrations peaked in 2003 with a median value of 309 µg/g creatinine, ethylparaben concentrations peaked in 1993 with a median value of 17.3 µg/g creatinine, and butylparaben showed a decline, with the median values becoming non-detectable in 2009 and 2016. We calculated estimated daily intakes and hazard quotients for each chemical. In the analysis of total samples, 2.3% (3 samples) for butylparaben and 0.8% (1 sample) for propylparaben were found to surpass a hazard quotient of 1. Overall, 3% (n = 4) of the study participants exceeded a hazard index of 1. The potential health risks associated with exposure to butylparaben and propylparaben emphasize the need for further monitoring and research.

Exposure to biocides and its association with atopic dermatitis among children and adolescents: A population-based cross-sectional study in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Biocides have emerged as a contributor to the rising cases of atopic dermatitis among children and adolescents. Previous animal studies suggested that phenols, parabens, and pyrethroid insecticides present in these products might play a role in atopic dermatitis. However, there's limited epidemiological evidence confirming the individual or combined effects of exposure to these chemicals on atopic dermatitis in young populations. This study aimed to investigate the association between phenol, paraben, and pyrethroid metabolite levels in urine and atopic dermatitis among Korean children and adolescents METHODS: We analyzed 556 preschool children (3-5 years), 701 schoolchildren (6-11 years), and 731 adolescents (12-17 years) enrolled in the 4th Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) (2018-2020). We used logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression to evaluate the association between atopic dermatitis and individual or mixed exposure to urinary triclosan (TCS), parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben), and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) levels. RESULTS: Urinary TCS levels were positively associated with atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren. When stratified by sex, male schoolchildren exhibited an increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis as their urinary TCS and 3-PBA levels increased. The combined effect of biocide mixtures on atopic dermatitis was also significantly increased in male schoolchildren, with TCS as the main contributor. CONCLUSIONS: These study findings suggest that biocides at levels found in Korean children and adolescents affect atopic dermatitis.

Early-Life Exposure to a Mixture of Phenols and Phthalates in Relation to Child Social Behavior: Applying an Evidence-Based Prioritization to a Cohort with Improved Exposure Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies aiming at relating exposure to phenols and phthalates with child social behavior characterized exposure using one or a few spot urine samples, resulting in substantial exposure misclassification. Moreover, early infancy exposure was rarely studied. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the associations of phthalates and phenols with child social behavior in a cohort with improved exposure assessment and to a priori identify the chemicals supported by a higher weight of evidence. METHODS: Among 406 mother-child pairs from the French Assessment of Air Pollution exposure during Pregnancy and Effect on Health (SEPAGES) cohort, 25 phenols/phthalate metabolites were measured in within-subject pools of repeated urine samples collected at the second and third pregnancy trimesters (∼21 samples/trimester) and at 2 months and 1-year of age (∼7 samples/period). Social behavior was parent-reported at 3 years of age of the child using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). A structured literature review of the animal and human evidence was performed to prioritize the measured phthalates/phenols based on their likelihood to affect social behavior. Both adjusted linear regression and Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression models were fitted. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied only to nonprioritized chemicals. RESULTS: Prioritized compounds included bisphenol A, bisphenol S, triclosan (TCS), diethyl-hexyl phthalate (ΣDEHP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP). With the exception of bisphenols, which showed a mixed pattern of positive and negative associations in pregnant mothers and neonates, few prenatal associations were observed. Most associations were observed with prioritized chemicals measured in 1-y-old infants: Each doubling in urinary TCS (ß=0.78; 95% CI: 0.00, 1.55) and MEP (ß=0.92; 95% CI: -0.11, 1.96) concentrations were associated with worse total SRS scores, whereas MnBP and ΣDEHP were associated with worse Social Awareness (ß=0.25; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.50) and Social Communication (ß=0.43; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.89) scores, respectively. BWQS also suggested worse total SRS [Beta 1=1.38; 95% credible interval (CrI): -0.18, 2.97], Social Awareness (Beta 1=0.37; 95% CrI: 0.06, 0.70), and Social Communication (Beta 1=0.91; 95% CrI: 0.31, 1.53) scores per quartile increase in the mixture of prioritized compounds assessed in 1-y-old infants. The few associations observed with nonprioritized chemicals did not remain after FDR correction, with the exception of benzophenone-3 exposure in 1-y-old infants, which was suggestively associated with worse Social Communication scores (corrected p=0.07). DISCUSSION: The literature search allowed us to adapt our statistical analysis according to the weight of evidence and create a corpus of experimental and epidemiological knowledge to better interpret our findings. Early infancy appears to be a sensitive exposure window that should be further investigated. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11798.

Distribution of phthalate metabolites, benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, parabens, triclosan and triclocarban in paired human hair, nail and urine samples.

In this study, the distribution of nineteen ingredients of personal care product (PCPs), including seven metabolites of phthalates (mPAEs), five benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters (BPs), and seven antimicrobial agents (AAs), were investigated in paired human hair, nail and urine samples. The median concentrations of ΣmPAEs, ΣBPs and ΣAAs were 135, 2.76 and 179 ng/g in hair, 37.3, 2.95 and 297 ng/g in nails, and 345, 4.03 and 50.1 ng/mL in urine, respectively. Mono-methyl phthalate (49%), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (45%) and triclosan (71%) were the most abundant mPAE, BP and AA in hair samples, respectively, and had similar abundance in nail samples. In contrast, mono-n-butyl phthalate (45%), 4-hydroxy benzophenone (29%) and methyl paraben (54%) were the predominant mPAE, BP and AA in urine samples, respectively. Significant differences in the concentrations of some target compounds were observed between male and female but inconsistent across different matrices. Moreover, most compounds with significant correlations had quite different correlation coefficients in each matrix. No significant correlations were found between hair, nail and urine samples for most of the target analytes. These results suggest these analytes have matrix-specific distribution, and it is necessary to use multiple matrices to comprehensively assess the risk of ingredients of PCPs to human health.

Results of the Austrian Children's Biomonitoring Survey 2020 part A: Per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances, bisphenols, parabens and other xenobiotics.

In 85 Austrian school children aged 6-10 years, two multi-analyte LC-MS/MS methods were used to study the concentrations of 33 chemical substances in urine, including per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), bisphenols, parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites, and cotinine. Each of the children was exposed to 14-21 substances simultaneously. Correlations were found between compounds of the same and of divergent substance groups supporting the strong need to consider multiple exposures and mixture effects. Eight compounds, including perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFOA), methyl paraben (n-MeP), ethyl paraben (n-EtP), propyl paraben (n-PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), 2-naphthol, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene were detected in all urine samples. In the PFAS group the medians of detectable substances ranged between <0.0005 µg/l for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 0.004 µg/l for PFHxA. For other environmental contaminants investigated, a maximum urinary level of 893 µg/l was identified for n-MeP. The highest median value was 2.5 µg/l for 2-naphthol. Daily intakes were calculated for bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), and four parabens. These values did not exceed the tolerable or acceptable daily intakes currently in force. Based on a recently proposed TDI for BPA, daily intakes of all children exceeded this value. A cumulative risk assessment was conducted for four parabens not showing exceedances of acceptable exposures. The results demonstrate simultaneous exposure to several different chemicals, with the majority showing impact on the endocrine system being of particular concern with respect to mixture effects. Further assessments with a stronger focus on mixtures are warranted. The results also highlight the need of policy actions as foreseen in the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

Temporal trends in risk of bisphenol A, benzophenone-3 and triclosan exposure among U.S. children and adolescents aged 6-19 years: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016.

BACKGROUND: Phenolic compounds with potential adverse health effects are gradually being replaced. Little is known about the potential health risks of BPA, BP3, and TCS exposure in children and adolescents aged 6-19 years in the United States. OBJECTIVES: To determine trends and rates of change in hazard indices (HI) for three phenolics in U.S. children and adolescents for BPA, BP3, TCS, and to assess changes in gender, race/ethnicity, age, and potential health risks. METHODS: Metabolic biomonitoring data from field-collected urine samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized. Daily intake of three phenols (bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, and triclosan) between 2005 and 2016 in children and adolescents were obtained. Cumulative risk indicators, including hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and maximum cumulative ratio (MCR), were used for the health risk assessment of the three phenols. RESULTS: During this period, the change in LSGM HI was -2.9% per cycle [95% Cl: (-3.7%, -2.2%)], and the percentage of participants with HI > 0.1 decreased from 15.6% to 10.5%. Children (6-11 years) had higher mean HI values than adolescents (12-19 years), while female had higher LSGM HI values than male. MCR values were generally low and negatively correlated with HI. However, the average value of MCR increased from 1.722 to 2.107 during this period. CONCLUSION: Exposure to phenolics among U.S. children and adolescents has changed in recent decades. However, gaps in data limit the interpretation of trends but legislative activity and advocacy campaigns by nongovernmental organizations may play a role in changing trends. Moreover, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to multiple phenols in children and adolescents.

Comprehensive monitoring of a special mixture of prominent endocrine disrupting chemicals in human urine using a carefully adjusted hydrolysis of conjugates.

Many xenobiotics were identified as possible endocrine disruptors during the last decades. Structural analogy of these substances to natural hormones may lead to agonists or antagonists of hormone receptors. For a comprehensive human biomonitoring of such substances, we developed a simple, reliable, and highly sensitive method for the simultaneous monitoring of the parameters bisphenol A, triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, benzophenone-1, benzophenone-3, 3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-ol, p-nitrophenol, genistein, and daidzein in urine. Thereby, optimization of the enzymatic hydrolysis and the use of ß-glucuronidase from E. coli K12 as well as sulfatase from Aerobacter aerogenes ensures the acquisition of intact analytes without cleavage of ester bonds among parabens. Validation of the method revealed limits of detection between 0.02 and 0.25 µg/L as well as limits of quantification between 0.08 and 0.83 µg/L. Thereby, the use of analyte-free surrogate matrix for calibration and control material influenced the sensitivity of the procedure positively. Furthermore, excellent precision in and between series was observed. Good absolute and relative recoveries additionally proved the robustness of the multimethod. Thus, the procedure can be applied for exploring the exposome to these prominent endocrine disruptors in the general population.

Effect of Maternal Triclosan Exposure on Neonatal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: This study is aimed at assessing the relationship between maternal urinary triclosan (uTCS) exposure and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of infant cord blood. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran, and 99 pregnant women participated in the study. Urine samples were collected after the 28th week of pregnancy, and the concentration of TCS was measured using GC/MS. The cord blood levels of TSH (CBL-TSH) were measured. The association between uTCS and CBL-TSH was examined based on the general linear model. Results: TCS was detected (≥0.01 ng/mL) in 100% of the urine samples, with the interquartile range (25%-75%) of uTCS levels 0.6-6.23 µg/g Cr. uTCS was not associated with CBL-TSH after adjustment for covariates. A significant relationship was observed between CBL-TSH of neonates born to mothers who had given birth only once compared to mothers who had given birth twice or more times. Conclusions: Maternal exposure to TCS did not affect the infant CBL-TSH. However, the high concentrations of TCS in maternal urinary samples indicate the necessity of more precise regulations to decrease the use of this chemical in the industry and increase public awareness about using TCS-free compounds.

Benzophenone-3 and antinuclear antibodies in U.S. adolescents and adults ages 12-39 years.

Background: Between 1988 and 2012, prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) increased in the U.S., especially in adolescents and non-Hispanic Whites. Female predominance of ANA suggests a role for hormonal factors, including xenobiotic exposures that may disrupt endocrine signaling. Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is one such chemical with increasing exposure through sunscreen use. We investigated whether urinary BP-3 levels were related to ANA in adolescents and young adults. Methods: In a sample of 1,785 individuals ages 12-39 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2003-4, 2011-12), we examined cross-sectional associations of ANA (N=192; 3+ or 4+ at the 1:80 dilution, measured by HEp-2 immunofluorescence) with urinary BP-3, and other phenols bisphenol-A, triclosan, and parabens. Adjusted prevalence odds ratios (POR) were calculated in season-stratified models [winter (November-April) and summer (May-October)], given differences in sunscreen use and BP-3 concentrations. Results: BP-3 concentrations (detected in >98.5% of individuals) did not differ by ANA positivity in the summer (geometric mean, GM 30.6 ng/ml ANA-positive vs. 35.3 ANA-negative; GM ratio 1.15), but in winter were higher among ANA-positives (50.2 vs. 20.1 ANA-negative; GM ratio 2.50). ANA was associated with log10BP-3 in winter (POR 1.57; 95%CI 1.07-2.30 per unit increase) but not summer (0.94; 0.61, 1.44; interaction p=0.09). Triclosan, parabens, and bisphenol-A levels were unrelated to ANA overall or by season (ORs 0.64 to 1.33). Conclusions: The association of urinary BP-3 with ANA in the winter may reflect different exposure patterns or unmeasured confounders. Findings warrant replication in prospective studies and including past and year-round exposures.

Benzophenones, bisphenols and other polychlorinated/phenolic substances in Danish infants and their parents - including longitudinal assessments before and after introduction to mixed diet.

BACKGROUND: Humans are widely exposed to chemicals with known or suspected endocrine disrupting effects. Among those are several benzophenones, bisphenols and other phenols commonly used in consumer products. OBJECTIVES: To provide human biomonitoring data from young families including infants and their parents as well as longitudinal data of infants exclusively breastfed versus on mixed diet. METHOD: Twenty-two benzophenones, bisphenols and other phenols, were measured in urine sample sets collected from more than 100 infants and their parents (the TRIO study) and in paired samples from 61 infants when exclusively breastfed and after introduction of mixed diet (the FOOD study). RESULTS: Twelve out of 22 substances were detectable in more than half of the urine samples from infants, mothers or fathers. Large variation in excreted levels of almost all the substances were observed. The TRIO study showed that infants had comparable or even significantly higher daily urinary excretion (DUE) of benzophenone, 4-hydroxy-benzophenone, bisphenol A, bisphenol S, triclosan and 2-phenylphenol than their parents. In the FOOD study, exclusively breastfed infants had higher or similar DUE of triclosan and benzophenones compared to when they received mixed diet. Urinary levels of triclosan and the benzophenones, BP-1 and BP-3 were significantly correlated between all trio members, indicating exposure from the same sources at home. For triclosan, BP-1 and BP-3, the within family variation was lower than between families in the TRIO study. Many substances were positively correlated both within infants and parents, indicating that some families were exposed to several of these substances concurrently. CONCLUSION: Participants in this study excreted relatively low chemical levels, however, simultaneous exposure to several chemicals with endocrine disrupting abilities is of concern due to the dose-additive effects of these substances in combination with other chemicals.

Urinary Concentrations of Triclosan, Bisphenol A, and Brominated Flame Retardants and the Association of Triclosan with Demographic Characteristics and Body Fatness among Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer.

Background: Triclosan, bisphenol A (BPA), and brominated flame retardants are environmental estrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds that may influence the prognosis of breast cancer. We examined the urinary concentrations of these compounds and their associations with demographic characteristics and body fatness in a population of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Methods: Overnight urine collection and anthropometric measures were obtained from 302 participants. Triclosan, BPA, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and tetrabromobenzoic acid (TBBA) concentrations were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry. Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations of urinary compound concentration with age, menopause, race, ethnicity, educational level, estrogen receptor status, body size, and body composition. Results: Triclosan, BPA, and TBBA were detected in urine samples from 98.3%, 6.0%, and 0.3% of patients, respectively; TBBPA was undetectable. Among patients with quantifiable values, the geometric mean concentrations were 20.74 µg/L (27.04 µg/g creatinine) for triclosan and 0.82 µg/L (1.08 µg/g creatinine) for BPA. Body mass index ≥ 30 vs. <25 kg/m2 was associated with lower creatinine-corrected urinary concentrations of triclosan (−40.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −77.19 to −2.81; p = 0.0351). The observed association was predominantly in postmenopausal women (−66.57; 95% CI: −109.18% to −23.96%). Consistent results were found for associations between triclosan levels and fat mass variables. Conclusion: In this study population, women with newly diagnosed breast cancer had triclosan exposure. Assessments of the implications of urinary concentrations of triclosan for women should consider body fatness and menopausal status.

Environmental Exposure to Triclosan and Male Fecundity: A Prospective Study in China.

Triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl ether, TCS) is widely used in personal care and household products. It is ubiquitous across the ecosystem nowadays. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested the possible adverse effects of TCS on male reproductive health. However, little research has been done on human beings, especially in eastern countries. To assess the effects of TCS exposure on male fecundity, we recruited couples who planned to conceive and went to the preconception care clinics for physical examination in Shanghai, China. TCS was quantified in male urine samples collected at enrollment. For this study, 443 couples were included in the cohort, and 74.7% of couples (n = 331) were prospectively followed 12 months later. The outcomes of interest included the pregnancy status of their wives and time to pregnancy. Elevated male urinary TCS concentrations were found to be associated with diminished fecundability (fecundability odds ratio (FOR) 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.97). The risk of infertility significantly increased (OR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1-2.6) as TCS levels elevated. Besides, we divided TCS concentration into tertiles a priori, and there tended to be a dose-response pattern in both analyses. Our findings suggest that environmental exposure to TCS may have an adverse impact on male fecundity.

Associations between low-dose triclosan exposure and semen quality in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial agent triclosan (TCS) has attracted much attention worldwide because of its pervasive existence in the human body and environment. TCS exposure has been reported to be associated with decreased male reproductive function. However, few studies have investigated these associations in humans. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between TCS in urine and male semen quality. METHODS: A total of 406 men from a reproductive clinic were enrolled in this study. Urinary TCS concentrations were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Sixteen semen parameters were assessed according to the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), including parameters for volume, count, motility, and motion. We used multivariate linear regression models and restricted cubic splines to estimate the linear and non-linear associations between TCS exposure and semen parameters, respectively. Logistical regression models were further applied to explore the associations with abnormal semen quality. RESULTS: TCS was detected in 74.6% of urine specimens. The monotonous trend of TCS tertiles and continuous TCS levels with all semen quality parameters were not observed in multivariate linear regression models (p > 0.05). However, compared with those in the lowest tertile, subjects in the second tertile showed significantly higher linearity and wobble (p < 0.05), indicating potential effects on sperm motion. In the models using restricted cubic splines with 3-5 knots, there were no significant non-linear associations between TCS exposure and any semen quality parameter. In addition, TCS tertiles were not associated with the risk of abnormal semen quality (i.e., count and motility) in the logistical regression models. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that low-level TCS exposure may have limited (none or modest) effects on male semen quality, potentially inducing some fluctuations. Further mechanistic studies on low levels of exposure are needed.

Co-exposure and health risks of several typical endocrine disrupting chemicals in general population in eastern China.

Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a health concern due to their wide use and interference with the human endocrine system. Parabens, bisphenols, benzophenones, triclosan (TCC), triclocarban (TCS), and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and its derivatives tetrachlorobisphenol-A (TCBPA) and tetrabromobisphenol-S (TBBPS), are typical EDCs that are frequently detected in environmental and human samples. However, only a few studies have assessed the co-exposure of these chemicals in humans. In this study, urine samples were collected from the general population in the city of Wuxi (n = 121) and a county, Taishun (n = 120), eastern China, and analyzed for these EDCs. Parabens, bisphenols, TCS, and benzophenones were frequently detected in urine, whereas TBBPA and its derivatives were not detected. The geometric mean concentrations of parabens, bisphenols, and benzophenones in urine from the Wuxi population were 25.7, 2.45, and 2.34 ng/mL, respectively, which were substantially higher than those from the Taishun population (17.2, 1.70, and 2.65 ng/mL). These results suggest an urban-rural difference in urinary EDCs. The exposure risks to these EDCs were estimated based on the measured urinary concentrations and acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). Hazard quotient values for EDCs in humans from both locations were generally less than 1, indicating a low exposure risk of EDCs in these regions. Nonetheless, the health risks caused by co-exposure to such EDCs cannot be ignored.

Risk of breast cancer and prediagnostic urinary excretion of bisphenol A, triclosan and parabens: The Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan and parabens is widespread but their impact on breast cancer risk remains unclear. This nested case-control study investigated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and breast cancer risk within the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). We measured prediagnostic urinary BPA, triclosan and parabens in 1032 postmenopausal women with breast cancer (48 African American, 77 Latino, 155 Native Hawaiian, 478 Japanese American and 274 White) and 1030 individually matched controls, using a sensitive and validated liquid chromatography mass spectrometry assay. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine risk with these EDCs with adjustment for creatinine and potential confounders. In all women, breast cancer risk was not associated with BPA (Ptrend  = 0.53) and was inversely associated with triclosan (ORT3 vs T1  = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66-1.04, Ptrend  = 0.045) and total parabens (ORT3 vs T1  = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97, Ptrend  = 0.03). While risk of hormone receptor positive (HR+) cancer was 20% to 23% lower among women in the upper two tertiles of paraben exposure (Ptrend  = 0.02), risk of HR negative (HR-) was reduced 27% but only among those in the upper tertile of exposure. Although risk associations did not differ significantly by ethnicity or by body mass index (BMI), the inverse association with triclosan was observed mainly among overweight/obese women (ORT3 vs T1  = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56-1.02, Ptrend  = 0.02). In summary, breast cancer risk in a multiethnic population was unrelated to BPA and was weakly inversely associated with triclosan and paraben exposures. Studies with multiple urine samples collected before breast cancer diagnosis are needed to further investigate these EDCs and breast cancer risk.

A solid-phase microextraction fiber coating based on magnetic covalent organic framework for highly efficient extraction of triclosan and methyltriclosan in environmental water and human urine samples.

Herein, we synthesized a kind of magnetic covalent organic framework nanohybrids (NiFe2O4@COF), and integrated it with polydimethyl siloxane and silicone rubber curing agent for solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber coating. The fiber coating demonstrated a porous and uniform surface with the BET specific surface of 169.7 m2 g-1. As for seven environmental analytes, the NiFe2O4@COF-based SPME fiber coating gave the higher extraction recoveries for triclosan (TCS) and methyltriclosn (MTCS) than those of fenpropathrin, bifenthrin, permethrin, fenvalerate and deltamethrin. Several operational parameters were rigorously optimized, such as extraction temperature, extraction time, thermal desorption time, solution pH and salt effect. Combined with the GC-ECD detection, the newly developed microextraction method supplied the wide linear range of 0.1-1000 µg L-1 with the correlation coefficients of > 0.9995. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) reached as low as 1-7 ng L-1 and 3.3-23 ng L-1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions in six replicates (n = 6 ) were < 3.55% and < 5.06%, respectively, and the fiber-to-fiber reproducibility (n = 3) was < 7.64%. To evaluate its feasibility in real samples, the fortified recoveries for TCS and MTCS, at low (0.2 µg L-1), middle (2.0 µg L-1) and high (20.0 µg L-1) levels, varied between 81.9% and 119.1% in tap, river and barreled waters as well as male, female and children urine samples. Especially, it is worth mentioning that the NiFe2O4@COF-based SPME coating fiber can be recycled for at least 150 times with nearly unchanged extraction efficiency. Moreover, the extraction recoveries by the as-fabricated fiber coating were much higher than those by three commercial fibers (PDMS, PDMS/DVB and PDMS/DVB/CAR). Overall, the NiFe2O4@COF-based SPME is a convenient, sensitive, efficient and "green" pretreatment method, thereby possessing important application prospects in trace monitoring of TCS-like pollutants in complex liquid matrices.