Urinary triclosan in south China adults and implications for human exposure*

Triclosan (TCS) is widely applied in personal care products (PCPs) as an antimicrobial preservative. Due to its toxicity and potential risk to human health, TCS has attracted mounting concerns in recent years. However, biomonitoring of TCS in large human populations remains limited in China. In this study, 1163 adults in South China were recruited and urinary TCS concentrations were determined. TCS was detected in 99.5% of urine samples, indicating broad exposure in the study population. Urinary concentrations of TCS ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 270 mu g/L, with a median value of 3.67 mu g/L. Urinary TCS concentrations from individuals were all lower than the Biomonitoring Equivalents reference dose, suggesting relatively low health risk in the participants. TCS concentrations did not differ significantly between sexes or education levels (p 0.05). Nevertheless, marital status and age were found to be positively influence TCS levels (p < 0.001). After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), age was determined to be positively associated with TCS concentrations (p < 0.05), particularly in the age group from 31 to 51 years old. This study provides a baseline of urinary TCS exposure in South China general adult populations.

Automated summary

Urinary concentrations of TCS in a general adult population in South China were relatively low, with most individuals having a low health risk. There were no significant differences in TCS concentrations between sexes and education levels, but marital status and age may have a positive influence. After adjusting for BMI, age was found to be positively associated with TCS concentrations, particularly in the age group from 31 to 51 years old. This study provides baseline data on urinary TCS exposure in South China.