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

Abstract

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.