J Occup Environ Med

Objective We sought to quantify absorption of triclosan, a potential endocrine disruptor, in healthcare workers with occupational exposure to soap containing this chemical. Methods A cross-sectional convenience sample of two groups of 38 healthcare workers at separate inpatient medical centers: Hospital One uses 0.3% triclosan soap in all patient care areas; Hospital Two does not use triclosan-containing products. Additional exposure to triclosan-containing personal care products was assessed through a structured questionnaire. Urine triclosan was quantified and the occupational contribution estimated through regression modeling. Results Occupational exposure accounted for an incremental triclosan burden of 206 ng/mL (p=0.02), while triclosan-containing toothpaste use was associated with 146 ng/mL higher levels (p<0.001). Conclusions Use of triclosan-containing antibacterial soaps in healthcare settings represents a substantial and potentially biologically relevant source occupational triclosan exposure.

25099409

PMC4133120

Journal Article

CDC Public Access