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Published on: November 1, 2013
Triclosan in individual human milk samples from Australia
Leisa-Maree L Toms1, Mats Allmyr, Jochen F Mueller
1National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. leisamaree.toms@qut.edu.au
Chemosphere
|October 18, 2011
Summary
Australian mothers have varying levels of triclosan (a common antibacterial agent) in their milk, with low background environmental exposure. Individual product use significantly impacts body burden, necessitating continued monitoring and clear product labeling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Human Biomonitoring
- Toxicology
Background:
- Triclosan, a widely used antibacterial agent, has limited international data on human body burden.
- Previous studies suggested higher triclosan concentrations in Australia compared to Sweden.
- Understanding triclosan levels in human milk is crucial for assessing infant exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine triclosan levels in human milk samples from Australian mothers.
- To report population triclosan levels and individual variation in Australia.
- To provide a measure of infant exposure to triclosan via breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 151 individual human milk samples collected between 2002 and 2005.
- Quantification of triclosan concentration in ng g(-1) fresh weight.
- Statistical analysis to assess correlations with maternal and infant factors.
Main Results:
- Triclosan concentrations showed a positively skewed distribution, with a maximum of 19 ng g(-1) fresh weight.
- Mean and median concentrations were 1.3±2.7 ng g(-1) f.w. and 0.26 ng g(-1) f.w., respectively.
- High inter-individual variability was observed, with no correlation to maternal or infant age/weight.
Conclusions:
- Ubiquitous background environmental exposure to triclosan in Australia appears low.
- Individual use of triclosan-containing products significantly influences body burden.
- Continued monitoring and clear product labeling are recommended to allow informed consumer choices.
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