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Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used in a multitude of healthcare and consumer products. Epidemiological studies link triclosan exposure to several adverse health outcomes including alterations in thyroid function and an increased risk for allergies and asthma suggesting an immunomodulatory role for the endocrine disrupting synthetic chemical. The effects of triclosan on the human immune system, particularly on the levels and function of white blood cells, have yet to be fully characterized. Using cross-sectional data from the NHANES 2011–2012 survey, we examined the relationship between triclosan exposure levels and white blood cell counts in adults 18–65 years of age. Results from multivariable linear regression analysis show lack of a statistically signficant association between urinary triclosan levels and white blood cell counts (β = −0.0007, p = 0.90, 95% CI = −0.012, 0.010). Findings may demonstrate an absence of association or may indicate that triclosan exposure levels were too low to have a significant detectable impact on white blood cell counts. Considering that prior animal and epidemiological studies have established links between triclosan exposure and alterations in immune system parameters and susceptibility to allergic diseases, the effects of triclosan exposure on the immune system should continue to be evaluated.

Prior studies suggest ubiquitous fetal exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Insufficient information is available on the effects of BPA in underserved urban populations in the US. We describe prenatal BPA exposures in a predominately Afro-Caribbean immigrant population. Maternal third-trimester urinary concentrations of total BPA were measured in 181 mothers in Brooklyn, NY from 2007 to 2009. Mothers aged 18–45 y presenting at a prenatal clinic consented to study participation. Spot urine samples were collected once between the sixth and ninth month of pregnancy. The geometric mean concentration of total BPA was 0.12 μg l−1 (95% CI: 0.05–0.31). Total BPA concentrations were above the limit of detection in 9% of the mothers. Our results suggest that prenatal BPA exposure is low to non-detectable (< 0.02 μg l−1 in urine) among African American and Afro-Caribbean immigrant women residing in Brooklyn, NY. These results contradict evidence of prenatal exposure in prior studies of urban populations. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether there are associations between recent immigrant status and BPA exposures during pregnancy.