Triclosan exposure to pregnant women and its association with birth outcomes

Triclosan(TCS)is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that is widely used in personal care products. Humans are exposed to these chemicals through oral intake or direct dermal absorption. The main way to eliminate TCS is through urine. Studies have shown that TCS may interfere with thyroid function and the reproductive endocrine system. In recent years, increasing epidemiological studies have focused on TCS exposure during pregnancy and the relationship between TCS exposure and birth outcomes. Compared with other countries and regions, pregnant women have lower levels of TCS exposure in China. Animal experiments suggested that high dose of TCS exposure during pregnancy may affect birth outcomes through its endocrine disruption. This review is aimed to summarize the effects of TCS exposure during pregnancy on the birth outcomes.