BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that exposure to paraben (Pb) and triclosan (TCS) is associated with allergies. However, Pb and TCS exposure in the Japanese population is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to examine such exposure among Japanese individuals with allergic diseases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire survey to evaluate allergic outcomes and the collection of urine samples to examine Pb and TCS exposure. RESULTS: Pb containing daily commodities was used in 84.8% children. Pb use was positively associated with current atopic dermatitis (adjusted odds ratio, 4.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–17.3). Urinary Pb concentrations were increased significantly in those with current atopic dermatitis (AD) (median, 4.58 vs. 0; p < 0.0001), and showed an increased tendency in those with current wheeze (median, 3.45 vs. 1.81; p = 0.0535) in participants ≤15 years old. Urinary TCS concentration was under the limit of detection in all children. CONCLUSION: Urinary levels of Pb were associated with current AD in children. We should pay more attention about Pb and TCS.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Asthma ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Limit of Detection ; Odds Ratio ; Respiratory Sounds ; Triclosan

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to establish reference concentrations of urinary strontium by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).

METHODSFor the determination of strontium, urine samples were collected from healthy Japanese (n=146; 115 males, 31 females; mean age, 33±9 years; age range, 18 to 58 years). The urine samples stored at or below -20°C were thawed with incubation at 40°C for 30 min and sediments were dissolved by vigorous shakings. Then, the samples were centrifuged at 3000 g for 5 min, and the supernatant was directly aspired into a P-5200-3600/1200 ICP-AES system from Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.

RESULTSA steeper increase in the S/N ratio and a good effective linearity of the calibration line was obtained at 407.771 nm in the range of 0-300 μg/L strontium standard solution. Urine samples having the same background signal as that of 18 MΩ cm ultrapure blank water, a good correspondence of the single peak pattern of the spectra, accuracy and precision of spike recovery were also confirmed. Urinary strontium concentrations showed a log-normal distribution and a geometric mean concentration of 143.9 μg/L, with 5-95% confidential interval of 40.9-505.8 μg/L.

CONCLUSIONThe results of this study will be useful as guidelines for the biological monitoring of strontium in normal subjects and in individuals therapeutically or environmentally exposed to strontium.