We performed a cross-sectional analysis to identify correlates of urinary
concentrations of seven phenols (bisphenols A, F, and S, 2,4-dichlorophenol,
2,5-dichlorophenol, benzophenone-3, triclosan), triclocarban, and four parabens
(butyl, ethyl, methyl, and propyl). We analyzed baseline data from 766
participants in the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a prospective
cohort study of 1 693 Black women aged 23–34 years residing in Detroit,
Michigan (2010–2012). We collected data on demographic, behavioral, and
anthropometric factors via telephone interviews, clinic visits, and
self-administered questionnaires. For each biomarker, we used linear regression
models to estimate mean differences in log-transformed, creatinine-corrected
concentrations across factors of interest. Each biomarker was detected in
>50% of participants. Median creatinine-corrected concentrations were
highest for methyl paraben (116.8 μg/g creatinine), propyl paraben (16.8
μg/g creatinine), and benzophenone-3 (13.4 μg/g creatinine).
Variables most strongly associated with biomarker concentrations included season
of urine collection, education, and body mass index (BMI). BMI was positively
associated with bisphenol A and S and triclocarban concentrations and inversely
associated with butyl and methyl paraben concentrations. In this cohort of Black
women, exposure to phenols, parabens, and triclocarban was prevalent and several
factors were associated with biomarker concentrations.