Triclosan is a synthetic chemical compound used as a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent. It can be found in a variety of household products including cleaners, plastics, fabrics, hygiene products and cosmetics.
Common, but Toxic Anti-Microbial Agent
Exposure to Triclosan can cause the health problems including
- skin irritation
- increased allergies
- Liver and inhalation toxicity
The effect of Triclosan on the thyroid gland and hormone production is still being researched, but so far, it has been found to block hormone signalling mechanisms in frogs(which very similar to that of humans).1
Triclosan absorbs into the skin, and can stay in the body for many hours before it breaks down. When it breaks down, it can degrade into a chemical called Dioxin. Dioxin is found to negatively affect health, particularly with:
- decreased fertility
- birth defects
- miscarriage
- weakened immunity
- deformation of sex
- cancer
As we use these products throughout the day we are washing them down through our drains and into waste water. The waste water flows into the rivers and streams, and as the Triclosan accumulates in the water, it can damage our environment. In surface water, Triclosan is exposed to sunlight, which triggers the formation of two harmful products: chloroform and methyl-triclosan. These by-products negatively affect the aquatic life, primarily food-producing algae and the fish that consume it, eventually disrupting most of the aquatic ecosystem. 2,3,4,5
The FDA and 40 other researchers have discovered that antimicrobial and antibacterial soaps do not work any better than plain old soap and water in preventing and reducing the spread of bacteria and disease.
So how can we best limit our (and the environmental) exposure to Triclosan?
- Avoid/limit use of products you know contain Triclosan.
- Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from bacteria and reduce your exposure to unwanted toxins.
- Educate yourself by reading the ingredient labels on the products you use. Most products advertised as “antimicrobial” or “antibacterial”, “fights germs” or “odor fighting” will most likely contain Triclosan. Triclosan is marketed as MicroBan in plastic products and Biofresh in fibres.
Resources
References
- Veldhoen N, Skirrow RC, Osachoff H, Wigmore H, Clapson DJ, Gunderson MP, et al. 2006. The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands) 80(3): 217-227
- Canosa, P. et al. "Aquatic degradation of triclosan and formation of toxic chlorophenols in presence of low concentrations of free chlorine." Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 383, 7-8 (Dec 2005): 119-1126.
- Dussault EB, Balakrishnan VK, Sverko E, Solomon KR, Sibley PK. 2008. Toxicity of human pharmaceuticals and personal care products to benthic invertebrates. Environmental toxicology and chemistry / SETAC 27(2): 425-432.
- EWG/EBMUD (Environmental Working Group & East Bay Municipal Utility District). 2007. Down the Drain: Sources of hormone-disrupting chemicals in San Francisco Bay. www.ewg.org/reports/downthedrain/
- Lindstrom A, Buerge IJ, Poiger T, Bergqvist PA, Muller MD, Buser HR. 2002. Occurrence and environmental behavior of the bactericide triclosan and its methyl derivative in surface waters and in wastewater. Environmental science & technology 36(11): 2322-2329
- EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2003. Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides. EPA 735-F-03-006
- EWG (Environmental Working Group). 2005. Body Burden — The Pollution in Newborns. Available at: http://archive.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php
- EWG (Environmental Working Group). 2008. Skin Deep: Cosmetics Safety Database. Available at: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
- Fiss EM, Rule KL, Vikesland PJ. 2007. Formation of chloroform and other chlorinated byproducts by chlorination of triclosan-containing antibacterial products. Environmental science & technology 41(7): 2387-2394
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