Triclosan (2, 4,
4’ –trichloro-2’-hydroxydiphenyl ether) is a chlorinated aromatic compound. Its
functional groups include both phenols and ethers. It is used as a synthetic antimicrobial
agent. Triclosan was first registered as a pesticide in 1969. There are
currently 20 antimicrobial registrations, which the EPA regulates under the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In
commercial, institutional, and industrial equipment uses, triclosan is
incorporated in conveyor belts, fire hoses, dye bath vats, or ice-making
equipment as an antimicrobial pesticide. Triclosan can be directly applied to
commercial HVAC coils, where it prevents microbial growth. As a material preservative, triclosan is
used in many products including adhesives, fabrics, vinyl, plastics (toys,
toothbrushes), polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, floor wax emulsions,
textiles (footwear, clothing), caulking compounds, sealants, rubber, carpeting,
and a wide variety of other products. There are also consumer uses of
triclosan, such as its use in over-the-counter drugs (e.g., antimicrobial hand
soaps and some toothpaste). These drugs are regulated by the Food and Drug
Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Although
the FDA uses are not regulated under pesticide law, EPA considered these
exposures in the aggregate risk assessment. EPA used population-based
biological monitoring data to assess the co-occurrence of uses to develop an
aggregate exposure assessment. Triclosan
isn't an essential ingredient in many products. While triclosan added to
toothpaste has been shown to help prevent gingivitis, there's no evidence that
antibacterial soaps and body
washes containing triclosan provide any extra benefits, according to the Food
and Drug Administration.
In aquatic environments, triclosan is expected to attach to
the surface of suspended solids and sediments and may bioaccumulate,
potentially posing a concern for aquatic organisms. As well as having a chance
to bioaccumulate in the sediments it also has a low chance of bioaccumulation
in aquatic organisms which could eventually get higher and higher on the food
chain and start effecting humans. Aerobic biodegradation is one of the major
and most efficient biodegradation pathways. Although it has been found that the
antimicrobial uses of triclosan are unlikely to contribute significant
quantities of triclosan into household wastewater and eventually in surface
water, it has been found in 36 U.S. streams.
EPA's Office of
Research and Development (ORD) studies on the thyroid and estrogen effects led
EPA to determine that more research on the potential health consequences of
endocrine effects of triclosan is warranted. This research is underway and will
help characterize the human relevance and potential risk of these effects
observed in initial laboratory animal studies. Although there isn’t enough
evidence to recommend avoiding use of products that contain triclosan there
have been recent studies that have raised questions about whether triclosan
might be hazardous to human health. Recent research has shown that triclosan
alters hormone regulation in animals, might contribute to the development of
antibiotic-resistant germs, and might be harmful to the immune system.
Minnesota has taken serious steps
in the use of triclosan and has become the first state to ban the use of
triclosan. In 2017 Minnesota will not allow
any retail consumer hygiene products to be sold if they contain triclosan.
According to the FDA triclosan is no better at washing away the germs than just
plain soap is, it is causing unneeded problems without any added benefits.
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