Triclosan - Maya Cikaluk

Left (6); Right (7)

Triclosan and the Controversy of its Use in Consumer Products

Triclosan is a chemical compound with antibacterial properties that is found in many household items^[1]. Canada alone has over 1,600 cosmetics and personal care products that contain triclosan anywhere from 0.1%-0.3%^[2]. The compound causes a significantly greater reduction of bacteria on the hands when compared to plain soap, which accounts for its popularity in hand sanitizers and cleaning products^[3].

While triclosan has beneficial properties it has been linked to various health effects. Since triclosan is lipophilic, it can bioaccumulate in tissues and may interact with the body’s thyroid hormone as well as effect normal muscle contraction^[3]. Studies have also linked triclosan to be a depressant on the central nervous system indicating the compound may contribute to depression^[3]. Over use of triclosan can also irritate the skin leading to rashes or sores^[5].

The greatest concern over the use of triclosan is its effects on the environment. Recently, there have been concerns over triclosan and its ability to convert to the highly carcinogenic compound dioxin. Triclosan’s structure allows it to convert to dioxin when exposed to the environment^[3]. One study found that river water mixed with triclosan and radiated with UV light could convert between 1-12% of triclosan to dioxin^[3]. As well, a high level of triclosan is very toxic to aquatic organisms^[4]. Most of the triclosan we use is emptied down drained into wastewater systems. Current wastewater treatment technologies are not specifically designed to remove triclosan allowing it to enter the environment, disperse and persist^[1]. For this reason the Canadian government is trying to urge industries to voluntarily remove triclosan from their products. Another concern over triclosan use is antibiotic resistance. While triclosan does not necessarily cause mutations in bacteria, by killing off bacteria sensitive to triclosan, it creates an environment where resistant strains can strive^[3].

There are many alternatives to triclosan. Washing hands with normal soap and water can easily get rid of any unwanted bacteria and there are many household products and cosmetics available on the market that is triclosan-free. As triclosan is not absolutely necessary in our day-to-day lives and the fact that it may cause adverse affects including harming aquatic ecosystems, increasing antibiotic resistant bacteria, and converting to carcinogens, limiting or eliminating triclosan use may be beneficial.

References:

1. von der Ohe, P. C., Schmitt-Jensen, M., Slobodnik, J., Brak, W. (2011). Triclosan – the forgotten priority substance? Environ Sci Pollut Res. DOI : 10.1007/s11356-011-0580-7

2. Government of Canada. (2013). The safety of triclosan. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/environment-environnement/home-maison/triclosan-eng.php

3. Glaser, A. (2004). Ubiqutous triclosan: a common antibacterial agent exposed. Pesticides and You. 24(3): 12-17 

4. EMD Millipore Chemicals. (2013). Triclosan. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.emdmillipore.com/life-science-research/triclosan/EMD_BIO-647950/p_qpKb.s1LAAoAAAEWhmEfVhTm?PortalCatalogID=merck4biosciences&CountryName=United+States+of+America

5. Pohanish, R. P. (2008). Trichlorophenols. Sittig’s Handbook of Toxic and Harzardous Chemicals and Carcinogens (5^th ed., p. 2488-2490). Norwich, N.Y.: William Andrew

6. n.a. (2010). Triclosan in consumer products [image]. Retrieved December 5, 2013 from http://business-ethics.com/2010/06/26/1414-the-controversy-over-triclosan-in-consumer-products/

7. Baker, S. (2010). Triclosan [image]. Retrieved December 5, 2013 from http://www.infiniteunknown.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/triclosan.jpg