You wouldn’t think it’s toxic, this white crystalline powder as it works as an unsuspecting antibacterial agent in soaps, mouthwash, and deodorants.
Similar to phthalates and parabens, triclosan does not bioaccumulate since our body metabolizes then excretes it out of our system. However, a result of triclosan’s particle breakdown is a dioxin called methyl triclosan which is fairly stable, thus posing a higher risk of bioaccumulation.
Research studies cited below raised concern over how triclosan might be hazardous to health:
a. Alter normal hormone functions in animals
b. Might result to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs
c. Might be harmful to the immune system.
One study conducted in 2008 tested the exposure of US adults and children where triclosan was found in the urine of 75% of those tested. Another study of 184 pregnant women in Brooklyn, New York gathered urine and cord blood samples from the women and found triclosan and triclocarban, another antibacterial chemical were found in nearly all of their urine samples. More than half of the umbilical cord blood samples showed levels of triclosan which revealed that the chemical can go far enough to affect their fetuses.
Two years ago, the US FDA withdrew the “Generally Regarded as Safe” status of triclosan as an ingredient in hand wash products emphasizing further studies to “its potential endocrine and developmental effects; impact on bacterial resistance, and carcinogenic potential.”
Just May of last year, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton passed a bill banning triclosan in almost all retail consumer hygiene products sold in the state. Meanwhile, skin care manufacturing giants such as Avon, Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson issued a manifesto phasing out triclosan from their products.
In fact, there is no need for synthetic antibacterial triclosan in our soaps or other skin care products. The University of Michigan School of Public Health conducted a comprehensive research in 2007 where results revealed plain soaps are just as effective in removing bacteria and preventing illness as consumer-grade antibacterial soaps with triclosan.
So stick only to what’s essential in living a full, healthy life.
References:
1. Rees Clayton EM, et al. The impact of bisphenol A and triclosan on immune parameters in the U.S. population, NHANES 2003-2006. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2011;119:390. 2. Witorsch RJ, et al. Personal care products and endocrine disruption: A critical review of the literature. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 2010;40:1.
2. Calafat AM, et al. Urinary concentrations of triclosan in the U.S. population: 2003-2004.
3. Bertelsen RJ, et al. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2008;116:303. Triclosan exposure and allergic sensitization in Norwegian children. Allergy 2013;68:84.