Triclosan is a prevalent endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that was first introduced in the 1960s for use in personal care products as an antimicrobial and preservative. Since then, triclosan has been added to countless consumer products, including, but not limited to:
- Hand soaps
- Laundry detergents
- Toothpastes
- Wound disinfection solutions
- Deodorants
- Facial tissues
- Plastic kitchen utensils
- Medical devices
- Toys
- Textiles (i.e. sock & underwear)
It follows that human exposure to triclosan is ubiquitous. As an example, a study of a representative sample of the U.S. general population greater than 6 years of age found triclosan in the urine of 75% of Americans.[1]
Triclosan Tribulations
The widespread use and efficacy of triclosan is the subject of ongoing scientific and public debate. The Pesticide Action Network of North America is one example of an organization trying to stir up public reaction to the widespread use of triclosan. These concerns center on a number of different issues.
Triclosan Toxicity
The first and most crucial concern about the widespread use of triclosan is its potential for adverse health effects in humans. Like many other EDCs, triclosan bioaccumulates persisting in human fat tissue. It is also regularly found in umbilical cord blood and human breast milk, prompting concerns about effects of exposure on the fragile developing human immune system.
Triclosan was first labeled as an EDC in 2006 when it was demonstrated that triclosan decreased body weight and accelerated thyroid hormone-mediated hind limb development in a particular species of bullfrog.[2] Thus, triclosan may not mimic thyroid hormones but may influence how they act, affecting the development and metabolism of not only frogs but all species that depend on thyroid hormone signaling, including humans.
Good Old Soap & Water
Secondly, is the issue of its effectiveness as an anti-bacterial agent versus common age-old practices such as soap and warm water. Anti-bacterial agents like triclosan were initially developed to prevent transmission of disease-causing microorganisms among susceptible patients in health care settings, particularly hospitals. In such settings, triclosan has been proven to be effective;[3] this is in contrast to the use of triclosan in non-health care setting such as healthy households, where its use in antibacterial products was not found to confer any reduced risk for symptoms of viral infectious diseases.[4] Concerning the issue of effectiveness as an antibacterial agent, the American Medical Association published a report stating:
“Despite their recent proliferation in consumer products, the use of antimicrobial agents such as triclosan in consumer products has not been studied extensively. No data exist to support their efficacy when used in such products or any need for them…it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products.”[5]
Bacterial Resistance Concerns
A third concern is the data suggesting triclosan may promote the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.[6] If bacteria develop resistance to triclosan, it could render any products containing triclosan useless to those in need, such as patients with compromised immune systems.
Environmental Impact
Another concern is the release of triclosan into the environment following wastewater treatment and the potential for subsequent environmental risks. Triclosan is commonly found in aquatic ecosystems, as it is only partially removed during the wastewater treatment process. As triclosan is used specifically for its antibacterial properties, its subsequent release into the environment may lead to toxicity to non-target organisms.[7] A newly discovered at-risk group includes aquatic species such as algae, invertebrates, and certain types of fish, which have been found to be much more sensitive to triclosan than mammals.[8]
New Everyday Toxic Effects Profiles
As a clinician can now assess the levels of triclosan along with other common EDC’s such as bisphenol A (BPA) in your patient’s urine, to help determine their total toxic load with the Bisphenol A Profile. The test will help identify patients who may incur a high level of exposure to triclosan either through their occupation or everyday activities. While it is not expected that triclosan will prove to be the elusive missing piece in the toxic puzzle of your patient’s health, it is nonetheless another important piece in the puzzle.
~ Wesley Hurrell, BS
References
- Calafat AM, et al. Urinary concentrations of triclosan in the U.S. population: 2003-2004. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2008 Mar;116(3):303-7.
- Veldhoen N, et al. The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology. 2006;80(3):217–227.
- 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(3):390-396.
- Larson EL, et al. Effect of anti-bacterial home cleaning and handwashing products on infectious disease symptoms: a randomized double-blind trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;140:321-329.
- American Medical Association. 2000. Use of antimicrobials in consumer products. Report 2 of the Council on Scientific Affairs (A-00).
- Chen Y, et al. Triclosan resistance in clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2009;58:1086-1091.
- Langdon KA, et al. Selected personal care products and endocrine disruptors in biosolids: An Australia-wide survey. Science of the Total Environment. 2011;409:1075-1081.
- Dann AB & Hontela A. Triclosan: environmental exposure, toxicity and mechanism of action. Journal Applied Toxicology. 2011. April 2011; [Epub ahead of print]
