Triclosan May Pose Undue Health Risks in Susceptible Individuals by Dr. Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

Summary: Triclosan may be cancer-causing by itself and/or in combination with other substances. In combination with water, it can produce chloroform gas that when inhaled can cause liver problems, depression and cancer. It is suspected that sunlight can transform triclosan to dioxin naturally. The use of triclosan in everyday household used chemicals and cosmetics has been a grey area of public health concern for some time. The present study reviews the current literature and pertinent findings in order to shed some light on the public health safety of triclosan. Key words: triclosan, health risks, endocrine disrupter

Introduction-The Problem: Triclosan has been used as effective antiseptic in the manufacture of soaps since the 1960's. This antiseptic property of triclosan is due to its lipid or fat soluble ability to cross bacterial cell membranes. Once inside the cell, triclosan targets a specific enzyme in bacteria and fungi called enol-acyl carrier-protein reductase or ENR. This prevents bacteria and fungi from making fatty acids essential for cell membranes and proper vital cellular functions. Human cells do not have this enzyme and may not be affected in this way. However, the increased presence of and exposure to triclosan in a wide range of consumer products such as cosmetics, toothpaste, plastics for children's toys and kitchen and table utensils have created some level of public health concern.

Researchers have found that the wide use of triclosan can produce mutations in the bacterial gene that produces ENR, thus resulting in the appearance of triclosan-resistant bacteria. This would then make the present antibiotics targeting ENR ineffective and create "super-resistant bacteria." This may lead to increased allergies, asthma and eczemas and a whole range of disease conditions.

But, what is most interesting and worrisome about triclosan is that there are now reports appearing that triclosan may not only kill bacteria and fungi, but may affect human health and well being. Triclosan and its transformation to highly carcinogenic chemicals called dioxins are of utmost concern to public health scientists and researchers. Swedish researchers in 2002 have found triclosan in 3 out of 5 human breast milk samples, indicating that triclosan is now finding it way into our bodies. Triclosan in chlorinated water in the presence of sun light is transformed into dioxins and other chlorinated compounds such as chloroform that can bioaccumulate and severely weaken the immune system, decrease fertility, alter sex hormones, initiate liver problems, depression, birth defects and cancer.

Additionally, triclosan mimics the action thyroid hormones and is thus an endocrine disrupter leading to growth, reproductive and metabolic problems. It binds to thyroid receptors blocking them from binding with normal thyroid hormones.

What is Triclosan? It is a chlorinated aromatic chemical that contains one or more benzene rings with one or more chlorine atoms attached to carbon atoms. It has a chemical formula similar to toxins such as PCBs and dioxins. Triclosan is slightly soluble in water, but soluble in lipid and lipid soluble solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, and stronger basic solutions such as 1 M sodium hydroxide.

Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical used in toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, deodorant, cosmetics, lotions and creams. Triclosan is considered a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is therefore regulated by the EPA and also by the European Union.

Other names by which Triclosan is known by:  CH-3565.  Lexol 300.  Microban.  Irgasan DP 200.  2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether,5-chloro-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol.  Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether. Sources of Triclosan:  Cosmetics.  Soaps.  Dish soaps.  Deodorants.  Body lotions.  Toothpaste.  Mouthwashes.  Cleaning supplies.  Kitchen utensils.  Shaving creams.  Toys.  Bedding.  Socks and footwear.  Trash bags.  Laundry detergents.  First aid chemicals, drugs and sprays.

What can be done to reduce the adverse health effects of Triclosan?

Proactive Measures:  Avoid the use of triclosan containing products as much as possible. Read product labels carefully to determine if they contain triclosan.  Educate manufacturers, processors, consumers, retailers and the general population using all available media targeting all levels of society.  Re-formulate triclosan containing products.  Improve, establish and implement effective legislation for a mandatory level of triclosan in products.  Establish, implement and improve monitoring, surveillance and enforcement activities with regards to triclosan.  Phase out or ban the use of triclosan containing products.  Teach proper hand washing techniques to children and adults using soap and potable water. Thus minimizing the use of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers containing triclosan.

Reactive Measures:  Avoid using products containing triclosan.  Consult your physician if you suspect you are experiencing health problems as a result of using triclosan.

Conclusion: Triclosan is one of the most commonly used antimicrobial chemicals used in soap, creams, lotions, cosmetics, devices, kitchen utensils, toys, clothing and other materials. Its presence is almost ubiquitous and the health effects of triclosan are underdetermined by scientists and researchers. The use of triclosan should be cautioned in light of emerging data that suggest that triclosan alone or in combination with other chemicals form potent carcinogens namely dioxins that may adversely affect the health and well being of susceptible individuals. It would therefore be prudent to avoid the use of triclosan and minimize any associated health risks now and/or in the future.

References:  Yackovich, F., N. K. Poulsen, and J. E. Heinze, "Validation of the Agar Patch Test Using Soap Bars which Deposit Different Amounts of Triclocarban", J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem., 37: 99-104 (1986).  McMurray, L. M., Oethinger, M, Levy, S. B., "Triclosan targets lipid synthesis", Nature 394, 531-32 (1998).  Levy, C. W., Roujeinikovai, A., Sedelnikova, S., Baker, P. J., Stuitje, A. R., Slabas, A. R., Rice, D., & Rafferty, J. B., "Molecular Basis of Triclosan Activity", Nature, 398, 383-384 (1999).


About the Author

Dr. Pattron is a Public Health Scientist, Researcher and Scholar.