Triclosan and Triclocarban (Antibacterials)
Triclosan and triclocarban are antibacterial chemicals commonly added to consumer products. They are known to disrupt hormones and can encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria or "superbugs."
Health concerns
Triclosan and triclocarban have been shown to interfere with the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate energy levels, and to disrupt the balance of estrogen and testosterone. Elevated estrogen can cause breast cancer.
For Children: Thyroid hormones are critical for proper brain and nervous system development.
For Adults: Nearly three-quarters of the U.S. population carries residues of triclosan in their body. These chemicals can accumulate in the fatty tissues of the body, such as breast tissue, and be secreted into breast milk.
Environmental concerns
In the environment, antibacterial compounds disrupt aquatic ecosystems and persist in the soil, posing a potential risk to wildlife. Traces of antibacterial compounds have been found in aquatic life and are linked to a reduction in the fertility of male fish.
Where they are found
These antibacterials are used in a number of household and personal-care products, including cosmetics, liquid hand soap, deodorant bar soap, sponges, toothpaste and cutting boards, as well as shoes, towels and clothes. They often appear on the product's list of ingredients.
Stay safe
- Avoid anything labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" or containing triclosan or triclocarban, such as soaps, gels, cleansers, toothpaste, cosmetics and other personal care products.
- Avoid other "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" items such as cutting boards, towels, shoes, clothing and bedding.
- Use regular soap and warm water to clean effectively.
Take Action
Get your municipality, institution or company to adopt this resolution to not buy products with Triclosan.
Sources
Aiello A, Larson E, Levy S. Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky? Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2007;45:S137–47.
Braoudaki, M., and A.C. Hilton. 2004. Low level of cross-resistance between triclosan and antibiotics in Escherichia coli K-12 and E. coli O55 compared to E. coli O157. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 235:305–309.
Braoudaki, M; Hilton, AC. Mechanisms of resistance in Salmonella enterica adapted to erythromycin, benzalkonium chloride and triclosan. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 25 (2005) 31–37.
Calafat AM, Ye X, Wong LY, Reidy JA, Needham LL. Urinary concentrations of triclosan in the U.S. population: 2003-2004. Environ Health Perspect. 2008. 116(3):303-7.
Crofton, KM; Paul, KB; DeVito, MJ; Hedge, JM. Short-term in vivo exposure to the water contaminant triclosan: Evidence for disruption of thyroxine. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2007. 24: 194–197.
Gee RH, Charles A, Taylor N, Darbre PD. Oestrogenic and androgenic activity of triclosan in breast cancer cells. J Appl Toxicol. 2008;28:78–91.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Household Products Database, http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=95&query=tri...
Veldhoen N, Skirrow RC, Osachoff H. The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology. 2006;80:217–227.
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