Triclosan

CAS number 3380-34-5

Description

Triclosan is a white to off-white crystalline powder, or an aromatic ether that is phenol which is substituted at C-5 by a chloro group and at C-2 by a 2,4-dichlorophenoxy group.

Uses

Triclosan is widely used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in personal care products such as soaps, skin creams, toothpaste and deodorants as well as in household items such as plastic chopping boards, sports equipment and shoes. More than 80% of triclosan usage is in personal care products, cosmetics and household cleaning products.

In the past, triclosan’s germ-killing capabilities made it a common additive in many over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps and body washes. In 2016, the FDA ruled companies couldn’t sell triclosan-containing consumer products such as antibacterial soaps anymore.

However due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the use of triclosan in products has been increased as it is used as an antimicrobial in wipes, and other sanitizing products. This means that human exposure to this chemical has also increased. Studies continue to understand the health impacts of this chemical, as scientists are that further efforts to monitor triclosan toxicity at environmental levels are necessary.

It is currently under assessment as persistent, Bio accumulative and toxic and also as endocrine disrupting with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Studies have also shown that exposure to triclosan may make certain bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Triclosan commonly enters the environment though wastewater. Personal care products containing triclosan wash down drains into the wastewater system. Conventional wastewater treatment does not remove 100 percent of triclosan. Even though triclosan degrades rapidly in surface water, it is continuously replenished by ongoing discharges of treated wastewater.

Why it can be problematic for human and animal health

Exposure to triclosan can be through dermal contact, inhalation or less frequently, ingestion.

Triclosan is shown in scientific literature as being associated with the following chronic health impacts:

Triclosan has been shown to impact the reproductive and endocrine systems - Some animal studies have shown that exposure to high amounts of the ingredient may cause a decrease in certain thyroid hormones. Exposure to the ingredient is of particular concern to women and people assigned female at birth. That’s because it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk.
It can cause irritation to skin and eyes with long term use in personal care products that are absorbed through dermal contact
Studies regarding the role of triclosan in cancer go both ways. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to the chemical increases your risk of certain cancers. But other studies have shown it has the potential to be used as a treatment for cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Emerging evidence indicates a link between triclosan and allergy in children. Children in the highest category of triclosan exposure had double the risk of being allergic to common allergens. Biomonitoring studies show a wide range in children’s exposure with some children receiving 1000 times more triclosan than others. This broad range suggests that it is possible to decrease exposure in those children at the high end. These studies have not included very young children. Concern for that group is focused on the fact that 2-year-olds swallow much more toothpaste than adults. This could be a health concern if they are using triclosan-containing toothpaste. Triclosan also gets across the skin when used in lotions, deodorant and crèmes. Children have a larger skin surface area than adults (per body weight) and so may receive a greater dose across the skin. Finally, triclosan has been found in house dust. Because children spend so much time on the floor, they are more exposed to house dust.

Products with triclosan must include it on the label. This is an important ingredient to watch out for when buying products that children will use.

Please note any adverse health effects that you may encounter in exposure to a chemical depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.