Negative Effects of Triclosan

Despite its many uses in killing and preventing bacteria, triclosan has serious consequences for human health. These health issues may occur whether we absorb triclosan knowingly or unknowingly. That is, it can enter our bodies via the skin pores or the mouth. These exposures will cause rough, dry skin, rashes, and skin irritation, especially in children. 

• Triclosan may also cause water pollution when we wash our hands or bodies and the water flows into rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The persistent nature of triclosan causes long-term water pollution. 
• Triclosan has also been confirmed to be lipophilic, which means it has the ability to accumulate in human fat, resulting in traces of triclosan in blood and urine samples. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, triclosan is present in 58 percent of US waterways. 
• Recent research has also discovered that triclosan interferes with the body’s thyroid hormone and is an endocrine disruptor. Children who are exposed to triclosan during the early stages are more likely to develop asthma and eczema. 
• According to the Food and Drug Administration, Triclosan has a high risk of altering hormones, uncontrolled cell growth, weakened immune systems, miscarriages, and even cancer.
• Studies have shown that anti-bacterial products may prevent the growth of bacteria, but are far more harmful to human health.

Triclosan, also known as TCS, is an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient that is added to many consumer products in order to prevent and reduce bacterial contamination. It is also used in soaps, toothpaste, toys, and surgical instruments. Triclosan’s usage and mechanism of action are very similar to Triclocarban’s. Triclocarban, also known as TCC, is an antibacterial chemical that is used in soaps, detergents, and toothpaste.

In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration conducted extensive research on the effectiveness of triclosan in toothpaste and discovered that it was very effective in reducing gingivitis. Gingivitis, in general, is a disease that causes inflamed gums. Studies have shown that high levels of Triclosan exposure reduce thyroid hormone levels. It has already been shown to be very effective in reducing bacterial infections in some products. Though companies will no longer be able to use Triclosan on their products without pre-market review and approval. The main reason is that there is no clear-cut evidence that Triclosan is not harmful to human health.