Triclosan (TCS) is a commercially used antibacterial and antifungal agent that is added to soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and cleaning supplies. It was also added as a preservative in the manufacture of textiles, leather, paper, plastic, and rubber to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

More recently, it has been added to “antibacterial” kitchen utensils, toys, bedding, socks, and trash bags. However, the use of TCS has come under close scrutiny and many healthcare practitioners and environmentalists are becoming concerned about its current excessive use.

Triclosan Regulations

Since its introduction to the natural health world in the 1970s, triclosan has been regulated by the FDA, Health Canada, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the European Union. It recently came under stronger review by Health Canada. In March of 2012, it was announced that:

"triclosan is not harmful to human health, but in significant amounts, it can cause harm to the environment."

Because of this, the Canadian government is suggesting that manufacturers begin to voluntarily reduce their use of this particular chemical to help protect the environment.

Benefits of Triclosan

The addition of triclosan to toothpaste has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing gingivitis. It has also been shown to act as a preservative for a number of different manufactured goods by preventing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and mildew. This helps to prevent the development of unwanted odours in manufactured goods. TCS has also been shown to help prevent the spread of some contagions on hands. Medical professionals will often recommend bathing with 2% triclosan for individuals infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to help reduce colonization of the skin. This has been shown to help prevent further spread, and control hospital outbreaks.

Drawbacks of Triclosan

Environmental Toxicity

When triclosan enters into the water treatment process it is exposed to chlorine and sunlight, a combination that causes it to convert to dioxin-like compounds. Dioxin is a term loosely used to describe a family of toxic chemicals (PCDDs) that accumulate in the tissues of humans and wildlife. Some of these dioxin compounds have been found to be associated with cancer and other ailments. In some animals like bullfrogs and dolphins, high enough levels of TCS have been found in the tissues to act as hormonal disruptors, and thus alter their reproductive capabilities. In humans, triclosan has been found to accumulate in liver and fat cells. It is also directly toxic to aquatic bacteria and certain species of algae that are the organisms responsible for the vast majority of photosynthesis (conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen) on Earth. The long-term implications of these effects are not yet known.

Bacterial Resistance

There is growning concern that the overuse of tricloasan may lead to resistant strains of bacteria to develop, much like the antibiotic-resistant strains we have begun to encounter. Research is not conclusive at the moment and some initial papers have suggested that triclosan resistance has not yet begun at all.

Allergies

Recent research has found initial evidence that children with more exposure to triclosan actually had higher levels of allergies and hay fever. It is unclear whether this is caused by a process like the hygiene hypothesis or if it is the direct action of triclosan. The hygiene hypothesis states that growing up in an excessively clean household actually causes allergies later in life. It is thought that children whose immune systems are exposed to insufficient microbes and challenges (dirt, bacteria, viruses, etc.) begin to overreact to everyday substances, causing multiple allergies later in life.

Removing Triclosan From Your Routine

Although triclosan is found in a large number of consumer products and skincare, it is still possible to remove or at least reduce your exposure. Interestingly, it has been found that soaps without any TCS are equally as effective as consumer antibacterial soaps, so there need not be a downside to this process either. To reduce the triclosan sources from your life, simply shop for products that do not contain it in their ingredient lists. 

Other names (and brand names) for triclosan include:

  • Irgasan DP-300
  • Lexol 300
  • Ster-Zac
  • Cloxifenolum
  • BioFresh
  • Microban