What is triclosan and why is it used in consumer products. How safe is triclosan for human health. What are the potential benefits and risks of triclosan. How can you identify products containing triclosan. What actions are regulators taking regarding triclosan use.

What is Triclosan and Where is it Found?

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical added to many consumer products to reduce bacterial contamination. It has been widely used since the 1950s in a variety of applications:

• Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers
• Toothpastes
• Body washes
• Cosmetics
• Clothing and textiles
• Kitchenware and cookware
• Furniture
• Toys
• Some baby products like teething rings

The widespread use of triclosan has led to its presence in the broader environment as well. Trace amounts have been detected in:

• Household dust
• Streams and rivers
• Human bodies – by 2003, an estimated 75% of the US population had detectable levels

While triclosan is regulated by the FDA in products like soaps and cosmetics, its use in other consumer goods like clothing and kitchenware falls outside FDA oversight.

The Safety Profile of Triclosan: What Does the Research Say?

The safety of triclosan has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years as more research emerges on its potential health impacts. Some key findings include:

Thyroid Hormone Disruption

Short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with decreased levels of some thyroid hormones. However, the implications for human health remain unclear.

Antibiotic Resistance

Some research has raised concerns that triclosan exposure may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. However, there is currently insufficient data to fully assess this risk.

Skin Cancer Risk

An ongoing study is investigating the potential link between long-term triclosan exposure and skin cancer development in animals. Results are still pending.

Chemical Breakdown on Skin

Another study is examining whether triclosan breaks down into other chemicals on human skin when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This research is also still in progress.

Gut Microbiome Disruption

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found that triclosan can disrupt the gut microbiome in mice. This raises concerns about potential impacts on human gut health as well.

Is triclosan harmful to human health? While many studies suggest potential risks, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of triclosan exposure in humans. The FDA continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence on triclosan safety.

Potential Benefits of Triclosan: Is It Effective?

Despite safety concerns, triclosan has demonstrated benefits in certain applications:

Gingivitis Prevention

In 1997, the FDA reviewed extensive data showing that triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste was effective in preventing gingivitis.

Antibacterial Properties

Triclosan’s ability to kill bacteria has made it a popular additive in many consumer products aimed at reducing bacterial contamination.

However, for many over-the-counter (OTC) consumer products, the FDA has not received sufficient evidence that triclosan provides any additional benefit compared to regular soap and water. This lack of proven effectiveness, combined with safety concerns, has led to increased regulatory scrutiny.

How to Identify Products Containing Triclosan

If you’re concerned about triclosan exposure, here’s how to check if a product contains this chemical:

For OTC Drugs (including antibacterial soaps and fluoride toothpastes):

Check the Drug Facts box on the label. Triclosan should be listed as an active ingredient if present.

For Cosmetics:

Review the ingredient list on the product label. Triclosan should be listed if it’s an ingredient.

Are there alternatives to triclosan-containing products? Yes, many effective alternatives exist. For hand hygiene, washing with regular soap and water is often just as effective as using antibacterial products containing triclosan.

Regulatory Actions on Triclosan: FDA’s Stance

The FDA has taken several actions regarding triclosan use in consumer products:

2016 Ban in Hand and Body Washes

The FDA banned triclosan in over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products, citing insufficient evidence of its safety and effectiveness compared to regular soap and water.

2017 Rule on Healthcare Antiseptics

The FDA issued a final rule prohibiting the use of triclosan and 23 other active ingredients in certain OTC health-care antiseptic products without premarket review, due to insufficient safety and effectiveness data.

Ongoing Review of Hand Sanitizers

The FDA continues to review the three active ingredients commonly used in hand sanitizers, including triclosan.

What is the current regulatory status of triclosan? While banned in some products, triclosan remains approved for use in certain applications. The FDA continues to monitor scientific literature and review safety and effectiveness data on triclosan in its OTC antiseptic rulemakings.

Environmental Impact of Triclosan: Beyond Human Health

The widespread use of triclosan has led to concerns about its environmental impact:

Water Contamination

Triclosan has been detected in streams and rivers, raising concerns about its effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation

Studies have shown that triclosan can accumulate in the bodies of aquatic organisms, potentially affecting their health and behavior.

Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment

There are concerns that the presence of triclosan in the environment may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural settings.

How does triclosan enter the environment? Triclosan can enter waterways through wastewater from households and manufacturing facilities. Its persistence in the environment and potential for bioaccumulation make it a chemical of concern for ecologists and environmental health experts.

Alternatives to Triclosan: Safer Options for Consumers

As concerns about triclosan grow, many consumers are seeking alternatives:

Natural Antibacterial Agents

Some products use natural antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil or thyme oil as alternatives to triclosan.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

For hand hygiene, alcohol-based sanitizers can be effective without the use of triclosan.

Traditional Soap and Water

For most everyday situations, washing with regular soap and water is sufficient for maintaining hygiene.

Probiotics in Personal Care Products

Some companies are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria in personal care products as an alternative approach to fighting harmful bacteria.

Are triclosan-free products as effective? In many cases, yes. The FDA has stated that there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps with triclosan are more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections.

The Future of Triclosan: Research and Policy Directions

As scientific understanding of triclosan evolves, several key areas are likely to shape its future use:

Ongoing Safety Studies

Researchers continue to investigate the long-term effects of triclosan exposure on human health and the environment.

Regulatory Reassessment

Regulatory bodies like the FDA are likely to continue reviewing the safety and efficacy of triclosan in various applications.

Consumer Awareness

Increased public awareness about triclosan may drive demand for alternative products and influence manufacturing practices.

Sustainable Chemistry Initiatives

Efforts to develop safer and more environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents may lead to new alternatives to triclosan.

What is the likely future of triclosan use? While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, the trend seems to be moving away from widespread triclosan use in consumer products. However, it may continue to be used in specific applications where its benefits are clearly demonstrated and outweigh potential risks.

In conclusion, triclosan remains a controversial chemical with ongoing debates about its safety, efficacy, and environmental impact. As research continues and regulations evolve, consumers and manufacturers alike will need to stay informed about the latest findings and recommendations regarding triclosan use. Whether seeking alternatives or making informed choices about triclosan-containing products, awareness of this chemical’s complex history and ongoing scrutiny is key to navigating its presence in our daily lives.

5 Things to Know About Triclosan

Does the product contain triclosan? On over-the-counter drug products, read the ingredients on the Drug Facts label. On cosmetics, read the list of ingredients.

What Is Triclosan?

Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics—products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also can be found in clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys—products not regulated by the FDA.

How Safe Is Triclosan?

Some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. But we don’t know the significance of those findings to human health. Other studies have raised the possibility that exposure to triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. At this time, we don’t have enough information available to assess the level of risk that triclosan poses for the development of antibiotic resistance.

There are other ongoing studies that involve the safety of triclosan. One is a study investigating the potential of developing skin cancer after a long-term exposure to triclosan in animals. Another is a study on the potential breakdown of triclosan to other chemicals on human skin after exposure to triclosan to ultraviolet (UV) rays. At this time, neither study has been completed.

Are There Benefits of Triclosan?

For some consumer products, there is evidence that triclosan provides a benefit. In 1997, FDA reviewed extensive effectiveness data on triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste. The evidence showed that triclosan in that product was effective in preventing gingivitis.

For other products, such as over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic products, FDA has not received evidence that triclosan provides a benefit to human health. At this time, FDA doesn’t have evidence that triclosan in OTC consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.

In December 2017, the FDA issued a final rule regarding certain OTC health-care antiseptic products. As a result, companies will not be able to use triclosan or 23 other active ingredients in these products without premarket review due to insufficient data regarding their safety and effectiveness. The FDA recently issued a final rule on OTC hand sanitizers and will continue to review the three active ingredients commonly used in hand sanitizers.

How Can I Tell if There Is Triclosan in a Product?

Antibacterial soaps and body washes, and fluoride toothpastes are considered OTC drugs. If an OTC drug contains triclosan, it should be listed as an ingredient on the label, in the Drug Facts box. If a cosmetic contains triclosan, it should be included in the ingredient list on the product label.

What Is FDA Doing to Evaluate the Safety of Triclosan?

FDA has been reviewing safety and effectiveness data on triclosan in the agency’s OTC antiseptic rulemakings. FDA will also continue to monitor and follow the scientific literature available for the safety and effectiveness of triclosan.

For more information on consumer antiseptic washes, see the final rule.

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Triclosan, A Chemical Found In Hand Sanitizers And Cookware, Linked To Gut Problems In New Mouse Study

An antibacterial chemical found in thousands of consumer products can harm the guts of mice, according to a new study, raising concerns that it might be making people sick.

Triclosan is a popular additive in many consumer products because it kills bacteria. Since the 1950s, it’s been added to hand sanitizers, toothpastes, cookware, gardening tools, clothes, toys, furniture, and even some baby teething products.

In the last decade, the chemical has permeated the broader environment as well in tiny amounts. It’s been found in household dust and in US streams and rivers. It’s also in people: By 2003, an estimated 75% of the US population carried it around in detectable amounts, according to the CDC.

A raft of studies has suggested that triclosan has unintended effects beyond its antimicrobial properties. For instance, it can make some bacteria grow stronger and harder to kill. Scientists suspect it may also tamper with the immune system, certain hormones, and fertility.

In 2016, the FDA banned triclosan in hand and body washes, explaining that there was not enough evidence that triclosan was safe to use or that washing with regular soap and water was any worse.

The new work, published Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine, shows how the chemical can wreak havoc with the community of bacteria — the “microbiome” — found in the mouse gut, just as the chemical changes the microbiome of fish and rats.

Mice were fed water containing triclosan for three weeks and then compared to a group that hadn’t eaten the chemical. The goal was to mirror in mice the blood triclosan levels of people who had used toothpaste containing the chemical for 14 days.

In mice that drank the triclosan-laced water, the scientists found inflammation of the colon akin to that seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition diagnosed in 3 million Americans in 2015. They also showed that mice that already had colon cancer showed a more aggressive form of the disease — with more and larger tumors — when they consumed triclosan.

Gut bacteria, the study found, were key to activating these effects: Mice bred to lack gut bacteria didn’t show any inflammation even when they were exposed to triclosan.

“We have very strong data to confirm that gut bacteria is the mechanism to link triclosan exposure to colon inflammation,” Guodong Zhang, assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, who led the study, told BuzzFeed News.

The new paper adds to mounting evidence that triclosan is not safe. Although it’s too soon to know whether it has the same effects on the human gut, the study makes the case for examining its link to IBD and colon cancer in people.

“I think it’s an opportunity to point out that people should be careful,” Rolf Halden, director of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, who was not involved with the study, told BuzzFeed News. Last year, Halden led a group of 200 scientists to publish a statement asking international regulators to ban the chemical in consumer products.

The latest study caps off decades of research listing possible dangers of triclosan exposure in animals and people. Scientists have shown it can cause liver damage in mice, for example, mess with hormones in rats, and alter the microbiomes of fish.

It’s been harder to pinpoint whether triclosan at low doses can cause harm in people. Scientists expect it can interact with many biological systems in complex ways, possibly over many years, making its footprint hard to map. Last year, researchers followed 39 new mothers and their infants for 10 months and found higher levels of an antibacterial-resistant species in the guts of participants who used products with triclosan.

Regulation of the chemical falls on both the FDA and the EPA. (The EPA regulates the compound when it is used as a germ killer on furniture or products that don’t make health claims relevant to people. )

The FDA proposed banning the chemical in consumer products as early as 1978 but never finalized that rule. In 2010, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) sued the FDA to move forward with its intended action, resulting in a settlement and the issuance of its first rules in 2016.

“Triclosan is interacting with the microbiome in a way that is leading to inflammatory bowel disease,” Kristi Pullen Fedinick, a scientist at the NRDC told BuzzFeed News. “They’ve really gotten close to if not landed on the causal link.” She described the new evidence on colon cancer as “the tip of the iceberg.”

The FDA’s ban to excise the chemical from hospital antiseptics will take effect at the end of the year, and the agency intends to ban it from hand sanitizers by 2019.

Some doctors already recommend avoiding products containing the compound.

“Both the FDA ban and this new study indicate that consumers best steer clear of unnecessary and potentially risky antimicrobials unless they are specifically recommended for use by their physicians and dentists,” Halden said.

JMS Triclosept – Liquid hand sanitizer with triclosan

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• JMS Triclosept – Liquid hand sanitizer with triclosan

	Conforms to WHO recommendations. Kills the full spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi in 30 seconds
	Contains up to 70% isopropyl alcohol
	HAND SAFE. Contains tea tree oil, coconut oil and glycerin to nourish the skin and protect it from excessive drying
	Does not require rinsing, does not leave a sticky feeling. Suitable for daily use
	Wholesale prices and flexible delivery terms
	Contract manufacturing

Purpose

Neutral concentrated disinfectant (antiseptic) based on isopropyl alcohol and triclosan. Contains glycerin, coconut oil and tea tree oil to nourish hand skin and protect it from drying out.

Used for washing and antiseptic treatment of the skin of the hands of working personnel, for filling sanitary checkpoints, for processing sanitary rugs, soft toys, upholstered and hard furniture, floors and equipment. The product kills the entire spectrum of microbes and bacteria, eliminates strong odors.

Recommended for use in medical, children’s institutions, food industry (dairy, meat, fish processing, etc. ), public catering and at home.

Features

How to use

Ready to use. In medical institutions, it is used for washing and antibacterial treatment of hands, as well as disinfection of various surfaces and objects. It is refilled into dispensers, sanitary checkpoints, applied to disinfection barrier mats.

The product is concentrated, when used outside of medicine, if desired, it can be diluted with water at the rate of 1 part of the product to 3 parts of water.

For hand sanitizer, apply to clean hands, spread evenly and rub thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, including between fingers. If desired, you can rinse with water, but the product is safe for the skin of the hands.

When disinfecting surfaces and objects with a sprayer, evenly apply a thin layer of the agent over the object to be treated (slippers, upholstered and hard furniture, floors, equipment, etc.), if desired, the agent can be washed off with water after 5-10 minutes.

Remains effective in cold water. Does not dry out hands, suitable for daily use.

Precautions

Do not ingest! Avoid contact with eyes! Keep away from children! Use only as directed! Do not mix with other products! May ignite, keep away from fire and excessive heat!

In case of contact with eyes and mucous membranes, rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

TU9144-001-98205538-2006 with amendment 1

Storage

-5°C to +40°C in dry warehouses, out of direct sunlight.

Warranty period of storage – 36 months in a closed original container. After defrosting, it retains its properties. When stratified, the solution must be mixed before use. After the expiration date, dispose of as household waste.

Composition

Mild surfactant composition (c-surfactant 2-10%, n-surfactant <5%), isopropyl alcohol 50-70%, triclosan, tea tree oil, glycerin, coconut oil, antibacterial complex, fragrance, water.

Antiseptics and liquid soaps

See prices 7 (343) 210-93-39

Order a ventilation system disinfection service:

+7 (343) 210-93-39

Products

Designation	Purpose	Manufacturer	Packaging
Friasept – gel	Skin antiseptic in the form of a gel, used for: cleaning the hands of surgeons, operating room nurses, midwives and other persons involved in operations; for processing the elbow bends of donors on the SPK; for the treatment of the skin of the operating and injection fields of patients in healthcare facilities, for the hygienic treatment of the hands of medical personnel, medical workers in children’s institutions, social security institutions, employees of perfumery and cosmetic enterprises, sanatorium-resort institutions, catering establishments. Has an antimicrobial effect against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (including mycobacterium tuberculosis, pathogens of particularly dangerous infections – cholera, plague, tularemia), viruses, pathogenic fungi, bacterial spores. Hand debridement consumption 2.5 ml, treatment time 2 minutes. Prolonged effect 5 hours.	Septa LLC, Russia	1l bottle without dispenser
			1l bottle with dispenser
			Fl.0.1l
Gamma	Liquid soap with disinfectant effect (contains 2% PHMG) for hand hygiene, skin sanitization, foot hygiene. Effective against bacteria (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Hand hygiene, washing hands of surgeons before applying antiseptic: The agent is applied to the moistened skin of both hands in the amount of 3 ml (2 pump presses). Sanitary treatment of the skin, hygienic treatment of the feet. One-time processing is carried out. On the wet skin of the hands, forearms, feet, on other parts of the body, apply 3 ml of the product. Availability of a certificate of state registration as a disinfectant and instructions for use approved by the ILC.	OOO Septa, Russia	Vial 1l
			1l bottle with dispenser
			Kan.5l
Desisoft	Liquid soap with disinfectant effect. Ingredients: triclosan, 2phenoxyethanol, surfactant. Possesses the expressed washing action and the prolonged effect not less than 3 hours.	Deznet LLC, Russia	Fl.1l under UMR
			1L bottle for dispenser pack
Deziptol	Disinfectant (skin antiseptic). Ingredients: isopropyl alcohol, QAC, amine. Broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Residual bactericidal action 3-4 hours, treatment of surgeons’ hands, elbows of donors, surgical and injection fields.	Deznet LLC, Russia	Vial 1L UMR
			1L dispenser pack
			Trigger 0.75l
Sterihand plus	Disinfectant (skin antiseptic). Ingredients: propanol1, propanol2, HOURS. Broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Residual antimicrobial action 3 hours. Treatment of surgeons’ hands, donor elbows, operating and injection fields, disinfection of gloves, feet.	Deznet LLC, Russia	Vial 1L UMR
			1L dispenser pack
			Vial 1L UMP dyed
Delsept Ultra	Disinfectant (skin antiseptic). Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website