What are this risks of Triclosan in our health and environment

Over 35 years ago Triclosan was invented and had its first use in our healthcare system as a surgical scrub in hospitals. It is a potent wide spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent and is often the active ingredient used in antibacterial products. It has been shown to be effective in reducing and controlling bacterial contamination on the hands and on treated products. With the overall ingredient percentage of (0.10-1.00%), it is found in soaps , deodorants, toothpastes, shaving creams, mouth washes, and cleaning supplies and is infused in an increasing number of consumer products, such as kitchen utensils, toys, bedding, socks, and trash bags.

Companies using this chemical can register with Health Canada to market everything from soaps to socks as "antibacterial". It seems however, that the real effects of the marketing are the opposite: a recent study of over 200 households found that people using antibacterial products didn't reduce their risk for contracting viral infections. A U.S. FDA advisory committee has found that household use of antibacterial products provides no benefits over plain soap and water, and the American Medical Association recommends that triclosan not be used in the home, as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Consumers can check product ingredient lists for triclosan, triclocarban and it's brand name "Microban", however products with these chemicals aren't always required to list ingredients.

While the companies that manufacture products containing this chemical claim that it is safe, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered it as a pesticide. It scores high points both as a human health risk and as an environmental risk. Dioxins, PCBs, chlorophenols and many pesticides persist in the environment and accumulate to higher and higher concentrations with each step up the food chain. Virtually, every creature on earth has a measured amount of these pollutants in its body fat. Once absorbed into the fat cells, it is nearly impossible to eliminate these compounds. Triclosan is among this class of chemicals, and humans are among the animals at the top of the food chain. The health risks are considerable.

Triclosan is very toxic to aquatic life and wastewater treatment does not remove all of the chemical, which means it ends up in our lakes, rivers and water sources. A 2006 study concluded that low doses act as an endocrine disruptor in the North American bullfrog. It has also been found in both the bile of fish living downstream from waste water processing plants and in human breast milk. Another 2009 study demonstrated that exposure impacts thyroid hormone concentrations in the male juvenile rats.

It has since been marketed as the "Aspirin of antibacterials" in hospitals, and as a "lifesaver" in developing countries with unsanitary conditions. It's more conventionally marketed to fight bacteria causing armpit odor, bad breath, acne and inflammation. To protect your family’s health from harmful microorganisms, follow these helpful tips from the EPA: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with plain soap. Wash surfaces that contact food (e.g., utensils, cutting boards, counter tops) with a regular (not "antibacterial") detergent and warm water. Wash children's hands and toys regularly with simple soap and good old-fashioned scrubbing. How to avoid triclosan: Forgo antibacterial soap. Watch for the antibacterial chemicals triclosan and triclocarban (triclosan's chemical cousin) in personal care products. Avoid products that may be labeled “antibacterial,” "fights germs," "protection against mold," or make claims such as “odor-fighting” or “keeps food fresher, longer.”