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Triclosan in Consumer Products Comes under FDA Scrutiny
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported that it is actively reviewing the safety of the widely-used antibacterial additive, triclosan. Triclosan (2,4,4’-trichloro-hydroxydiphenyl ether), a chlorinated aromatic compound, is not known to be hazardous to humans, but the FDA is now engaged in an ongoing scientific and regulatory review of the compound. When added to consumer products such as toothpaste, soap, shaving cream, and deodorant, triclosan is considered a drug and is regulated by the FDA [1].
Triclosan was introduced nearly 30 years ago, originally as an ingredient in surgical scrubs used in hospitals. More recently, triclosan was shown to be effective for the treatment of outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in several clinical settings, an important development in the ongoing battle against hospital-borne infection [2].
A 2006 study concluded that low doses of triclosan act as an endocrine disruptor in the North American bullfrog, indicating that triclosan can alter hormone regulation [3]. Data from animal studies do not always predict the same effects in humans. Additionally, concerns regarding the possibility that routine use of antimicrobial compounds such as triclosan actually contribute to the evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria, are prompting the review by the FDA. The agency will communicate its findings of the review in early 2011.
Over the last decade, as anti-bacterial soaps and other antimicrobial products have become increasingly popular, triclosan has become commonplace in our homes and in the environment.
Because it is also used as a pesticide, triclosan is regulated by the U.S. EPA. According to environmental researchers at Virginia Tech, dioxins may form when wastewater containing triclosan is exposed to sunlight, and reaction of triclosan with free chlorine in tap water may create chloroform [4].
The compound is often incorporated into such items as fire hoses, conveyor belts, and HVAC coils, which allow further introduction of the compound into the environment. The EPA will pay close attention to ongoing endocrine research and will amend its position if scientific studies indicate that such a change is needed. The EPA is planning to begin its review of triclosan in 2013 [5].
Scientists at Microbac Laboratories, Inc. routinely analyze many different products for triclosan concentration. For more information about our testing and research capabilities, please contact info@microbac.com Authored by Marla Kruth, Technical Director, Microbac Laboratories, Inc., Pittsburgh Division
References:
[1] U.S. FDA: http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm
[2] Schmid, M.B, Kaplan, N., ‘Reduced Triclosan Susceptibility in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis’. 2004. American Society for Microbiology.
[3] Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R.C., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D.J., Gunderson, M., Van Aggelen, G., Helbing, C., (December 2006). "The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development". Aquatic Toxicology 80 (3): 217–227.
[4] Rule K.L., Ebbett V.R., Vikesland P.J. (2005). “Formation of chloroform and chlorinated organics by free-chlorine-mediated oxidation of triclosan”. Environ. Sci. Technol. 39 (9) 3176-85.
[5] U.S. EPA: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/facts
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