The Endocrine Disruptor: Triclosan
The Endocrine Disruptor: TRICLOSAN
What is Triclosan? * Triclosan (2,4,4’ –trichloro-2’-hydroxydiphenyl ether) is a chlorinated aromatic compound. Its functional groups include both phenols and ethers. It is used as a synthetic broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent. Triclosan was first registered as a pesticide in 19693.
What is Triclosan Used For ? * Triclosan is an anti-microbial active ingredient contained in a variety of products where it acts to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew3. * The uses of Triclosan can be categorized as: * commercial, institutional, and industrial premises and equipment; * residential and public access premises; and * as a materials preservative3. * Triclosan is used as a registered pesticide only as a small portion of its overall uses. In commercial, institutional, and industrial equipment uses, Triclosan is incorporated in conveyor belts, fire hoses, dye bath vats, or ice-making equipment as an anti-microbial pesticide3. Triclosan can be directly applied to commercial HVAC coils, where it prevents microbial growth3. As a material preservative, Triclosan is used in many products including; adhesives, fabrics, vinyl, plastics (toys, toothbrushes), polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, floor wax emulsions, textiles (footwear, clothing), caulking compounds, sealants, rubber, carpeting, and a wide variety of other products3. * Examples of products that contain Triclosan: Neutrogena Deep Clean Body Scrub Bar, Dial Liquid Soap, Antibacterial Bar Soap and Clean & Clear Oil Free Foaming Facial Cleanser3.
What does Triclosan do to the Human Body? * In animals studies Triclosan; lowers thyroid hormone levels, alters liver function, and interferes with thyroid gene settings during development. Part of its mode of action appears to be stimulating the liver to inappropriately clear the thyroid hormone out of the body2. Even though these findings are based on animal
What is Triclosan? * Triclosan (2,4,4’ –trichloro-2’-hydroxydiphenyl ether) is a chlorinated aromatic compound. Its functional groups include both phenols and ethers. It is used as a synthetic broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent. Triclosan was first registered as a pesticide in 19693.
What is Triclosan Used For ? * Triclosan is an anti-microbial active ingredient contained in a variety of products where it acts to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew3. * The uses of Triclosan can be categorized as: * commercial, institutional, and industrial premises and equipment; * residential and public access premises; and * as a materials preservative3. * Triclosan is used as a registered pesticide only as a small portion of its overall uses. In commercial, institutional, and industrial equipment uses, Triclosan is incorporated in conveyor belts, fire hoses, dye bath vats, or ice-making equipment as an anti-microbial pesticide3. Triclosan can be directly applied to commercial HVAC coils, where it prevents microbial growth3. As a material preservative, Triclosan is used in many products including; adhesives, fabrics, vinyl, plastics (toys, toothbrushes), polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, floor wax emulsions, textiles (footwear, clothing), caulking compounds, sealants, rubber, carpeting, and a wide variety of other products3. * Examples of products that contain Triclosan: Neutrogena Deep Clean Body Scrub Bar, Dial Liquid Soap, Antibacterial Bar Soap and Clean & Clear Oil Free Foaming Facial Cleanser3.
What does Triclosan do to the Human Body? * In animals studies Triclosan; lowers thyroid hormone levels, alters liver function, and interferes with thyroid gene settings during development. Part of its mode of action appears to be stimulating the liver to inappropriately clear the thyroid hormone out of the body2. Even though these findings are based on animal
Cited: 1. Fact Sheet No. 2 -Dioxins and the Environment. (2011, July 27). In Australian Government. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/chemicals/dioxins/factsheet2.html 2. Richards, B. J. (2010, April 9). Thyroid-Disrupting Triclosan Jumps Into the Frying Pan. In Wellness Resources. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/thyroid-disrupting_triclosan_jumps_into_the_frying_pan/ 3. Triclosan Facts. (2012, May 9). In Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm 4. Triclosan Exposure Raises Pregnancy Concerns. (2010, November 10). In Beyond Pesticides. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=4509