The Dangers of Antibacterial Products with Triclosan

Are products labeled antibacterial doing more harm than good? You might be surprised when you find out the truth behind the label antibacterial.

Most of the products that dawn the label antibacterial contain a biocide called triclosan. While many people buy antibacterial products in hopes of protecting themselves and their families from varies illness and viruses, studies are showing that the overuse of triclosan products may actually be doing more harm than good.

Triclosan is expanding into almost every product we use on a daily basis. It is staggering to see how many personal care and home products feature triclosan. According to a list of products provided by Beyondpesticides.org some of the most common products that contain triclosan are toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, soap, cosmetics, socks, shoes, interior paint, and even the bedding we sleep on at night. Another amazing and surprising fact is that even some children's toys contain triclosan. As you can see from the list of products, there is no doubt Triclosan is being overused. Now the question arises what are the effects of being exposed to the antibacterial product called triclosan?

The overuse of Triclosan proposes a possible threat to the hormone system and has the potential of creating antimicrobial resistance.

Studies are showing that triclosan just may in fact be playing a part in antimicrobial resistance. In one study mentioned in the Journal of Microbiology, E. coli strains that were exposed to triclosan became resistant not only to triclosan, but other antimicrobial agents including well-known antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin and other various biocides and antimicrobials. This is a clear example that shows triclosan can render antibiotics and other antimicrobials less effecive or even ineffective against a bacteria.

Hormone disruption is another possible side effect of the overuse of triclosan. According to the Federal Drug Administration, "Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation."

According to the Food and Water Watch and Beyond Pesticides report in 2009 triclosan has shown up in human's urine, blood and even breast milk.

How can we ignore what studies are citing about the dangers of the overuse of triclosan? Antimicrobial resistance and hormone disruption can have devastating effects on our health. When diseases and viruses become immune to antibiotics and other biocides, humans will become plagued by illnesses with no cure and no way to protect themselves from acquiring them.

Hormone disruption or disruption in the endocrine system can lead to cancer, male and female hormone disorders, and effect every part of the body that is regulated by hormones.

The next time consumers reach for a product labeled antibacterial and contains triclosan they may want to think twice. They may be doing more harm than good when it comes to their families health.

Sources:

Unknown Author, Products Containing Triclosn, Beyond Pesticides

FDA, Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know, FDA U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration

Food and Water Watch and Beyond Pesticides, Triclosan: What the Research Shows, Food & Water Watch

Braoudaki, M. and Hilton, A.C. (2004). Adaptive resistance to biocides in salmonella enterica and escherichia coli O157 and cross-resistance to antimicrobial agents. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 41, 73-78, doi: 10.1128/JCM.42.1.73-78.2004

Yazdankhah, S. P. , Scheie A. A. , H¸iby, E. A. , Lunestad, B. T. , Heir, E. , Fotland T.˜. , . . . Kruse, H., Triclosan and antimicrobial resistance in bacteria: an overview, National Center for Biotechnology Information