According to Wikipedia, "Triclosan, similar in its uses and mechanism of action to triclocarban, is an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in consumer products, including soaps, detergents, toys and, surgical cleaning treatments. Its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent and the risk of bacterial resistance remain controversial. Additional research seeks to understand its potential effects on organisms and environmental health."
Is Triclosan safe? You may share your views. Thank you - Sundar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan
I Germany the Institute for evaluation of risk (BFR) gives the clear recommendation to avoid triclosan because of possible resistences.
To date sufficient evidence against the harmful effect of Triclosan on humans is lacking. Some experimental evidence have suggested that it alters hormone regulation, cause adverse health effects at high concentrations, including reduced fertility and increased cancer risk in animals. Prolonged use may result in development of antibiotic-resistant germs and may be harmful to the immune system.
Triclosan disappears from the British National Formulary sometime between 2005 and 2010 so it would appear it is discontinued in the UK. It is one of a number of antimicrobials that have been used in profligate and reckless manner and have contributed to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria that represent a major worldwide health hazard.
Using it as a hand wash may be hazardous in that it kills skin flora and fauna that are necessary for wound healing.
I agree with Barry´s statements. Triclosan is the reason for resistences in the normal daily routine.
I Germany the Institute for evaluation of risk (BFR) gives the clear recommendation to avoid triclosan because of possible resistences.
For most Canadians, cosmetics and personal care products are the main sources of exposure to triclosan.
While triclosan is typically used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in most of these items, it can also provide health benefits like helping your toothpaste reduce and prevent plaque and gingivitis.
Some of the products that may contain triclosan include:
soap
deodorant
eye and face make-up
lotion
body wash/shower gel
shampoo
toothpaste
mouthwash
non-prescription medication
health products (including natural health products)
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/home-maison/triclosan-eng.php
Avoid all medication that are not 100% safe. If you see phrases like: No sufficient evidence against ... This is an indication to avoid the medication!
Yes Prof. Costas, all such medications should be avoided whose safety is not ascertained.
The simple test for whether or not to take or avoid medication is risk/benefit. Where the risks outweigh any possible benefit then don't use them.
Chemotherapy drugs are a great example. These drugs cause all kinds of nasty side effects but the consequences of not taking them are almost certain death. Vancomycin is a very destructive antibiotic but it is the last line of defence against MRSA and other 'superbugs'.
It was never necessary to wash hands or hospital floors with anti microbials. It did not make the person or ward more sanitised it just created a spectacular opportunity for the resistant/immune strains to recolonise the places where the anti microbial cleared the way for them.
Resistant strains of bacteria are very old and pre-date industrial society, let alone antibiotics. Natural selection kept them in the minority until we killed all the non resistant strains and left the field open to them.
Anti-biotics are a pending disaster in India where the profligate use has created 'hyper bugs' with massive resistance to drugs.
Dear Barry the problem with benefit risk balance is, that the actual user doesn´t evaluate "public" risk, s/he is just using a drug. I know some medical personnel using antibiotica against each sniff and no argument can convince them that sniff is a viral infect and antibiotica will effect only resistences without any help.
No, triclosan is not safe. It is a known endocrine disruptor and a suspected carcinogen. Triclosan also weaken the immune system of the body. It is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. Please see the following RG links and PDF attachment for more details.
Article Triclosan in water, implications for human and environmental health
Article Is Triclosan a neurotoxic agent?
Article Triclosan: Current Status, Occurrence, Environmental Risks a...
Article Occurrence and toxicity of antimicrobial triclosan and by-pr...
Triclosan and other antimicrobials, added to many soaps and other everyday products – and found in the bodies of more than three-fourths of Americans – likely harm people's health and the environment, while providing no benefit to consumers.
https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2017/06/triclosan-not-safe-not-effective
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