Triclosan Harms Aquatic Ecosystems
Alternatives to Using Household Products Containing Triclosan
Jun 18, 2009
Triclosan is a man-made chemical that was originally intended to eliminate germs as a surgical scrub in hospitals, where a sterile environment is necessary for many procedures and to prevent patients from infecting one another. Since then, it has exploded onto the market in many household products, mostly soaps and instant hand sanitizers, and other less conspicuous products as well. Its addition to household products came as a result of its efficiency as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
Some studies have made alarming suggestions that triclosan is linked to health problems ranging from skin irritations to allergic reactions, but it should be noted that it is also a detriment to the natural environment. (For additional information on recent health hazards associated with triclosan, see "Antibacterial Soaps Linked to Infertility" by Jenee Violett, May 30, 2009, Suite101).
The Science Behind Triclosan
This synthetic chemical blocks the active site in bacterial enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids. Fatty acids are necessary to build membranes in bacteria (and all living things, for that matter). Therefore, the bacteria are unable to grow and reproduce.
The trouble with triclosan begins with its tendency to convert into carcinogenic dioxins, originally made famous in 1962 by Rachel Carson, who explored and published the harmful effects of man-made pesticides. When triclosan combines with chlorine (a common additive to tapwater, and also found in swimming pools), its chemical reaction produces both chlorinated dioxins (even more harmful) and chloroform gas (right in the kitchen sink!).
Ciba, a company within BASF (a leading chemical company), attempts to dispel worries about triclosan in the environment. In a list of "Common Questions" on the Ciba website, the company provides references to studies that support its claims, including claims that the triclosan that is not removed in wastewater treatment plants is "degraded to almost a non-existent state by either biological or photolytic processes." Unfortunately, sunlight actually converts triclosan into dioxins, some of which are very harmful. Triclosan may become non-existent, but its bi-products remain.
Where is Triclosan Found?
It's found in handsoap, dishsoap, cleaning products, toothpaste, acne cream, "antimicrobial" socks, and children's toys. A longer, more specific list is available in Aviva Glaser's 2004 article, "The Ubiquitous Triclosan: A common antibacterial agent exposed", Pesticides and You 3:24, available from the website BeyondPesticides.org. Triclosan is usually the "main" or "active" ingredient in products that claim to be "antibacterial," so be sure to read the labels. Avoid plastics or clothing that claim to be "antimicrobial" even if no ingredients list is provided – they usually contain triclosan.
How Triclosan Wreaks Havoc in Nature
Since it is usually present in soaps and detergents that are rinsed down the drain, all triclosan eventually ends up in the water supply. Unfortunately, triclosan is a chemical too complex to be removed by wastewater treatment plants, and therefore it remains in the world's water supply indefinitely. Its propensity to convert into dioxins is especially harmful in aquatic ecosystems, because aquatic organisms are surrounded by and "breathe" in these carcinogens. Even its conversion to dioxins cannot be slowed down or stopped, because it is often catalyzed by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Impurities in triclosan synthesis can cause dioxin formation, as can incineration of products containing triclosan.
Triclosan is incredibly toxic to algae, disrupting both its structural development and function. Algae are a “producer” in aquatic ecosystems – converting sunlight and inorganic nutrients into plant material that can be consumed by aquatic animals. Primary consumers eat algae, and in turn provide food for larger animals higher up the food chain. If algae are chemically altered by triclosan, consumers will not be able to find sufficient food resources, and the aquatic food chain will be uprooted from the bottom up.
Furthermore, triclosan is “lipophilic” (fat-loving) and will therefore accumulate in fat tissues. Small fish ingest triclosan and accumulate it in their fat; larger fish eat small fish and accumulate the triclosan found in their prey in their own fat; and this becomes a prime example of harmful bioaccumulation. Triclosan has also been found in the fatty tissues of humans, and was present in the breastmilk of three out of every five women used in a Swedish study referred to in Aviva Glaser's article. Glaser provides this reference for the Swedish study: Adolfsson-Erici, M., M. Pettersson, J. Parkkonen, and J. Sturve. 2002. Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden. Chemosphere 46:1485-1489.
Alternative Products Without Triclosan
Antibacterial products claim to eliminate 99.9% of all germs, yet traditional soap and water will reduce 99.4% of germs, which has been proved consistently in subsequent studies. Proper handwashing techniques will provide the most thorough cleaning no matter what product is used. The “Green Movement” has created an awareness among consumers that has also prompted manufacturers to produce more natural and chemical-free products – so look for them on supermarket and drugstore shelves.
Remember that triclosan was originally intended for hospital use, not home use. It is unrealistic to try to eliminate all germs from a household – there’s just no way. On the contrary, triclosan has the potential of creating irritations and allergic reactions, as well as creating chloroform gas. These have no place in a healthy home! Instead, use soap and water, and understand that a healthy human has a good immune system. Beware of triclosan.
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