Triclosan can disrupt endocrine, pollute environment: Study

Toronto environmental group has warned that higher levels of triclosan, an antibacterial antifungal agent, can damage endocrine and pollute the environment.

According to the group, the chemical mimics the hormone thyroxine, which is shown to suppress the activity of mast cells, vital to the functioning of the immune system, reports montrealgazette.com.

The group had examined eight Canadian volunteers from different regions by testing their urine to detect triclosan levels. Seven out of the eight showed detectable levels, and the average level was found to be above the level at which triclosan is toxic to marine organisms.

The Canadian federal government, which recently completed a preliminary review of triclosan. concluded that it does not pose a risk to human health at current levels of use, but it can vitiate the environment.

Environmental Defence toxic program manager Maggie MacDonald said that based on their review of the evidence, they were concerned about the impact that triclosan is having on human health.

"Many consumers aren’t just using one product with a small amount of triclosan, but rather using multiple products several times a day, over the course of many years. This means triclosan is polluting the environment and our bodies," said MacDonald.

Triclosan is toxic to algae, fish, amphibians and rats, besides it also breaks down in chlorinated water and in sunlight, and its breakdown products include the human carcinogens chloroform and dioxins.

MacDonald said more investigation was necessary into chronic, low-grade exposure to triclosan, because it is a known endocrine disrupter.

The chemical is also used in as hand sanitizers, soaps, toothpastes, children’s clothing, bedding, toys, smartphone cases and toothbrushes.