Patient and health activists have raised questions about
common chemical additives becoming ubiquitous in
our environment, including triclosan and bisphenol
A. The use of the biocide triclosan has increased exponentially
since its introduction in in 1972 to the point that 75%
of commercial soap brands contain triclosan1 and 76% of a
nationwide sample of adults and children excrete triclosan in
the urine.2 As the use of these chemicals increases, so does
evidence of their presence in humans, animals, and the environment.
Triclosan has been found in human serum, urine,
and breast milk.
In December of 2013 the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) announced it would look further into the safety and
efficacy of triclosan and requested further safety data as part
of a new review with the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). The review involves both agencies because the EPA
regulates triclosan as a pesticide to slow or stop the growth
of bacteria, fungi and mildew. This announcement raised
an important dialogue among advocates and the lay public
about the appropriate use of all over the counter biocides.
The focus of the FDA's investigation is the use of triclosan for
personal products. Accordingly, the investigation excludes
products for medical use: “the investigation does not affect
hand sanitizers, wipes or other antibacterial used in hospitals
and other medical facilities.â€
The FDA request for further data on triclosan on the
following questions:
- Whether biocide-containing soaps are more effective than regular soaps
- Whether they may create new drug resistant bacteria
- Whether they may act as hormone disruptors in humans or the environment.
Triclosan Containing Products
The scope of products containing triclosan is not always obvious.
Products may be labelled as 'anti-bacterial' rather than
with a mention of the active ingredient. Many of the listed metal,
plastic, and clothing products incorporate a patented form
of triclosan called Microban during manufacturing and may be
referred to in product labeling simply as 'Microban'.
Personal Care
Household
School and Industrial
History of Antimicrobial Soaps
Antibacterial soaps and related products have been used in
medical and home settings since at least the 1940's. Hexachlorophene
was popularized in Dial soap at 3% in hospital
