Triclosan

[tara]

February 5, 2001

Triclosan, a common antiseptic used in household products such as toothpaste, skin creams, and deodorants, kills the parasites responsible for malaria and toxoplasmosis--even at very low concentrations, reports a team of researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom in the February issue of the International Journal for Parasitology.

http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2001...05-triclo.html

[ladycolorado]

tara, yes it kills the parsites but at WHAT cost? i used amtibacterial triclosan soap to wash, and also brushed teeth with colgate total, before i became sick. guess what? it lowers the immune system! NOT recommended, i say. oxygenated soap, like palmolive oxy plus, WILL kill disease. see, the antibacteriual kills the good with the bad. plus this junk going into drinking water and such. may work at first, but shall stop. then, what to do? our immune systems are junk, i can attest the atibacterial bad, please listen, (LC).

[lindalu]

Sorry, had to paste the whole article cuz I could not get the web address~~~~~~~~~~but LC was right, use this stuff with caution. Nowadays even the air we breath is dangerous, but I don't want to add more to the load I am dealing with.
Linda



Problems with Triclosan and Antibacterial Products
We were sitting around the other day, thinking about the depressing possibility that a super-virus could one day wipe out most of the world's population. Or maybe the evildoer will be an escaped cyber-bacterium from one of the military's many Biowarfare Fun Centers. Perhaps you think the possibility of such an occurrence is about as likely as an outbreak of fact-based, non-sensationalized Hollywood movies about the subject.

Regardless, we have all those wonderful antibacterial soaps to help keep us safe from germs, right? Well, no. Antibacterial soap is not a panacea; it's not really even a good thing, at least not the way it's used today.

The article below discusses the problems with triclosan, one of the most common active ingredients in antibacterial products. It's brought to you by the good people at Beyond Pesticides a group that works to protect public health and the environment by leading the transition to a world that is free of toxic pesticides.

One last note: Triclosan is found in waaaay more than just antibacterial soap. Check out the product list below!

~ ~ ~

Common Antibacterial Soaps Threaten Children's Health and Offer No Added Protection From Bacteria
by Aviva Glaser, Beyond Pesticides
In a world full of germs and viruses, antibacterial products may seem like an easy way to stay healthy, but a close look at them reveals that they present a serious threat to public health and the environment. Over the last two decades, antibacterial products have swarmed the marketplace, showing up in hundreds of different products, in everything from soaps and toothpastes to clothes, kitchenware, and toys. In fact, a study done in 2000 found that over 75% of liquid soaps and nearly 30% of bar soaps—45% of all the soaps on the market—contain some type of antibacterial agent. The most common active ingredient was triclosan, a chemical that is used so commonly it actually makes its way into our bodies. A 2002 Swedish study found high levels of triclosan in 3 out of 5 human breast milk samples.

Under the appropriate settings and conditions—such as in hospitals, to prevent hospital-acquired infections—triclosan has been proven effective. But no current data demonstrate any extra health benefits from the use of antibacterial soap and cleanser in a healthy household. A study of over 200 healthy households found that households using antibacterial products did not have any reduced risk for runny noses, coughs, and other symptoms of infectious diseases. According to the American Medical Association, "Despite their recent proliferation in consumer products, the use of antimicrobial agents such as triclosan in consumer products has not been studied extensively. No data exist to support their efficacy when used in such products or any need for them ... It may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products ...."

Cancer and TriclosanThere have been reports of acute health effects such as skin irritation resulting from triclosan exposure. But the more worrisome health effects of triclosan are more subtle. Researchers have raised concerns about triclosan and its link to dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic chemicals that can cause severe health problems such as:

weakening of the immune system,
decreased fertility,
altered sex hormones,
birth defects, and
cancer.
Girl Scouts Say No To Triclosan
A group of curious Girl Scouts in St. Paul, Minnesota found that when they tried to use triclosan to kill bacteria they were growing for a science fair project, the bacteria actually started growing. After a two-year investigation, the girls found that while anti-bacterial soap kills 99.6% of germs, regular soap kills 99.4% of germs. The Girl Scouts concluded that household anti-bacterial products are unnecessary, and that by not quite killing all the bacteria, they could actually create super-germs that will pose a threat to public health. Based on their findings, these young girls have met with local lawmakers who have submitted a bill on the girls' behalf that would ban the use of triclosan.



Even relatively small quantities of dioxins can have devastating effects. According to EPA, triclosan "could be" and is "suspected to be" contaminated with dioxins. Dioxins can be found in triclosan as impurities formed during the manufacturing process. Researchers who added triclosan to river water and exposed it to ultraviolet light found that a significant portion of the triclosan was converted to dioxins, raising fears that sunlight could transform triclosan to dioxins naturally.

Another serious health threat stems from interactions between triclosan and tap water. A new study by researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute finds that triclosan reacts with chlorine molecules in tap water to form chlorinated dioxins, which are highly toxic forms of dioxin. Because the study was conducted using triclosan-containing dishwashing soap, researchers believe that these chlorinated dioxins are forming in kitchen sinks across the country. The same study also found that the combination of tap water and triclosan produces significant quantities of chloroform, which is a probable human carcinogen. Production of chloroform and dioxins may also be a problem in pools, where there are high levels of chlorine that can react to triclosan residues on people's skin.

Triclosan and AllergiesOveruse of triclosan (and other antibacterials) is also linked to allergies. This is based on the "hygiene hypothesis," which theorizes that there is a correlation between "too much hygiene" and increased allergies and asthma. The concept is that children who are raised in an overly clean environment have immune systems that are not challenged and thus do not develop and mature properly. This hypothesis is based on studies that have found an increase in the frequency of allergies, asthma, and eczema in persons who have been raised in more sterile and hygienic environments.

Triclosan and Antibiotic ResistanceMany recent studies have raised serious concerns that triclosan may promote the emergence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. One concern is that bacteria will become resistant to antibacterial products like triclosan, rendering those antimicrobial products useless to those who truly need them, such as people with compromised immune systems.

Scientists also worry that because triclosan kills bacteria in a similar way as antibiotics, bacteria that become resistant to triclosan will also be resistant to antibiotics. Triclosan does not actually cause a genetic mutation in the bacteria—which is part of the process by which they acquire resistance—but by killing the normal bacteria, it creates an environment where mutated bacteria that are resistant to triclosan are more likely to survive and reproduce. Laboratory studies with triclosan have already found a number of different strains of mutated bacteria that are resistant to triclosan and to certain antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance has become an increasingly serious problem worldwide, and overuse of triclosan may exacerbate this problem.

Environmental Effects—Triclosan in WastewaterOver 95% of triclosan uses are in consumer products that are eventually disposed of down sink drains. Wastewater treatment plants cannot remove triclosan from water, so large quantities of triclosan are continuously discharged into local waterways. Numerous studies have detected triclosan in streams and rivers. In a US Geological Survey study of 95 organic wastewater contaminants in US streams, triclosan was one of the most frequently detected compounds, and at some of the highest concentrations observed.

Triclosan is highly toxic to algae. Because algae are the first-step producers in aquatic ecosystems, researchers believe that high levels of triclosan discharged into the environment may destroy the balance of aquatic ecosystems. The risks are especially high immediately downstream from wastewater treatment plants.
Products Containing Triclosan
The following products all contain triclosan. Caveat emptor!

Soaps:

Dial® Liquid Soap
Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
Provon® Soap
Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
CVS Antibacterial Soap
pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser
Dental Care:

Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste
Cosmetics:

Supre® Café Bronzer™
TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
Mavala Lip Base
Jason Natural Cosmetics
Blemish Cover Stick
Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
Dazzle
Deodorant:

Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
Right Guard Sport Deodorant
Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
DeCleor Deodorant Stick
Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant
Other Personal Care Products:

Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
Diabet-x™ Cream
T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
First Aid:

SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
Solarcaine®
First Aid Medicated Spray;
Nexcare™ First Aid
Skin Crack Care
First Aid/Burn Cream
HealWell® Night Splint
11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban
Kitchenware:

Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads
Computer Equipment:

Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad
Clothes:

Teva® Sandals
Merrell Shoes
Sabatier Chef's Apron
****ies Socks
Fruit of the Loom Socks
Biofresh® Socks
Childrens Toys:

Playskool® :
Stack 'n Scoop Whale
Rockin' Radio
Hourglass
Sounds Around Driver
Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
Animal Sounds Phone
Busy Beads Pal
Pop 'n' Spin Top
Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop
Other:

Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
Thomasville® Furniture
Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
Bauer® 5000 Helmet
Aquatic Whirlpools
Miller Paint Interior Paint
QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
California Paints®
EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
Dupont™ Air Filters
Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
Advanta One Laminate Floors
San Luis Blankets
J Cloth® towels
JERMEX mops
— Beyond Pesticides


Staying Clean and Healthy Without TriclosanWhen used outside of health care settings, triclosan is unnecessary, and constant exposure to triclosan becomes a health and environmental hazard. The best solution to preventing infections is good old soap and water.

Here are some guidelines on how to stay protected from bacteria without antimicrobials:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Regular soap lowers the surface tension of water, helping it attach to and wash away unwanted bacteria. Lather your hands for at least 10 to 15 seconds and then rinse them off in warm water. It is important to wash your hands often, especially when handling food, before eating, after going to the bathroom, and when someone in your house is sick.
Take time to teach children the correct way to wash their hands.
Dry hands with a clean towel to help brush off any germs that did not get washed down the drain.
Wash surfaces that come in contact with food with a detergent and water.
Wash children's hands and toys regularly to prevent infection.
Because triclosan has become so common in soaps and toiletries, be sure to carefully read all ingredients when buying these products. Triclosan is also known as Irgasan and Microban.

Check with your school to see if it uses triclosan-containing products in its classrooms and bathrooms. If you feel like you need antibacterial protection, there are some essential oils that have antimicrobial properties, such as Australian tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract, which are sometimes included in natural soaps. Alcohol-based antibacterial soaps, such as Purell, do not carry the same risks of antibiotic resistance and dioxin contamination as triclosan-containing products.

Beyond Pesticides (formerly known as the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. Be sure to check out their very informative pesticide fact sheets. You can see the triclosan fact sheet here (opens as PDF). You can call Beyond Pesticides in Washington D.C. at 202-543-5450.

~ ~ ~

Know someone who should see this Triclosan article?
Please forward it to them.

Grinning Planet publish date:
04-OCT-2005

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[ladycolorado]

lindalu, thank you so mmuch for posting this about triclosan, i did not know it was in so many things. yep, i think brushing with colgate total and washing in antibacterial soap has been a factor in my getting ill. i push the palmolive oxy plus dishsoap, but i do not know the long term effects of using it, if there are any consequences. however, it is the only thing i know which consistently kills the agents of morgellons disease besides salt and hydrogen peroxide. so, i shall say as a word of waring the old cliche' without offense: K.I.S.S. , MEANING, KEEP IT SIMPLE STUIPID. NO DO NOT THINK I AM CALLING ANYONE STUIPID, BUT THE MORE BASIC AND UNALTERED SOMETHING IS, THE BETTER (LC).

[lindalu]

LC,
I agree. H2O2 has been one of the few things that consistently seems to kick this stuff. And, I hit the salt and Vit C heavy a week ago and could tell it helps. Just drinking the salt water ~~I am going looking for salt tablets.
Did you find our (redibooks) post about the Goodwill for crutches? Give it a try. I hate thinking about you hopping and scooting.
Linda

[ladycolorado]

lindalu, yep they looked at goodwill, no crutches. i can suggest bullion cubes or powdered bullion, much tastier than saltwater, which is the stuff a forced vomiting is made of, lol. you know, i will figure something out. i did get kinda irked when suggested taking top off of shopping cart for something to roll around house in, i actually got laughed at. yeah, a funny thought, but hey, you do what ya gotta do. nobody knows it is triresome to hop, i like scooting much better since less risk of hurting bad foot. i did that yesterdayi fell on it, and i would not recommend it, lol (LC).

[BugSick]

Hello Lindalu.....

Thank you for that article.....I would rather have the whole article pasted if a link cannot be completed so not to worry you had to paste the whole article on the board.....this was a good one....

Did anyone else see the wastewater treatment plant mentioned......I did....as you know my husband was infected by NANO Designer Bugs as an employee doing maintenance on the equipment necessary for these organisms with NO proper safety procedures or protection in fact the blowers were running with a mist all in the air around the wastewater plant.....these NANO organisms were air bound in that mist.....WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???......there was no thinking.....

Here is the couple of sentences in the article that really caught my attention...

Triclosan is highly toxic to algae. Because algae are the first-step producers in aquatic ecosystems, researchers believe that high levels of triclosan discharged into the environment may destroy the balance of aquatic ecosystems. The risks are especially high immediately downstream from wastewater treatment plants.

[linnysue]

Try and find regular soap these days! Everything seems to be antibacterial. I purchase most of my cleaning and personal products either at the health food store or in the health section of the regular grocery stores. A good product that is "green" is called Method and contains citric acid. I get their products at Target. They have a nice line of hand soap and cleaning & laundry products. I think Linens & Things sells Method products too. Thanks for the article.

Linnysue

[BugSick]

I love my OxyClean....

Ever since I started using one capfull in my loads of laundry (color safe too) I have noticed a drastic change in the amount of fibers in my lint tray from the dryer.....

I clean the lint catcher after every load....and wear my clothes once and into the laundry....my washer with just the two of us goes every day.....I never let my laundry sit.....

I could go on and on about the importance of housekeeping with this disease.....IT IS VERY IMPORTANT.....once you have the house in order.....that's the hardest part.....then daily upkeep gets that much easier

I told my husband I feel like a cleaning fool now....that is my life....cleaning, washing, it is no wonder I have gone through 2 vacumes in several years....it seems that the fine dust this creates kills the vacume too.....the dust in my house would glissen in the sun very weird really not your normal household dust.....a good vacume is worth every penny when dealing with this....

[hilly]

Bugsick..... that's exactly what I do OxyClean into every wash, and clothes washed every day, sometimes twice a day.... what a bore, and not really too good for the enviroment, but what else can one do...... I find my laptop is the worst for fibres and general nasties.... have to clean several times a day....