Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is added to consumer products to reduce or prevent the growth of fungi, mildew and bacteria. Triclosan was originally introduced as a pesticide in 1969, and is incorporated into commercial, institutional and industrial premises and equipment. Triclosan is added to conveyor belts and ice-making equipment as an antimicrobial pesticide. Triclosan is also used as a preservative for materials that include fabrics, adhesives, clothing, carpeting and footwear. Triclosan has been a popular ingredient in many over the counter products, specifically antiseptic wash products such as hand soaps, bar soaps and body washes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating personal care products containing triclosan under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). However on December 19, 2017 the FDA issued another final rule stating that 24 ingredients including triclosan found in OTC antiseptic products are not recognized as safe and effective for use. So starting December 20, 2018 companies are not able to use triclosan and the other 23 ingredients in their products without premarket review. The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been working together on addressing scientific and regulatory issues regarding triclosan. The EPA plays a major role in regulating triclosan as a pesticide, together both the EPA and FDA are hoping to accurately measure the extent of negative impact triclosan has on human health.
Some animal studies have shown that high exposure to triclosan will reduce thyroid hormone levels. There are current animal studies undergoing that are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of triclosan, regarding potential of developing skin cancer after long term exposure to triclosan. A study on human participants is currently being conducted regarding the breakdown of triclosan with other chemicals on human skin after UV sunlight exposure. According to the FDA, there hasn’t been clear evidence to prove that OTC antibacterial soaps are more effective than just plain soap and water in preventing illnesses. In order to distinguish OTC antibacterial products, these products will usually have the word “antibacterial” written on the label, along with the drug facts label listing antibacterial ingredients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has listed several guidelines on proper hand hygiene. On a daily basis our hands are susceptible to germs, bacteria and of course the SARS-CoV-2 virus. All those germs and bacteria are spread when we touch our faces, especially the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Bacteria and the virus will spread when we touch contaminated surfaces/objects and consume food/beverages with unwashed hands. During the pandemic it has been a crucial step to maintain a proper hand washing etiquette. Refer to the CDC website for more information but some crucial times to wash the hands include; before consuming food/beverage, after using the bathroom, after coughing/sneezing/blowing nose, and when caring for someone who is sick or infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The CDC has five steps on how to wash hands: 1.) Wet hands with clean water and apply soap 2.) Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap, be sure to get the back of the hands, in between fingers and underneath fingernails. 3.) Scrub hands for a minimum of 20 seconds (sing happy birthday twice) 4.) Rinse the lather with clean water 5.) Dry hands with towels or air-dry.
When soap and water is not an option, the CDC recommends hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as indicated by the product label. In order to correctly use hand sanitizer, apply a quarter sized amount and rub all over the hands until dry for around 20 seconds.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is added to consumer products to reduce or prevent the growth of fungi, mildew and bacteria. Triclosan was originally introduced as a pesticide in 1969, and is incorporated into commercial, institutional and industrial premises and equipment. Triclosan is added to conveyor belts and ice-making equipment as an antimicrobial pesticide. Triclosan is also used as a preservative for materials that include fabrics, adhesives, clothing, carpeting and footwear. Triclosan has been a popular ingredient in many over the counter products, specifically antiseptic wash products such as hand soaps, bar soaps and body washes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating personal care products containing triclosan under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). However on December 19, 2017 the FDA issued another final rule stating that 24 ingredients including triclosan found in OTC antiseptic products are not recognized as safe and effective for use. So starting December 20, 2018 companies are not able to use triclosan and the other 23 ingredients in their products without premarket review. The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been working together on addressing scientific and regulatory issues regarding triclosan. The EPA plays a major role in regulating triclosan as a pesticide, together both the EPA and FDA are hoping to accurately measure the extent of negative impact triclosan has on human health.
Some animal studies have shown that high exposure to triclosan will reduce thyroid hormone levels. There are current animal studies undergoing that are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of triclosan, regarding potential of developing skin cancer after long term exposure to triclosan. A study on human participants is currently being conducted regarding the breakdown of triclosan with other chemicals on human skin after UV sunlight exposure. According to the FDA, there hasn’t been clear evidence to prove that OTC antibacterial soaps are more effective than just plain soap and water in preventing illnesses. In order to distinguish OTC antibacterial products, these products will usually have the word “antibacterial” written on the label, along with the drug facts label listing antibacterial ingredients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has listed several guidelines on proper hand hygiene. On a daily basis our hands are susceptible to germs, bacteria and of course the SARS-CoV-2 virus. All those germs and bacteria are spread when we touch our faces, especially the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Bacteria and the virus will spread when we touch contaminated surfaces/objects and consume food/beverages with unwashed hands. During the pandemic it has been a crucial step to maintain a proper hand washing etiquette. Refer to the CDC website for more information but some crucial times to wash the hands include; before consuming food/beverage, after using the bathroom, after coughing/sneezing/blowing nose, and when caring for someone who is sick or infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The CDC has five steps on how to wash hands: 1.) Wet hands with clean water and apply soap 2.) Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap, be sure to get the back of the hands, in between fingers and underneath fingernails. 3.) Scrub hands for a minimum of 20 seconds (sing happy birthday twice) 4.) Rinse the lather with clean water 5.) Dry hands with towels or air-dry.
When soap and water is not an option, the CDC recommends hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as indicated by the product label. In order to correctly use hand sanitizer, apply a quarter sized amount and rub all over the hands until dry for around 20 seconds.
5 Things to Know about Triclosan. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-triclosan. Reviewed 2019 May 16. Accessed 2021 June 9.
Q&A for Consumers: Health Care Antiseptics. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/qa-consumers-health-care-antiseptics. Reviewed 2017 December 19. Accessed 2021 June 9.
Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water. U.S. Food & Drug Administration.https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water. Reviewed 2019 May 16. Accessed 2021 June 9.
Triclosan. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/triclosan. Accessed 2021 June 9.
When and How to Wash Your Hands. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html. Reviewed 2020 November 24. Accessed 2021 June 9.