Triclosan-Antibacterial Health Hazard

Triclosan is a commonly used antibacterial and antifungal agent.  It is widely found in soaps, rubbing alcohol and other house old cleaning materials.  Triclosan is very efficient in preventing and controlling bacteria and fungi from forming.  Patients infected with MRSA virus are bathed in water treated with Triclosan for decolonization purposes.

Studies have shown that by itself Triclosan is not harmful to human beings and the environment.  Waste water sewage is in fact treated with Triclosan before leaving the sewage plant.  Triclosan is then broken down by microorganisms present in the water.  However, it is this reaction with the microorganisms or sunlight that produces dioxins which in turn is harmful to humans and the environment.  17 of the dioxins formed by the byproduct of Triclosan are carcinogens.

Triclosan is regulated by the FDA and the EPA.  The overuse of Triclosan is said to be one of the cause of the creation antibacterial resistant strains of bacteria and fungi.  Think about it, almost all consumer products from facial creams to socks and toys contain Triclosan. We all strive to live in a germ-free world.   Bacteria and Fungi are now mutating into resistant strains making superbugs and superviruses.

While manufacturers stress that the amount of Triclosan in their products are so miniscule, they are irrelevant, consumers are asking for alternatives to products they use everyday in order to cut down their exposure to Triclosan.  Manufacturers of rubbing alcohol have introduced ethyl based products which they say is as good as Triclosan in preventing and controlling bacteria and fungi infections.

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